nine patch placemats {a tutorial}

A few weeks back I made these simple nine patch placemats mostly to practice some new straight line quilting I learned while watching my friend Catherine's DVD.

I adore the combination of this super traditional block and lots of neutral space, I think it makes for such lovely modern placemats. Oh, and using only red and low volume prints for the blocks definitely helps too :).

So, I thought I'd share a quick tutorial in case some of you would like to give these nine patch placemats a try.

♥♥♥

Here's how to make four nine patch placemats.

(use 1/4" seam allowance) 

Materials needed:

24 - 1.5" x 5.5" of red fabric

24 - 1.5" x 5.5" of low volume fabric

1/2 yard background fabric

1/2 yard backing fabric

1/2 yard fabric for binding

1/2 yard batting

Cutting fabric:

from background fabric cut: 12 - 1.5" x 3.5" strips

                                               4 - 3.5'" x 15.5" rectangles

                                               4 - 5.5" x 15.5" rectangles

from backing fabric cut: 4 - 13" x 17" rectangles

from batting of your choice cut: 4 - 13" x 17" rectangles

from binding fabric cut: 6 strips 2.25" x width of fabric

24 - 1.5" x 5.5" strips of red fabric

24 - 1.5" x 5.5" strips of low volume fabric

Assembly:

Step 1: Make 16 nine patch blocks following my tutorial for tiny nine patch blocks.

Step 2: Arrange four blocks and three strips of 1.5" x 3" background fabric for each placemat (as shown in the picture below). Stitch together to form one continuous strip of patchwork. Press the seams.

Step 3: Sandwich strip of patchwork between one 3.5" x 15.5" and one 5.5" x 15.5" as pictured, stitch all three parts together and press the seams.

Step 4: Assemble all four placemat tops, they each should finish at 11.5" x 15.5".

Step 5: Make four quilt sandwiches by placing backing fabric (wrong side up) on  a flat surface, place batting on top and then placemat top (right side up). Baste together using either pins or basting spray.

Step 6: Quilt as desired.

Step 7: Square and trim the placemats. Make binding the way you would for a quilt, attach to each placemat.

Step 8: Trim all the stray threads and you're finished. 

Hope you find this tutorial useful.

And, as always, if you make a project using any of my tutorials please add it to my Flickr group. I always enjoy seeing all your amazing creations.

 Svetlana