Mine are exactly 16 inches across, but in today's world, there are no limits to design. Make whatever looks right for your table and China ware. Choose your fabric and go for it. Can you describe the table, size of plates and the color scheme? Just for fun, why are you choosing round placemats? Is it a modern theme? What color placemats?

Placemats are going to be a fall theme for a baby shower. I'm making center pieces too. This is my 3rd shower this year and every one has loved the placemats I make for their place setting and they get to take them home. Well, the young (20 somethings) ladies are all ways trying to gather 4 to 6 of them (I all ways make extra). This time I decided to make round ones that could be used at the center of a table with maybe a fall center piece. That way more people would have uses for them. In fact, I have a round table and will probably use one for myself. Wish I would have bought more stuff to make myself a centerpiece! I did go on line and saw placemats from 14" to 17". I think I like the 16".
Thanks for the input.
Kathy G in MI