It depends on it's purpose but a quilt can be a playmat too. I have seen playmats that are about a 4 foot circle with a gusset with a string around the edge for Legos. They play on it and then the string is pull tight to form a purse for the Legos. There are baby play mats done like a quilt with interesting fabrics and textures. I would have to ask the mother what her idea of a play mat is.