Reversible Placemats, Napkins, and Napkin Ring Holders

This is one of my favorite times of year and in keeping with the "Autumn Theme", I really needed some placemats for our dining room table, but I was unable to find any that I liked. So, I came up with this quick idea, and I love the fact that they are reversible.

Here is what you will need:

2 yds. of fabric - any kind of coordinating patterns will do

matching thread

sewing maching

scissors & a cutting mat

small fall garland

wire cutters

First, lets make the napkin ring holders. I LOVE napkin ring holders. Some are so cute and unique, but they can also cost as much as $3.00 a piece, so I decided to make my own.

I wanted a 3" diameter circle, so I needed to cut my fall garland in 6" pieces. I purchased my garland in the fall section at Michaels. It cost around $4.00 for 5 feet.

Once, your 6" piece is cut, bring your ends together to form a circle, and wrap your ends around each other, and then you should have a 3" circle, big enough to fit a rolled napkin into it. I love the little beads that I found on my garland. It adds a little sparkle to each place setting.

Next, lets make the placemats and napkins. For the placemats, cut, 4 - 16"X20" rectangles - out of each pattern of fabric that you have. So, you should have 4 - 16"x20" rectangles of one pattern and 4 - 16"x20" rectangles of the other pattern. For the napkins, cut 4 - 18" squares of each pattern - your total should be 4 - 18" squares of one pattern and 4 - 18" squares of the other pattern.

Next, take one rectangle/square of each pattern and lay both sides of the fabric down, with the patterns facing each other. Pin all the way around.

Sew edges all the way around leaving a 1/2 seam allowance, and be sure to leave a 2" opening on one side.

Trim any excess fabric and clip the corners at an angle. This will help in making sure that you have a nice point at each corner. Flip your fabric right side out using the 2" opening to reveal both patterns.

Press the placemat/napkin with a hot iron to remove wrinkles and to make sure your sides are nice and flat. Flatten the seam where the 2" opening remains.

Return to your sewing machine, and sew the edges all the way around for a nice clean look.

This is a great way to add a custom look to any table setting. You can also make fabric coasters using this same method. These are a great gift idea for a new bride-to-be, friend, host or hostess. Happy Sewing!