How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats – An Easy Quilt-As-You-Go Scrap Fabric Project

Cassie Cartmell – Faodail Creation

This is the full YouTube tutorial on How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats | Quilt Binding https://youtu.be/d0Yk8rtWcJA

How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats is a wonderful beginner-friendly sewing project if you have a collection of fabric scraps that you just cannot bear to throw away. This quilt-as-you-go technique allows you to turn those leftover pieces of fabric into a useful and attractive placemat while quilting the backing at the same time.

The best part of this project is the self-binding method. Instead of making separate quilt binding and attaching it to your finished quilted placemat, the backing fabric is cut larger than the batting and folded over to create the binding. This simple approach eliminates the need to prepare traditional quilt binding separately.

This makes How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats a particularly useful technique for beginners who want to learn quilting without having to make and attach traditional quilt binding. The self-binding technique creates a neat finished edge while allowing you to complete the project in fewer steps.

For my example, I made a placemat approximately 15 inches wide by 13 inches tall, but you can easily change the measurements to make your placemat larger or smaller. Whether you are new to quilt binding or simply looking for an easier finishing technique, this project is a great one to try.

This is also a fantastic quilt-as-you-go sewing project because you add and quilt each scrap of fabric directly onto the batting as you work. By using the backing fabric as the quilt binding, you can create a finished placemat without having to make a separate strip of binding.

How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats Using Scrap Fabric – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

Explore various designs and techniques as you learn How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats to enhance your sewing skills and creativity.

If your scrap fabric collection is getting out of hand, this project is a great way to use some of it.

You can use coordinating fabrics for a more planned appearance, or simply choose random scraps for a colourful scrappy placemat. There is no need for every piece to match perfectly.

One of the things I particularly like about this method is that you can use different sizes and shapes of fabric scraps. You can even sew two smaller scraps together before adding them to the placemat if you need a longer piece.

What Is Quilt-As-You-Go? – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

Quilt-as-you-go is a technique where you construct and quilt the project at the same time.

Rather than piecing an entire quilt top first and quilting it later, you place fabric directly onto the batting and sew the pieces together. The stitching that attaches the fabric on the front also creates the quilting on the back.

For this project, the result is a scrappy placemat with a quilted backing and a self-finished edge.

Materials Needed for Self-Binding Placemats – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

Before starting, gather your materials and sewing supplies.

Fabric and Batting

You will need:

• Batting cut to your desired finished placemat size
• One piece of backing fabric
• Assorted fabric scraps
• Matching or coordinating thread
• An iron and ironing surface

For my placemat, the batting measured approximately 15 x 13 inches.

The backing needs to be larger than the batting. Make sure you have approximately 2 inches of extra backing fabric around the entire piece.

This extra fabric is important because it will eventually become your self-binding.

Sewing Machine and Notions – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

You will also need:

• Sewing machine
• Regular straight-stitch presser foot
• Sewing machine needle suitable for your fabric
• Fabric scissors
• Rotary cutter and ruler, if preferred
• Wonder Clips or similar clips
• Iron
• Thread snips

I used a Baby Lock Soprano sewing machine with regular polyester thread. A standard straight-stitch foot works well for this project.

You do not need a special quarter-inch foot. Because you are working with batting, I prefer using a regular straight-stitch foot.

Step 1: Prepare the Batting and Backing

The first step in How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats is preparing your batting and backing fabric.

Cut your batting to the exact finished size you want your placemat to be.

For example, my finished placemat is approximately 15 x 13 inches, so that is the size I cut my batting.

Next, cut your backing fabric larger than the batting.

You need enough additional backing fabric around all four sides to create your self-binding later.

I recommend having approximately 2 inches of extra backing fabric on each side.

Place the backing fabric down with the wrong side facing up.

Then place the batting on top.

Make sure the batting is positioned correctly and that you have an even amount of backing fabric extending beyond it.

Step 2: Choose Your First Scrap Fabric – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

Now it is time to start using those fabric scraps.

Choose your first piece and place it right side up on top of the batting.

This will become the starting point for your scrappy quilt-as-you-go design.

You do not need to plan the entire placemat before you begin.

That is one of the fun things about this technique.

You can simply choose a piece, sew it into place, press it, and then choose the next piece.

If you like a completely random appearance, use different colours, prints and sizes throughout the project.

Keep the Scrappy Design Random

Don’t worry about making every section identical.

You can use:

• Narrow strips
• Wide strips
• Small scraps
• Larger pieces
• Previously pieced scraps
• Different colours
• Different prints

You can even join two small scraps together before attaching them to the placemat.

This is a great way to use pieces that would otherwise be too small for another project.

Step 3: Add the Second Fabric – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

Take your next scrap and place it right sides together with the first piece.

Line up the edges where the two fabrics meet.

Sew along the edge using approximately a ¼-inch seam allowance.

Remember to reverse stitch at the beginning and end of your seam to secure the stitching.

Once you have sewn the seam, open the second fabric out.

Press the seam with your iron.

Press as You Go

Pressing each section as you work makes a big difference.

It helps keep the fabric flat and makes it easier to see where the next piece needs to go.

For a quilt-as-you-go project, I strongly recommend keeping your iron nearby rather than waiting until the entire project is finished.

Step 4: Continue Adding Scrap Fabric – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

Now continue adding fabric scraps one piece at a time.

Choose your next piece and place it right sides together with the edge of the previous section.

Sew approximately ¼ inch from the edge.

Open the fabric and press.

Then repeat the process.

As you work, the fabric pieces will gradually cover the entire surface of the batting.

This is where the quilt-as-you-go method becomes particularly useful.

Every time you sew a new piece onto the front, you are also creating quilting stitches through the batting and backing.

Don’t Worry If Your Seams Aren’t Perfect – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

If you have trouble keeping your seam exactly on the edge of the batting, don’t worry.

Simply keep moving the section until you catch the ¼-inch seam allowance.

The finished placemat does not need to be absolutely perfect.

This is a scrap-friendly project, so enjoy the process rather than worrying about every little detail.

You can also allow some of your fabric pieces to extend beyond the edge of the batting.

The excess will be trimmed later.

Step 5: Quilt the Entire Placemat – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

Continue adding fabric until the entire batting surface is covered.

As you sew each piece into place, remember that you are quilting through the layers.

This is why the project is called quilt-as-you-go.

You don’t have to finish the entire quilt top before quilting it.

Instead, the quilting happens naturally as you add each piece of fabric.

Keep checking the back of the placemat as you work.

You will see the quilting stitches appearing on the backing fabric.

When you have finished covering the batting, turn the project over and inspect the back.

Trim away loose threads before continuing.

Step 6: Trim the Quilted Placemat – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

Once the entire batting is covered, it is time to prepare the edges.

Turn the placemat over so you can see the backing fabric.

The backing fabric should extend beyond the edge of the batting.

Using a rotary cutter and ruler, trim the excess fabric around the outside of the batting.

Take your time with this step.

If the batting has shifted slightly while you were sewing, straighten it before trimming.

You want the finished quilted section to have neat, straight edges.

Step 7: Prepare the Self-Binding – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

This is the part that makes this project so useful.

Instead of making separate binding, we are going to use the excess backing fabric to create the binding.

For my project, I found that ¾ inch worked well for the folded binding.

Measure approximately ¾ inch from the edge of the quilted section and trim the backing accordingly.

Repeat this around all four sides.

You should now have a consistent strip of backing fabric around the entire placemat.

This fabric will become your self-binding.

Step 8: Fold and Press the Binding

Now we can begin How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats around the finished quilted section.

Take the excess backing fabric and fold it in half toward the placemat.

The fold should cover the raw edge of the quilt.

Press the fold with your iron.

Continue working around the entire placemat, folding and pressing the backing fabric.

Take your time around the corners.

The goal is to completely cover the raw edge of the quilted placemat.

Use Wonder Clips to Hold the Binding – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

Once you have pressed the binding into position, use Wonder Clips to hold it securely.

Clips are particularly useful here because they allow you to keep the binding in place without constantly readjusting it.

Work your way around the entire placemat.

Check that the binding completely covers the raw edges before sewing.

Step 9: Sew the Self-Binding Into Place – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

You have two choices for attaching the binding.

You can either:

• Hand stitch the binding into place
• Machine stitch the binding into place

There isn’t necessarily a right or wrong choice.

If you want a quick finish, machine stitching is a practical option.

If you prefer a more discreet finish, you can hand stitch the binding.

Whichever method you choose, make sure the binding stays securely over the raw edge as you sew.

Take extra care around the corners and make sure the folded fabric remains neat.

Step 10: Give Your Finished Placemat a Final Press – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

Once the binding has been completely attached, give the entire placemat one final press.

Check the front for any loose threads.

Then turn it over and check the backing.

Trim any remaining threads and make sure the binding is securely attached.

You now have a finished quilt-as-you-go placemat with a self-binding finish.

Tips for Making Self-Binding Placemats – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

Once you know How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats, you can easily adapt the technique for different projects.

Use Different Scrap Sizes

Don’t feel that every scrap needs to be the same size.

Combining narrow strips with larger pieces gives your placemat a fun scrappy appearance.

Join Small Scraps Together

If a piece of fabric isn’t long enough for the section you want to cover, sew two scraps together first.

Press the seam and then attach the joined section to the placemat.

This lets you use even more of your fabric collection.

Make Different Sizes

The measurements used in this tutorial are simply an example.

You can make your placemat:

• Smaller for a child’s table
• Larger for a dinner plate
• Square
• Rectangular
• Extra-large for serving dishes

Just remember that the backing needs to extend beyond the batting so you have enough fabric for the self-binding.

Choose Coordinating Fabrics – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

For a more traditional appearance, choose fabrics from the same colour family.

Alternatively, use completely random scraps for a fun and colourful design.

This technique is perfect for using leftover pieces from previous sewing projects.

Why Quilt-As-You-Go Is Great for Beginners

If you are new to quilting, How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats is an excellent project to try.

You don’t have to piece a complicated quilt block.

You don’t have to quilt the entire project separately.

And you don’t have to make traditional binding.

Instead, the project is completed in manageable steps.

You add one fabric piece, sew it, press it and move on to the next.

By the time the batting is completely covered, you have already quilted the project.

Then you simply trim the edges and use the backing fabric to create the binding.

What Else Can You Make With This Technique? – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

Once you’ve learned this technique, you can use the same basic idea for other small quilted projects.

For example, you could experiment with:

• Mug rugs
• Table toppers
• Small quilted bags
• Coasters
• Kitchen accessories
• Small wall hangings
• Quilted pouches

The important thing is to remember that this particular quilt-as-you-go technique works best with simple square and rectangular shapes.

Final Thoughts on How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats – How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats

Learning How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats is a great way to combine quilting, scrap-busting and practical sewing into one project.

The quilt-as-you-go technique means you are quilting the project while constructing the front, making it a straightforward method for beginners.

The self-binding finish also saves you from having to prepare a separate strip of binding.

Most importantly, this project gives you an excellent excuse to dig through your scrap fabric collection and use some of those beautiful pieces you’ve been saving.

Don’t worry about making every section perfect. Part of the charm of a scrappy quilt-as-you-go placemat is its random appearance.

Choose your favourite fabrics, sew them together, press as you go and enjoy watching your placemat come together.

If you enjoyed this tutorial, be sure to explore more sewing and quilting projects from Faodail Creation, where you’ll find plenty of sewing tutorials and creative projects to try.

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How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats – An Easy Quilt-As-You-Go Scrap Fabric Project

How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats – An Easy Quilt-As-You-Go Scrap Fabric Project is a fun way to explore quilting.

If you enjoyed How to Sew Self-Binding Placemats – An Easy Quilt-As-You-Go Scrap Fabric Project, you might also like How to Sew Bias Binding on Curved Seams you can also try Flange Quilt Binding to learn more quilting tutorials.

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