Sew for Dad Tutorials: Day 4

It's the fourth day of our Sew for Dad tutorials, and today's project just goes to show that sometimes the fabric choice truly makes the gift. The fun novelty print we used--the "lots of shots" print from Kanvas' Man Cave IV collection--turns a simple concept into a gift any guy would love. Paired with a terrycloth backing, the fabric makes a perfect bar mat--keeping glass bottoms and the table/bar surface dry during a party! 

Materials:

• 1/4 yard lots of shots print
• One 16" x 22" black terrycloth towel (or 1/2 yard black terrycloth)
• 1/4 yard black solid

Cutting:

From the lots of shots print:

One 8" x 22" strip

From the black terrycloth:

Two 8" x 22" pieces (if using a towel, you can simply fold it in half to measure approximately 8" x 22")

From the black solid:

Two 3-1/4" x 42" strips

Make the Bar Mat:

1. Using the chalk or fabric marking pen, draw quilting lines on the 8" x 22" lots of shots strip (We used diagonal lines 1" apart.) Layer the marked fabric right side up on the double layer of terrycloth and pin in place. 

2. Machine quilt with coordinating color thread, following the marked lines. Trim the quilted piece to measure 7" x 20". 

3. Sew the two 3-1/4" x 42" black solid strips short ends together and press strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Use to bind the bar mat. Note: We wanted a wider binding that almost looked like a border, which is why we used 3-1/4" wide strips and a 3/8" seam allowance.

You can use this same idea with a larger piece of fabric to make a drying mat for dishes by the kitchen sink. (It might not be well received as a Father's Day gift, though!)

You can win a pack of 10" squares of these fun Man Cave prints. To enter, simply sign up to follow the Benartex blog via a blog reader or follow by email (both options are in the right hand sidebar) and leave a comment telling us you did so. For a second entry, like us on Facebook and let us know you did so. Also, in your comment, tell us about any father's day plans you have for this year. This giveaway is open through Monday, June 16 at 11:59 PM EST. 


Don't miss our other Sew for Dad tutorials:
Day 1: Kelly from My Quilt Infatuation with a quilt using Who's on First

Day 2: Benartex blog design team with a travel roll using Venezia

Day 3: Jaime from That's My Letter with a work apron using Man Cave prints