The secret to creating aesthetically stunning cloth placemats is choosing textiles that go well together with your dining area. Consider using a chic, food-themed fabric for the top pieces. A linen/cotton mix in off-white would be a good choice as a complementing fabric that is either solid or has a soft pattern. While the back fabric might be a complimentary print from your neighborhood fabric shop, the binding can give a bit of whimsy with a little polka dot print.
Step 1: Painting and Template:
Make a knife, fork, and spoon stencil template out of freezer paper to add a special touch to your table placemats. Using fabric paint and a brush, trace these shapes into the fabric of the center front of the placemat. Try out various color schemes and pattern designs to let your creativity show. The fabric paint will serve as a useful way to identify each person's dining location in addition to adding visual flair.
Step 2: Sewing:
Lay the middle front fabric piece flat with the right side up. Place the pieces of fabric for the left and right fronts on either side, right sides down, and line up the edges with the fabric for the middle. To hold the layers together, use pins.
- The low-loft batting should then be put on top of the layered front fabrics. Your farmhouse placemats will feel soft and opulent because of the padding provided by the batting. Remove any creases and secure the batting with pins.
- Place the back fabric right side down on top of the batting at this point, making sure the edges are in line with the other fabrics. To ensure that none of the layers will slip during sewing, fix them all with pins.
- Sew around the layered fabric edges with a sewing machine, leaving a 4-inch opening on one side for turning the placemat inside out. To strengthen the seams, backstitch the beginning and conclusion of your sewing.
Step 3: Finishing the Placemat:
- Trim the excess fabric around the edges with care, leaving just enough room for the seam. When turning the placemat inside out, clip the corners to save bulk. Through the hole you made in the stitching, gently turn the placemat right side out.
- To make sharp edges and smooth out any creases, press the placemat with an iron. Pay close attention to the gap that is open, and fold the seam allowance inward so that it matches the edge of the square placemat as a whole.
- Use a hand needle and matching thread to close the gap to finish the placemat. You can also use a sewing machine. Make sure the stitching is strong so it can withstand several washings and use.
