What you need to make a quilted placemat
A quilted placemat is three layers of fabric stitched together: a decorative top, a middle layer of batting (the soft filler), and a backing fabric. You can make one with a sewing machine, basic thread, and fabric scraps you already have. The finished placemat is typically 12 by 18 inches, which fits under a dinner plate and glass.
Gather these materials before you start: two pieces of fabric for the top and back (each at least 13 by 19 inches to account for shrinkage and seam allowance), one piece of batting the same size, thread that matches or blends with your fabric, a rotary cutter and mat if you have them (or scissors work fine), a ruler, pins, and an iron. If you want a decorative border, add a fourth fabric strip about 2 inches wide.
You do not need an expensive sewing machine. A basic model that does a straight stitch is all you need. If you do not own a machine, many fabric stores and libraries lend them, and some community centers offer sewing classes with machine access included.
Key Takeaways
- A quilted placemat is made from three layers: a top fabric, batting, and a backing fabric, all stitched together with a sewing machine.
- Cut all three layers to the same size, press them flat with an iron, and pin them together before sewing to prevent shifting.
- Stitch a grid pattern or straight lines across the placemat to hold the three layers in place and create the quilted texture.
- Finish the edges with a binding strip or by folding and stitching the outer fabric over the raw edges for a clean, durable finish.
- Wash your finished placemat in cold water and dry it flat to keep the quilting from bunching.
Cutting and preparing your fabric layers
Start by cutting your three layers to the same size. Measure and mark 13 by 19 inches on your top fabric, batting, and backing fabric. Use a rotary cutter and ruler for straight, even edges, or mark the lines with a fabric pencil and cut with scissors. Press all three pieces flat with an iron set to medium heat—this removes wrinkles and makes them easier to handle.
If you are using a decorative border, cut a strip 2 to 2.5 inches wide from a contrasting fabric and sew it to one or more edges of your top fabric before you layer everything. Press the seam flat after sewing. This border will frame your finished placemat and hide the raw edges of the batting.
Lay your top fabric face-up on a clean, flat surface. Place the batting on top of it, then the backing fabric face-down on top of the batting. You now have a sandwich with the pretty side of the top fabric facing out and the pretty side of the backing facing in. Pin all three layers together at the corners and along the edges, spacing pins about 4 inches apart. This keeps the layers from shifting while you sew.
Stitching the layers together with a quilting pattern
Thread your sewing machine with thread that matches your top fabric or blends with it. Set the machine to a straight stitch with a stitch length of 2.5 to 3 millimeters—this is slightly longer than a normal seam and works well for quilting. Test the tension on a scrap of fabric first.
The simplest quilting pattern is straight lines running parallel across the placemat. Mark light pencil lines 2 to 3 inches apart from one short end to the other, or use a quilting ruler and the edge of your presser foot as a guide. Sew along each line, removing pins as you reach them. Start at one end and sew all the way to the other without stopping. Backstitch at the beginning and end of each line to lock the thread.
If you prefer a grid pattern, sew lines in one direction first, then sew lines perpendicular to them. This creates small squares across the placemat and holds all three layers very securely. You can also sew a straightforward outline around the edge of your top fabric, about 0.25 inches from the seam, which creates a frame and holds the layers without adding many lines inside.
Binding the edges for a finished look
Once you have finished quilting, trim the three layers to a clean rectangle, cutting away any uneven edges. The placemat should now be close to 12 by 18 inches. Trim the batting and backing even with the top fabric.
The easiest way to finish the edges is to fold the backing fabric over the raw edges of the batting and top fabric, then stitch it down by hand or machine. Fold the backing about 0.5 inches toward the front, press it with an iron, and pin it in place. Sew it down with a straight stitch or a blind stitch (a stitch that hides the thread inside the fold). This creates a clean edge and hides all the raw fabric.
Alternatively, cut a binding strip 2 inches wide from fabric that matches your border or backing. Sew it to the front of the placemat with a 0.25-inch seam, then fold it to the back and stitch it down by hand. This method takes longer but creates a professional-looking edge that is very durable.
Pressing and caring for your finished placemat
After you have bound the edges, press the entire placemat with an iron on medium heat. This flattens the seams and gives the placemat a crisp, finished appearance. Press from the back first, then the front, using a pressing cloth if your fabric is delicate.
Wash your placemat in cold water on a gentle cycle and dry it flat on a towel or drying rack. Do not use a hot dryer, which can melt the batting or cause the fabric to shrink unevenly. If the quilting bunches slightly after washing, press it again gently with an iron.
A well-made quilted placemat will last for years with regular washing. The quilting stitches hold the layers together and prevent the batting from shifting or clumping, which is what makes the placemat durable enough for daily use.
Variations and design ideas
Once you understand the basic method, you can customize your placemats to match your kitchen or dining room. Use fabric with a pattern you love for the top, or piece together small squares of different fabrics to create a patchwork top. Sew the squares together in rows, press the seams, and then layer and quilt as usual.
You can also add a decorative stitch instead of straight lines. A zigzag stitch, a wavy line, or a spiral pattern all create texture and hold the layers together. Some machines have built-in decorative stitches you can use. Experiment on a practice piece first to see how the stitch looks at your machine's speed.
Make a set of four or six matching placemats by cutting all your fabric at once and assembly-line sewing them. Cut all the tops, all the backings, and all the batting pieces, then layer and pin them all before you start sewing. This saves time and ensures they all look the same.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use regular cotton fabric instead of quilting fabric?
Yes. Quilting fabric is slightly heavier and more tightly woven, which makes it easier to work with, but regular cotton works fine. Just press it well before cutting to remove wrinkles, and be careful not to stretch it as you sew.
What kind of batting should I use?
Cotton batting is the most common and easiest to work with. Polyester batting is cheaper and does not shrink, but it can shift inside the placemat if you do not quilt closely enough. Buy batting from a fabric store in the weight labeled "low-loft" or "regular," which is thin enough for a placemat.
Do I have to quilt in straight lines?
No. You can quilt in any pattern you like—curves, spirals, or even random lines. The purpose of quilting is to hold the three layers together, so as long as you stitch through all three layers, any pattern works. Straight lines are easiest for a beginner because they are straightforward to mark and sew.
What do I do if the layers shift while I am sewing?
Stop, remove the presser foot, and repin the area. Shifting usually happens because the pins are too far apart or the layers were not pressed flat before pinning. For your next placemat, pin more closely (every 2 to 3 inches) and press all three layers with an iron before you start sewing.
Can I make a quilted placemat by hand without a sewing machine?
Yes, but it takes much longer. Use a needle and thread to sew the layers together with a running stitch, spacing the stitches about 0.25 inches apart. Sew in rows across the placemat, then bind the edges by hand. Hand-sewing is relaxing but requires patience.