This placemat tutorial will show you how to sew a set of reversible placemats in under 30 minutes each. Homemade placemats are simple to make, perfect as a beginner sewing project, and they make thoughtful gifts for weddings, housewarmings, or birthdays.
Over the years I’ve made many placemat sets, often gifting them to friends and family. Because they are quick to sew and very useful, they make lovely presents for people who might not take the time to sew their own. If you’re looking for a small, personal handmade gift, placemats brighten any table and are practical too.
This particular set was a housewarming gift for my sister. Her home has cool blues and greys, so I chose fabrics that complement that palette. Reversible placemats let the recipient flip the look to suit a mood or occasion, giving twice the styling options from the same set.
What keeps this project so fast is using home décor canvas or upholstery-weight fabric. With sturdier fabric you don’t need batting or interfacing to get a substantial placemat. If you prefer lightweight cotton, plan to add interfacing or a thin batting for body. Fabrics that are 54–60″ wide are especially efficient—the yardage you need depends on how many placemats you plan to make. For the 14″ x 18″ size used here, one yard of 60″ wide fabric will typically yield four placemats; with wider 60″ fabric you may get six.
Reversible Placemat Tutorial
Cut two 14″ x 18″ pieces of fabric for each placemat—one for each side.
Place the two pieces together with right sides facing.
Along one of the long sides, mark a 3–4″ opening to use for turning the placemat right-side out. Marking the opening helps avoid accidentally sewing it closed. If you forget the marking, just remember to stop sewing with enough room to turn the piece later.
Starting at the bottom pin, stitch around the entire placemat with a 3/8″ seam allowance, leaving the marked opening unstitched.
Remove the pins.
Clip the corners diagonally, being careful not to cut the seam. This trims the bulk and helps the corners turn out sharp. Reach inside the opening and pull the placemat through so the right sides are on the outside. Gently push out the corners with a blunt tool or your fingers and press all seams flat with an iron.
Fold the raw edges of the turning opening inward and press, then pin to hold. Topstitch around the entire placemat about 1/4″ from the edge. This final stitch keeps the placemat flat, reinforces the seams, and closes the turning gap for a neat finish.
You now have one finished reversible placemat. Repeat these steps until you have the number you want—2, 4, 6, or more.
A simple, reversible design gives you two looks in one.
Decide which fabric combinations you like best for your dining room or to match a gift recipient’s décor.
Whether you make a pair or a full set for a family, this project is fast and satisfying. With a steady sewing pace you can complete several placemats in an afternoon.
Care tips: wash placemats according to the fabric’s instructions—most home décor canvas can be spot-cleaned or machine-washed on a gentle cycle. Press well after laundering to keep seams crisp. With simple materials and basic sewing skills, reversible placemats are an easy way to add color and personality to your table or give a handmade gift that gets daily use.