How to make fabric placemats
Cutting out
Step one
Cut the linen fabric as follows:
Placemat front: 40x50cm (16x20in).
Placemat back: 32x44cm (125/8×173/8in).
Step two
Cut the binding fabric into four strips, 5x52cm (2x21in) each.
Transferring the design
Step one
Download and print out the free cloud cross stitch placemat pattern
Step two
Place the template underneath the front fabric, positioning it 10cm (4in) from the raw edges at the top left corner of the linen.
Step three
Trace around the clouds outline using an erasable pen.
Embroidering the clouds
Step one
Using three strands of stranded cotton throughout, fill the clouds with cloud stitch. Work the vertical straight stitches using lavender thread and the weaving in white.
Step two
Outline the edges of the clouds in backstitch using lavender thread.
Assembling the placemats
Step one
Trim the embroidered front fabric to 32x44cm (125/8×173/8in), with the outer edges of the clouds 3cm (11/4in) from the top and left.
Step two
Press the interfacing on the wrong side (WS) of the placemat back fabric. Pin the front and back of the placemat WS together.
Binding the edges
Step one
Join the binding strips right sides (RS) together at the short ends to make a long strip.
Step two
Fold the strip in half lengthways with WS together and press, then turn one short end under by 1cm (3/8in) to the WS.
Step three
Pin the binding to the front of the lower edge of the placemat.
Step four
Sew the binding in place, mitring the corners as you go.
Step five
Work a running stitch just inside the edge of the binding to decorate.
