DIY Fabric Coasters

Repurpose hand towels you're bored of to make snazzy fabric coasters.

If you are searching for a beginner's sewing project or a simple, homemade gift for a friend, try making a set of fabric coasters. You probably have plenty of useable fabric in your sewing scrap basket or your linen closet. Made from absorbent materials, old dishtowels or washcloths are excellent fabrics for coasters. The result will be a functional and decorative item for your home or something to demonstrate your affection for a friend.

Things You'll Need

• Dishtowels, washcloths or other thick fabric
• Iron
• Fabric scissors
• Cotton quilt batting, 12-by-12 inch piece
• Pins
• Needle
• Thread

Instructions

1. Wash and iron the fabric you will be using to make the coasters. Choose the cleanest and least worn places on the towel or cloth. Cut the fabric into eight squares, 5 ¼ inches on each side. Use a ruler and fabric scissors to achieve neater looking squares. Inspect the squares to determine which side of each one should be the side that shows.

2. Cut the quilt batting into four squares of the same size as your fabric squares. Lay two squares of fabric with their best sides facing each other and stack a piece of batting on top of them. Line the corners up and pin the pieces together.

3. Allow for a border of about ¼ of an inch and sew a seam along three edges, leaving at least 2 inches of the fourth side open. Use any sewing or stitching technique you wish. Turn the pouch you have created inside-out, so the batting is now on the inside and the best sides of the fabric are facing out.

4. Sew the fourth edge closed. Add borders, buttons or felt cut-outs if you desire.

Tips & Warnings

• Make reversible coasters by using one pattern of towel for the tops and a different one for the bottoms of the coasters.

• For cushier coasters, stack a second piece of batting on the bottom of the pile so the fabric squares are sandwiched between batting before you sew the stack together.

• Use a sewing machine for the seams if you have access to one.

References

• Planet Green: Don't Get Caught Empty-Handed at Your Next Party -- Make these Easy Coasters as a Hostess Gift
• Chronicle Books: How to Make Upcycled Quilted Coasters

Resources

• How About Orange: Iron-on Vinyl Coasters