Spring is in the air and what better way to celebrate than with a whimsical picnic on a sunny day? But before you head out to the park, why not add a touch of charm to your picnic setup with some DIY gingham ruffle placemats? These placemats are the perfect mix of practicality and cuteness, and they'll have your picnic guests oohing and ahhing in no time. So grab your sewing machine and let's get started on this fun and easy tutorial that will have you feeling like a springtime fairy in no time!
Finished Size approximately: 20" x 15"
Materials to make two placemats:
- 1 Meter of Fabric
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Pins
- Scissors
Cutting:
- (4) 18" x 13" (Main)
- (4) 44" x 3.5" (Ruffle)
Ruffle Placemat Blog Post images by Sewers Club
Please carefully read the sewing instructions and cut all materials prior to beginning. 1/4” seam allowance is recommended throughout. Images in the slides above correspond with the steps in the sewing instructions.
Sewing Instructions🪡
The Ruffle
1. Join two of the 44" x 3.5" pieces right sides facing. Sew across the short side. Repeat on the other end to create a loop. Press seams open.
2. Fold the fabric in half, wrong sides together, matching the 44" sides and press. Serge or sew a zig-zag stitch over the open end to prevent fraying.
3. Sew two parallel basting stitches 1/2" and 1" from the edge nearest to the zig-zag stitch. Do not backstitch as these stitches will be removed Later. Leave the ends of the thread loose and long enough to pull. On one side of the fabric, tie the two threads together and trim the threads.
4. Flip the fabric and gently pull the remaining two threads to gather the fabric. Gather the ruffle fabric evenly until it measures approximately 62".
Attaching the Ruffle
5. Pin the ruffle to the top of one of the 18" x 13" piece of fabric, placing the joining seams of the ruffle at the top middle and bottom middle of the fabric. Sew to secure the ruffle in place.
6. Place the other 18" x 13" piece of fabric on top of the ruffle, nice sides together, sandwiching the the ruffle in the middle. Pin in place and sew around, leaving a gap approximately 5 inches long, back stitch at the beginning and the end stitch
7. Before turning right side out, trim your corners leaving a 1/4" allowance. Turn right side out and press with an iron.
8. Pin the hole closed and sew a top stitch all around the placemat. Remove the basting stitches from the ruffle and do a final press. Repeat with the remaining fabric pieces
Done!