Reversible Quilting: Instructions for a Reversible Placemat

Reversible quilting is a technique in which the front and back of a patchwork project are sewn or quilted at the same time. Check out the instructions now and make it yourself!

The most important things at a glance

• In this tutorial, you will learn what reversible quilting is and how you can use it
• We will show you how reversible quilting works and how you can easily sew it, even as a beginner
• You will get an overview of which fabrics are suitable for double-sided quilting and patchwork
• And, of course, there is plenty of information on the necessary materials and sewing techniques
• Sewing level: easy
• Sewing time: 1 - 2 afternoons

What is reversible quilting?

Reversible quilting is a patchwork method where you create the front and back simultaneously as a sandwich. Later, the finished sandwich pieces are usually joined together with a hand-sewing stitch. Unlike in our patchwork tutorial for "Free cutting," the fabric pieces for "reversible quilting" are cut accurately.

YouTube sewing tutorial for placemat with reversible quilting

Why should I try reversible quilting?

Reversible quilting has the advantage that you have the front and back ready immediately and don't have to "baste" (sew together) both quilt sandwich layers first. The piece is finished right away, and you can admire your work.

What can I sew with "double-sided patchwork"?

Simply everything you need two beautiful sides for:

• Coasters/mug rugs
• Placemats
• Baby quilts
• Large blankets

.

What accessories do I need for reversible quilting?

You need classic patchwork accessories:

• Woven cotton fabric^* or patchwork fabrics^*
• Vlieseline H630 (interfacing)^*
• Cutting mat^*
• Thread scissors^*
• Quilt ruler^*
• Sewing thread^*
• Hand sewing needle
• Possibly quilt thread for the hand seams (but "normal" sewing thread also works)
• Pins^*
• Rotary cutter^*
• Sewing machine

Tip on the ruler: In this case, we work with centimeters, but most of the time in patchwork, specifications are in inches, as many patterns come from English-speaking countries. So, if you would like to spend more time on the topic of patchwork, I advise you to also purchase an inch ruler, but more on that later.

Which fabrics are suitable for the double-sided quilting technique?

Should I pre-wash the fabrics used before sewing?

For new fabrics, especially color-intensive ones, it might make sense. If you use high-quality patchwork cotton, it is usually enough to iron it very hot and, later, when washing the quilt piece for the first time, to add color-catcher sheets to the washing machine. I have never pre-washed and have only ever pre-ironed, but I have heard from other quilters about mishaps. The color-catcher sheets should definitely eliminate almost everything during the first wash.

How can I prepare the fabrics so they don't warp?

First of all, ironing at a high temperature is the foundation for patchwork. You could also pre-treat the fabrics with spray starch (e.g., Best Press) before cutting to be able to cut and sew more precisely.

Which batting is suitable for reversible quilting?

For this patchwork technique, you need an iron-on batting, e.g., Vlieseline H640 or H630. But you can also work with batting scraps and spray adhesive.
Since there are really many different types of batting, we have prepared an article on the topic of fabrics and batting for patchwork, in which you can get an overview.

Hot reading tip: Strengthening fabrics (mega article!)

What is the best way to cut my fabrics?

Cutting is best done with a cutting mat, rotary cutter, and patchwork ruler. This has the advantage that the cut edges can be cut perfectly straight, and the fabric is not lifted while working.

Reading tip: Cleaning and maintaining your cutting mat

What should I pay attention to when choosing the sewing thread?

For quilting, you should preferably use a cotton thread, e.g., mercerized cotton. You can also use contrasting thread for the quilt stitch. However, a normal all-purpose thread is also suitable for sewing your cut pieces together.

The Silk Finish threads from Mettler are very nice for this sewing project. They are made of cotton and have a slightly shiny surface. And: You can also get them in color-coordinated sets.

You can also use Mettler all-purpose thread for the hand seams. It is best to choose a color that matches the fabrics so that the seams are nicely inconspicuous.

Which seam allowance is suitable for reversible quilting?

For reversible quilting, you do not need a special seam allowance. Depending on the project, you should follow the specified seam allowance, either the width of the presser foot, which means 0.75 cm or 1/4 inch. In our project, we use cm and therefore a seam allowance of 0.75 cm, i.e., the width of the presser foot.

Tip: If you can change the needle position on your sewing machine, you should use this function!

How big is the finished placemat?

The placemat, as Kati shows it here, is 32 x 47 cm. Of course, you can add more sandwiches to make, for example, a whole table runner out of it.

Sewing tutorial: Patchwork placemat with reversible quilting

All set? Then let's briefly talk about our overall approach!

First, we sew the individual quilt sandwiches, which can later be combined into a larger project, in our case a placemat.

Here is the basic guide for this great double-sided sewing and patchwork technique. I will first show you how the whole thing works and how an individual quilt sandwich is created. And, of course, we will then sew a project using this quilting technique by joining several sandwiches into a placemat. Have fun!

Step 19

Now place Fabric H1 and G1 against the upper sandwich strip and connect them as explained above.

Step 20

In the next step, sew fabric H1 to the bottom sandwich, right sides together.

Step 21

Now the set is almost finished.

Step 22

Now you can sew the center strip G1 in place by hand using a ladder stitch or appliqué stitch.

You can find the tutorial for the ladder stitch here.

Step 23

In the next step, the fabric strips for the border are sewn together.

Sew 2 strips of H1 and G1 each, as well as H2 and G2, using a 0.75 cm seam allowance and a 0.25 stitch length.

This time, press the seam allowances open.

Step 24

Pin the H1 strips to the top and bottom edges of the set and sew them on using a foot-width seam allowance.

Step 25

Press the G1 strips in half, wrong sides together.

Step 26

...and then fold them over to the back.

Step 27

Pin them in place and sew them on with a ladder stitch.

Step 28

Press the G2 strip in half...

Step 29

...and then press both sides of the strip inward by approx. 1 cm, or to the width of the set's side.

Step 30

Now pin the H2 strip to the sides, right sides together...

Step 31

...and sew on, keeping the distance of a presser foot. Fold fabric G2 in half upwards and pin the strip as described above.

Step 32

Now you can start at the top corner and sew the strip on by hand as well.

And your gorgeous quilt placemat is finished! :)

Conclusion: Reversible quilting is really fun!

Admittedly, it takes a little bit of a shift in mindset to get used to this sewing technique at first. After all, you have to keep an eye on both the top and bottom of the sewing project simultaneously. But because we prepare one side first and then connect it with the batting and the underside, even beginners can easily handle it.

If you would like to know more about reversible quilting and its many possibilities, you can find many examples of reversible quilts with different sides in the book by Sharon Peterson^*. Once you have mastered the technique, the rest is a breeze, I promise.

Kati's Tip: When choosing your sewing thread, always remember that it should harmonize with the fabrics used. And if you like, try out Mettler cotton sewing thread^*. You can use it just like "normal all-purpose thread," and it is very easy to sew with by hand.

Sabine's Tip: For hand quilting thread, I also find Mettler No. 50 great; these are slightly thicker cotton threads with a fine sheen. I always have a few "neutral" colors on hand...

In any case, we can already think of a whole bunch of projects that can be implemented with reversible quilting. How about you?

Happy simple sewing, Kati & Sabine