placemats

[sewingmom]

I havn't made placemats before. Is there a nice way to finish the edges without seam binding. These will be double sided with silver lame on one side and black quilted fabric on the other. I have some gold seam binding but I think it will ruin the theme of black and silver. HMM, come to think of it, I may have some black seam binding. I have never been neat with applying seambinding and I need to be fast with this project. Lots of sewing to do!!!

[pucktricks]

You could do it "envelope style," I think that's what it's called, where you put right sides together and the batting on the outside, sew around the edge, leave an opening, and then turn it. You can either finish it by topstitching, a decorative stitch, or slip stitching.

Hope that helps give you ideas.

Ticia

[ddreev]

Ticia has a good idea. I have used the envelope style several times on place mats and it works well. After turning, pressing well and slip stitching the opening, I generally top stitch about 1/4" to 3/8" from the edge(if there is a definite pattern in the fabric, I take that into consideration when deciding the width). It holds the edges secure and gives the look of a nice edge finish

[LeapFrog Libby]

That is what I would do.. If additioonal quilting is needed to anchor, just stitch in the ditch ...

[DorothyL]

I've done them with satin stitches around the edge. I have a special foot for this but I think a blind hem foot would work. It takes a lot of thread and time and is kind of boring but it looks good. I've done it with batting between the layers.
Dorothy

[SmilieFace]

I hope you'll post pictures. I've never made placemats before, and I would not have thought to add batting in between. What fabric did you use? I'm excited to see the finished product.

[Sewing Lady]

I agree with the envelope technique. Smili I put a low loft in between and then quilt. I also use the batting on pillow shams. It really makes it look professional. Show us pics when you are done.

[ddreev]

If you want a thinner place mat you could use flannel for the batting. If you use the flannel just be sure you wash and dry it several times to preshrink. I have also used batting as a backing on pillow shams and it works great for giving them some nice body and keeps them from looking wrinkled.

[sewingmom]

I should have told you that my black fabric came pre quilted so I don't have to add batting. I have a serger. Do you think a serged edge would look neat enough. My black binding is not the same shade of black as the quilted fabric. I have gold metalic binding but I am afraid that in the scheme of my plan that it is not the best color. It seems that Wal-Mart doesn't carry silver in metallic seam binding.

[DorothyL]

If they are very casual then a serged edge might be good but otherwise I'd go for the satin stitch.
Dorothy