2020-03-01_Do_It_Yourself

BHG.COM/DIYMAGAZINE DO IT YOURSELF Summer 2020 45

MATERIALS

• Oilcloth (we used 1 yard for
  18×54-inch runner and 1 yard for
  four 12×18-inch place mats)


• Thin cotton (we used 1 yard for
  18×54-inch runner and 1 yard
  for four 12×18-inch place mats)


• Straight pins


• L square or ruler


• Tailor’s pencil or chalk


• Sewing machine


• Coordinating thread


• Iron


• Fringe

Step 1 Lay out 1-yard pieces of oilcloth and

cotton combinations with right sides together.

Pin around edges (A).

Step 2 Measure size for mats and/or runner,

adding 1 inch to width and length of each

for seam allowance (B) (our finished runner

is 18×54 inches and each place mat is 12×18

inches). Mark measurements (C) and pin inside

marks. Cut out shapes with the two fabrics

pinned together.

Step 3 Stitch perimeters of each piece

with ½-inch seam (D). Leave an opening

of about 8 inches along one side. Be

sure to stitch forward, reverse for a few

stitches, then forward again at the start

and stop of each run. Trim corners (E),

being careful not to cut stitching!

Step 4 Turn pieces right side out. Press flat

using your hands or gently using an iron on

the cotton fabric only. Do not iron oilcloth.

Step 5 Turn under raw edges where left open

(F) and pin. Add fringe, if desired. We used

fringe on the short ends of the runner but not

on the place mats. (Because, food.) Pin fringe

in place, tucking under cut ends. Topstitch

perimeter of the piece using the presser

foot as a guide (G) 1/4 inch from edge. The

topstitching (H) will give you a finished look,

close the opening used for turning, and attach

the fringe (I).

RUNNER & PLACE MATS

MAKE IT

A

E

C

B

D

F

G

AN 8-INCH OPENING

ALLOWS YOU TO

COMFORTABLY FIT

YOUR HAND INSIDE

WHEN TURNING THE

PIECE RIGHT SIDE OUT.

H I

44-46_Sew_Easy.indd 45 FINAL 2/12/20 12:23 PM