December 2nd - DECEMBER DAYS OF CRAFTING

Reversible Napkin and Placemat Tutorial

Courtesy of Sharon at
www.handmaiden.typepad.com
Check out her great blog!

This is an easy sewing tutorial for beginners. Make your own reversible napkins and placemats. A great gift for Christmas, housewarming or hostess gift.

SUPPLIES

Choose 2 yards (44" width) of 2 coordinating fabric (1 yard each)

Matching thread

5 ft (44" width) of light weight iron on Interfacing (this will give some stiffness and stability to your placemats)

METHOD

Fold width of fabric in half and cut napkins 22" x 22" square and placemats 15"x 22' in both fabrics. You should have 8 pieces of napkins and 8 pieces of placemat. Match up front and back fabrics to give you 4 napkins and placemats.

With right sides together use 1/2" seam allowance and sew around napkin edge leaving approx 3" opening (remember to back tack so your stitch doesn't come out). Cut away fabric at corners making sure you don't clip stitching, this will reduce bulk when you turn right side out.

Turn inside out and press. Then topstitch around edge 1/4" to give finished sharp decorative look.

Cut Interfacing 15"x22" and iron (follow manufacturer's instructions) onto wrong side of backing fabric for placemat

With right sides together sew 1/2" seam around placemat and leave 3" gap (remember to back tack). Cut away fabric at corners to reduce bulk. Turn right side out. Press and topstitch all round with 1/4" seam(same as napkins).

A great gift for you or to giveaway. You can do these in any number of fabrics and have coordinating napkins and placemats all year round. Watch the sale racks for inexpensive fabrics and have fun with the infinite possibilities!

As always, please ask questions and send pictures if you tackle this project. I think this one could be done in a couple of hours by even the most beginning seamstress!