Before making placemat #1, you’ll need to choose your fabrics. There are so many fabrics in the ColorWorks Concepts collection, it might be difficult to know which ones to use. The prints are very busy and could be overwhelming in the design if you use too many of them. I knew I was going to use the Soho panel as the focus fabric. Then I decided to use one of the coordinating prints and three solids. Here are my fabric choices and how to use Soho fabric to make placemat #1.
Soho panel, 1 print and 3 solids from the ColorWorks Concepts collection
You might like to choose different fabrics, and that’s fine.
From the panel, fussy-cut 2 squares to make a rectangle with a scant ¼” seam allowance around all sides.
Measure the rectangle. Mine was 5″ x 9¾”. If you wash your fabric before using, your measurement may be different.
2 squares cut from the panel with a ¼ʺ seam allowance all around
From the Flying Geese stripes, fussy-cut 2 strips 3½” wide and the same length as the rectangle. Make sure the triangles are in the center of the strip. Leave ¼” seam allowance at the top of the Flying Geese triangle. The triangle at the bottom of the strip may be cut off a little, but that’s OK.
Cut 2 strips 3½” wide and the length of the 2 squares cut from the panel
From lime green, cut 1 strip 2¾” x 9¾” (or the length of your rectangle).
Sew the pieces together to make vertical rows. Press seams as desired.
Sew the strips together.
From black, cut 2 strips 3¼” x 9¾” (or the length of your strips).
Sew a 9¾” strip to each side.
Sew 3¼” black strips to each side.
From black, cut 2 strips 2¼” x the width of your rectangle. Sew 1 strip to the bottom and 1 to the top.
Sew black strips to the top and bottom.
Trim the placemat so it measures 12½” x 18½”.
After choosing your fabric and making placemat #1, are you starting to see the possibilities for using this exciting ColorWorks Concepts fabric? Come back tomorrow to get the cutting instructions for another placemat!