DIY Fabric Coasters

By Kate Riley September 26, 2013

I’m continuing my fall nesting with other little projects to cozy up the house and the latest is the creation of fabric coasters. I realized I didn’t have a decent set downstairs and I’m a “got to have a beverage nearby” gal.

I stitched up two sets of coasters to layer between surfaces protect against condensation, heat, or surface damage, one set for the living room and another for the family/dining room for when I’m working on the laptop or just helping with the kids’ homework.

diy fabric coasters

Since I’m digging the menswear and wool fabrics this season, I was drawn to a plaid and houndstooth. If you’ve ever been to Joann you know you can find discontinued designer samples for $2 and sometimes they discount them to 50¢. Such was the case with this P Kauffman plaid and Croscill samples I found.

menswear fabrics

I combined the plaid with some faux leather cut into 6 inch squares. The project is really simple, if you can sew a straight line you can make these, and they take only a few minutes to complete.

 

plaid and faux leather

With the fabrics inside out, sew ½ inch outside and around the edges of four sides but leave a 3 inch wide opening on the fourth side. Tip: snip the four corners while the coaster is inside out with your scissors, less fabric makes for sharper corners when you turn it right side out.

sew edges

Flip your fabric right side out and choose a plain or decorative stitch on your machine to close up the fourth side and create a border along the edge of your coaster.

fold in fourth side

decorative stitch along edge

I used blue linen for the reverse side of the houndstooth versions.

houndstooth fabric coasters

Cozy, practical, inexpensive, and a great gift idea too!

plaid coasters diy

 

I’m linking up to Layla’s Fall Craft party today, hop on over to get inspired by all the projects!

 

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22 comments

  1. I just want to face palm myself right now. I’ve been needed coasters forever, and could never find anything I like enough to buy. I made my previous set out of sisal rope, but wanted something different this time around. Of course this is a great idea, and why didn’t I think of it sooner. I’m gonna make some today!

    • That’s from Worlds Away Cindy, I snagged it years ago on a One Kings Lane super sale, still love it!

  2. You could take your coaster project one step further by putting whole spices (I used whole cloves) inside before you stitch up the last side. Once the “whole” spices are inside, simply smack with a hammer and then when a hot beverage is put on the coaster the scents of the spices are released. I made these in sets of four tied with a pretty ribbon and sold them at a fall fair. They were a huge success. Great Xmas gifts for teachers, hostess, anyone. Kids love the smacking with a hammer part.

  3. Kate, I love this idea & it’s perfect timing! I have just realized I need some coasters for the living room and started the hunt for some, now no need, I’m going to make some! As always, thank you for the inspiration.

  4. Awesome! I’m not a sewer and have been wanting to jump into giving it a go – perfect beginner’s project!! Funny, I just went out and bought some really great wool pillow covers with a houndstooth design on them!

  5. yay! I made a bunch of these with matching bookmarks and gave as gifts. I’m thinking I should do a holiday version, too. Never thought of checking those closeout fabrics swatches, though! I will definitely check it out next time I’m in Joann’s. Love the colors you chose. (:

  6. I know this is off subject but where are your tables from? I feel like I have seen them before (and love them!) but not sure where to find them!
    Also love this little DIY!!!

  7. Love this idea! I’m thinking of faux metallic leather for the holidays! You have fabulous ideas, Kate! Great use of sample fabrics – very clever.

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