Entertaining Waxed-Canvas Place Mats Set a table this striking, and you'll be eating up compliments the next time you entertain. By Martha Stewart Editors Martha Stewart Editors Facebook Instagram Twitter Website An article attributed to "Martha Stewart Editors" indicates when several writers and editors have contributed to an article over the years. These collaborations allow us to provide you with the most accurate, up-to-date, and comprehensive information available.The Martha Stewart team aims to teach and inspire readers daily with tested-until-perfected recipes, creative DIY projects, and elevated home and entertaining ideas. They are experts in their fields who research, create, and test the best ways to help readers design the life they want. The joy is in the doing. Editorial Guidelines Updated on June 5, 2019 Share Tweet Pin Email Photo: PERNILLE LOOF To make our custom color-block place mats, cut out rectangles of yellow and white waxed canvas. Rather than hemming the edges, gently pull a few loose threads to give them a frayed finish. Then stitch on contrasting pockets so you can tuck in flatware, and go spot-on with plates. What You'll Need Materials Waxed canvas, in 2 contrasting colors (Pictured: Fairfield Textile army duck with Martexin Original Wax, 10.10 oz., in Natural and Slicker Yellow, $17 a yd., fairfieldfabrics.com.) Clothing iron Sewing supplies Sewing machine (optional) Instructions Cut canvas for place mat into a 18 3/4-by-13-inch rectangle. Cut canvas for pocket into a 7 1⁄2- by-6 1/4-inch rectangle. Gently pull threads at edges of larger rectangle to fray them. Fold edges of smaller rectangle under about 1⁄4 inch, and press with iron to set crease. Place pocket 1 1/2 inches from side of place mat and center it vertically. Sew around sides and bottom of pocket, about 1/8 inch from its edge, to secure to place mat. Add upholstery tacks, if desired: Measure and mark with a pencil for even spacing (ours are about 3 inches apart on centers); pre-poke holes with awl. Insert tacks; gently hammer in using mallet.