Placemat #2 with Directions

My little I-guy was quite insistent that I make him a placemat like his brother’s.  He picked the fabric, buttons and ribbon and led me into the craft room, sat down and waited for me to make him his placemat!  Then I had to show him all the stitches that my machine makes which led to a long discussion about sewing toys, clothes, and other things.

After watching me go back and forth from cutting board, iron to sewing machine, he did some careful contemplation (he has a great thinking look) and decided that he too needs an iron, sewing machine and round cutter thingy (rotary cutter).  I suggested that we could just share (as long as mommy is around to help).   I really do need to get my old machine in working condition so the boys can have a go at sewing.

Here’s what you’ll need to make your own:

2 ~ 14 x 17 inch pieces for the mat with 3/8 inch seam allowance.
2 ~ 3.5 x 6 inch pieces for the pocket with 1/4 inch seam allowance.
1 ~ 14 x 14 inch piece for the napkin with 1/4 inch double rolled hem (HERE is a good tutorial).
1 large button
18 inch piece of ribbon, cord, tie, etc.
scissors, thread, sewing machine, rotary cutter, cutting mat

1. Cut and iron all pieces.

2. Take the two largest pieces, place right sides together and sew all around using a  3/8 inch seam allowance leaving a 4 inch gap. Clip corners, turn right side out, poke corners out and press flat. Sew zig-zag stitch all around the edges.

3. Take two pocket pieces, place right sides together and sew all around using a  1/4 inch seam allowance.  Leave a 2 inch gap on the bottom short end. Clip corners, turn right side out, poking corners out, and press flat.  Place pocket piece on placemat — right or left bottom corner about 1 inch awary from edge, or where-ever you would like it to be. Pin in place and sew around sides and bottom edge with a straight stitch leaving top edge open.

4.Fold and roll the mat up and pick a good place to attach the ribbon (I folded the top third of the mat down over the utensil pocket the rolled it up from the utensil side). Hand stitch one end of the ribbon in place then hand sew the button on top.

5. Make napkin using the above tutorial, sit down and enjoy a nice little lunch!

added on 8/23****Wait! Before you go, stop by and check out my awesome interview with Dallas Clayton and enter for a chance to win his Awesome Book!****

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18 Responses to Placemat #2 with Directions

  1. Kuutydruk says:

    Hi! I just wanted to say, that your blog and Flickr albums have been very inspiring. I found many help regarding stamping. I’d like to try this and carve my own stamps one day. It’s just a bit difficult to find suitable material around here (Estonia, Europe). But i’ll just have to figure something out. Thanks to you, i found one shop, where they sell rubber for carving and they also ship international! Jee! 🙂
    Also pics of your craft room have been very inspiring. I have a craft room, but it’s not organized jet. But i’ll get it in order 🙂
    All the best to you and your family!

  2. jessica says:

    Hurray! I’m printing this out, pulling fabric, and sewing. Someone is going to be very happy to receive this–it’s a great idea!

  3. Andrea says:

    Thank you so much!!
    I already picked out the fabric (it matches some of my grandfather’s old dancing shirts). He is going to love it so much. Thank you again, I so appreciate it!

  4. Stacy says:

    Cute placemat! I love the little pocket. How sweet that your son is so interested in sewing.

  5. That looks so cool and what i love is you can sling them in the machine when they get grubby 🙂

  6. this is indeed very pretty and charming. would like to know if they are also ‘spill-proof’. little ones are very prone to messing around and cleaning up the mat everyday can be a problem with cloth mats!

  7. Holly says:

    I’ve been trying to think of a back-to-school project for my son, and this will be perfect! Thank you. I’m looking forward to checking out the rest of your blog.

  8. Simone says:

    Beautiful! Thanks for the instructions.

  9. Nicky says:

    Thanks for the instructions. It is a really good idea! I also love the portable cushion. Ideal for so many occasions!

  10. Mollimoo says:

    Ooh, thank you for sharing this. Lovely project! I have linked to your blog from mine with an award if you are interested x

  11. Leticia says:

    I am definitely going to make one of these for Amber! How do you attach the button and ribbon? (I am craft challenged lol)

  12. JD says:

    Oh I love your site. These will be made ready for the first day of school BREAKFAST! Thanks for the great inspiration.
    You are so linked on my blog!

  13. Teresa says:

    That’s a great idea too!!!

  14. Rachel says:

    That is SO cute! I love when kids get involved and pick their own fabric. I’ll be linking.

  15. Michelle says:

    I love this, too. And now I am wondering how I have not come across your fantabulous blog until tonight. I must have been living under a rock. Your stuff is awesome blossom!

  16. Debi says:

    i love I-guy’s placemat! I love the clouds. And his lunch looks yummy too!

  17. Stacy says:

    I was looking at you tutorial, which I followed from another blogger, my son decided that he wanted one for school. I put it up on my blog. I will post a picture of it as soon as it’s done so you can see what I did.

    Thank you for the tutorial. Now off to check out the rest of your blog 🙂

  18. Sherri says:

    Thank You, my grandson needs a placemat everyday for school lunch. I really appreciate this!?

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