14 October, 2019

Quilt Blocks to Placemats

It's a short jump from quilt blocks to placemats; and much more user-friendly than having quilt blocks stack up in the stash closet! I chose the tiny gray dot background for this years' BOM classes at my LQS; we're using Studio 180 tools this time: Wing Clipper, V-Block and Corner Beam; I love the sessions and the techniques but quickly realized that I can only make SO MANY quilts! Our son and his family have a newly renovated kitchen with a neutral gray palette and an idea was hatched. With the first four sessions done I had four 12" blocks with which to work.  These mats finish at 16" X 19". The pattern that I came up with is included below. I loaded them all onto one backing and batting and quilted them all at the same time using Keryn Emmerson's "Double Plume" pantograph-- quick and easy!
I'll bet if you searched you might have a quilt block or two that you could press into table service. There will be more placemats coming as this year progresses, maybe even a table runner to match!

Placemats from Quilt Blocks
These placemats were made from 12.5” (unfinished) quilt blocks.
Finished mats measure 16” X 19”

For each placemat, from border fabric:
Cut 2 pcs. 12.5” X 3.5”
Cut 2 pcs. 19.5” X 1.75”
From accent color fabric (also used for binding):
Cut 2 pcs. 12.5” X 1”
Cut 2 pcs. 19. 5” X 1”

I attached the narrow, accent color fabric to the border fabric first, using ¼” seam and then attaching these units to each quilt block; sides first, then top and bottom with ¼” seams.
Quilt as desired (that phrase always makes me laugh!). Square up mats.
Bind* with accent color.

* I used Quilter’s Dream Poly batting for these and cut my binding strips at 2.25”.

Enjoy!

Life is Good!


7 comments:

Ramona said...

What a great idea! I know I have a stack of quilt blocks just waiting to be used for something. You may see placemats on my blog in the future. :) Thank you for your measurements.

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

THANK YOU!!!! I have some orphans that I have wanted to make into placemats for gifts but really just needed this nudge!

straythreads said...

What a great idea for orphan blocks. have a great week

cityquilter grace said...

a grand finish to pesky orphan blocks!

Quiltdivajulie said...

Love placemats - great conversion from one project to another!

Janet O. said...

So smart! They look great and will be wonderful in the new kitchen!

jude's page said...

What a great idea to use up those blocks, when you don't really "need" another quilt!