Why don't you try following a pattern for a runner but make them longer or shorter in order to cross your table and hang down. Perhaps you could make them a little narrower too if necessary. I think this would work.

Great idea! Why didn't I think of that??

Lucy,
I'm having trouble wrapping my brain around what you are describing.Senior moment maybe.Do you have a picture,or can you make a drawing??? All i can think of is runners that would go across the table,instead of down the length of it,but then what happens at the end places??? Color me confused!!!! LOL
Kathi

Hi Kathi - This would only be for two people. I have heard that you can then put a regular runner over the top of the cross-wise double placemat and have mats for 4. The neat thing about this double placemat is that it doubles as a kind of runner, so you can leave it out all the time. I don't like the look of placemats sitting on the table constantly. Obviously this wouldn't work if you have kids and/or many family members. It's just my husband and me since my girls are in college - but I just KNOW someone will come back home!

I would think that the double placemat would "stay put" more than regular placemats, also -- a definite advantage! When I googled and dogpiled this topic, I found a site (UK, I think) that sells them. They give dimensions of 21" X 57". However, I think that chickadee was right about adjusting the length to fit your own table, as 57" seems too long for my kitchen table. I think that I am going to make some of these for Christmas presents -- Thanks so much for the idea! bggs

Here is a link to the ones William Sonoma sells. Pretty!

Here is a link that might be useful: Double Placemats

Those are nice,and ilove the terra cotta color and the idea of the whole cloth quilting on them.
Kathi

Oh I'm thinking now of having these over top of my dining table and woven the width and length.....the spots where they overlap in the middle would be great for those extra warmish to hot dishes....and not worrying about my tabletop. Christmas is coming up....hummmmm warm red tones on one side and something in greenish print on the other...oh and perhaps an added gold tassel for a touch of class..nothing too long just some glitter you understand...Seems like I'm gonna have to try these out. Thanks to everyone .... ideas, ideas, ideas....

Bud - that's a great idea (about weaving the mats and having the place they meet double as a hot pad.) I may have to try that. If any of you get your hands on a really good pattern for table runners that you find work well as double placemats, let me know, ok? Thanks!

Lucy,
Have no fear we children ALWAYS return home, when you least expect it. About 10 years ago I told Mother, (joansews) that we weren't coming home, but I showed up Christmas morning anyway, I couldn't stand it. I also told dear hubby one yr that we weren't putting a tree up because we were coming home, but I couldn't stand that either and bought a Charlie Brown looking tree on Christmas Eve and decorated it before we left.

The double placemats are now on my "To Do List".
Susan in Bama

What a cute idea!
Mary L