How To Make DIY Placemats No Sew

If you are looking for creative DIY table decor, you will love these easy burlap placemats. I’m excited to share how to make no-sew DIY placemats using burlap fabric and fabric glue for Spring.

I wanted a flower-shaped placemat or charger for my Spring Tablescape, but as often happens, I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted.

Then I remembered seeing a DIY Placement Tutorial by Wendy at WM Design House from last fall. Her cute pumpkin placemats were the inspiration for these Flower Placemats.

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DIY Placemats No Sew

First, I purchased 1 yard of white burlap to make the DIY placemats.

Also, I knew I would need a spot to dry my fabric, so I set up a makeshift clothesline between two trees.

Planning the design

I had an idea of what I wanted the placemats to look like, so I drew a template pattern to go by.

After drawing the template, I cut eight petal pieces from magazine pages to ensure I liked the design.

Then, I placed the templates on the fabric to determine how much material would be used for each placemat.

To make working with the fabric easier, cut the fabric for each placemat.

If you make six placemats, you will have six pieces of burlap to stiffen.

Stiffen Fabric for DIY Placemats

Use a large mixing bowl or disposal baking pan to mix glue and water.

Mix Elmers glue with an equal amount of water and stir well. You can use Mod Podge if you prefer, but it’s more expensive. Both work equally well. Since I had a small amount of each, I mixed both together for this project.

Add the burlap fabric strips to the glue mixture and saturate thoroughly.

Squeeze or twist to remove excess glue and smooth the fabric as much as possible to avoid excess wrinkles.

Hang the burlap fabric and allow it to dry. The fabric may drip glue, so if it is not outdoors, be sure to protect the area with plastic or other disposable material.

Trace Template on Fabric

After the fabric dries, it may be necessary to use a hot iron to smooth excess wrinkles. You will not get the fabric 100% smooth, but that’s OK.

Now, you can trace the petal design onto your fabric using a pencil.

You can download a template for the petals here.

Next, cut the individual pieces for the flower petals using small scissors.

Construct DIY Placemats No Sew Method

First, lay out four petals, as shown in the photo below. I used the squares on my table to align the pieces evenly and taped the pieces to avoid movement.

You can use a cutting mat to help with alignment or draw a pattern on paper or cardboard.

Next, using permanent fabric glue, apply a bead to each petal only where the petals will overlap.

In addition, apply a bead of fabric glue, in approximately the same location, to each top petal and press the glued sides together.

The additional glue on both sides of the petals will ensure a better bond.

Due to the stiffness of the burlap, it may be necessary to tape and/or weigh the petals down until the glue sets.

After all the pieces are in place, add additional weight to ensure the pieces will adhere firmly.

Note: Be cautious about what material is used under the placemats because the glue may seep underneath. I saw a few spots on my table, but removing them was easy.

The DIY Flower Placemat

Once the glue is dry, you are ready to style your placemats.

At this point, you have many options. You can add paint to highlight the petals. For my first table, I decided to leave the petals natural.

When using the individual petals, you are adding depth to the design.

I’m working on an Easter Table Setting, so here is one version with the new DIY Placemats

The placemats feel very sturdy, and I love how they look on my table.

I’ve also included a video tutorial for your convenience. The full supply list is on the HOW-TO below.

See Video Tutorial

Thanks so much for stopping by today. Be sure to see how the placemats look on the Easter Brunch Table Setting.

I liked this design so much that I later made another set for my Spring Table and painted it pink. See Spring Tablescape Ideas for details.

Resources

Click the image below to connect to resources for this project.

Additional DIY Tableware Projects You Can Make

• How to Paint Flour Sack Napkins
• Hand-painted DIY Drop Cloth Table Runner
• DIY Burlap Napkin Rings Tutorial
• Pottery Barn Inspired Leaf Napkin Rings
• Easy Lemon & Lime Drop Cloth Table Runner
• DIY Ticking Cutlery Pocket Napkins
• Easy Christmas Table Runner in Red and White

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