I’m excited to share How to Make DIY Placemats No Sew using burlap fabric and fabric glue for Spring.
I wanted a flower shaped placemat or charger for my Spring Tablescape but as often happens, I couldn’t find exactly what I wanted.
Then I remembered seeing a DIY Placement Tutorial by Wendy at WM Design House from last fall. Her cute pumpkin placemats were the inspiration for these Flower Placemats.
DIY Placemats No Sew
First, I purchased 1 yard of white burlap to make the DIY placemats.
Also, I knew I would need a spot to dry my fabric, so I set up a makeshift clothesline between two trees.

Planning the design
I had an idea of what I wanted the placemats to look like, so I drew a template pattern to go by.
After drawing the template, I cut eight petal pieces from magazine pages to ensure I liked the design.
Then I placed the templates on the fabric to determine how much material would be used for each placemat.
To make working with the fabric easier, cut the fabric for each placemat.
If you make six placemats, you will have six pieces of burlap to stiffen.
Stiffen Fabric for DIY Placemats
Use a large mixing bowl or disposal baking pan to mix glue and water.
Mix Elmers glue with an equal amount of water and stir well. You can use mod podge if you prefer, but it’s more expensive, and both work equally well. Since I had a small amount of each, I mixed both together for this project.
Add the burlap fabric strips to the glue mixture and saturate thoroughly.
Squeeze or twist to remove excess glue and smooth the fabric as much as possible to avoid excess wrinkles.
Hang the burlap fabric and allow to dry. The fabric may drip glue, therefore be sure to protect the area with plastic or other disposable material if not outdoors.
Trace Template on Fabric
After the fabric dries, it may be necessary to use a hot iron to smooth excess wrinkles. You will not get the fabric 100% smooth, but that’s OK.
Now you can trace the petal design onto your fabric using a pencil.
You can download a template for the petals here.
Next, cut the individual pieces for the flower petals using small scissors.
Construct DIY Placemats No Sew Method
First, lay out four petals, as shown in the photo below. I used the squares on my table to align the pieces evenly and taped the pieces to avoid movement.
You can use a cutting mat to help with alignment or draw a pattern on paper or cardboard.
Next, using permanent fabric glue, apply a bead to each petal only where the petals will overlap.
In addition, apply a bead of fabric glue, in approximately the same location, to each top petal and press the glued sides together.
The additional glue on both sides of the petals will ensure a better bond.
Due to the stiffness of the burlap, it may be necessary to tape and/or weigh the petals down until the glue sets.
After all the pieces are in place, add additional weight to ensure the pieces will adhere firmly.
Note: Be cautious about what material is used under the placemats because the glue may seep underneath. I saw a few spots on my table, but removing them was easy.
The DIY Flower Placemat
Once the glue is dry, you are ready to style your placemats.
There are many options at this point. You can add paint to highlight the petals. For my first table, I decided to leave the petals natural.
When using the individual petals, you are adding depth to the design.
I’m working on an Easter Table Setting so here is one version with the new DIY Placemats
The placemats feel very sturdy, and I love how they look on my table.
I’ve also included a video tutorial for your convenience and see the full supply list on the HOW-TO below.
Thanks so much for stopping by today. Be sure to see how the placemats look on the Easter Brunch Table Setting.
I liked this design so much, I later made another set for my Spring Table and painted them pink. See Spring Tablescape Ideas for details.
Additional DIY Tableware Projects You Can Make
- How to Paint Flour Sack Napkins
- Hand-painted DIY Drop Cloth Table Runner
- DIY Burlap Napkin Rings Tutorial
- Pottery Barn Inspired Leaf Napkin Rings
- Easy Lemon & Lime Drop Cloth Table Runner
- DIY Ticking Cutlery Pocket Napkins
- Easy Christmas Table Runner in Red and White
PIN IT RO REMEMBER IT
Recipe
How To Make DIY Placemats No Sew
Easy to make No Sew Placemats with burlap
Materials
- 1 yard 48" wide white burlap
- Elmers Glue
- Permanent Fabric Glue
Tools
- Scissors
- Clothes Pins
- Tape
- Large Bowl
Instructions
1. Make a template for your pattern
2. Cut white burlap fabric into sections for each individual placemat
3. Make a 50/50 mixture of water and Elmers glue
4. Drip Fabric in Glue mixture until coated and remove excess glue by twisting fabric.
5. Smooth the wet fabric as much as possible and hang to dry. Be sure to hang and protect surfaces from glue drips below the fabric. If the fabric is very wrinkled after drying, iron until somewhat smooth.
6. Once dry, trace your template onto the fabric and cut the design with scissors.
7. Align pieces of burlap and tape down the first 4 pieces.
8. Add a bead of fabric glue where the pieces will overlap and place the remaining 4 pieces to adhere.
9. Tape everything down and/or use items to weight the pieces down until the glue is dry. Read manufacturer instructions regarding glue drying time.
Notes
The time lines do not include drying time for the fabric stiffener or the fabric glue.
If you hang glue saturated fabric outside, it will dry within a few hours.
There are many options for the design so if you choose to change the design, you may need more or less fabric.
joan
Monday 6th of March 2023
Great tutorial....easy ! Just loving your blog. Thanks, Joan...
Rachel
Tuesday 7th of March 2023
Joan, I appreciate this so much. Thank you for stopping by.
Renae
Monday 6th of March 2023
I love this idea. It's so pretty. I would love to share this on my weekly newsletter. HUgs to you, my friend.
Rachel
Monday 6th of March 2023
Renae, thank you so much. I'd love that.
Kim | Shiplap and Shells
Monday 21st of March 2022
I'm always so amazed by your creativity and how you come up with these incredible DIY projects Rachel. You've shared another brilliant one here.
Rachel
Monday 21st of March 2022
Kim, I really appreciate your encouragement and support. Thanks for your kind words
Carolyn
Monday 21st of March 2022
These placemats are just what my Spring table is missing. Thank you for all your creative ideas.
Rachel
Monday 21st of March 2022
Carolyn I'm so glad you like them. I can't wait to see what you do for your table.
Miche
Monday 21st of March 2022
ADORABLE! You are so creative. Thanks, Rachel.
Rachel
Monday 21st of March 2022
Miche, I really appreciate your encouragement.