My daughter in London had just moved into a new digs a few months back, and asked if I could make them some tablemats. The colour scheme in the dining area was ocean blues/greens, and I found some suitable fabrics, and got busy cutting and sewing.
I decided to make reversible mats, so they could turn them over for a change sometimes and basically have a choice each time they used them; of course mix and match at a table setting would work too.
After measuring a few table mats we have, I decided on making them about 47cmx30cm (18,5inches x 12inches), so that I could cut exactly three mats across the width of the fabric which was 1,5m, and as a result, I got 9 mats out of a meter of each fabric. I allowed 1,5cm (about 1/2 inch) seams all around each mat. I bought 1,4 meters of each fabric so that I could make them 12 mats – probably only needed 8 but it meant no waste and if one or two were to get ruined with red wine spills, then they would have some extras! I haven’t heard of any mishaps yet, and have had a picture or two of parties and gatherings, and there are the mats in use, so clearly they are a great hit! Of course, they are totally washable too.
After cutting the rectangular pieces needed from the fabric, I pinned them together, one of each fabric,RIGHT sides out and WRONG sides facing eachother, so that I could then start sewing them together, folding in the seem and sewing straight down each side. I folded in a small triange at the corners and made neat corners this way.
This can be done in a few hours and is such a special, useful gift, and will save plenty of pennies, as table mats are often quite pricey, and usually not reversible. What better gift too than one you have lovingly made.
Once I had made these, I thought about making table runners as well, and they have turned out just as successfully. Measurements there are about 40cm to 44cm wide (16-17inches wide), and length depends on the length of the table you are making it for, but some standard lengths are 1,2m (47inches), 1,8m (71inches) and 2,4m (94inches). It is nice if they hang over the sides a little, although table runners that end before the end of the table are also fine and look good too. You can do reversible here too I suppose, though I haven’t done that yet. Mine have all been single layer just with a neat seam all the way around.
For round or oval tables, choose lighter weight fabrics, so that they will drape a bit more and hang nicely over the curved edge of the table.
Of course, table mats, just like runners, do not need to be reversible, and can just as easily be made by neatly sewing hems all around the edges of a beautiful and suitable fabric, which is just for use on the one right side. Reversible or not, all make gorgeous, personal gifts that most people would love to receive. Who wouldn’t like a new piece of table decor, specially made for you?!!