Maybe we chose this Michael Miller fabric for its name: Send in the Crowns. Maybe we were captivated by the metallic sparkle of those rows and rows of crowns in their beautiful and unique shade of platinum. Maybe we wanted a clean, cosmopolitan design to blend with our Thanksgiving Elegance table. Actually… it was all those things, and the result is our lovely tri-panel placemats. A super simple project to make, an ultra sophisticated look on your table.

The yardage shown below is based on six placemats with a finished size of 19″ wide x 13″ high.

Sewing Tools You Need

• Any Sewing Machine (we recommend the Janome Decor Computer 4030).

Fabric and Other Supplies

NOTE: The yardage shown below is based on six placemats.

• 1¼ yards of 44-45″ wide fabric for main body of placemats: we originally used Antiquity in Send in the Crowns by Michael Miller Fabrics
• 5/8 yard of 44-45″ coordinating fabric for accent panel on each placemat: we originally used Antiquity in Linen Quartrefoils by Michael Miller Fabrics
• 1¼ yards of 44-45″ fabric for placemat backs: we originally used Bella Solids in Ivory by Moda
• 1¼ yard of low-loft batting; we originally used Kyoto Bamboo Blend batting; you could also use craft fleece or heat resistant fleece
• All purpose thread
• Embroidery thread for accent stitching: we originally used rayon embroidery thread in taupe
• See-through ruler: a 6″ ruler would be best
• Fabric marker, pen or chalk
• Straight pins
• Scissors or rotary cutter and mat
• Iron and ironing board
• Hand sewing needle and thread for basting

Getting Started

1. From the fabric for the main body of the placemats (Antiquity in Send in the Crowns in our sample), cut THREE 14″ x width of fabric (WOF) panels.
2. From each 14″ x WOF panel, cut four 8″ sections, creating a total of TWELVE 8″ x 14″ rectangles.
   
3. From the accent fabric (Antiquity in Linen Quartrefoils  in our sample), cut SIX 6″ x 14″ rectangles.
4. From the backing fabric (Bella Solids by Moda in Ivory in our sample), cut SIX 14″ x 20″ rectangles.
5. From the fleece or batting, cut six 14″ x 20″ rectangles.

At Your Sewing Machine & Ironing Board

1. To create the placemat top, with right sides together, pin an 8″ x 14″ main fabric rectangle to each side of an accent fabric 6″ x 14″ center panel.
2. Sew both sides together, using a ½” seam allowance. Press the seam allowance toward the accent fabric.
   
3. Repeat to create the other placemat tops.
4. Place a 14″ x 20 piece of batting flat on your work surface. Place a finished placemat top over the batting, right side facing up. Place a 14″ x 20″ backing rectangle on top of the placemat top, right side facing down. You’ve made a little placemat sandwich: batting, top, back.
   
5. Align the raw edges of all the layers and pin in place.
6. Using a ½” seam allowance, sew around all sides of the placemat, leaving a 5″ opening at the lower edge for turning. Remember to pivot at all the corners.
7. Trim all the corners at a diagonal, being careful not to cut into your seam, and turn the placemat right side out. Poke out the corners with a blunt tool, like a large knitting needle or a chopstick.
8. Press well, folding in the raw edges of the opening so they are flush with sewn seam. Pin the opening edges in place.
   
9. Re-thread your machine with topstitching thread in both the top and bobbin. We used rayon embroidery thread in a taupe color to add some shine to the stitching. You may want to lengthen your stitch for a nicer look.
10. As a finishing touch, topstitch along both sides of the center accent panel close to the seams, through all layers.
    
11. Repeat steps 4-11 to complete each placemat.
    

Project Design: Alicia Thommas
Sample Creation and Instructional Editing: Michele Mishler