Create your own inexpensive table placemats or runners by re-purposing colorful reuseable totebags.

Our table is a large 4' x 10' oval. I work at the same table that serves as our family dining table.

The surface is covered with an extra-long and wide cutting mat, trimmed to follow the contours of the table edge.

Here is my step-by-step tutorial:

Since cutting mats are heat-sensitive, warping could occur when hot dishes are set directly upon the cutting mat surface.

I protect the cutting mat by covering the table with purchased commercially-quilted bed quilts, sewn end-to-end, and trimmed to length.

Purchase several identical totebags or several totes that create a colorful coordinating "collage" for your table. Each tote has two flat panels, to use as two placemats.

The design shown is C&T Publishing's wonderful tote, "Cityscape" with images of Jean Wells Keenan's fabulous quilts.

Cut away the sides, and top (if your tote bag has one). 

Cut along the edges of the bag, leaving the trimmed edge attached.

The tote bag will look something like this: two sides, with the bottom and handles still attached.

My bag also had a stiff bottom rectangle, which you can use as an inexpensive trivot, or simply discard.

Cut, separating the bottom from the side panels

Use the single side panels as an inexpensive placemat by themselves or tape two panels side-by-side for a wider placemat or small table runner.

Remove the bag's webbing handles with a seam ripper.

Sewing perforations will remain (dotted circles) but will normally not be too distracting.

Save the webbing for another project, or simply discard it.

Create a tapered, wider placemat for those oval or rounded table ends utilizing the excess plastic from the bag bottoms.....

Depending upon the length of your table, you may need several tote bags to make adequate number of placemats or table runners.

I love the colorful addition to our dining room! 

I change the totebags and enjoy the artwork or quilt designs of several of my favorite artists.

I would love to see what YOU create with this idea! Please share your pictures on my Facebook page: 

Jan P Krentz

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Jan P Krentz Designs