How To Make A Round Quilted Placemat: Free Printable Template (2024)

Craft a round quilted placemat that stands out and fits perfectly in any dining scenario. This guide is equipped with illustrative photos and a tutorial video, taking you through each step seamlessly.

Creating a beautiful round placemat is simple, with just a few steps between you and a piece that’s sure to impress family, friends, and guests alike. Moreover, it’s a fantastic way to repurpose those fabric scraps you’ve been saving.

People Also Read: How Much Fabric Do I Need

Why Paper Piecing is Ideal

• Paper piecing shines as a method beneficial not just for novices in quilting but also for seasoned practitioners.
• Utilizing a paper template enhances your stitching accuracy as you piece together fabric bits, making it a breeze to craft precise and intricate circular patterns.

The allure of a completed round quilted placemat lies in its stunning presentation, ideal for adorning your table or gifting to someone special. Follow this tutorial closely, and you’ll soon be producing your own exquisite round placemats effortlessly.

Essentials for Your Round Quilted Placemat

• Fabric: Choose several types (ideally five); three for the main circle, one for the binding, and the largest piece for the backing.
• Batting: Opt for middle weight for the ideal thickness.
• Embroidery Stabilizer: A rip-away stabilizer works best for this project.
• Sewing Machine: Ensures seamless assembly.
• Walking Foot: An optional but helpful tool.
• Standard Sewing Supplies: The basics for any sewing project.

Locating a Free Printable Placemat Template

Step 1: The first step is to print out and put together a quilted placemat pattern or template.

Start by downloading and assembling a free printable pattern or template for your Round Quilted Placemat. You’ll need to print out a six-page PDF pattern.

Having a reliable printer is crucial for sewing enthusiasts, enabling you to quickly start on projects with just a file download. Today’s printers, equipped with wireless connectivity, offer the convenience of printing from anywhere in your home.

Align the pattern pieces, looking out for small triangles that guide the alignment. Use regular tape to connect the pages, ensuring the pattern lines match up precisely. This meticulous alignment is the foundation for a beautifully round placemat.

Assembling Your Round Quilted Placemat

With the template ready, the next steps involve cutting the fabric according to the pattern, layering with batting and stabilizer, and beginning the sewing process. The joy of creating a Round Quilted Placemat lies not just in the crafting itself but in the opportunity to gift a handmade piece to someone special or to add a touch of handmade charm to your home decor.

Step 2: Preparing Your Template for Paper Piecing

To embark on paper piecing, crafting an accurate template is a foundational step. While traditional paper piecing offers a variety of paper options, modern quilting allows for innovative substitutions that don’t necessitate removal, enhancing convenience and efficiency.

For this project, I’ve opted for an embroidery stabilizer known as TEAR-AWAY stabilizer, a go-to resource in my quilting toolkit due to its versatility and ease of use.

The process began with cutting out the circle from the stabilizer, using paper scissors from my collection to avoid dulling my fabric shears. The double-sided visibility of the stabilizer’s design significantly elevates its utility, making it a superior choice for this task.

Step 3: Preparing the Fabric for Your Quilted Placemat

Moving on to the next phase, we enter the realm of fabric selection and precise cutting to bring our project to life. This stage involves cutting sixteen small pieces from an array of fabrics, each contributing to the intricate design of our Round Quilted Placemat.

You might have noticed that the template lacks seam allowances in the center. While Adobe Illustrator isn’t my forte for pattern design, I’ve overcome this challenge by adding a third of an inch seam allowance using a trusty ruler. You’ll follow suit in this creative endeavor.

Out of the pink cotton fabric, I’ll be cutting eight pieces, and the same number from the green cotton fabric. For this task, I favor the Martelli rotary cutter, a personal favorite for its precision. Cutting both layers simultaneously streamlines the process. When working with smaller items, a miniature ruler proves invaluable. Although extreme precision isn’t crucial at this stage, adhering to the pattern is essential. I’ve eschewed the use of a standard ruler, instead opting to follow the paper template to cut the curving lines.

Step 4: Assembling the Circular Placemat with Precision

With each individual component expertly cut, it’s time to bring them together on the sewing machine. While I’ve opted for an embroidered stabilizer instead of traditional paper, we’re still employing the tried-and-true “paper piecing” technique, albeit with a twist – “stabilizer piecing.”

Let’s begin with the pink component, securing it onto the stabilizer in a precise location. Proper placement is crucial at this stage.

Now, introduce the vibrant green piece, ensuring that the right sides are facing each other, and securely fasten it with a pin.

Next, carefully flip the template, preparing to stitch along the designated line. Here, I recommend using slightly longer stitches and avoiding stitching precisely from point to point. Continue sewing, ensuring you extend about a 1/4 inch past each point.

Here’s where a handy tool comes into play – the finger presser. It’s a nifty device that allows for easy pressing along the stitched line. This eliminates the need for an iron, streamlining the process.

Now, let’s add the final pink piece. Secure it with a pin, flip, and stitch directly along the line using precision. Don’t forget to employ the finger press.

Proceed by adding each subsequent component according to the pattern. As you do, you’ll witness the block gradually taking shape with each completed step.

If you’re contemplating stitching over the green piece to resolve any issues, I regret to inform you that this isn’t the solution.

With everything in place, the final steps involve tidying up the circle’s corners and trimming any excess fabric. Thanks to the clearly marked circular lines on my stabilizer template, this task is a breeze.

At this point, I’m ready to press the circle, and the lines previously marked with the FriXion pen will disappear, leaving behind a clean, precise finish.

As we approach the finishing touches, my circle quilt is coming together beautifully.

Step 5: Creating a Centerpiece and Binding the Placemat

Now, we’re at a crucial step where we’ll create a captivating centerpiece and expertly bind the placemat.

First, we need to draw a precise circle in the middle of our project. To simplify the process of cutting the fabric, I opt for a paper template. I carefully trace the circle onto pattern paper, personally preferring vellum paper for this task. My choice for the center is a vibrant, eye-catching floral design. As I cut along the marked line, I do so meticulously and with patience.

Additionally, I create a matching circle from batting, ensuring it’s precisely the same size as the fabric circle. I secure these two layers together using pins, holding them in place for the next step.

When it comes to the binding strip, its width measures approximately 1.5 inches, with a length of around 27 inches. It’s worth noting that the binding strips must be cut on the bias, at a 45-degree angle. This angle is crucial to ensure that the circles are bound seamlessly, lying flat without any issues.

To start, I fold the end of the bias strip to create a 3/8-inch tail. As I work my way around the circle, I secure the bias strip with either pins or wonder clips. It’s important not to stretch the edge that runs along the bias. When I reach the starting point, I overlap the ends without folding the second end; it simply rests on the folded one, and I secure them together with pins.

After the binding is stitched in place, I flip it so that the right side faces downward, eliminating the need for finishing on the incorrect side.

With everything set, I position the circular centerpiece where it belongs on the quilt. To secure it in place, I employ the “stitch in the ditch” technique, sewing along the seam that separates the binding strip from the main fabric, resulting in a flawless finish.

We’re now one step closer to completing our stunning round quilted placemat.

Step 6: Adding the Final Touches and Tying the Quilted Placemat

With the quilted placemat nearly complete, it’s time to add the finishing touches that will make it truly exceptional.

1. Begin by taking a piece of batting, but refrain from cutting it into a circle just yet. Additionally, you’ll need a piece of fabric for the backing of the quilt.
2. Let’s assemble the quilt sandwich by layering the prepared circular piece, the background fabric, and the batting. To secure these layers together, I rely on Wonder pins, an essential tool in my quilting arsenal. These pins feature a brightly colored top that’s easy to spot and remove, along with a thin yet sharp point that won’t leave unsightly holes in your fabrics. They’re designed for ease of use, allowing me to insert them with just one hand, and removal is a breeze.
3. Once the layers are securely pinned, it’s time to quilt the placemat. For the large circular area, I opt for pink shapes quilted with stippling stitches. I use a cotton thread in a matching shade of pink to achieve a cohesive look.
4. The final step involves binding the placemat. The binding strip measures 1.5 inches in width and 56 inches in length. To start, fold one end of the bias strip to create a 3/8-inch tail. Continue to work your way around the circle, securing the bias strip with pins or wonder clips. Be cautious not to stretch the edge that runs against the bias. When you reach the starting point, overlap the ends without folding the second end; simply lay it on top of the folded one and pin it in place.
5. While sewing, take care not to pull or strain the fabric. When attaching bias strips to circles and curves, it’s crucial to do the opposite of what you’d normally do—relax the fabric. Failure to do so may cause the fabric to stretch, resulting in an uneven circle.
6. To achieve this, I gently tug the fabric in the direction of the presser foot, avoiding the use of fingers and instead opting for a thin stick or seam ripper for this task. I even use a specialized touchscreen pen designed for devices, although it doesn’t work with my sewing machine. It’s a tool I find quite handy.
7. At this point, the bias tape has been sewn into place. Now, it’s essential to wrap the bias strip around the sides of the circular cloth and then secure it in place.

This video will help you learn more about How To Make A Round Quilted Placemat:

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for Round Quilted Placemat

Conclusion

Round quilted placemats offer both aesthetic appeal and practical functionality to any dining setting. They are versatile, easy to maintain, and can enhance the overall dining experience by adding a touch of elegance and comfort. Whether you’re looking to protect your table, add a splash of color, or simply elevate your meal presentation, round quilted placemats are an excellent choice. With a wide range of designs, materials, and colors available, finding the perfect set to match your personal style and dining decor is easier than ever. Investing in quality round quilted placemats is not just about adding beauty to your meals; it’s about embracing a lifestyle that values both form and function in everyday living.