CarolynMT

Ok, couple things that I think were missed.

You need to have some sort of backing between the batting and the bed of your machine. Otherwise you will have a horrendous mess to clean up or your machine might start having a tantrum! So yes you need a backing of some sort and that is why. (Sorry engineer here, I always need to know WHY I have to do something and it has to make sense or I will do it my own way)

Now couple options you have here:
1. Cut the backing 1 to 1.5 inches bigger than the front. You need room for everything to "draw up" a bit when you quilt it. I have cut my backing a smidge bigger like just enough to fold to the front and wouldnt you know it ended up much smaller than that....sigh. tis an annoying thing to happen. Once you finish quilting, press the whole sandwich real good, then trim down the left overs with enough to fold over to the front and stitch down.

2. Another option, use a scrap piece of material, anything really, doesnt matter on color just make sure you cant see it through the backing fabric. Then use that for the sandwich backing. Quilt, trim to same size as placemat. Then you put the backing fabric you want to use (right sides together) on the front, stitch all the way around and then turn right side out. This will leave the back free (not stitched down) and does not put an edge on the placemat (that a binding would)

Really depends on the look you want. The second option I use when I dont have enough backing fabric to do bindings etc.

Now to your comment......some fabrics, patterns, colors, quilt designs etc. speak to you. when I have a fabric that speaks like that to me, I get it. Usually those end up being the best quilts!

Congrats on first project and joining the board. HUGS

#1piecemaker

Welcome to the board!! Just sandwich and quilt like you would anything else. It will be great!

gramacheri

What a pretty placemat! Good work too! Let us see the finished placemats too, please!

Lovequilting22

I really appreciate all of the support! Yesterday, I wanted to quit.....I was feeling that they were good enough to give as a gift, but the friend who will be getting them is very gracious and I know they will mean a lot to her. I have to keep reminding myself that I am just beginning and the Rome wasn't built in a day, right? I'm hoping to post a pic of one completed one today. I've decided to put my own binding on instead of bringing it around from the back. Thanks again for all your kind words! They mean a lot to me as a new quilter!

mjhaess

Quilt it with the backing on. That is very pretty colors.

quiltinghere

Welcome to the QB!

Your placemats look wonderful!

Nan

Shorebird

WELCOME TO THE BOARD!! Hope to see much more from you in the future. Nice job on the placemats. Where in PA are you located?

carolynjo

Good job. Pretty fabrics. You can finish the edges any way you want--bring the backing to the front, make a binding to attach-- whatever. There are tuts for all methods.

quiltyjax

[QUOTE=tessagin;6223538]Welcome to the board! Anything anyone needs to know the answer to about quilting or just about anything else for that matter, they will get the answer here!

I agree with tessagin - this board is just the greatest.

EmiliasNana

You are doing great. Your final idea of separate binding will be beautiful. Be sure and post final pictures and keep up the good work. Ask questions any time, as none are considered dumb here. Everyone started as a beginner.