Japanese Craft: How to Sew Funky Place Mats!
Don’t you just love these funky place mats?
I took the following tutorial from one of my Japanese craft books…..(below) thought they might be lovely for the Christmas table. I like the fact that they would not be too Christmassy – but could be used year round.
Here goes with the photo tutorial and my explanation. Hope it is easy to follow…
1. Cut out the fabric with the dimensions as above. Note that the measurement is in centimetres. Use two different fabrics as shown, I love the same colours with different patterns – works really well.
2. Place the two pieces of fabric together, right sides facing each other.
3. Sew a line of straight stitching on each side.
4. Leave the fabric inside out and iron the edges facing outwards. Leave a hem of about 1.5cm (this is a little different to what they have done, but it is easier I think).
5. Turn the fabric so that the right sides are facing outwards.
6. Adjust the fabrics so that there is an ovelap of the contrasting fabric on each side.
7. Take a thick thread (embroidery thread would be perfect) and hand stitch the bottom edges together. Then stitch the top edges together.
8. The final step is to hand stitch down the mat (just inside the panel seam)
Voila, what a gorgeous, simple mat you have!
Thoughts?
Mia
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November 29th, 2006 at 3:18 pm
Thanks for the tutorial, those look great! I can read just enough Japanese to see that it also looks as though you can make matching coasters.
November 29th, 2006 at 10:16 pm
Oh, this is great gift idea too! Thanks for sharing! By the way, I have just posted up a tutorial for a Notebook & Pencil Holder on my blog – it can also be made in one hour and is a good gift idea for Christmas
. Link is: How to Make a Notebook-&-Pencil Holder
November 29th, 2006 at 11:37 pm
Yeah coasters are there too (not that I can read any Japanese unfortunately). My obsession with Japanese design and style is pushing me towards going and learning.
Thanks Jhoanna for the tut,
Mia
November 30th, 2006 at 7:36 pm
those are very cute, and seem very simple to do. i have some similar placemats that i got from a japanese dollar store, and wanted to make some in a different color…my way would have been more difficult!
March 15th, 2007 at 6:38 pm
Awesome I have to try this, they are soo cute!
If you don’t mind I will also place a link to your tutorial from my blog.
Thanks for sharing Eve
October 19th, 2007 at 9:42 am
hi mia-
can you tell me what book this is from – the pix are not loading… would love to see them…
just found your blog – wonderful!
mari