A Step-by-Step Guide to Sewing a Simple Placemat and Coaster Set

Let me tell you—there’s just something satisfying about setting your table with pieces you made yourself. Not store-bought, not mass-produced. Yours. When I first started sewing, I wasn’t aiming to make anything fancy—I just wanted to create something functional, a little beautiful, and totally me. That’s exactly what sewing your own placemats and coasters does. It brings a personal, handcrafted touch to your space that feels right at home in American kitchens and dining rooms.

Placemats and coasters are small, forgiving projects that are perfect for beginners. They make wonderful handmade gifts (especially for holidays like Thanksgiving or the 4th of July), and they’re a great way to dip your toes into DIY home décor while actually making something useful. Not to mention, sewing is a pretty peaceful hobby—it’s my go-to for clearing my mind and focusing my hands.

Whether you’re sewing for your own kitchen table or making gifts for friends, you’ll walk away from this project with skills you can apply to bigger things. Let’s get into it.

1. Choosing the Right Fabric and Tools

Before you dive into cutting and stitching, you’ve got to gather your supplies. This part’s honestly kind of fun—especially if you’re wandering the aisles at Joann or Hobby Lobby with a hot coffee in hand.

What You’ll Need:

• Quilting cotton: It’s the best fabric for placemats and coasters—easy to sew, durable, washable. I always go for 100% cotton, prewashed.
• Batting or Insul-Bright (for coasters): If you’re making coasters for hot drinks, use Insul-Bright—it reflects heat. Regular low-loft batting works fine for placemats.
• Thread: All-purpose polyester or cotton thread. I prefer Gutermann, but Coats & Clark works just fine.
• Rotary cutter + self-healing cutting mat: Makes precise, straight cuts. Scissors can work, but you’ll miss the clean edges.
• Straight edge ruler: A 6″x24″ quilting ruler is my go-to.
• Sewing machine: Any basic model will do—just make sure it can do straight stitching and backstitching.

Personal Tip: I keep a separate rotary blade for fabric only—don’t use the one you’ve been using for paper crafts!

2. Measuring and Cutting Your Fabric

Okay, time to cut. You’re going to make placemats and coasters using standard US sizes. Here’s the thing: you can freestyle sizes, but I recommend sticking to these until you get the hang of it.

Standard Sizes (In Inches):

• Placemats: 12″ x 18″
• Coasters: 4″ x 4″

You’ll need:

• Two pieces of quilting cotton for each placemat/coaster (top + backing)
• One piece of batting (or Insul-Bright for coasters)

Cutting Tips:

1. Lay your fabric on the cutting mat with the grainline straight (parallel to the selvage).
2. Use a rotary cutter and ruler to cut clean rectangles.
3. Always true your edges—make sure you’re working with perfect squares/rectangles, or your project will look wonky.

What I’ve Learned: Double-check your measurements before you cut. I’ve messed up too many “almost perfect” pieces because I rushed. Slow and steady wins here.

3. Assembling the Placemat and Coaster Layers

This is the sandwich stage. You’re layering your fabrics and batting like a quilt, but way simpler.

Here’s How to Stack It:

1. Lay the backing fabric right side up.
2. Place the top fabric right side down (so right sides are together).
3. Lay the batting on top of that.
4. Pin or clip around all four edges.

Optional: Use a bit of basting spray if you want to keep everything from shifting, especially with smaller coaster pieces.

Tip for Beginners:

Use sewing clips instead of pins—less shifting and no puckering. I resisted buying them for years, and I totally regret it.

4. Sewing the Edges and Turning Inside Out

Now for the stitching. You’re going to sew around the edges, but don’t close it all the way.

Step-by-Step:

1. Sew with a ¼” or ½” seam allowance—either works, just be consistent.
2. Use a stitch length of 2.5mm. It’s sturdy but not too tight.
3. Leave a 3” gap on one side for turning.
4. Clip the corners at a diagonal to reduce bulk (don’t cut into the stitching!).

Then, turn it inside out—this is the part that always feels like magic to me.

Pro Tip: A turning tool or even a chopstick helps push out those corners nice and crisp.

5. Topstitching and Finishing Touches

Once it’s turned, press it flat. Pressing makes everything look better—don’t skip it.

Final Stitching:

• Topstitch around the entire edge, about ⅛” from the edge. This seals the opening and keeps everything neat.
• Use decorative thread if you want to make it pop, or match it for a subtle finish.

I like to use a walking foot for topstitching when I’m dealing with batting—it feeds all the layers evenly and avoids puckering.

What Works for Me: I often double-topstitch—one close to the edge, and another ¼” in. It gives it a more finished, professional look.

6. Personalizing Your Set (Optional but Highly Recommended)

This is where you make it yours—or make it perfect for gifting.

Fun Ideas:

• Holiday themes: Red, white, and blue for the 4th of July? Yes, please. I have a whole bin of seasonal fabrics.
• Add monograms or embroidery: Just a simple stitched initial makes it feel special.
• Make it reversible: Choose two coordinating fabrics and give it a flip depending on your mood or occasion.

My Advice: If you’re gifting, match the fabric to the person’s kitchen colors or favorite season. People love that kind of thoughtfulness.

7. Washing, Care, and Maintenance

Homemade doesn’t mean high-maintenance.

Fabric Prep:

• Prewash your fabrics before sewing to avoid shrinkage.
• Use cold water, gentle cycle, and tumble dry low for washing.

Long-Term Care:

• Press with a warm iron after washing to keep those crisp edges.
• If gifting, I usually include a little note with care instructions—it’s a nice touch and shows you thought of everything.

8. Ideas for Gifting and Using Your Placemat & Coaster Set

This is where these little projects really shine.

Gifting Occasions:

• Thanksgiving or Christmas host gifts
• Housewarming or bridal showers
• Backyard BBQs or summer cookouts

If you’re the entrepreneurial type, you could even sell them at local craft fairs or on Etsy—especially sets made with seasonal prints.

In My Experience: Sets of 4 or 6 sell best. Pair them with a mason jar of homemade hot cocoa or a cute tea towel? Done. Gift-worthy.

Final Notes on Simplicity & Creativity

Look—this isn’t about being perfect. I’ve made plenty of wobbly topstitches and cut a few coasters that ended up more like rhombuses than squares. But what I’ve learned is this: none of it matters as much as the joy of making something yourself.

Take your time. Experiment. Share your creations on Instagram or Pinterest if you’re into that—I love scrolling through handmade home décor ideas when I’m low on inspiration.

You don’t need a fancy sewing room or years of experience. Just a machine, a few tools, and the willingness to try. And once you start, you might just find yourself making napkins, table runners… maybe even a whole quilt set.

So go on—stitch your heart out. Your table (and your future dinner guests) will thank you.

Sewingers