Master the Art of Sewing Placemats with Batting: A Step-by-Step Guide

AvatarByJill Nammar Sewing

Have you ever wanted to add a personal touch to your dining table? Look no further than sewing your own placemats with batting! Not only will they protect your table from spills and scratches, but they also make for a lovely and unique addition to any meal setting. In this article, we will guide you through the simple steps of creating your own placemats with batting, so get ready to channel your inner seamstress and add a pop of creativity to your dining experience. Let’s dive into the world of sewing and discover how to make beautiful placemats with batting.

What is Batting in Sewing?

Batting, also known as wadding, is a type of filling material used in quilting and sewing projects. It provides thickness, warmth, and structure to the finished piece. Batting can be made from various materials such as cotton, wool, polyester, or a blend of these fibers. The choice of batting will depend on the type of project you are working on and your personal preferences.

In placemat making, batting adds an extra layer of cushioning to protect your table surface from scratches and heat damage caused by hot dishes. It also gives your placemats a more professional look by providing a smooth and even surface. Depending on the desired level of thickness and insulation, you can choose from different types of batting for your placemats.

Polyester batting is lightweight and often used for making thinner placemats that are easy to wash. Cotton batting is thicker than polyester and makes for more durable placemats that can be machine washed without losing their shape. Wool batting provides excellent heat insulation but may be pricier than other options. Ultimately, the choice of batting will depend on what qualities you want your finished placemats to have.

Preparing Your Materials

Before you begin sewing your placemats with batting, make sure you have all the necessary materials at hand. Apart from the main fabric and batting, you will need scissors or rotary cutter, pins or clips for holding fabrics together, a ruler or measuring tape, a sewing machine with an appropriate needle size (usually 80/12 or 90/14), coordinating thread, and an iron.

Start by washing and ironing your main fabric to remove any wrinkles before cutting it into the desired size for your placemats. You may also prewash your batting if it’s made from natural fibers such as cotton or wool to prevent it from shrinking after sewing.

Cutting the Fabric and Batting

To make an average-sized placemat that is 14 inches by 18 inches, cut your main fabric into a 16 inches by 20 inches rectangle. For the batting, cut a slightly smaller piece at 15 inches by 19 inches to allow for seam allowances.

If you are making multiple placemats, it’s advisable to use a rotary cutter and mat for accurate cutting. However, you can also use scissors and a ruler if that is what you have. Measure and mark the dimensions on your fabric and batting before cutting to ensure consistency across all your placemats.

Layering the Materials

With the right sides facing down, place your main fabric piece on a flat surface, followed by the batting on top of it. Smooth out any wrinkles or creases in both layers, then carefully place another piece of fabric with the right side facing up on top of the batting.

If you are using thicker batting or multiple layers of batting, make sure they are aligned with the edges of the fabric to avoid bulkiness in the seams. You can also baste or spray adhesive between each layer for extra hold before proceeding to sew them together.

Sewing Your Placemat

Using coordinating thread, start sewing around the edges of the layered materials with a ¼ inch seam allowance. Leave an opening of about 3-4 inches on one side to turn your placemat right side out later. Backstitch at both ends to secure your stitches and trim off any excess thread.

Once done sewing, gently pull out all three layers through the opening, making sure not to pull too hard as this may distort your placemat’s shape and cause wrinkles in the fabric. Use a blunt object such as a chopstick or knitting needle to push out corners and edges for a crisp finish.

Finishing Up

With all three layers now right side out, it’s time to close the opening and secure all edges. You can either hand stitch the opening closed with a blind stitch or use your sewing machine to topstitch around the entire placemat.

When topstitching, make sure to keep your stitches uniform and close to the edge to create a neat finish. You may also sew multiple rows of stitches for added reinforcement and design, changing thread colors or using decorative stitches as desired.

Once you’ve completed topstitching around the placemat, give it one final press with an iron on low heat to smooth out any wrinkles. Your placemat is now ready to be used or gifted to someone special!

In Conclusion

Sewing placemats with batting is a simple and fun project that allows you to add a personal touch to your dining table. With the appropriate materials and techniques, you can create custom placemats that are not only practical but also aesthetically pleasing.

Remember to choose batting based on your desired level of thickness and insulation and take your time in cutting and layering the materials before sewing. With practice, you’ll soon become an expert at creating beautiful

What You Will Need

Before beginning your project of sewing placemats with batting, it’s important to gather all the necessary materials. This will not only make the process smoother and more efficient, but it will also prevent any interruptions to your workflow. Here is a list of items that you will need for this project:

– Fabric for the main body of the placemat
– Batting material
– Coordinating thread
– Pins or clips
– Scissors or rotary cutter
– Ruler or measuring tape
– Sewing machine
– Iron and ironing board

It’s always a good idea to have all your materials and tools in one place before starting a sewing project. This way, you won’t have to spend time searching for items or running to the store in the middle of your project.

Pre-Washing Your Fabric

One important step before beginning any sewing project is to pre-wash your fabric. This ensures that there won’t be any shrinkage or color bleeding after your placemats are sewn. You can simply machine wash your fabric on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and dry it on low heat. If using multiple fabrics, be sure to pre-wash them separately as different materials may have different shrinkage rates.

Cutting Your Fabric and Batting

The next step is to cut your fabric and batting to the desired size of your placemats. The standard size for a placemat is usually 12×18 inches, but feel free to adjust it according to your preference. Before cutting, make sure that your fabric is straight by aligning it with the lines on your cutting mat or using a ruler. It’s also helpful to use pattern weights or pins/clips while cutting to keep the fabric in place.

Cut two pieces of fabric and one piece of batting for each placemat. You can use the same fabric for both sides or mix and match for a more interesting look. Just make sure that the fabrics are of similar weight and texture.

Layering Your Materials

Take one piece of fabric and lay it right side down on your work surface. Then, place the batting on top, followed by the second piece of fabric right side up. This will create a sandwich with the batting in between two layers of fabric.

Make sure all the edges are aligned and smooth out any wrinkles or folds. Secure the layers together with pins or clips, making sure to not go over the seam allowance (usually 1/4 inch).

Sewing Your Placemat

Using a 1/4 inch seam allowance, sew around all four sides of your layered materials. Be sure to leave a 3-4 inch opening on one side for turning.

Once all four sides are sewn, trim off excess batting and corners to reduce bulkiness when turning. Then, carefully turn your placemat inside out through the opening. Use a chopstick or pen to gently push out the corners for a crisp finish.

Finishing Touches

After turning, press your placemat with an iron to get rid of any wrinkles or creases. Then, sew around all four sides again using a decorative stitch or a straight stitch close to the edge (1/8 inch) to close the opening and add extra durability.

When sewing through multiple layers, it’s important to use a walking foot to prevent shifting or bunching. Take your time with this step as it will also serve as topstitching that will give your placemats a professional look.

Caring For Your Placemats

Congrats! You have successfully sewn your own placemats with batting! To keep them looking fresh and clean, it’s important to follow proper care instructions. Machine wash them on a gentle cycle with mild detergent and dry them on low heat. Iron as needed, making sure to avoid ironing over any decorative stitches.

By following these steps, you can easily create beautiful placemats with batting for your home or to give as thoughtful gifts. This project is suitable for beginners and can be customized in many ways by using different fabrics and adding personal touches such as embroidery or applique. With practice, you’ll be able to make multiple placemats in no time and impress your guests with your sewing skills!

Q: What is batting and why is it used in placemats?
A: Batting is a thin layer of material, typically cotton, polyester, or wool, that is placed between the top and bottom fabrics of a placemat. It adds thickness and insulation to the placemat.

Q: How do I choose the right type of batting for my placemats?
A: The type of batting you choose will depend on personal preference and the desired thickness for your placemats. Thinner battings work well for table runners or mats used infrequently, while thicker battings are better for everyday use.

Q: Do I need to pre-wash the batting before using it in my placemats?
A: It is not necessary to pre-wash batting before using it in your placemats. However, if you plan to pre-wash your fabric, you should also pre-wash your batting since it may shrink.

Q: How do I secure the batting to the fabric when sewing my placemats?
A: You can use basting spray or safety pins to hold the layers of fabric and batting together while sewing. Alternatively, you can use a walking foot on your sewing machine to prevent shifting while sewing.

Q: Can I add extra layers of batting for more thickness in my placemats?
A: Yes, you can add as many layers as you want for extra thickness. Just make sure that all layers are securely attached so they don’t shift during use.

Q: How can I ensure precise measurements when cutting and sewing my placemats with batting?
A: Use a rotary cutter and cutting mat for more accurate cuts. Additionally, pin or hand-baste all layers together before sewing to prevent shifting. After sewing, use an even-feed foot on your machine to ensure smooth and precise stitches.

In conclusion, learning how to sew placemats with batting can be a fun and rewarding experience for anyone who loves crafting and home decor. With the right materials and techniques, it is possible to create beautiful and functional placemats that will not only protect your table but also add a personal touch to your dining space.

One of the key takeaways from this tutorial is the importance of choosing the right type of batting for your project. Thermal or insulating batting is perfect for keeping hot dishes from damaging your table, while cotton or polyester batting adds a sturdy yet soft texture to your placemats.

In addition, understanding different sewing techniques such as quilting, binding, and finishing can take your placemat-making skills to the next level. By utilizing these techniques, you can create unique and professional-looking placemats that will impress your family and guests.

Furthermore, it is vital to remember the safety precautions when working with needles and sewing machines. Always practice caution and proper handling techniques to avoid accidents.

Finally, by following this guide on how to sew placemats with batting, you not only learn a new skill but also have the opportunity to unleash your creativity and personalize your home decor. With endless fabric options and design possibilities, there is no limit to what you can achieve

Author Profile

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Jill Nammar
My name is Jill but everyone calls me Jilly. I design original cross stitch patterns inspired by vintage French and flowers. Roses are my muse.
I hope you have a cozy time stitching my patterns. Put the kettle on, relax and create a heartwarming piece of hand-embroidered art. Personalize your home and turn up the soulful charm with soulful stitchery.

My goal is to provide you with pretty patterns that promote peaceful stitching. My wish is for you to discover the gentle beauty of hand-embroidery.My patterns have been featured around the web and in Homespun Magazine and Boston Magazine. I find my bliss in cross stitch.

From 2024, I have embarked on a new venture—writing an informative blog on the “Embroidery and Cross-Stitch” niche. This blog is an extension of my passion, where I share detailed posts and respond to queries related to embroidery and cross-stitching.

The blog covers a wide range of topics from beginner tips, pattern creation, historical insights, and the therapeutic benefits of stitching. My goal is to build a community where enthusiasts can learn, share, and grow in their embroidery skills, ensuring everyone can find their own bliss in cross-stitch just as I did.

Thank you to all my customers and readers who have supported Sew French. Your kind emails, photos of completed patterns, and continual encouragement fuel my dedication to this beautiful craft. Join me in stitching a world of beauty and peace, one pattern at a time.