Here's the scoop on quick placemats for any holiday:
Placemats are typically about 18" wide by 13" high. So you want to cut your fabric to 19" by 14" (but don't worry if your fabric piece is a bit smaller--this is just a guideline, not a law!)
For 6 placemats, purchase 1-1/4 yard of any cute Halloween fabric. If the pattern is large and you want to center it in your placemats, then buy 1-3/4 yards.
Cut out 6 rectangles, 19" by 14". Make a template to cut off all the corners: Just cut a piece of paper 2-1/2" square. Now cut diagonally from one corner to the opposite corner of the piece of paper. Place this template on each corner of your placemats and whack off the triangle underneath the paper.
Cut 6 matching pieces of backing fabric (you can measure and whack just like you did the fronts, or use one front piece as a pattern to cut the back pieces).
Cut 6 pieces of sew-in interfacing or batting (we recommend Warm & Natural for this kind of craft), the same size as your placemats. You don't have to whack off the corners because you'll be trimming the batting anyway.
Place a front and back piece right sides together. Place them on top of a piece of batting. Leaving a 2" to 3" un-sewn space (for turning it right side out after sewing), sew together with 1/4" to 1/2" seams (your choice, just make them all the same way).
Trim the batting close to the seam, clip the corners, and turn right side out. Hand sew the opening and press. Top stitch about 1/4" from the edge with either matching or contrasting thread. (If you're not sure you can stitch really straight, then use matching thread, because contrasting thread will show up any imperfections.)
That's all! Now you can start on placemats for the next holiday.
