Block of the Month Placemats

12 Triangle Place Mats    

This project uses four 12 Triangle blocks from last week’s Block of the Month.  You will have four finished place mats, each finishing approximately 17" x 13".

I used fabrics from Jenean Morrison's Power Pop line, and fussy cut the center block with the circular design for my place mat set.  For purposes of illustration, I will be using kona cottons for most of this tutorial.

Follow directions to make four Triangle blocks in fabrics of your choice.

In addition, cut:

- 4 Rectangles 14" x 5" for left side panels

- 8 Strips 1 1/4" x  12 1/2 inches for top and bottom of Triangle Blocks

- 4 Strips 1 1/4" x 14" for right side of Triangle Blocks

- 4 Backing from coordinating fabric (cut after place mat is pieced)

- 4 Batting (cut after place mat is pieced)

Sew top and bottom 1 1/4" strips to Triangle block with 1/4" seam.  Sew with block side up so that you can make sure your seam line crosses the point of the triangle.

I like to have another sewing project (such as these small storm at sea blocks) on hand to use as anchor cloths to start and finish sewing, so that the beginning and ending stitches are uniform.  Other  benefits are that a second project is progressing, plus you waste less thread.

Press these seams, and following seams, away from center of block.  Notice the nice clean points.

Next add the right side strip in the same manner.

Add the left side panel.

Trim front of mat so that edges are straight.  Use trimmed mat as template to cut batting and backing.  Layer backing right sides together with place mat front.  Layer batting on top. 

Pin all three layers together with safety pins.   Stitch with place mat facing up.  Use a  1/2" seam and stitch around all four sides, leaving a 3" opening on bottom edge of mat for turning.

Trim seam, remove pins, turn right side out.

Tuck in seams along 3" opening and press carefully so that you can't see where the opening was.  Hand stitch opening closed with coordinating thread.  I like to use a ladder stitch, which is nearly invisible.

Quilt as desired.  I used an all over stipple for this set.

I hope that you've enjoyed this tutorial.  I would love to see a picture of your finished runner. Link up on the last Wednesday of every month during my twelve month challenge.

Happy Sewing ♥