DIY Appliqued Fabric Coasters: A Step-by-Step Guide
Looking for a fun and easy sewing project? This tutorial will guide you through creating charming appliqued fabric coasters. Perfect for protecting your furniture and adding a personalized touch to your home, these coasters are a great way to use up fabric scraps and express your creativity. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced sewer, this project is sure to be a delightful and rewarding experience.
This project was inspired by a tutorial from Fat Orange Cat, and we’ve expanded upon it to provide a comprehensive guide. Remember, there’s no single “right” way to craft, so feel free to adapt the techniques to suit your preferences and skill level. Let’s get started!
Materials You’ll Need
- Fabric scraps in various colors and patterns
- Fusible web (double-sided adhesive)
- Batting (cotton or polyester)
- Scissors
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Sewing machine
- Thread
- Ruler or measuring tape
- Pencil or fabric marker
- Pins
- Knitting needle or chopstick (for turning corners)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Fabric Pieces
Begin by cutting two pieces of fabric, each measuring 4.5″ x 4.5″. These will form the top and bottom layers of your coaster. Also, cut one piece of batting measuring 4.5″ x 4.5″. The batting will provide cushioning and absorbency for your coaster. Set these pieces aside for later use.
Step 2: Create Your Applique Design
Now, it’s time to design your applique! You can draw your own design or trace a pattern onto the liner of your double-stick fusible web. Remember to reverse the design if necessary, as it will be flipped when applied to the fabric. To determine which side of the liner to draw on, gently peel apart a corner of the fusible web. Draw on the side that is still attached to the web.
Step 3: Fuse the Web to the Applique Fabric
Peel off and discard the side of the tracing paper that you did not draw on. Stick the remaining side of the fusible web to the wrong side of your chosen applique fabric. It won’t permanently stick until ironed, so reposition as needed to ensure it covers the design.
Step 4: Cut Out the Applique Shape
Carefully cut out the applique shape along the lines you drew. This ensures a clean and precise cut for your design.
Step 5: Prepare the Applique for Placement
Peel off and discard the remaining side of the tracing paper, making sure the fusible web stays adhered to the fabric. This exposes the adhesive side of the web, ready for bonding to the coaster’s top fabric.
Step 6: Iron the Applique onto the Coaster Fabric
Position the applique, web-side down, onto the right side of one of the pre-cut 4.5″ x 4.5″ fabric pieces. Take your time to ensure the placement is perfect. Once you’re satisfied, iron it permanently in place by pressing firmly for 10-15 seconds. The heat will activate the fusible web, bonding the applique to the fabric.
Step 7: Add Additional Applique Details
Repeat steps two through six as many times as needed to complete your applique design. Get creative with different shapes, colors, and textures to create a truly unique coaster.
Step 8: Assemble the Coaster Layers
Stack your three 4.5″ x 4.5″ pieces in the following order: batting on the bottom, one piece of fabric (the one *without* the applique) in the middle with the right side facing up, and the applique piece of fabric on top with the right side facing down. It’s important to note that this image is showing you how the pieces should face but before sewing they all need to be stacked directly on top of each other and pinned together to secure them in place.
Step 9: Sew the Coaster Together
Sew all three pieces together with a .25″ seam allowance, leaving a 1.5″ opening along one side. This opening will allow you to turn the coaster right-side out. Once sewn, trim the corners to reduce bulk and create sharper corners when turned.
Step 10: Turn and Finish the Coaster
Turn the coaster inside-out through the opening, ensuring that the layer of batting is on the inside, between the two layers of fabric. Gently push out the corners using a knitting needle or a chopstick to create crisp edges. Finally, hand-stitch the 1.5″ opening closed using a blind stitch for a seamless finish. This step ensures a neat and professional look for your coaster.
Step 11: Enjoy Your New Coaster!
Congratulations! Your appliqued fabric coaster is now complete. Place something hot or cold on your new coaster and enjoy! Repeat the process to create a set of coasters for your home or as a thoughtful handmade gift. These coasters are not only functional but also add a touch of personal style to any space.
Tips and Variations
- Experiment with different applique designs: Try flowers, animals, geometric shapes, or even personalized monograms.
- Use different fabric types: Mix and match cotton, linen, felt, and other fabrics for added texture and visual interest.
- Add decorative stitching: Enhance the applique design with hand or machine embroidery.
- Quilt the coaster: Add quilting stitches across the surface of the coaster for extra durability and a decorative touch.
- Make different sizes: Adjust the dimensions of the fabric pieces to create coasters of various sizes.
- Consider using Insul-Bright: For added heat resistance, use a layer of Insul-Bright batting in addition to regular batting.
Making your own appliqued fabric coasters is a fun and easy way to personalize your home decor and protect your furniture. With a little creativity and these simple steps, you can create a set of unique and charming coasters that reflect your personal style. Happy crafting!