Wipeable and Reversible Placemat Tutorial

I have been trying to figure this out for a while now.  I want my table to be dressed nicer, but with a toddler around, it is just not practical to have linens on the table.  I thought maybe to use oilcloth, but it tends to split fairly easily, so turning would be a problem.  Then I thought I could avoid turning by using bias tape, but then the bias tape would get dirty.  Them I came across a blog post (which I lost the link, ugghhhh!) that used dollar store foam placemats and covered them with fabric and iron-on vinyl.  I was so excited - I had never heard of iron-on vinyl before.

So, I decided to skip the foam placemat and just make mine with fabric. 

I am really happy with the result.

Here is what you'll need to make 4 of these:

• one yard of home decor weight fabric
• one yard of complimentary fabric, preferably home decor weight, but not necessary
• 3 packages of iron-on vinyl (2 yds x 17" per pack) - creative couponing at Jo-Ann's worked well for me here.
• Corresponding thread
• Iron

Start by cutting out your fabric pieces.  Each piece should be 19.5" x 14".  be sure to pay attention to which way you want the print to go on your placemat.

Next, cut out your vinyl pieces.



Yes, I am aware this is upside down, but I'm running out of time :)

Now is your chance to iron out your fabric perfectly smooth.  Hold the steam though...you don't want your fabric wet.



Peel off the vinyl piece from the backing.



Place it on top of the RIGHT side of your fabric.



Smooth out.

Now place the paper piece on top of the vinyl.



With your iron on medium heat and no steam, begin pressing...follow package instructions to be sure you get a good bond.



Now flip your fabric piece over and press again.



Turn it back over and peel off the paper.  Voila.  Repeat with the other 7 fabric pieces.



Now place your two different fabrics with right sides facing each other.  Do not pin as you'll puncture the vinyl.  Carefully sew around the edges leaving a large hole for turning - this is much more difficult to turn than regular fabric...leaving a large opening will help cut down on wrinkling.

Note how I sewed "into" the piece before I started sewing around the edges.  This helps keep everything more stable when you are turning. 

Cut all four corners on the diagonal.

Turn the placemat inside out.  it will be a wrinkly mess:.  Don't worry.

Go back to the ironing board.  Fold under the opening and hold it steady.  meanwhile, place the paper that you used for pressing back on top and iron the opening.  Warning:  The two sides will fuse together...so you only get one shot here.  Now continue to press the whole placemat, both sides.  I found that using high heat here was very helpful.



Much better, right?



 Now top stitch all around.  Tip:  Use a dark colored thread, otherwise with frequent wiping, light colors will become very dingy.

So, there you are...a super easy and fun way to update your kitchen table.  I love how I can mix and match them to suit my mood/decor.



I hope you enjoy these as much as I do!