Placemats are approximately 12"x18" although I do them more like 14x18 since we like to put large mugs on the mat when we eat. I think if you were to sew the strips together until they were between 12 and 14 inches wide, then cut them about 18" long and you have an easy and nice looking place mat. When you are done, you can use the odd size pieces as pieced blocks and set them at odd angles.