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PlaceMat and LapTray in ONE

PlaceMat and LapTray in One ~ An easy sewing DIY tutorial ~ Must have for Summer – use as a lap tray or a place mat and is fully washable.

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

I am in a sewing mood these last couple of days and started with this easy PlaceMat and LapTray.

Now, I do not know much about sewing. But I can (usually!) get the sewing machine to do what I want.

For all of you out there, who actually know what you are doing, my apologies for wrong terminology or methods I use. At least you will have an idea of what I did.

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

First I cut the above pieces 2.5cm ( one inch ) larger than my board size all around. See lower down what I have used.

Which I then multiplied the width by two – to get one long rectangular shape which gets folded over.

Board sizes : 25cm (10 inches) X 35cm (14 inches)
Fabric/Batting and Linen cut to : 30cm (12 inches) X 40cm (16 inches)

1.)  Outside Fabric
2.) Thin Batting
3.) Lining – I used thin linen as the standard lining might not be strong enough here

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

1.) Outside Fabric
2.) Thin Batting
3.) Lining
4.)  x 2 = Bias binding for the Cutlery Divider (no 5)
5.) Cutlery Divider -I folded and ironed a strip of 12.5cm (5 inches)
6.) Napkin Pocket – folded and ironed flat
7.) x 2 = Bias Binding for the Ties  (20cm  /  8 inches)

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

Sewed the Bias binding to seal the top and bottom of the Cutlery Divider. Cut and tucked in the end pieces.

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

I sewed the Cutlery Divider onto the Top Fabric – see the X’s – I sewed each line a couple of times to make it stronger.

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

Sewed the Napkin Pocket onto the Top Fabric with an opening on the top to slip in the napkin. I also stitched the Bias binding for the Ties while I was busy with the smaller pieces – the Ties get sewed onto the Mat/Tray later.

PlaceMat and LapTray in One !

One can see it is Winter in SA – my hands are all blue!

Above is the Order of the Layers – this is how I sewed everything together (see below).

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

The white circles show where I have pinned all three layers together all around (to make sure all is flat and there are no bubbles forming).

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

I started off by stitching the 3 layers together by the width (in the center) which will now form the “top” piece of the Mat/Tray.

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

To make it easier I cut a small piece of batting away on the side which must be open for the board to slide in.

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

Above you can see I simply folded the lining over the batting and the top layer just folded –  then sewed it close (front and back side).

After that was done I folded the Top Fabric towards each other – the lining will now be on the outside. Leaving a small border (approx 5mm). I sewed the other length side and the “bottom” closed.

I did this twice to make it stronger – turned the, now wrong side, in – making sure to push out the corners neatly.

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

I used a standard size Clip Board (which is slightly larger than A4) – removed the Clip and the board was ready  (these boards are extremely sturdy).

The rounded corners would also prevent tears when inserting into the Mat/Tray as this is a tight fit  (also my reason for not using the very thin lining).

PlaceMat and LapTray in ONE

Slide the board into the finished Mat/Tray  (I had already hand sewed the Ties at the ends).

PlaceMat and LapTray in ONE

Close it up …

and you have a handy

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

I thought a melamine picnic tray would look great here (seeing as one usually use a Lap Tray at a picnic/cookout/BBQ/braai…).

It fits nicely over my legs and with the extra batting on the bottom, it is very comfy as well! Standard place mats of this type normally only have a single piece of batting.

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

When done – replace with clean Cutlery and a Napkin – fold and tie up – ready for next time.

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

Use as a Place Mat on a table without the board inserted.

PlaceMat and LapTray in ONE

Slide in the board and use as a Lap Tray !

Fully washable !

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

~~ Quick PIN Link ~~

LINDA

PlaceMat and LapTray in One

 

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Kim @ Everything Etsy

Saturday 22nd of June 2013

That would make such a cute gift! What a creative idea!

~Kim

Tutus & Tea Parties

Monday 17th of June 2013

I love this! Thank you for sharing at our Pinteresting Party! Pinning it NOW!

Pennies of Time

Saturday 15th of June 2013

This is fantastic! Pinning and sharing! thank you!

Amber Koogler

Friday 14th of June 2013

too cute!!!! Thank you for sharing at Give Me The Goods!

Dimples & Pig Tales

Dee @ A Lapin Life

Friday 14th of June 2013

Adorable idea!!!

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