How To Sew Placemats For A Round Tablecloth

How to Sew Placemats for a Round Tablecloth

Whether you're hosting a special occasion or simply want to add a touch of elegance to your everyday dining, a round tablecloth and matching placemats can make a stunning centerpiece. While purchasing a set can be convenient, making your own allows you to customize the size, fabric, and design to suit your table and personal style.

Materials Needed:

Fabric of your choice
Measuring tape or ruler
Scissors
Thread
Sewing machine
Iron and ironing board (optional)

Step 1: Measuring and Cutting the Fabric

First, measure the diameter of your round table. Divide this measurement by two to determine the radius of your placemats. For a standard-sized placemat, add 2-3 inches (5-7.5 cm) all around for seam allowances and hems.

Mark the center of your fabric and use a compass, protractor, or string to draw a circle with the desired radius. Carefully cut out the circle using sharp scissors.

Step 2: Hemming the Edges

To create clean and finished edges, you'll need to hem the placemat. To do this, fold one raw edge under by about 1/2 inch (1.25 cm) and press it down with an iron.

Fold it under again by 1/2 inch and pin it in place. Top-stitch around the entire circumference of the placemat, close to the folded edge, to secure the hem.

Step 3: Sewing the Center

If desired, you can create a decorative center for your placemat. Choose a fabric that complements the main fabric and cut out a smaller circle or other shape.

Position the decorative piece in the center of the placemat and pin it in place. Stitch around the edges of the decorative piece to secure it.

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once all the hems and center are complete, give your placemat a final press to set the seams and remove any creases. If desired, you can add additional embellishments such as embroidery, appliqués, or ribbons to further personalize your creations.

Tips:

Use a sharp rotary cutter and ruler for precise fabric cutting.
Before cutting the fabric, test the sewing machine stitch on a scrap piece to ensure the tension is correct.
If you don't have a compass or protractor, you can create a template by folding a piece of paper in half and cutting out a quarter-circle.
To make extra large placemats, you can sew together multiple circles or rectangles.

With a little patience and attention to detail, you can create beautiful and unique placemats for your round tablecloth that will add style and elegance to your dining table.