Quilted Placemats Review: A Comprehensive Guide
Quilted placemats are a delightful and practical addition to any dining table. These placemats are not only functional, protecting your table from spills and heat, but also add a touch of elegance and warmth with their intricate patterns and textures. Made by quilting layers of fabric together, they can be customized in endless ways to suit your personal style and décor.
My article will help you to understand what quilted placemats are, the benefits of using them, and provide a detailed, how to make quilted placemats and more.
What are Quilted Placemats?
Quilted placemats are essentially small quilts designed to be used as placemats. They typically consist of three layers: a top fabric layer, a middle batting layer, and a bottom fabric layer. These layers are stitched together in a quilting process, which involves sewing through all three layers to create a padded, textured surface. The quilting can be simple or elaborate, using various patterns and techniques to achieve different looks.
Benefits of Quilted Placemats
Aesthetic Appeal:
Quilted placemats can add a pop of color and texture to your dining table, enhancing your overall table setting. They can be customized to match any theme or season, making them versatile decorative pieces.
Protection:
The padded layers of quilted placemats provide excellent protection for your table against heat, spills, and scratches. The batting layer acts as an insulator, preventing hot dishes from damaging the table surface.
Durability:
Well-made quilted placemats are durable and can withstand regular use and washing. The quilting process secures the layers together, ensuring they remain intact over time.
Personalization:
Making your own quilted placemats allows you to personalize them to your liking. You can choose fabrics that match your home décor, incorporate special patterns or themes, and even use scraps of fabric from other projects to create unique, one-of-a-kind placemats.
how to make quilted placemats
Creating your own quilted placemats is a rewarding and enjoyable project, suitable for both beginners and experienced quilters. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you how to make quilted placemats.
Materials Needed
- Fabric for the top layer (cotton is recommended)
- Fabric for the bottom layer (cotton or coordinating fabric)
- Batting (cotton or polyester)
- Quilting pins or clips
- Rotary cutter or fabric scissors
- Quilting ruler
- Cutting mat
- Sewing machine
- Quilting thread
- Iron and ironing board
Step-by-Step Instructions : how to make quilted placemats
- Choose and Prepare Your Fabric
Select the fabrics for your top and bottom layers. You can use solid colors, prints, or a combination of both. Wash and iron the fabrics to pre-shrink them and remove any wrinkles. - Cut the Fabric and Batting
Using a rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat, cut the top fabric, bottom fabric, and batting to the desired size. A common size for placemats is 12 inches by 18 inches, but you can adjust the dimensions to suit your needs. Cut each piece slightly larger than the finished size to allow for trimming and seam allowances. - Layer the Fabrics and Batting
Create a quilt sandwich by layering the bottom fabric (right side down), the batting, and the top fabric (right side up). Ensure that all the layers are smooth and aligned. - Pin or Clip the Layers Together
Use quilting pins or clips to secure the layers together. Start from the center and work your way out to prevent shifting during quilting. - Quilt the Layers
Set up your sewing machine with a quilting needle and thread. You can choose to quilt in straight lines, diagonal lines, or a more intricate pattern. Begin quilting from the center and work your way out, smoothing the fabric as you go to avoid puckers. If you’re a beginner, simple straight-line quilting is a good place to start. - Trim the Excess Fabric and Batting
Once the quilting is complete, use your rotary cutter and ruler to trim the edges of the placemat, ensuring all layers are even and straight. - Bind the Edges
Binding the edges gives your placemats a finished look. Cut strips of fabric for the binding, typically 2.5 inches wide. Fold the strips in half lengthwise and press with an iron. Attach the binding to the edges of the placemat, starting on the back side. Sew the binding in place, mitering the corners for a neat finish. Fold the binding over to the front and stitch it down, either by hand or using your sewing machine. - Finishing Touches
Give your placemats a final press with the iron to smooth out any wrinkles and set the seams.
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Additional Tips and Tricks
- Choosing Fabrics:
When selecting fabrics for your quilted placemats, consider using coordinating colors and patterns for a cohesive look. You can also use themed fabrics for holidays or special occasions. - Batting Options:
Cotton batting is a popular choice for quilted placemats because it’s natural and provides a nice weight. Polyester batting is also an option, offering a lighter and loftier feel. - Quilting Designs:
Experiment with different quilting designs to add texture and interest to your placemats. You can use free-motion quilting for a more organic look or stick to straight-line quilting for a modern, clean finish. - Personalization:
Add a personal touch to your quilted placemats by incorporating embroidery, applique, or fabric paint. You can also use leftover fabric scraps to create a patchwork design.
Care and Maintenance
To keep your quilted placemats looking their best, follow these care and maintenance tips:
- Washing: Machine wash your placemats on a gentle cycle with cold water. Use a mild detergent to preserve the fabric and batting.
- Drying: Air dry your placemats or tumble dry on a low heat setting. Avoid high heat, as it can shrink the fabric and batting.
- Ironing: If needed, iron your placemats on a low heat setting to remove wrinkles and keep them looking crisp.
- Storage: Store your placemats flat or rolled up to prevent creases and maintain their shape.
Conclusion
Quilted placemats are a versatile and charming addition to any dining table. They offer both aesthetic appeal and practical benefits, such as protecting your table from heat and spills. By making your own quilted placemats, you can customize them to suit your style and décor, creating unique and personalized pieces for your home.
With the right materials and a bit of creativity, you can enjoy the process of quilting and produce beautiful placemats that will enhance your dining experience for years to come.
FAQ'S
What Batting to Use for Quilted Placemats?
Use a thin, low-loft batting for quilted placemats, such as cotton, polyester, or a cotton/polyester blend. Cotton batting is a popular choice because it lies flat and provides a nice weight.
What Size Should Quilted Placemats Be?
Quilted placemats are typically 12 x 18 inches (30 x 45 cm). However, sizes can vary, and you can make them larger or smaller depending on your preference and table dimensions.
Can You Wash Quilted Placemats?
Yes, you can wash quilted placemats. They are usually machine washable, but it’s best to follow the care instructions specific to the fabric and batting used.
How to Protect Quilted Placemats?
- Stain Repellent: Apply a fabric protector spray to help repel stains.
- Use Liners: Place a clear plastic liner over the placemat during messy meals.
- Proper Storage: Store flat to prevent creasing and damage.
How to Wash Quilted Placemats?
- Machine: Slow cycle and also with cooler water and little detergent.
- Hand Wash: For delicate placemats, wash by hand in cold water with mild soap.
- Drying: Air dry flat or tumble dry on low heat to prevent shrinkage and maintain shape.