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American Patchwork & Quilting’s “Place Mat: Show Me How” is a beginner-friendly patchwork project that turns 5-inch fabric squares into two placemats. The tutorial, presented by the publication’s executive editor Linda Augsburg, shows how to piece the fronts, make the backs, add rickrack trim and finish each mat with a turning opening and topstitching. The video page was published October 13, 2016.
Materials and measurements
The tutorial uses precut fabric squares for the patchwork, along with backing fabric, fusible fleece and cotton rickrack. A cutting mat or ruler can help move the arranged squares, but the video does not identify a particular sewing machine as necessary.
- 5-inch fabric squares for the pieced fronts and backing
- Fusible fleece for the backs
- 1.5-inch-wide cotton rickrack, cut into 14.5-inch lengths for the two ends
The finished patchwork front is stated as 14.5 by 12.5 inches. Measurements and construction details below follow the tutorial’s transcript; its backing instructions should be followed as given rather than adjusted based on assumptions about the finished dimensions. See the American Patchwork & Quilting tutorial for the video and downloadable project instructions.
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Piece the placemat fronts
- Begin with 5-inch fabric squares. For each front, cut the squares across both directions to make 2.5-inch squares.
- Arrange 42 small squares in a layout of seven squares across and six rows down. The tutorial gives the front dimensions as 14.5 by 12.5 inches.
- Trim the small pieces consistently and check seam accuracy as you sew each row; small differences can accumulate across the grid.
- Press the seams of neighboring rows in opposite directions. This helps the seam allowances nest where the rows meet.
- Sew the rows together to complete each pieced front.
Make the backs and add trim
For the backing, the presenter sews 5-inch squares into a larger piece and cuts that piece into two backs. Use the transcript’s backing cutting instructions as written; the tutorial does not invite substituting inferred measurements.
Attach fusible fleece to the backing. Cut cotton rickrack into 14.5-inch lengths for the two ends. Because cotton rickrack can fray, fold its ends under before positioning it.
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Assemble and finish each placemat
- Place the front and backing right sides together, sandwiching the rickrack between them at the two ends.
- Sew around three sides. Leave an opening along an edge without trim so the placemat can be turned right side out.
- Turn the placemat through the opening, then close the opening by hand.
- Topstitch around the edges to finish.
The tutorial’s presenter is Linda Augsburg, identified on the video page as Executive Editor for American Patchwork & Quilting. Her instructions are for a pair of placemats, not a single mat.
Quick Recap
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