Scrappy Patchwork Place Mat Tutorial

Hello! Welcome to my Scrappy Patchwork Place Mat tutorial! I've done a little editing to this post to add in a few more ideas. I originally wrote the post to make scrappy place mats with left over jelly roll strips, but you can really use any scraps, and you can also use Moda candy squares and charm squares!

If you use jelly roll strips, simply follow the directions below. If you decide to 




use Moda Candy squares (2 1/2" x 2 1/2") then you'll need 36 for each place mat. A charm pack can be cut into 2 1/2" squares, and so one charm pack will give you enough squares for four place mats.


I had fun making my original place mats out of the "Oh Cherry Oh" Jelly Roll by Moda fabrics.  I also used a little rick rack for embellishment.

 
Jelly Roll Instructions (if using 2 1/2" x 2 1/2" squares, simply make nine four-patch units or six nine-patch units and follow the rest of the instructions below). 

For 4 placemats you will need a minimum of thirteen jelly roll strips (if you'd like to make your placemats even cuter and scrappier...cut 18 jelly roll strips in half and use 9 of those half strips along with 4 full-sized strips for the side borders). You will also need 1/2 yard for binding for the four place mats and 1/2 yard to back them (or use one fat quarter to back each place mat). If you would like to add rick rack trim to the sides, then also get 3 yards of 5/8" rick rack. Your finished place mats will measure 12 1/2" x 16 1/2".

If you are using 9 whole strips (2 1/2" x 42"), begin by cutting them into 18 half strips (if you are using the 18 half strips cut from 18 different whole strips then this step is already completed). Now pair the strips up into groups of two and sew together along the long edges. Press to one side when sewing is complete.

Now cut all of your two strip units into 5" long segments. After this step you will match each 5" segment with a 5" segment made out of two different fabrics. You will place these segments right sides together, nesting seams and sewing along both 4 1/2" sides. This is the same method used in my table topper tutorial .

I used the chain-sewing technique to make the sewing of these segments go quickly. I didn't even cut them apart after sewing on one side...I just flipped them over and began chain-sewing the other side.

Next cut each segment in half, creating two four-patch blocks with each cut.

Press the four-patch blocks open, and you will have 36 four-patch blocks. Use 9 four-patch blocks for each place mat. Sew into three rows, and then sew your rows together.

You have now completed the center of your place mat. I really like this method for quickly making a scrappy "checkerboard."

Using one full Jelly Roll strip for each place mat, cut two pieces equal to the measurement of the left and right sides of your place mat (I measured down the middle and made both side strips this length which should be 12 1/2").

Sandwich your place mat top, batting, and backing and quilt as desired. If you want to add rick rack, then position the rick rack over the seams between the side strips and the checkerboard middle and sew the rick rack onto the place mat.

Attach your binding and your place mats are done! A Jelly Roll with 40 strips will make 12 place mats...I can't wait to make some 4th of July, Halloween, Thanksgiving and Christmas place mats for myself and for gifts!

Here are some other ideas of what you can do with a Moda Jelly Roll:

1. Make strip sets for 9-patch blocks. 2. Make strip sets for 4-patch blocks. 3. Make strip sets and use for any zipper bag or tote pattern you might have. 4. Make 2 1/2" squares to use as corner triangles. 5. Cut into 2 1/2" x 4 1/2" rectangles...use with 2 1/2" squares to make "flying geese" blocks. 6. Sew together the strips to make a scrappy back. 7. Make framed 9-patch blocks. 
8. Make a "coin" quilt. 9. Sew strip sets, then cut at 45 degree angles to make triangles. 10. Make "Log Cabin" blocks. 11. Make "piano key" borders. 12. Make potholders, coasters, or placemats. 13. Use strips to frame or sash blocks or rows of blocks. 14. Make 1/2 square triangles (you'll need a special ruler, template, or paper). 

Happy Sewing!