Hey everyone. Today we're turning one solid charm pack into a fresh placemat set for your table.
Here we go.
Meet the fabric
This is the Blue Bella Solids Charm Pack Precuts, from United Notions.
It is a Moda precut.
The group name is Bella Solids.
The designer is listed as the Moda Group.
And the stock number is 9900PP 48, if you keep notes.
Inside the pack you get 42 assorted pieces.
Each square measures 5 inches by 5 inches.
That is your classic charm pack size, ready to sew.
The color here is blue.
The tags also call it Blue Denim.
That gives you a clean, steady blue to build on.
There is no print to match up.
There is no direction to fuss over.
You just open the pack, sort your squares, and sew.
These squares were made in Korea, per the product details.
And because this is a solid precut, the color does the talking.
Your seams and your quilting lines become the design.
I really like that for a table project.
It looks calm, and it goes with a lot.
The project: a patchwork placemat set
We are making four placemats, each about 18 inches by 13.5 inches.
That is a generous size for a dinner plate and silverware.
It also leaves a little room for a glass.
Here is why this fabric suits placemats so well.
Those 5-inch squares are already cut straight and even.
You skip the long cutting session completely.
The solid blue keeps the look clean and simple.
Food, dishes, and napkins bring enough color on their own.
And if one placemat gets a spot, the set still looks pulled together.
You can lay every placemat out the same way.
Or shift the squares around for a scrappier feel.
Completely up to you.
I like them matching for this one.
It feels tidy, and setting the table goes fast.
Materials
- 1 Blue Bella Solids Charm Pack Precuts — 42 squares, 5 inches by 5 inches
- 1 1/4 yards coordinating fabric for borders and backs
- 1 yard low-loft batting, or four pieces about 19 inches by 15 inches
- Thread to match, for piecing and quilting
- A universal needle, size 80/12, for piecing and assembly
- Your usual ruler, rotary cutter, mat, pins, and clips
- Iron and pressing surface
Brief steps
First, pick 8 charm squares for the first placemat.
Sew them in two rows of four squares each.
Use a quarter-inch seam all the way through.
Press the seams in each row opposite ways.
Then sew the two rows together and press again.
That patchwork center should measure about 18.5 inches by 9.5 inches.
Next, cut a border strip 18.5 inches by 2.75 inches.
Sew one strip to the top of the center.
Sew a second strip to the bottom.
Press away from the center, nice and flat.
Repeat those steps for the other three placemats.
You will use 32 squares in all for the four tops.
That leaves 10 squares for practice pieces or mug rugs.
Now cut a backing piece about 19 inches by 15 inches for each placemat.
Layer the back, the batting, and the top.
Baste or pin the layers so nothing shifts.
Quilt with simple straight lines every 2 inches.
Or stitch in the ditch along a few seams.
Both ways look clean on a solid.
Trim each placemat square and even.
Bind the edges, or turn and topstitch if you prefer.
I bind mine, and I topstitch at one-eighth inch.
Just like that, your set is ready for supper.
Practical tips
Give yourself permission to keep this easy.
It does not have to be perfect.
A seam that is off a hair will not ruin a placemat.
You are your own worst critic here.
Take your time, it is not a race.
Pressing is the quiet hero in this project.
Press each row before you join the rows.
Your points will line up with a lot less fuss.
One honest warning, right at the moment of risk.
Slow down when you quilt over the thicker seam joins.
Slow down or the needle snaps on that bump.
My first placemat came out a little wavy.
The fix was simple and a little humbling.
I pressed better, trimmed all four tops together, and they laid flat.
We're not reinventing the wheel here.
We're sewing squares into something useful and really really fun to use.
If I can do this, y'all can do it.
Thanks so much for sewing along with me today.
We'll see you next time. Bye.
Shop the Blue Bella Solids Charm Pack Precuts at Linda's Electric Quilters.
