From Scraps to Stunning: DIY Quilted Placemats Using Leftover Fabric
If you're anything like me, you’ve probably got a growing pile of scrap fabric just sitting around—waiting for that perfect “someday” project. Today, that day has come! In this tutorial, I’ll show you how I turned my leftover white scraps and forgotten fat quarters into beautiful, functional quilted placemats.
This beginner-friendly project is a great way to reduce waste, get creative, and protect your tabletops—all without spending a dime on new materials.
Why I Love This Project
I’ve had these scraps in my stash for what feels like forever. I couldn’t bring myself to throw them away, but I also didn’t know what to do with them… until now. Placemats are a fantastic option because:
✅ They’re quick to sew
✅ They use small fabric pieces
✅ They’re totally customizable
✅ They make great gifts or table décor
Plus, this project aligns perfectly with my goal of quilting more sustainably and using what I already have.
What You'll Need
To make one quilted placemat, you’ll need:
✂️ 12 scrap squares cut to 5" x 5"
✂️ A fat quarter or more scraps for backing
✂️ Batting (leftover batting works great!)
✂️ Sewing machine + basic sewing tools
✂️ Rotary cutter or scissors
This is a true scrap buster! You can go totally random like I did, or plan a color scheme if you're feeling fancy.
Step-by-Step Overview
1. Build Your Scrappy Squares
Take your 5" x 5" scrap base and start layering your smaller scrap pieces on top, right sides together. Stitch them down with a 1/4" seam and flip them over like you would with the stitch-and-flip method. Keep going until the entire base is covered.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t worry if your pieces go over the edge—you’ll trim them down after stitching.
2. Trim and Assemble
Once your squares are fully covered and pressed, trim each one back to 5" x 5". Then, lay them out in a 3x4 grid (3 rows of 4 squares) and sew them together to form the top of your placemat.
3. Quilt and Finish
Layer your quilt top with batting and backing, quilt as desired, and bind the edges. I used a simple straight line quilting to keep the focus on the scrappy design.
The Transformation
It’s amazing to see how something that once looked like fabric leftovers can become a cheerful, useful piece of home décor. These placemats not only look adorable on my table, but they also carry a story—of waste turned into beauty, and of creativity in action.
And the best part? You didn’t have to buy anything new. ✨
Watch the Full Tutorial
Want to see the full process in action? Check out the YouTube video where I walk you through the project step by step:
Let’s Chat!
Do you have a favorite scrap project? Have you made your own placemats before? I’d love to hear your ideas—drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @StraightStitching with your version of this project!
Until next time, keep stitching with heart and purpose 💛
—Tiffany
📌 Save This for Later
Don’t forget to pin this tutorial to your favorite DIY or quilting board!