In my bid to use up scraps of fabric I turned jam jars into vases last week, and now I have a little tutorial on how to make a coaster.
My inspiration came from this gorgeous coaster I bought from the very talented Laura of LAMdesigns.
The different textures, patterns, colours and the embroidery are just beautiful AND it's hand stitched. Do check out Laura's blog and her etsy shop, she makes some beautiful things.
So, I fancied seeing if I could have a go at making a coaster myself. Obviously nothing quite as fabulous as this, but I thought a basic coaster should be within my capabilities. And after a couple of goes, I've made this tutorial for you:
Step 1
Cut out two pieces of fabric, about 10cm square and a piece of wadding a bit smaller (you'll cut this down to be the perfect size later).
Step 2
Put the two pieces of fabric good sides together and pin all the way round. Leave a gap on one side as this is where you will insert the wadding.
Step 3
Machine sew around all sides, don't forget to leave the gap. Then cut off the corners to make it easier when you turn the coaster the right way round.
Step 4
Turn the coaster the right way out and push out the corners. Cut the wadding square to measure a bit smaller than the coaster.
Step 5
Insert the wadding into the coaster. Tuck in the edges of fabric from the opening and pin together. Sew all the way round the coaster, about 5mm from the edge.
And there you go! Obviously you can use a variety of different fabrics, add ribbon – all kinds of decoration – to make your coaster perfectly pretty. Here are a couple more I made, once I got the coaster making bug.
I have only three days left until I launch the green gables! It's partly very exciting and partly very nerve-racking – I'm trying to focus on the exciting. But I've not finished with the pre-launch treats, oh no! There is another giveaway still to come so stay tuned!
This is such a great DiY! Thanks so much - I'll give it a go on the weekend.
Posted by: Mel - The Crafty DiY Bride | Wednesday, 16 June 2010 at 11:19
Lovely idea and love the fabric you used for the last two - gorgeous!
Posted by: scentedsweetpeas | Wednesday, 16 June 2010 at 12:47
All so very gorgeous, and just when I thought your mismatched teaset couldn't get any lovelier.
Wonderful tutorial, too.
:)
Posted by: Kirsty | Wednesday, 16 June 2010 at 14:14
so so so cute! I really need to get a sewing machine ...
Posted by: amy t schubert | Wednesday, 16 June 2010 at 17:26
Thanks for the fab comments, give it a go it really won't take you long!
BTW, the fabric used for the final two is leftover from my sitting room blind, the turquoise pattern is slightly sparkly, I love it!
Posted by: the green gal | Monday, 21 June 2010 at 17:35
These are so pretty! Thanks so much for adding them to the One Pretty Thing Flickr pool, I'll be linking.
Posted by: Rachel | Tuesday, 06 July 2010 at 19:43
how cute!! thanks :D
Posted by: Adriana | Monday, 19 July 2010 at 05:57
ooOOh these are so pretty!! I was thinking of what to gift my brother for his new apartment and colour-coordinated coasters to go with their living space sounds perfect! I'm going to buy me some fabric and wadding. Thanks for the tute!!! xxx Mimi (www.mimiscraftyworld.blogspot.com)
Posted by: Mimi | Thursday, 18 August 2011 at 21:26