[Tutorial] How to make a placemat from a Sashiko panel (Part 1 of 2)

Part 1 of 2 - How to make the front of your placemat from your Sashiko panel

Mesurements 12 inch x 18 inch (30 cm x 46 cm)

Sashiko - Easy
Sewing - Easy

Hi. It's Jun. Now I would like to show you how to make something with your Sashiko. The first project is ... a Sashiko placemat! Easy, fun, and a beautiful project. And the best part of this is, it's a "sew first, adjust later" project.
Each Sashiko panel is a little different in a size, and the Sashiko panel could shrink when you stitch it. You can measure and cut accurately beforehand, like baking French macaroons, but I am more a Shepherds pie person. So I can cook first then season after tasting.
The placemat size is 12 inch x 18 inch. This is a regular size for a placemat I guess.

What you need :

• 1 Sashiko Panel : approx. 12" x 12" (30.5 cm x 30.5 cm)
• Fabric A for the side : 9 inch x 13 inch (23 cm x 33 cm) 
• Fabric B for the top and the bottom : 4 inch x 20 inch (12 cm x 50 cm) 
• Back fabric C : 13 inch x 19 inch (33 cm x 48 cm)
• Iron-on fusible interface : 13 inch x 19 inch (optional)

1. When you finish your Sashiko panel, it should be about 12 inches square, iron from the back side with steam. Make the Sashiko panel square as much as you can. But don't worry, this sew-first- adjust-later method doesn't require accuracy.

2. Choose Fabric A & B. I chose one of my Fat quarter collections. Hmmm, purple would work.

3. Iron A and B first, then cut them into pieces. Fabric A : 4.5 inch x 13 inch (11.5 cm x 33 cm) - two pieces. Fabric B : 2 inch x 20 inch (5 cm x 50 cm) - two pieces. I know, these steps could be a little bothersome. But it's worth it.

4. Now let's get to the fun part. Sew your fabric A strips on either side of your Sashiko panel right sides together with 1/4 inch seam (0.5 cm seam). The Fabric A strips are longer than your Sashiko panel. As long as they cover your Sashiko panel, you are good.

5. Iron to fold the seams towards Fabric A (the side fabric)

6. Snip the excess from the top and the bottom.

7. Sew Fabric B (top and bottom strips) and Sashiko piece right sides together with 1/4 inch seam (0.5 cm seam). The reason we do this is, 1) without the Fabric B strips, your placemat will be shorter than 12 inch. 2) it will help you when you sew the front and the back together. If you don't mind a shorter height, you can skip the top and bottom strips.

8. Iron again to fold the seams towards Fabric B (top and bottom parts).

9. Adjust your piece into a rectangle as much as you can. Because it has many pieces, it can shift. You are aiming for 13 inch x 19 inch. (33 cm x 48 cm). Find the centre of your Sashiko piece, pin or mark the point, then measure and cut it to size.

10. Now your Sashiko placemat is completed! Oh yes, it's only the front part. But you can say it's almost completed! Good job!

Okay, Next step - Let's finish your placemat! It's so easy. You may not need any instructions, but if you would like to know how to finish your placemat, please check the next page.

Next ---> How to finish your Sashiko placemat