Step 1

First, you should determine the finished size. If you have favorite placemats, measure those. Then add 2.5” – 3” to each side, depending on how much reveal you want. For this project, I used a piece of the main fabric cut to 16”x 21” with a 2 Ό” reveal. I often do bigger ones with a 3” reveal.

Start by finishing off the edges of your main fabric. I love using Pearl Crown Rayon in my upper looper of my serger. I take out the right needle, and just use the left needle with regular thread in the lower looper and the needle. This makes a very pretty stitch. Or you could put bias binding on, some pretty fold over lace or elastic or simply hem. Don’t worry about what the corners look like they will be cut off.

Step 2

Next, work mitered corners on all four corners. Please see the mitered corner instructions available at SewzannesFabrics.com for detailed instructions.

Then turn all the corners out and iron. Measure the finished dimensions and cut your batting (or flannel) and the coordinate fabric to this size. It is advisable to cut these just a bit smaller than your measurement.

Lay the coordinate fabric on top of the batting. Some temporary spray adhesive like 505 works great here to keep everything together.

Step 3

Next, slip these two layers into the mitered main fabric, pushing the fabric into the corners as best as possible.

Step 4

Once its all together, iron again to make everything perfect. Then stitch over the edge decoration with invisible thread using a multi-step zig-zag, if your machine has one. If not, use a regular zig-zag or a couple of lines of straight stitches. This ties the whole placemat together and keeps the layers from shifting.