How to Make Cloth Coasters

Coasters can be decorative as well as functional.

Coasters are a great way to protect tabletops or other surfaces from water rings, scratches or other damage from glasses and mugs. They can be decorative as well as functional. They are easy to make from fabric scraps and can be embellished with machine stitching, embroidery, appliqué and quilting. They can be made from a variety of fabrics. You can decide what type of fabric you want to make yours from, as well as how plain or fancy they ultimately become.

Things You'll Need

• 2 - 4 ½ inch fabric squares
• 1 -- 4 ½ inch thin batting
• Thread
• Pins
• Scissors
• Sewing machine
• Iron/ironing board

Instructions

Basic coaster

1. Put the two fabric squares right sides together. Top with the batting. Sew with a ¼-inch seam, leaving a space on one side for turning.

2. Trim seams close to stitching and cut the corners on the diagonal.

3. Turn the sandwich to the right side and press.

4. Turn the un-sewn edge to the inside and pin. Topstitch ¼ inch from the edge all the way around and press.

Embellishments

1. Make coasters in contrasting fabrics, top and bottom, or make each one in a different color.

2. Add embroidery, appliqué or additional machine stitching for decoration.

3. Add rickrack, ribbon or other trims for decoration.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to backstitch when starting and stopping stitching.

• Make sure corners are pushed out before pressing, so they look sharp.

• Using thin batting gives good cushioning and still allows glasses and cups to sit securely.

• Be careful of pins and the iron around children. Make sure to unplug the iron when finished.

References

• Table & Kitchen Linen: Coasters
• Make It and Love It: Fabric Coasters