May Arts’ selection of ribbon is so diverse. They offer a selection from cute and fun, vintage, modern and everything in between! Today I’m showcasing the modern side of May Arts, with my version of bold, graphic barely sewn placemats.

I picked up two clearance packages of placemats at a sewing distribution center, all together, four placements came to only $1. Then, I purchased a package of Heat n’ Bond Tape and gathered at least 12 feet of May Arts 1.5” Grosgrain/White Ovals Ribbon in Black (331-10).

To start, I cut eight 18 inch lengths of the modern ribbon and adhered the Heat n’ Bond to the back of each, starting an inch from the top and ending an inch from the bottom of the ribbon. On a heat safe surface, I heated the tape with an iron until it was strongly adhered to the ribbon.

Net, I peeled off the tape and carefully pressed it firmly to the front side of the placemat. (I used a ruler to help measure the placement of each ribbon strip!) Then, I thoroughly affixed the ribbon to the placemats by heating with an iron. I was sure to place a towel on top of the ribbon so the screen-printed design didn’t end up on the bottom side of my iron!

To further imply the modern feel of the placemats, I looped each end of the ribbon onto itself, allowing for about a half-inch overhang off the edge of the placemat. I secured the loop with pins.

Finally, my mother helped me stitch the loops to the placemats at the very edge of the seams. I barely notice the stitching because I matched the thread to the ribbon color.

I was able to transform cheap placemats into modern show-stoppers with the help of cool, graphic ribbon from May Arts and just a few supplies. There are many trendy colors available in this design, you can check them out here!

Blog post by: Karen Baker

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