SYTYC audition craft: Gingham Placemats

I'm sure you probably guessed that this craft was mine:

Bright, cheery gingham.  Love it!

Here's how you can make a some of your own.

For each placemat, you'll need:

2 pieces of fabric, 15.5" x 20.5" each

1 piece of fusible batting or fleece, 15.5" x 20.5"

 

Iron your batting to the wrong side of one of your pieces of fabric.

 

Pin the batting/fabric piece to the other fabric piece, right sides of fabric together.

Sew, leaving a 4-5 inch gap for turning.

 

Snip corners, being careful not to cut into the line of stitching.

  

Turn right side out and gently poke out corners with a knitting needle. 

 

Press, making sure to fold in the fabric from the gap you left for turning.

Topstitch around entire edge. 

 

I've found it's easiest to topstitch when I increase my stitch length.  (A walking foot makes it easier, too, but mine's still in the package.)

 

Line up your presser foot with the first line of top stitching and topstitch around the edge again.

 

That's it!  And if you still have some time left over, go ahead and make some napkins for yourself, too!