Patchwork Braids Placemats in Forest Flora
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share a commission.Take a look at my Patchwork Braids Placemats in Forest Flora.
Patchwork Braids by Kate Colleran Designs
Today I am taking part in the Patchwork Braids IG Hop and we are featuring the Bluebell Placemat from Kate Colleran’s new book Patchwork Braids 13 Quick & Easy Quilted Projects. Kate sent me the book and signed it, and also the mini braids template. Thanks so much Kate, I really enjoyed this project.
Be sure to visit me on Instagram where you find a list of the other quilters taking part in IG Hop.
Island Batik Ambassadors Challenge for March
I used the Forest Flora collection from Island Batik and this is also counting as my March Challenge as an ambassador for Island Batik. This month our challenge was “It’s All Up To You” and we could make whatever we wanted with the beautiful batiks we have received this year.
Patchwork Braid Placemats
I really love the intricate look of this design for the placemats and the colors in the Forest Flora will fit perfectly in our kitchen. I also made a tablerunner with these fabrics last month.
Sable – Breathtaking Browns
I used the Sable yardage for my binding and backing. This fabric is part of the Breathtaking Browns Foundation Gradations from Island Batik.
Starting My First Braid
Here is the start of my first braid, I have made braids before but using Kate’s method means literally no waste.
Fabrics for the Placemats
Kate’s book is wonderful and her directions make it very easy to make the braids.
She also has a Mini Braid template that makes cutting your fabric simple. I would recommend getting it.
For the placemats I picked 9 different batiks and I arranged them in piles so I could keep the color pattern the same. Here directions are for 2 placemats.
Quilted Placemats
I used my vintage 15-91 Singer sewing machine to piece and quilt my placemats using a dark brown #5024 50wt Aurifil thread and a Schmetz Piecing & Quilting 80/12 needle. I stitch right along the edge of the binding using a the dark brown 50wt Aurifil thread and the batting was Hobbs Batting Heirloom 80/20 Cotton/Poly.
Table Topper Instead
The placemats are so beautiful and would work perfectly on the side tables in our living room. We always use placemats at dinner but I really don’t want to get these dirty.
Visit Kate
There are 13 Quick & Easy quilted projects in the book and I am anxious to make the little pouch next.
Visit Kate Colleran’s website where you can find her book and the mini template.
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About Connie
Hi, I’m Connie Kresin Campbell, the quilter, writer, and photographer behind Freemotion By the River. I enjoy inspiring others with my quilt tutorials and patterns. You’ll also see my sweet adopted dogs from time to time.
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Your placemats are beautiful! I made a braided vest for my daughter when she was in grade school Your project reminded me of it. My goodness how time flies, she is 45 years old.
The blizzard hit hard here in south central Nebraska with ice and snow. We were without power for over 14hrs! It came on tonight at 8:30! Hope it missed you!
beautiful placemats! great job
I loved using her mini braid ruler to make one of her bags in the past. Love the colors you chose for your placemats.
These are great, Connie! I’ll have to check out her no waste braid method! Like you, I’ve made braids in the past, but this method sounds really good.
Her template makes it very easy!
Beautiful, but lots of little pieces. I tend to stay away from small pieces. I like big pieces and big blocks to make the process faster.
I usually try to put a solid on back to make PM reversible so the pretty side could be saved and the solid side for use.
Those are beautiful. I love the fabrics you use. I can understand why you don’t want to soil them. They add such a lovely pop of color on your table.
love the braided placemat you made. Cant wait till I can make some too
Thanks Darla, they were fun to make!