Fabrics 101: Embroidering on Rubber Waffle

Enis Blizman is a talented embroiderer active with her local sewing store Viking Sewing Gallery in Taylor, MI. She sent photos of rubber waffle placemats she embroidered to compose a colorful table setting. After her work appeared in the Stitchers Showcase, she provided tips and instructions for stitching on this "fabric." We're delighted to share those with you, and offer more tips, ideas, and inspiration, too. 

Rubber waffle placemats, also called fishnet placemats, can be purchased from Bed Bath & Beyond or ordered online from Amazon and Overstock.

Project Needs & Notes

- Rubber waffle placemats
- Water-soluble stabilizer
  (like Vilene or Sulky Ultra Solvy)

For this tutorial, I used the long-stemmed wildflowers designs. Find more floral designs in the Flowers and Gardens department here.

Rubber waffle placemats are made out of a soft, flexible rubber. Choose designs with simple and solid fill -- steer clear of anything too light, as delicate and light stitches will get lost in the gaps.

Hoop the placemat between two pieces of water-soluble stabilizer.

Use a size 11 or 75/11 sharp sewing needle or an embroidery needle.

Because the design will be seen from the back, use the same thread in the bobbin as in the top.

Embroider the design. The design featured here has fills that won't get lost in the gaps of the rubber waffle. It's an eye-catching piece along the side of the placemat.

Tear the excess stabilizer away, gently. Remove any remaining bits of stabilizer with a damp sponge, or soak in water.

Adding embroidery to rubber waffle placemats is a unique, unexpected way to add flair to your dining table. Use them on a patio, at a picnic, or more.

Enis used bright green, orange, yellow, and pink placemats for her patio party.

She used contrasting colors for the flower petals to make them stand out from the bright rubber waffle.

The Embroidery Library team made colorful placemats and coordinating coasters.

You can also cut the rubber waffle placemat into triangles, and make pretty bunting for your outdoor dining nook.