Content Created by Tracey of Baker Street Living 
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If you’re looking for a fun and functional upcycled sewing project, denim placemats with a pocket are a perfect fit! These sturdy placemats are not only stylish and eco-friendly, but the built-in pocket is a clever way to hold silverware, napkins, or even a cute note for your guests. Best of all, they’re simple to make—no fancy sewing skills required. (You can also make these as a no-sew project)
Supplies List
- Denim Fabric or Old jeans (1 adult medium pair makes about 2 placemats)
- Scissors or a rotary cutter with a mat
- Sewing machine or needle and thread (see below for no-sew instructions)
- Pins
- A measuring tape or ruler
- Iron and ironing board (or heat press)
How to Make Denim Placemats with a Pocket
1. Cut the Denim
Cut out rectangles from the legs of the jeans, measuring approximately 13″ x 18″(a standard placemat size). You can adjust the size based on your preference. For example, making denim placemats for a picnic table may mean you make them smaller to fit the table, or smaller-sized placemats for children.
2. Create the Pocket ( if you don’t have one)
Use the back pocket from the jeans, or cut a 5″ x 5″ square from another section of contrasting fabric or denim. Position the pocket in the bottom right corner of the placemat.(or left corner – if you prefer)
3. Attach the Pocket
Pin the pocket in place. Sew around the sides and bottom, reinforcing the top corners by backstitching.
4. Finish the Edges
You have a few options:
- Leave the edges raw for a rustic, frayed look (just stitch around the border to keep it from unravelling too much).
- Hem the edges by folding them under ½ inch twice, pressing with an iron, and stitching around.
- Add a backing by cutting a piece of fabric the same size as your placemat and sewing it right sides together, then flipping and topstitching.
- Add decorative trim
or do any combination of the above.
5. Press and Enjoy
Give your placemat a final press with the iron. Tuck in a napkin or folded bandana and silverware, and you’re ready to dress up your table!
How to Make these Denim Place Mats as a No-Sew Project
There are two options for making these denim placemats without sewing.
#1 Use Fabric Glue – This is super easy to use. Just run a bead of fabric glue around the edge of the pocket and press in place. Place a piece of parchment over the pocket and then add some weight to the pocket while it dries.
For the edges, run a bead of glue along the edge of the placemat on the underside (wrong side) and fold down the edge. As with the pocket, add weight to hold the seam down while it dries.
#2 Use HeatNBond – This is another easy way to make the placemats without sewing. Cut strips of heatNbond tape and place along the sides and bottom of the pocket. Follow the package instructions and adhere to the pocket and then to the denim.
For the edges – Place strips of heatNBond tape around the underside (wrong side) edges and adhere to the fabric, followed by folding over the edge and adhering. . Follow the HeatNBond instructions for ironing on the tape. ** It is a good idea to fold and press the edges of the denim placemats before adding the tape. Having the fold in place makes the process run smoother.
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FAQs and Fun Tips
Add Custom Designs to your Denim Placemats
Add simple appliques or HRV vinyl details to the placemat or to the pockets for a unique custom detail.
You can also purchase iron-on appliques, such as college letters, fun animal or glittery flags and emojis and add them to the pockets.
Make custom iron-ons with printable iron-ons for a personalized look. This is awesome for parties and celebrations or to add names to a seating arrangement.
Add sublimation images using sublimation HTV and then adding your image oin tope of the HTV. This crate a vibrant unmatchable image.
Add sequins or buttons, and sparkly trims to the edge of the placemat or pocket.
Storing and Care Instructions
To eliminate wrinkles, store rolled up in a box or wrapped with tissue.
If stored folded, just give them a quick press when you are planning on putting them on the table.
Alternatives to Denim
Any heavy fabric works well. Good options are canvas, burlap, leather, felt or suiting fabric.
As long as the fabric is a heavier weight, the project will be a success. Add pockets in matching colours to add interest to the finished placemat.
If fraying is not an option, consider fringed trim or decorative ribbon for the edge of the placemat.
Dealing with Seams
You will likely have a seam in the placemat when recycling old jeans. The placement of the seam on the finished placemat can affect the ability to have the plate sit flat. If possible, have the seam either above or below the center of the placemat, or out of the way of the center of the plate. This won’t work for all dishware, it depends on the bottom of the plate. It is best to figure it out before cutting off excess denim.
This website contains affiliate links. As an affiliate, I earn a small commission from qualifying purchases (at no cost to you).