How to Make Coasters From Place Mats

Not all place mats come with a matching coaster set; but it is easy to make your own using an extra place mat. You can make coasters from almost any material that place mats come in. Just follow these steps to make coasters to match your place mats.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Largemouth jar ring
• Cardboard
• Scissors
• Place mat
• Laminating machine
• Glue
• Corkboard
• Sewing machine

Basic Instructions

1. Use a largemouth jar ring as a pattern for round coasters. If a ring is not available, cut any shape pattern from a piece of cardboard.

2. Place the pattern on the place mat and trace around the edges.

3. Cut out as many coasters as desired.

Dealing With Special Materials

4. Use delicate lace place mats for coasters only if necessary. These place mats shred easily once cut. Cut around an existing lace pattern if possible and laminate or glue onto corkboard.

5. Pass coasters cut from paper place mats through a laminating machine so the coasters last longer.

6. Cut quilted place mats carefully so as not to lose the stuffing. Cut around an existing pattern if possible. Sew around the edges of the coasters to reinforce the seams.

7. Shape natural fiber place mats into coasters carefully so the delicate fibers do not shred or fall apart. Laminate quickly before handling ruins the final product made from these materials.

Tips & Warnings

• Choose oilcloth place mats to create simple waterproof coasters.
• Pick a cork-backed melamine place mat to make heat resistant drink coasters with skid-proof backings.
• Shred the cut edges of a thick fabric or weave place mat to make coasters with fringe.
• Think twice before recycling leather place mats into coasters. Leather is not a moisture friendly material and not an optimal choice.