This is a super simple project to make, but the sparkle of the metallic cotton and the wide center accent panel adds an ultra sophisticated look on your table. It’s a clean, cosmopolitan design that blends beautifully with other elements when setting a n elegant table for the holidays or any special occasion.
We originally used the Antiquities collection by Michael Miller Fabrics, which featured sparkling metallic accents. This is an older collection that is no longer available, but quilting cottons with metallic accents continue as a popular trend. Search with the term “metallic” at your favorite fabric outlet.
If you’d like to make an entire table top, check out our Kitchen Linens category for numerous suggestions. Or link directly to the table runner and bound napkins shown in our photos.
The yardage shown below is based on six placemats, each with a finished size of 19″ wide x 13″ high.
Sewing Tools You Need
- Sewing machine and standard presser foot
Fabric and Other Supplies
NOTE: The yardage shown below is based on six placemats; divide or multiply to best set the table for your gathering.
- 1¼ yards of 44″+ wide quilting weight fabric for main body of placemats: we originally used Antiquity in Send in the Crowns by Michael Miller Fabrics
- ⅝ yard of 44″+ coordinating quilting weight fabric for accent panel on each placemat: we originally used Antiquity in Linen Quartrefoils by Michael Miller Fabrics
- 1¼ yards of 44″”+ wide quilting weight fabric for placemat backs: we originally used Bella Solids in Ivory by Moda
- 1¼ yard of low-loft batting; we originally used Kyoto Bamboo Blend batting; you could also use craft fleece or heat resistant fleece
- All purpose thread
- Embroidery thread for accent stitching: we originally used rayon embroidery thread in taupe
- See-through ruler: a 6″ ruler would be best
- Fabric marker, pen or chalk
- Straight pins
- Seam ripper
- Seam gauge
- Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
- Iron and ironing board
- Hand sewing needle and thread for basting
Getting Started
- From the fabric for the main body of the placemats (Antiquity in Send in the Crowns in our sample), cut THREE 14″ x width of fabric (WOF) panels.
- From each 14″ x WOF panel, cut four 8″ sections, creating a total of TWELVE 8″ x 14″ rectangles.
- From the accent fabric (Antiquity in Linen Quartrefoils in our sample), cut SIX 6″ x 14″ rectangles.
- From the backing fabric (Bella Solids by Moda in Ivory in our sample), cut SIX 14″ x 20″ rectangles.
- From the fleece or batting, cut six 14″ x 20″ rectangles.
At Your Sewing Machine & Ironing Board
- To create the placemat top, with right sides together, pin an 8″ x 14″ main fabric rectangle to each side of an accent fabric 6″ x 14″ center panel.
- Sew both sides together, using a ½” seam allowance. Press the seam allowances toward the accent fabric.
- Repeat to create the other placemat tops.
- Place a 14″ x 20 piece of batting flat on your work surface. Place a finished placemat top over the batting, right side facing up. Place a 14″ x 20″ backing rectangle on top of the placemat top, right side facing down. You’ve made a little placemat sandwich: batting, top, back.
- Align the raw edges of all the layers and pin in place.
- Using a ½” seam allowance, sew around all sides of the placemat, leaving a 5″ opening at the lower edge for turning. Remember to pivot at all the corners.
- Trim all the corners at a diagonal, being careful not to cut into your seam, and turn the placemat right side out. Poke out the corners with a blunt tool, like a large knitting needle, chopstick or point turner.
- Press well, folding in the raw edges of the opening so they are flush with sewn seam. Pin the opening edges in place.
- Re-thread your machine with topstitching thread in both the top and bobbin. We used rayon embroidery thread in a taupe color to add some shine to the stitching. You may want to lengthen your stitch slightly for a nicer look. Topstitch around all four sides; this closes the opening used for turning.
- As a finishing touch, topstitch along both sides of the center accent panel (within the center panel) close to the seams, through all layers.
- Repeat steps 4-11 to complete each placemat.
Project Design: Alicia Thommas
Sample Creation and Instructional Editing: Michele Mishler
Where is the rest of #3?
And is there supposed to be a #10?
Thank you!
Hi Gloria – Wow – you’ve come across a very old project 🙂 But still a pretty one. As you can see by the “uncategorized” breadcrumb at the top of the page, we hadn’t yet updated this project to the format of the new site. We added the sizing or the center accent panels and, no, there is no step #10. If you re-fresh your page, you should see all the changes in place.