Last Minute Gift Tutorial: Patchwork Tea Mat with Inside Pocket

Good Morning!

This is a gift idea we had and wanted to share it here with you. We thought it would make a fun and cute (last-minute) gift for someone or for yourself. It would slip easily into your purse or pocket. So if you are a tea drinker or know one that you would like to make a quick and cute gift for, try making one or maybe several of these. They are also a fun way for using up some of those scraps we all have!!

There are a few options for making one.  We have used either a patchwork outside using simple 2 1/2″ squares or just a whole piece of fabric.

We have added a binding for finishing and ties to keep it closed so the contents will stay safely inside. (The tea packet and sugar will slip right in.)

These are the pieces you will need to create your tea mat:

The two top sections are the outside and consist of 8- 2 1/2″ squares sewn into one section.

The bottom left are the two sections that make up the inside with the 2 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ piece sewn onto the end for the underneath of the pocket.

The far right section is the top pocket piece that is sewn on the top.

Here is the inside with the  2 1/2″ x 4 1/2″ piece sewn on the end, for the underneath of the pocket. This is the time to layer the outside with the inside and quilt as you like. We chose batting but you could also use just interfacing or flannel.

If you want to use a whole piece of fabric cut 2 -8 1/2″ by 4 1/2″ pieces of fabric. Layer the outside piece with batting and then the inside piece for an easier finish, then quilt any way you like.

This shows the folded pocket piece sewn on the top on the right end.  Stitch around the whole patchwork piece to hold everything in place. (This is a picture that does not show quilting but yours would be quilted before sewing the pocket piece on top.)

Cut two strips of fabric for ties that are 1 1/4″  x 8″ , fold in half and then folded again to enclose edges and do the same along one short edge. Stitch along the long edge to finish.

Center the ties on both short sides, they will be sewn under the binding. Cut one 2 1/2″ strip for binding and fold in half, give it a good press. Stitch around the whole mat using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Sew the corners just as you would for adding binding to a quilt. Connect the binding in the way you like.

Turn the binding to the inside and stitch by hand or machine. (I used lots of clips to hold it where I wanted it!!)

Outside with binding and ties!! Stitch a couple rows of stitching down the middle back so it will be easier to fold.

Now you are finished, enjoy or give as a gift.

Sorry if my tutorial skills are lacking, it’s been so long since I have written one, surely they are rusty! 🙂

Have fun!!