Placemats are a great addition to your table decor if you’re not using a tablecloth. They quickly add a pop of color and help center your plates, stemware and overall place setting. This little detail can help set the mood/vibe for your meal, all while protecting your table.

If you’re new to sewing, this tutorial is perfect for you. This project is a simple sewing project, and you will spend very little time at your machine! I love simple and fast projects that have a great pay off!

The Fabric I Used for the Velvet Placemats:

• Cream Blueberry Fabric by Andrea Lauren in Spoonflower’s Celosia Velvet™

Instructions for Your DIY Placemats

Step 1: Measure and cut out four strips of single fold bias tape for your placemat. The bias tape for the shorter edge should overhang the placemat as shown it the photo below.

Step 2: Fold the bias tape open and sew along the first crease. Your bias tape should look like the following photo after sewing:

Step 3: Trim any excess fabric along your bias tape and corners.

Step 4: Next, fold over the long edge or your placemat and fuse the hem tape, and bias tape together according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Another option is to use fabric super glue instead of hem tape.

Step 5: Fold the bias tape over. To hide the edge of the bias tape, trim the tape to match the edge of the bias tape. (See photo below)

Step 6: Fold the bias tape over again and pin in place. Place your hem tape under the bias tape and iron it in place.

Step 7: (Optional): Add a stay stitch around the edge of your placemat to add some additional stretch to the hold of the border fabric. And you’re done!

I overestimated how much material I needed for this project, and ended up with extra fabric. Do you have any recommendations on what I should make? Let me know in the comments below!

 

Additional Fabric I Used for the Napkins, Table Runner and Fabric Placemats:

• Navy Blue Grid // Weave Fabric by Rebecca Reck Art
• Swedish Folk Art Bird Fabric by Meissa
• Scalloped Dots in Pantone 79-5 by Ivie Cloth Co.
• Wine Indigo Floral by Lil Faye
• Plaid Watercolor in Navy by Little Arrow Design

The fabric used in this post was generously provided to me by Spoonflower, but as always all opinions expressed are my own!