Hello quilting friends,
It is time to share my gift idea for October already...seems like I just shared September's last week!
This month I decided to make some placemats! Everyone can always use some placemats, right? In addition to the placemats you will also be using my favorite Quilt As You Go technique, AND be using up scraps of batting and scraps of fabric. Oh, and you will also be binding these completely by machine! So lots of goodies to use/learn about in this post. But, of course, if placemats are not your thing, I have some other ideas for you and you can still use all the various methods ;).
My pattern instructions make 2 placemats. If you need more, just double the requirements. Please read through the entire post, as I do have some tips and hints for you at the end.
Are you ready to get started? These are the materials you will need:
- batting scraps, enough to cut 12 6 1/2" squares ( make sure to use 100% cotton or bamboo or wool~ nothing that can melt with the heat of an iron)
- scrappy strips ( 9" and shorter), lots and lots, various widths
- 2 backing fabric pieces ( 14 x 20)
- binding strips ( 2 x 70" long)
- a walking foot for your machine if you have one. Use it the entire process because it makes it simpler.
My directions will be for using Accuquilt dies and my Bolt, but you can of course choose to rotary cut your pieces!
If you have some of the dies, use them, and then rotary cut your other needed pieces. But if you want to purchase some of the dies I used, I will link to them in blue and I am always grateful when you purchase through any of my links ( I do receive a small commission, which does NOT affect your cost at all. If you DO purchase through one of my links, let me know!)
- From your batting scraps cut 12 6 1/2" squares. Shape #1 from your 12" Qube is perfect for doing this part!
- Grab a large variety of scraps and cut them into various widths that are 9" long and shorter. The Multiple Strip die is super quick for doing this job! And if you use a shorter mat you can cut shorter strips very easily.
- Grab one of your longest strips and lay it face up diagonally on one of your batting squares. It needs to cover both ends of your batting. Grab a second strip and lay it face down on the first strip, matching the long edge, and making sure that when sewn and opened it covers the batting at the short ends.
Sew this strip with a 1/4" seam. Press open towards the batting. Now sew again 1/4" or so away from the first strip just so it is very secure.
4. Grab a third strip, place it face down on the SECOND strip, stitch it down with 1/4 " seam, press towards the batting, and stitch another seam again 1/4" away from the strip you just sewed it onto. You need to make sure that every strip you sew on will cover the batting at top and bottom when pressed open. Your strips will need to be shorter and shorter as you work towards the end of the batting square so you can use shorter strips, or just trim them roughly and use the leftovers for a different spot. Try and use a variety of WIDTHS for more interest! 
5. Once your batting block is completely covered, turn your block over ( so you see the batting clearly) and trim your strips even with your batting OR to 6 1/2" inches square ( sometimes the batting "shrinks" a little as you sew so just make sure you are left with a 6 1/2" square, even if the batting is not that big anymore). 
Repeat this for all of your batting blocks. ( This goes super fast and is pretty mindless, but FUN!)
6. Lay out 6 of your blocks in a pleasing composition, 2 rows of 3 each. Do the same with your second placemat.
Sew your blocks together using a 1/4" seam and press your seams OPEN ( this is where that non-melting batting is especially important. However, if you accidentally used batting that cannot stand the heat, try using a non stick pressing sheet or piece of baking paper).
7. Time to add your backing! Lay your backing wrong side up and place your sewn blocks on top with batting facing down. Baste with pins, spray, or thread.
8. Use your sewing machine to quilt through all your layers, but just quilt on the seams between your blocks, horizontally and vertically. Also stitch around the entire placemat using a 1/8" seam, just to keep that backing where it belongs. 
After quilting, trim your backing even with your front/batting and you are now ready to bind!
9. Prepare a 2 1/2" wide binding strip like you normally would using your 2 1/2" strip die or rotary cutter. You will need about 66"+ of binding for each placemat. 
10. Sew your binding on the way you normally would, OR you can choose to follow this wonderful binding tutorial that I found online ( if you are going to try her joins, make sure to start and stop your binding NOT on the sides, but at the bottom of your placemat so you have lots of room.) Here is that link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=onjcpIz4xgo
And done! You have learned QAYG, used up tons of scraps, and used machine binding!
Here are some additional notes for you:
*When you are sewing your strip down ( on the top of the strip), instead of using a straight stitch, you could use some of those fancy stitches that so many machines have these days!
*When sewing your strips to the batting, start and stop OFF the batting square whenever possible.
*After sewing all your strips to your batting square you can choose to stitch around the entire square ( on the batting side with about 1/8" inch) OR just the corners where there is no stitching, just to make sure your strips stay in place when you sew your blocks together. 
Now, as promised, what if you don't want to make placemats? Here are some other ideas you can make ( and still use all the same processes):
Make a table runner! Just increase and extend your blocks to make your runner as long and wide as you need. In my sample below I added a strip and appliques on the ends just for some fun touches. 
You could also make hot pads or trivets. You can increase the size of your batting ( use Insul-Bright or some heat resistant batting in that case ) to make some quick and useful gifts.
I hope you have fun making some of these and do let me know if you have any questions!
Happy creating!
Monique
