by sewdeb 07 Oct 2016

Hello, Cuties, I'm hoping you can offer up some advice. I'm making these placemats for each of my grandchildren.


I'm up to the point where you put on the back and bind them - they take the better part of an afternoon to stitch to this point, by the way.

Now, here's where I could use your advice - the kids are 5 and under, so I'm wondering if I should cover the top with a thin vinyl to perhaps make them "survive" usage for more than one Christmas.

Have any of you used vinyl as a topper and did it launder well? Or does the vinyl trap moisture and/or get cloudy after repeated washings? Also, do you think this protective covering would just make the mats look cheap?

I'm looking forward to any ideas you pass along. Thanks, Deb

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by pldc 08 Oct 2016

terrific placemat Deb & I see the scotchgard idea has been posted so I am agreeing with that. it will clean very easily. Vinyl would be sticky & leave streaks just a thought. ~hugs~

1 comment
sewdeb by sewdeb 08 Oct 2016

Thanks. Lor! Hugs*

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by babash 07 Oct 2016

Either find a Vinyl sleeve they will slip into or Scotch guard as someone else suggested or just leave normal.
Personally I would leave normal and use a Nappy wash to launder them after the meal.
My DH is forever spilling Coffee or Chocolate Ice Cream on his White or light coloured shirts and it all comes out in the wash. Even on colours with out stripping the colour.

1 comment
sewdeb by sewdeb 07 Oct 2016

Hmmm, I think my DH and yours might just be brothers! LOL
Thanks so much for taking the time to help me out!

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by Sewmum1 07 Oct 2016

Instead of sewing vinyl directly to the mats Maybe you could make a separate vinyl pouch/envelope to put the mats in while the children are little. As they get older they won't need to use it and it can be used for storage.

1 comment
sewdeb by sewdeb 07 Oct 2016

Wow, that's a great idea! Thanks! I knew you cuties would have much better ideas than I could come up with!

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by carolpountney 07 Oct 2016

Lovely mats have you thought about scotchguard I know at one time you could buy it in the supermarkets in spray cans and we just spray the item at few times and then let it dry, if it does get wet or spills they just roll off

2 comments
sewdeb by sewdeb 07 Oct 2016

I had forgotten all about scotchguard! Thanks!

pennyhal2 by pennyhal2 07 Oct 2016

I use Scotch Guard too.

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by dragonflyer 07 Oct 2016

I know that there is an iron-on vinyl for fabrics that fuses directly to the fabric...JoAnn's carries it (I have some, but have not used it yet) but several other Cuties have...perhaps they will be along to let you know how it worked out...I would think it would launder just fine, but I am not sure how it would hold up in the dryer...sorry I am not more help...

2 comments
sewdeb by sewdeb 07 Oct 2016

Thanks! I've used the iron on vinyl on plain fabric that I've used for lining ITH zip bags, but not on anything that has been embroidered.... not sure it would fuse to the dents made by the quilting and around the stitching.... I just don't want to mess them up after all the time put into them.

pcteddyb by pcteddyb 07 Oct 2016

I use the iron on vinyl for my coasters - right over the embroidery.

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