Karla from My Sewful Retirement posted a set of really cool diamond shaped placemats she made. I had to make some myself!
My fabric is from a charm pack of Free Spirit “Peacock Classics” by Kaffe Fassett. It is a different style than I normally gravitate to, but I was so intrigued by it, I purchased it.
This project is fast and fun to sew. Make a simple nine patch block:

Trim two opposite corners in half, diagonally on each square.
Using the top as a template, cut backing and batting pieces to the same size. Put the top and back fabric right sides together then place the batting piece on top. Pin and stitch 1/4” around, leaving about a 2” opening on one side. Turn inside out and voila!
Top stitch the edges and free motion or straight stitch quilt to finish.
I love this unique take on the standard rectangular placemat but since we have a “temporary” tiny kitchen/dining table, I wanted the mats to be proportional to it. So I also before sewing the layers together, I cut the other corners of on the diagonal too. It’s now a stop sign shape.


Did I mention our table is really really small?!! It is a 20 x 36” vintage mid-century enamel one that was once my sewing machine table. When we moved, I donated my old dining room table and we decided to use this one until we found a new one. It makes for a cozy although cramped dinner for two, but going on two years now I think we are just used to our little retro table! In fact when we have (a) guest for dinner, we can squeeze them in as the head of the table!
I plan to make some more for gifts. Thank you Karla for the inspiration!
~Abbie ✨
Oh, I have to keep these placemats in mind for this summer. They would work great on my patio table! Thanks, Abbie! Love your little table!
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Yes, perfect for a patio table.
Thank you Wendy! 😊
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Super fun place mats! I love the shape.
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Thanks Emily! :)
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Abbie, your placemats are beautiful! I love Kaffe Fassett fabrics! I especially love the additional diagonal cut – perfect for round tables. I’ll need to make a set for my daughter :) Thank you for the additional inspiration !
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Thank you Karla! They are perfect gifts.
I’m happy you like my mine 😊
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And almost instant gratification for a project finished. They are great Abbie. Thanks for the tutorial :)
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Thanks Edi! Yes instant gratification is always a happy feeling! :)
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Hi Abbie! WHAT?!! This just might end up as another squirrel project for me. Not only am I sewing TODAY with a different line of Kaffe, but I have a few pieces leftover that I’m not sure what to do with. Between seeing Karla’s original version and now your pretties, I am indeed going to have to make a set myself. Thank you for that. ~smile~ Roseanne
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Thanks Roseanne! It would be so fun if you end up making a set too! 😊
I just emailed you to help me understand “squirrel projects” … I can’t figure out the connection between a 🐿 and quilt projects! I’m so clueless sometimes 🤪
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They are wonderful, and what a quick little project. I love them on your table; just perfect.
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Those beautiful purple fabrics made me smile! I have some of that Kaffe in my collection. What a wonderful way to brighten a table :-)
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Thank you Tierney! Your smile makes me smile 😊
The collection has such beautiful and intense colors doesn’t it?!
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These are very pretty on your vintage table! Enamel topped tables are so charming and adding some lovely place mats makes it even more charming! Thanks, Abbie and Karla for a great idea…I’ll soon be working on Christmas 2019 gifts and these are perfect!
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Thank you Cindy!
Yes, the perfect word is charming.
I’m glad you like the placemats and yea for getting such a good head start on Christmas gifts!
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Nice, I love Kaffe Fassett fabric.
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Thanks! It is the first time purchased some of his fabrics. It was fun!
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Ah these are so sweet! I love the rich burgundy tones. It’s such fun to make a wee quick project now and again.
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Thanks Sandra! I’m into the wee projects this winter 😊
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