How to Make Table Protectors

Note from Cheri: Mary Wilkins, a Canadian quilter, sewer and editor of Sew-Whats-New.com, gave us the instructions for making these table protectors. Hot pots and casserole dishes will be no worry with these on your table. As long as you have a sewing machine, this project is simple, inexpensive and takes almost no time to make. Mary said it only took her about 15 minutes, but then, she is the sewing expert. Instructions are below the photo. For lots of great sewing ideas, tips and instructions, click here to visit Mary's site.

Mary says these are some of the handiest and most used articles in her kitchen. They are about the size of a bread and butter plate, 1/8" thick and made from pressed wood, padded with terrycloth and covered in decorator fabric. Make Matching Accessories: Cafe Curtains Patch Potholders Easy Cloth Napkins Circular Tablecoth

Buy or make a circle of pressed wood, 1/8 inch thick. Cut 3 layers of terry cloth (meaning old towels) the exact shape of the pressed wood. Now cut your decorator fabric about 2" larger than the terry cloth all the way around. Stitch a line around the outside edge of your decorator fabric with your needle tension tightened. This causes the decorator fabric to naturally curl. Place 3 layers of towelling on pressed wood disc. Now press under 1/2" on decorator fabric and stitch. Draw elastic or cord through the casing and pull up until it is snug on the back of the wood. Tie cord or stitch ends of elastic together securely. It's as simple as that. Place your hot casserole dish on this the next time you serve dinner. Co-ordinate your fabrics with the rest of your kitchen and you have an attractive, useful item.