How to Make the Back of a Placemat

Creating your own placemats is a fun way to decorate your home and express yourself. While most people focus on creating the front side of a placemat, the back is often overlooked. Using scraps of remaining fabric from creating your placemats, you can finish them up by creating an interesting and unique backing.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Begin by turning your placemat over, so the front is facing the table and the unfinished side is facing up with the bunting exposed.

2. Lie down your first piece in the direct center of the placemat. Choose a color and pattern that you believe will tie the other scraps together, since we will be building off of this piece of material. Pin the top and bottom securely to the placemat.

3. Take four pins and securely pin in each corner so the bunting and front stay together. Be certain that both pieces are lined up, because you otherwise would have to redo your work or make alterations later if they are off center.

4. Spread out scraps of remaining fabric across the back of the placemat. Trim any excess material that would hang over the edge once it is sewn on. Arrange and rearrange your scraps until they make a pattern that you feel fits the color scheme you have in mind.

5. Start at the middle piece you have pinned, and work your way to one edge by sewing 1/4 inch down the side of the next piece. You want it to attach to the middle scrap. This will quilt them over one another. Work your way to the edge with consecutive pieces until you run out of room. Start over in the middle, working your way to the opposite edge. Trim off any fabric that you might have missed in the first round of excess trimming.

[tjharbison]

on 5/7/2009 SHOW PICS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!