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Simple Reversible Placemats Tutorial

Creating your own homeware can be a rewarding and stylish way to personalise your dining experience. Reversible placemats are a fantastic project for both novice and seasoned crafters, combining functionality with creative flair. This tutorial will guide you through making simple reversible placemats that can easily enhance your table setting with various themes or colours.

Materials Needed

• Fabric: Two different cotton fabrics (half a metre of each should suffice for two placemats)
• Interfacing: To give the placemats some structure (optional)
• Scissors: For cutting fabric
• Sewing machine: While this can be done by hand, a sewing machine will speed up the process
• Thread: Match your thread to your fabrics
• Pins or fabric clips: To hold the fabric in place while sewing
• Iron: For pressing seams and fabric

Measurements

Decide on the size of your placemats. A common size is 30cm x 45cm (12in x 18in), but you can adjust this according to your preference or your table size. Remember to add an extra 1.5cm (½ inch) for seam allowances.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cut the Fabric

1. Measure and Cut: From each of your chosen fabrics, cut two rectangles according to your desired measurements. For example, if making placemats of 30cm x 45cm, cut out four pieces measuring 31.5cm x 46.5cm to include seam allowances.

Step 2: Iron the Fabric

1. Press the Fabric: Iron each piece of fabric to eliminate any wrinkles. This will make them easier to sew and give a neater finish.

Step 3: Assemble the Layers

1. Layer the Fabric: Place one piece of fabric on top of another with the right sides facing each other. If you are using interfacing, place it between the two fabric pieces at this stage for added stiffness.

Step 4: Pin the Edges

1. Pin or Clip: Use pins or fabric clips to hold the layers in place around the edges. Leave a gap of about 10cm (4 inches) along one long side unpinned, which will allow you to turn the placemat right side out later.

Step 5: Sew the Edges

1. Sew: Using a sewing machine, sew along the edges, leaving a 1.5cm (½ inch) seam allowance. Remember to backstitch at the beginning and end to secure your stitching.

Step 6: Turn the Placemat

1. Turn Inside Out: Carefully pull the fabric through the gap you left open, turning the placemat right side out. Use a pencil or turning tool to push out the corners gently for a crisp finish.

Step 7: Press Again

1. Iron the Placemat: Iron the placemat flat ensuring the edges are sharp and the fabric sits well. Pay special attention to the area where you turned it, making sure to fold in the seam allowance before pressing.

Step 8: Closing the Gap

1. Topstitch: Fold the seam allowance inwards at the gap you left, pin it closed, and topstitch along the edge of the placemat about 1cm (¼ inch) from the edge. This gives the placemat a polished look and ensures that the opening is neatly closed.

Step 9: Repeat

1. Create the Second Placemat: Repeat the above steps for your second placemat.

Conclusion

With just a bit of fabric and some sewing skills, you can create charming reversible placemats that are not only functional but also add personality to your dining table. Feel free to experiment with different fabrics, patterns, and colours to suit the season or your current décor. Enjoy your crafting, and happy dining!

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