How to Sew Placemats (Easy Beginner Sewing Tutorial) Dear Creatives

If you’ve ever wondered how to sew placemats, this easy beginner sewing tutorial is the perfect project to try. With just basic sewing skills and simple straight stitching, you can create beautiful handmade placemats for everyday use or seasonal decorating.

Why make your own placemats? Store-bought placemats can be surprisingly expensive, especially when you find a style you love. With this step-by-step tutorial, you can make custom placemats at a fraction of the cost. Choose seasonal fabrics, coordinate with your kitchen or dining room colors, and refresh your decor with a simple sewing project that’s both practical and stylish.

The most common placemat size is 12 x 18 inches, but you can easily customize the measurements to fit your table.

Updated with fresh tips and improved step-by-step instructions.

It's a great way to spruce up your home decor. Of course, if you have kids, it's a great way to keep your tablecloths or tables nicer longer.

Looking for something else to sew or make? You can also find other sewing tutorials by visiting our sewing hub.

If you're not sure how to work your way around this project, I share the step-by-step on my pillows diy and a free printable guide on the DIY throw pillows. Let's get started!

DIY Sew Your Own Place Mats

sew your own Placemats: placemats with a plate fork and napkin on it text overlay easy DIY and a heart

Standard size placemat: Typical placemat sizes 12″×18″

But for my pattern and size, I took a place mat that I already had and laid it onto the fabric using a ruler and fabric marker that disappears when washed with water to mark my lines and cut the fabric. If you don't have one, a standard size that I measured was 16 1/2 x 11 inches. Be sure to add 5/8 inchfor your seam allowences. You can get my measurements below. This allows forfor trimming and sewing. I did the math for you and show it below.

This has basic terms and instructions to use. Sometimes it helps to have a visual reference. You can use this for making pot holders, too. But be sure to purchase the interfacing made for pot holders if you make them. Use old pot holders as a pattern template. It's on my spring to-do list. Be sure to subscribe, then you won't miss that DIY coming soon! Let me lay out the steps for the placemats. It's way easier than the collage looks. Below, I have also included a video to help you see how to make them!

I made this to help newer sewers learn the terms they will see when making things.

Materials Needed

Supplies for making placemats

Sewing Machine and sewing supplies (bobbins, pins…)
Material (100% Cotton Fabric, Cotton Canvas, linen ) 1/2 yard to yard, depending on how many, 2 pieces of fabric 17- 1/8th inches x 11- 5/8 inches for each place mat.
Cut 1 piece of fusible lining or interfacing for each place mat: 17- 1/8 inches x 11-5/8 inches.
Thread Coordinating (or neutral colored)
Sewing scissors (or a rotary cutter)
Sewing Cutting Mat (or cutting table)
Ruler
Disappearing marking pen
Ironing board and iron.

How to Sew Placemats

Click on the image to enlarge

Note that the measurements can vary for the size of placemats. But, whatever size you make, be sure to add and allow for 1/2 inch seam allowances.

Example: A 19×14 inch placemat with 1/2 inch allowance will be 18×13 finished.

Directions and Steps for how to make placemats

Cutting The Fabric

Pre-wash fabrics unless they're dry-clean only; then iron the fabric.
Lay out fabric to cut place-mats. You need two cuts of fabric per placemat: 2 pieces, 17 1/8-inches x 11 5/8-inches (this measurement includes your trim sew lines!).
Cut out one of the same size, 17- 1/8th inches x 11- 5/8 inches, of your interfacing or fusible web lining.
Lay the pieces out for each placemat. There will be three pieces (two fabrics, one interfacing.
If using fusible interfacing, iron it onto the wrong side of the cut fabric (see images above)
Next, pin the right sides together with the facing on the bottom (already ironed on). See the very top middle image as a reference if needed.

Sewing The Layers

Sew all the way around the sides, do not start in corners, leave an opening for turning (5-6 inch hole).
Trim the corners, turn inside out.

Turning and Pressing

Press again, make sure corners are pulled out, using a turner, dowel, or needle.

Top Stitching

Now top stitch with the foot at the seam, 5/8th inch line goes all the way around the placemat.
Next, top stitch by placing the foot at your sewn 5/8th inch line and sew all the way around the placemat.
You're done!

Tips for Best Results

If you are a new sewer make one out of budget-friendly fabric or muslin. Then sew the project. Doing a trail run will help you see how easy they are to make. Or be brave and just try!
How to add fusible interfacing to fabric.