How to Make a No-Sew Burlap Placemat

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Things You'll Need

  • Burlap

  • Scissors

  • Ruler

  • Ribbon

  • Fusible web tape

  • Alphabet stencils

  • Masking tape

  • Acrylic paint

  • Foam stencil brush

  • Button

  • Glue

  • Iron

Add rustic charm to your table settings with these no-sew burlap placemats. They have down-home appeal, while the big, bold letters give them a modern edge. A matching DIY napkin ring completes the set.

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Step 1

Cut the burlap to size

Cut the burlap to size. Use a ruler as a straightedge to mark where you will cut. Use the scissors and cut the burlap to desired size. A typical placemat is around 12 inches x 18 inches.

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Step 2

Iron folds into ribbon

Iron folds into the ribbon. Choose a coordinating ribbon that can cover the frayed edges of the burlap. The ribbon should be at least 1 1/2-inches wide. Cut strips of ribbon to fit the lengths of the burlap, and fold the ribbon strips in half lengthwise. Iron the strips to set the folds.

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Step 3

Cover edges with ribbon

Cover the edges with ribbon. Slide each edge of the burlap into the folded ribbon so that there is now ribbon on the front and back of the burlap edges. Place some fusible web tape between the ribbon and burlap, and iron to seal the two materials. Be sure to do the same for the back side.

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Step 4

Stencil letters onto placemat

Stencil letters onto the placemat. Decide what words you would like to stencil on the burlap. Alphabet stencils are available in hardware stores and craft stores. Tape the stencils to the burlap so they don't move, and use a foam stencil brush to dab on acrylic paint within the stencils. Remove the stencils while the paint is still wet. Let it dry completely.

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Step 5

Make a coordinating napkin ring

Make a coordinating napkin ring. Cut a 2 inch x 6-inch piece of burlap and a 6-inch piece of ribbon. Layer the ribbon on the burlap, form a loop and glue the ends together. Glue a button in the middle of the ribbon to finish it off.

Tip

Instead of food-related words like "yum" and eat," you can stencil names so everyone has a personalized placemat.

You can purchase burlap by the yard in fabric stores.

Warning

Do not let children use an iron unsupervised.

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