Easy Placemats and Napkins

Last Updated on August 2, 2017 by lydiaf1963

Anyone can make these easy placemats and napkins. Use your favorite summery fabrics to create a set for your Summer table.

If you’re a beginning sewist, you may be surprised to find the actual sewing is the easiest part of this project. All that’s required is sewing straight lines. The hardest part is picking out the fabrics! There are so many beautiful prints available. I settled on three lightweight quilting fabrics from the Going Out of Business Sale at the local Hancock Fabrics. Then, using a 40% off coupon from Hobby Lobby, I splurged on a rotary cutter, ruler and mat. I’d never used them before. There was a bit of a learning curve, but I am amazed at how easy it is to make precision cuts with those tools. 

There are many tutorials and videos on the web that will show you how to make either a rolled or mitered hem for the napkins; you’ll find links at the bottom of the post. I tried both. The rolled hem is less fussy, but the mitered hem has a nice look and is worth learning how to do. I borrowed from my kitchen skills and worked in batches, completing each step for all the napkins before moving on to the next.

Kitchen skills weren’t much help when it came to making the placemats. I wanted to make them reversible and decided to get a little fancy with a pieced top. Well, luckily I took the time to make a prototype because I forgot to take the seam allowance into account for the pieces and the first top ended up short. D’oh!

This type of project is perfect for both a beginner and someone like me, who hasn’t used a sewing machine in a long time. The shapes aren’t complicated and neither is the sewing. You will have to figure out how to organize your space, learn how to use an iron to make your sewing look better, and work efficiently. All of which will help with your next project.

See these links for more information:

How to Make Cloth Napkins with Folded Hems: easiest method

How to Sew Fabric Napkins with Mitered Corners: easy to follow video with great tips

How to Sew a Reversible Placemat: very basic instructions

---

This project was part of a monthly craft challenge from the Creative Craft Bloggers Group.

Janet from Try It Like It has a fun Summer activities printable. Emily from 2 Dishing Divas made a cool you off Lemonade Pie that will be a hit at the next cook out. Denise from My Thrifty House created a beautiful Patriotic Bandana Wreath. I’d love to hang this on my door!