Simple Unique Placemats You can Make Yourself

One of the easiest sewing projects you can make is a set of reversible placemats.  Even though they are easy to make, you will have something useful when you are done sewing (which isn't always the case with easy projects!).

The first, and most fun, thing to do is select two coordinating fabrics for each side of the placemats.  I chose two fun and colorful fabrics from the Kaufman Critter Community fabric collection designed by Suzy Ultman.

Cut four pieces and each fabric for the placemats in whatever size and shape you choose.  I am making simple, rectangular placemats with a finished dimension of about 18 inches by 12.5 inches.  You will also need to cut four pieces of heavyweight fusible interfacing that will line each placemat and give it a sturdier feel. 

Fuse the interfacing to the wrong side of one of the fabrics for each placemat.  Pin both fabrics together with right sides together.

Sew the placemats together leaving a small section open at the bottom for turning right side out.  Note that it is easier to sew with the interfacing on top.  Trim all seam allowances, except for the bottom side that is left open.  Turn the placemats right side out and press.  Topstitch the placemats using an 1/8 to 1/4 inch seam allowance.  The hint to keeping your topstitching straight is to keep your eye on how the fabric is aligned with the presser foot, not the needle.

That is all there is to making a beautiful and functional set of reversible placemats!