How to Make a Round Velvet Playmat

Cut Your Fabric

First, cut out two large circles of your fabric. To do this, I used a Sharpie and a piece of string, but you can use tailor’s chalk or any other marker/tracer of your choice. I held one end in place, and traced the circle with the other.

My circles are 42” (107 cm) wide, but you can adjust this as you see fit. You can also use a compass tool like this to make a very large circle easily. Use the first circle as a template to cut out a second circle, and also to trace on the quilt batting. You will have two circles of velvet, and one circle of quilt batting.

Prepare the Fabric Strips

Cut out multiple strips of fabric that are 8” (20.5 cm) wide. This will be for the ruffle along the edge, I used a straight edge to measure and cut.  Stitch the edges together to create one long piece. I used four 50” (127 cm) strips for my playmat.

Fold the Strips

Fold the 8” (20.5 cm) piece in half. Then, fold and pinch the fabric over itself to make small 1/2″ (1.5 cm) tucks or pleats every 3” to 4” (7 to 10 cm), and hold each in place with a straight pin. I did not measure, but just went by eye. Stitch the ruffles down along the edge.

Pin and Stitch the Ruffle on Top

Place the ruffle along the edge of one circle and pin in place. The ruffle should face inward towards the center of the circle, with raw fabric edges of the ruffle and the circle matched together. Stitch around this raw edge to hold in place.

Sew the Pieces Together

Place the other circle on top of the one with the ruffle, right sides facing each other. Stitch through the circles and the ruffle along the edge to hold the pieces together, but leave about a 10″ (25 cm) opening.

Add the Batting and Finish the Edges

Insert the quilt batting simply by pushing it inside through the opening. Smooth it out so that it lays flat inside the playmat.

Finally, stitch the opening closed–and you’re done!