How to make your own floral placemats with cross stitch

There is something wonderful about having a meal out in the open air! With Durene Jones’ exotic floral placemats, you can enjoy alfresco dining in tropical style.

Durene’s four beautiful exotic flower motifs have been created to embellish individual placemats, acting as a cross-stitched pocket to keep your cutlery safe and sound. The placemats are easy to roll up and pop into your picnic bag!

These vibrant placemats are easy to make with a sewing machine, especially when you follow our simple step-by-step guide below. All you need is some brightly coloured fabric, matching ribbon and your crafty, creative self.

We’ve finished each of our floral placemats in a different colour so that each person can easily spot their own. However, you can always make a matching set if you’d prefer.

Top tip: These floral motifs can be used for other cross stitch creations too. They make wonderful greeting cards for all occasions!

These floral placemats were created by Durene Jones and were originally published in The World of Cross Stitching magazine issue 295. If you would like the full issue you can purchase a digital edition of the magazine.

Floral placemats: Cross stitch pattern and tutorial

Key features of the floral placemats

• Stitching time: Approx. 10-12 hours each
• Type of stitches: Whole cross stitch, Backstitch
• Ease of stitching: Intermediate

What you’ll need to make the floral placemats

• Zweigart 28-count white evenweave measuring 22x19cm (8.5 x 7.5in) for each design
• Stranded cotton as listed in the key
• Size 24 tapestry needle
• Placemat backing fabric x 2 (32 x 42cm/ 12.5 x 16.5in each) and ribbon (70cm /27.5in)

Download the floral placemats cross stitch pattern

Download the floral placemats PDF pattern

How to create your floral placemats

You will need

• Zweigart 28-count white evenweave
• Stranded cotton
• Size 24 tapestry needle
• Placemat backing fabric

Step 1

Cut out your stitching to 13.5 x 11cm (5¼ x 4¼in). For the pocket, cut white backing fabric to match.

For the placemat, cut out a front and back panel of your chosen backing fabric at 32 x 42cm (12½ x 16½in) each.

Step 2

Place stitching with the white fabric pocket, right sides facing. Stitch around the edge with a 1cm (½in) seam. Leave a 3cm (1in) gap for turning.

Trim excess from corners, turn through, and press.

Slip stitch the gap.

Step 3

Take your front panel and pin your stitching 6cm (2¼in) from the bottom edge and 6cm (2¼in) from the right-hand edge.

Stitch in place along three edges of the stitching, leaving the top edge open to create a pocket.

Step 4

Fold the ribbon in half and sandwich it between the front and back placemat panels (right sides facing), halfway down the short edge on the opposite side to the stitched pocket.

Line the ribbon fold up with the edge and then pin it all together.

Step 5

Once pinned in place, sew around the outside of the panels with a 1cm (½in) seam allowance, leaving a 6cm (2¼in) gap for turning.

Turn through and press, then slip stitch the gap closed.

Step 6

Sew a line of stitching around the outer edge of the panel through all the layers, 1cm (½in) away from the edge.

Insert your cutlery into the pocket, wrap it up and tie it with a bow to finish!

Tropical floral placemats to make your home shine

These vibrant floral placemats are so bright and eye-catching, they’ll add a whole new dimension to your picnic parties!

Create your own vintage bunting

Make summer picnics in your garden extra special with this gorgeous vintage cross stitch bunting.