Make a bespoke place mat to match your decor
Produce perfect points and make Y-seams on the machine simple in this photo guide.
Requirements:
60 degree triangle ruler (I used a Creative Grids ruler with a blunt tip that helps placement and reduces the bulk in the centre of the finished place mat)
6" x 20" fabric 1
6" x 20" fabric 2
Wadding/batting
Backing
Basic sewing kit
Rotary cutter, cutting mat and ruler
Sewing machine
Iron and mat
Blunt tool (e.g. bamboo pointer/knitting needle)
1/4" seam allowance used throughout
Construction:
1 - Cut three sets of 6" triangles with the 60 degree triangle ruler (Figures 1 - 4)
Line up the 60 degree triangle ruler on one side of the fabric with the 6" line on the bottom long edge, as if you are straightening it.
TIP - I have placed both fabrics right sides together to make the next step quicker.
Cut one side. My straightening side is on my right as I am right handed, left handers would do the opposite.
Turn the fabric and ruler 180 degrees and cut the first set of triangles.
Rotate the ruler 180 degrees and line up the 6" line with top edge of the fabric and one side with the cut edge. Cut the second set of triangles.
Rotate the ruler 180 degrees and line up the 6" line with bottom edge of the fabric and one side with the cut edge. Cut the third set of triangles.
2 - Stitch the triangles into pairs (Figures 5 - 6)
If you cut the triangles in pairs then stitch down one side from the blunt end to the bottom (the same side on each set). If you cut the triangles separately place the triangles right sides together, lining up the blunt ends and stitch.
Press the seam to the darker fabric.
3 - Stitch the pairs together (Figures 7 - 12)
Place two pairs right sides together matching the blunt ends, nesting the seams. Stitch the pairs together.
TIP - To easily stitch the Y-seam don't stitch in the seam allowance. This makes it easier to add the third pair and further reduces the bulk in the end. Secure the starting stitches with a back stitch.
Press the seam to the darker fabric.
Place the third pair right sides together with the first and second pair nesting the seams. Stitch and press the seam to the darker fabric. Repeat to close the open seam.
Press the place mat top well twisting the seams in the centre.
4 - Layering up (Figures 13 - 16)
Cut a piece of wadding and backing the same shape as the place mat top.
Place the place mat top wrong side down on the wadding. Place the backing right side down on top of the place mat top and secure with pins.
Leaving a gap (approximately 3") along one of the straight edges, stitch around the outside of the place mat.
Being careful not to cut through the stitches, trim the fabric and wadding to reduce the bulk and get sharper corners.
Turn the place mat through the gap (bag it out) and poke out the corners with a blunt tool.
Press well.
5 - Quilting
Starting in one of the seams, top stitch approximately 1/4" from the outer edge, closing the gap at the same time.
Quilt as desired. I kept it simple and stitched in the ditch.
Why not use bigger triangles and make a table centre to go with your perfect place mats? Or use two different fabrics for each triangle?
Post pictures of your makes in our Quilting Community
Happy stitching!