Quick Kids' Place Mats

This is a quick little project that I've been wanting to do for a long time. During naptime today, I finally got around to it! And I got to use my slipper gripper so my place mats stay put and hopefully catch more of the mess. I've been dying to use this stuff since I found it at my local fabric store. What is slipper gripper, you ask? It looks like this and comes in 15" yardage on the bolt. Oh the many many projects I have in mind...

{Make sure to prewash your slipper gripper! To see why, check this out.}

For each place mat, cut a piece of slipper gripper measuring 13 1/2" long and cut a piece of fabric measuring 13 1/2" x 15" for the top of your place mat. You could also piece together a 13 1/2" x 15" top, like I did. There are 4 cuts shown because I made 2 place mats. 

**disclaimer: My written directions are the smart way to do it...follow the seam allowances given, not pictured. I realized the error of my ways and now you don't need to conduct your own trial & error.**

Place your slipper gripper right sides together with your top piece and stitch together around the perimeter using a 1/2" seam allowance. Leave a 3-4" gap for turning.

 I read somewhere a long time ago that running off the corners, rather than lifting your foot and turning, makes for a stronger corner. It seems to work so I always do it this way.

Clip corners, turn right side out, and push out your corners. Now press on the fabric side. I did this on high with steam and the gripper bumps didn't melt. Just don't linger in one place - move quick.

Topstitch all the way around, using a 1/4" seam allowance. To keep the grippers from getting stuck on your needle plate, lay a piece of tissue paper under the placemat, like so. When you're done, just tear the tissue paper away. Don't worry about pulling every bit off because it will all come off in the wash (I do cold/delicate and lay flat to dry).

And that's it!

Go grab some snacks!

fabrics: Michael Miller Bots N Rockets

Pin It