nap mat tutorial part 1

Kindergarten Nap-Mat Tutorial

I realized about halfway into this project that I should be snapping pictures. So forgive the fact that the first few steps do not have pictures to go with them. The finished size of this nap mat is approximately 20 inches wide x 55.5 inches long. You are basically making a mini quilt and sewing on fabric for a pillow, plus straps.

Step 1 - Cut the fabric you want for your top fabric (here, the cookie fabric) about 20" x 44". I had to piece my fabric together, which actually worked out nicely later in the process when I was sewing the "fold lines". A happy accident.

Step 2 - Cut the quilt batting (I did double thickness) the same size and put the two together, smoothing out any wrinkles. The batting will "stick" to the fabric.

Step 3 - Cut the backing fabric (here, the black & white gingham) 22" x 46". Center the back fabric on the other side of the batting, basically making three layers (top, batting, backing). Turn in the edges of the backing fabric 1/2 " and then another 1/2", wrap around to front, covering the top fabric, pin, and sew.

Note: I know I do not miter the corners "correctly", in fact, true quilters who see this will probably want to stick me with pins for doing it this way, however, after pinning one side, when I turn the corner, I take the unfolded edge and the first turn is a 90 degree angle and then I fold it in again. That will not make sense until you get into the project and just play with the fabric a bit.

Step 4 - Cut out pillowcase fabric 22" x 23". If you only want one fabric layer, that is fine. I used two different fabrics here - the gingham and a brown swirly fabric. My brown swirly accent fabric was cut 17" x 23", the side edges were tucked under, centered, and sewn onto the main piece.

Step 5 - Turn left edge in 1/2" and another 1/2" and stitch. Do the same for the right edge. These edges will become the openings to slide your travel pillow in/out of.

Step 6 - Zig zag (or serge) top and bottom edges, then turn edge in 1/4" and stitch. These edges will be attached to the top of your mat (front and back) and will form the pillowcase. Set aside.

Step 7 - To sew "fold lines", measure up from the bottom approximately 10" and sew across the width of the mat. Fold on the line you made and sew another "fold line" just past where the bottom edge ends. Continue until you have only about 2 inches past all the folds.