DIY Burlap Placemats

These burlap placemats would make a great little addition to any Fall table decor. They are simple, easy to make, and very low cost. Update: I’ve recreated the mats as of Fall 2017 and updated this post with clearer steps and new and brighter images since I now have a better camera, more lighting and since you tend to like the mats so much. I also realize that some of the original photos (before the update) have disappeared from here. So sorry for the inconvenience if you came by earlier. Hopefully, these new images and clearer instructions will be of help to you. These new mats were created the same way as the original (photo above).

DIY No-Sew Burlap Placemats

I originally made these burlap placemats a couple years ago while the little ones were playing nicely, meaning I was basically hurrying before someone needed something. I bought a roll of burlap from a Super Walmart (Wedding section) for a different making some utensil bag holders. But when I unrolled it and saw the length was 10 ft, I knew the possibilities with this would be endless – think table runner, placemats, gift wrapping, vase decor, bags, wreath, pillow, flower, etc. I ended up using the majority of it to make some perfect little placemats for a Fall Table Setting. Before I made these, we had only two placemats, Rapunzel and Minnie Mouse for the girls! I have not put them out on the table for a while because although the girls love them, let’s face it, a six- sitter dinning table looks kind of cheesy with just two placemats. While I was cleaning out the garage tonight and getting a bin ready for the salvation army, I thought of giving them away but they were still cute and the girls will be disappointed. After all, I bought those for them! Anyway, I have been eyeing a few different placements in a few different stores (cheap enough) but couldn’t bring myself to buy them yet. I wanted to make sure I would like them or the color would be neutral enough for various uses. I saw some burlap ones at Target for $3 a piece (Dollar isle) but decided to wait and I am glad I did. Because I only paid around $5.97 for this entire roll which allowed me to get more mats for what I paid. Pretty frugal, I’d say! Let’s get to making these cuties!!! Materials Used:

• a 10 ft roll of burlap (the thicker kind)
• hot glue
• a tape measure or ruler
• a pair of scissors
• and a pencil or sharpie
• Plate

Directions: Lots of photos to show the steps but it’s really easy. 

• Unroll the burlap partially and measure the size of one mat. I’m not sure what is the standard size of a placemat but I measured up to 20 inches. I wanted 18 inches for the actual mat plus an extra inch on the right and left sides for gluing (directions further down).

Make sure your plate size could fit on the mat with extra room for utensils. This mat is big enough for a plate, cup and utensils on the sides.

• Place a dot or a small slit at the 20 inch mark (do not cut it out fully yet). You can cut it out fully and use it to cut out individual mats but I find it easier to use the fold over method (see below).

• Take the end of the rolled up burlap and fold it over the the measured mat, unrolling as you go. If you look closely at this next image you’ll see how I folded over the first mat while unrolling the burlap. Simply fold back and forth to create more mats.

• Cut through the folded ends. You’ll end up with 6 mats if you use the same length and measurements as I did.  Trim the loose ends a little.

This is how it looks when I placed a plate on it. It’s already a mat even with the unfinished sides.

• Remember at the beginning I mentioned leaving an extra inch on either side of the mat for gluing. Turn the mats over to the back then fold over an inch on the right and left sides (see next photo). Hot glue the ends to keep them in place and to create a finished look at the front. (The top and bottom of the mats will remain the same since we did not cut around the edges).
• NOTE: You could get a little more creative with the ends – don’t hot glue but unravel the ends for a shabby look, or hot glue lace or ribbon around it. Anything goes.

• Use a Popsicle stick or a spoon or something to smooth out the sides to save your fingers from burning! Ask me how I know that:)

• Once you’re done gluing the sides to the back, turn the mats over to the front. Each should now measure out to 18 inches.

• Here are all 6 that I did. You can see how one is still rolled up and the other 5 looking all finished. No loose ends.

• If you want to smooth out your mats a bit, use a warm iron to do so. Be sure to test one little end so that the heat from the iron would be just right. I didn’t check what setting I used but it was on the lowest possible. Also, I didn’t feel like getting out the ironing board so I placed the mat over a folded table cloth on the table where I was already working.

And there you have it – DIY burlap placemats. I was pretty surprised how easy these were to put together. The first time, they took less than an hour with a few interruptions. This time, they took a bit longer because I was just taking my time, while making sure that the step-by-step photos were clear enough. If you’re not photographing, I’m guessing these could be done in like a half hour or less. Note: Dry clean or spot clean only. If you wash them, they’ll get all shriveled up and shrink some. Then you’ll have to try and iron and stretch them out again.

Here is another look at the original version.

Don’t forget to pin it if you like it!!

What do you think? Have you made burlap or any kind of placemats before? I would love to know your thoughts in the comments below! Find a roll of burlap by clicking here on the link below (affiliate link).