A couple years ago, we had a coaster swap in my guild ( St. Louis Modern Quilt Guild ). It was a lot of fun and I ended up with gorgeous coasters by Linda Kocher that I love and use all the time.
I wanted to make some more for my house and to put in my shop and thought I’d share as coasters are such a great way to use up scraps – fabric and batting – in a useful way. Plus they are super quick and easy to make.For these, I stitched together long strips of scraps in different widths from 1.25″ to 2.25″ to measure about 5+ inches wide. Then, I subcut them to 2″ x 5″. The top strip is 1.5″ x 5″ and the bottom is 2.5″ x 5″. Stitch together and press.
Cut out a backing and batting the same size. Place the front on top of the batting and then the backing right sides together with the front.
Stitch 1/4 inch seam all the way around, leaving about a 2″ wide gap so you can turn right side out. Trim your corners.
Turn right side out and push out your corners and press.
Fold fabric 1/4″ under at the space you left open. Press.
Stitch 1/8″ around all four sides.
Leave as is or quilt as desired.
Now, you can also use some Pellon Lite EZ Steam II to applique leaves. (See my Applique Tree Mini Quilt Tutorial for more on using EZ Steam).Note: if you are using purchased leaves rather than fabric, never iron them directly or they will melt. When pressing, press from the EZ Steam side or back side always!
If you’re using fabric, trace your shape, whatever shape you want. If you are making multiples, stack your fabric and cut out two or three at a time.
Arrange your leaves as desired. Press into place by pressing from the back side to adhere your EZ Steam.
Assemble your coasters as above.
Again, as above, turn right side out, push out your corners and press. Fold your open edge 1/4″ under and press. Stitch 1/8″ around your coaster and quilt as desired.
You can do the same thing with your hexies to make flower coasters. Cut batting and backing into the same shape. Remove your papers and assemble as above.
Stitch 1/4″ around leaving a gap. I would suggest leaving the gap on a petal instead of where I did. This was a little bit of a pain to get my corners right and everything pressed under.
Turn right side, press out your corners. Turn your open edge 1/4″ under and press. Stitch 1/8″ around your coaster and quilt as desired. Sorry my quilting is a little wonky here but I did this coaster and the leaves real quick this morning so I could add them to this blog post!
These are fun to make and great to gift and a good way to use up some of those scraps! If you make some or have some other fun coaster ideas, I’d love to see them! Tag me on social media @fourrobbins
Have a great day!
