Quick Holiday Placemats with a Christmas Fat Quarter Bundle

We all know Christmas is around the corner – but there are also sewing days left until the holiday! Our friend Lisa from Quilty Zest is sharing a fun, quick-sew idea using one of the festive holiday fat quarter bundles from Sit n’ Sew Fabrics.

In just an evening, you can stitch a set of cheerful placemats that dress up your holiday table.

Scroll down for step-by-step instructions to sew your own festive holiday placemats.

Cutting Instructions

From the focal fat quarter:

• Cut (4) 9½" x 6½" rectangles.
  Be sure to pay attention to the orientation of the print.

From the four coordinating fat quarters:

• Cut a total of (64) 3½" squares.
  Tip: Fold each fat quarter in half, cut a 3½" strip, and then subcut into squares for speedy cutting.

Piecing the Placemat Top

For each placemat, you’ll use one focal rectangle and fourteen 3½" squares.

1. Lay out (14) squares around one 9½" x 6½" focal rectangle, as shown. Lisa used the peppermint candy print in the four corners and filled in with the remaining three prints.

2. Sew squares on the left and right sides of the focal rectangle in pairs, then join the pairs to the center.

3. Sew the top row of squares together and the bottom row together.

4. Pin the top and bottom borders to the center unit, nesting seams. Sew to complete the placemat top.

Quilting and Layering

Lisa chose a red thread that coordinates with the bundle and adds a little pop in the quilting: Madeira Cotona 50wt – Color 621 Red .

A project this size is perfect for Fusible Fleece . Cut a piece 15½" x 12½" and fuse it to the wrong side of the placemat top, following the manufacturer’s instructions.

Quilt simple lines through the placemat top and batting only – Lisa added accent stitching around the focal rectangle using the red thread.

Finishing the Placemats (Pillowcase Style)

These placemats are finished pillowcase style – no binding required.

1. Cut a backing piece 15½" x 12½". Layer backing and quilted placemat top right sides together.
2. Stitch around all edges with a ¼" seam allowance, leaving an opening for turning. Lisa uses double pins to mark where to start and stop, so she doesn’t forget to leave the opening.

Before turning, press the raw edges of the opening back along the stitching line. This helps those edges fold neatly to the inside once you turn the placemat right side out.

Clip the corners to reduce bulk (being careful not to cut through your stitching).

Turn the placemat right side out and press, using a point-turner or similar tool to push out the corners and edges.

Align the pressed edges at the opening and pin. Topstitch ¼" from the outer edge all the way around the placemat, closing the opening as you sew.