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Easy Beginner Quilted Coaster Pattern: Crafting Your Own Stylish Coasters

If you’re new to quilting and looking for a simple yet satisfying project to kick off your sewing journey, making quilted coasters is a fantastic place to start. These delightful little creations not only protect your surfaces from heat and moisture but also add a personal touch to your home decor. This easy beginner quilted coaster pattern will guide you step-by-step, ensuring you have fun while honing your skills.

What You’ll Need

Before diving into the sewing process, gather the following materials:

Materials:

• Cotton fabric: Choose two contrasting fabric squares for the top and backing of your coaster (each measuring 5×5 inches).
• Batting: A square of quilt batting, 5×5 inches, to provide insulation and thickness.
• Thread: Use a colour that complements your fabric.
• Pins: To secure the layers together.
• Scissors or rotary cutter: For clean cuts.
• Sewing machine: Any basic machine will do.
• Iron: For pressing your fabric and seams.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Fabrics: Start by washing and pressing your fabric. This ensures that any shrinkage happens before you sew and gives your coaster a crisp finish.

2. Cut the Squares: Use your scissors or rotary cutter to cut out two squares of fabric (5×5 inches each) for the top and bottom and one square of batting (also 5×5 inches).

3. Layer the Fabric: Lay the top fabric square face up on your work surface. Place the batting on top of this square, followed by the backing fabric square face down. Your layers should now be: top fabric (face up), batting (in the middle), and backing fabric (face down).

4. Pin the Layers: Secure the layers together with pins, ensuring they don’t shift as you sew. A few strategically placed pins will suffice for this small project.

5. Sew the Coaster: Using a sewing machine, sew around the edges of the layers, leaving a gap of approximately 2 inches on one side for turning. Use a straight stitch and set your seam allowance to around 1/4 inch.

6. Trim the Corners: Turn the coaster inside out through the gap you left. Before doing this, carefully trim the corners of the fabric (without cutting into the stitches) to reduce bulk and allow for sharper corners once turned.

7. Press the Coaster: Use an iron to press the coaster flat, making sure to push out the corners so they are well-defined. Be careful not to iron over the batting directly; use the cotton fabric as a cushion between the iron and the batting.

8. Close the Gap: Fold in the raw edges of the opening you left for turning and pin it closed. Topstitch along the edge of the coaster about 1/8 inch from the edge, which not only closes the gap but also adds a decorative finish.

9. Quilt the Coaster (Optional): For added texture and design, you can quilt your coaster. Simply sew parallel lines or create a simple pattern across the coaster, being sure to avoid sewing too close to the edges.

10. Final Press: Give your finished coaster one last press with the iron to set the seams and remove any wrinkles.

Enjoy Your Handmade Coasters!

Congratulations! You’ve successfully created your very own quilted coasters. These coasters make wonderful gifts, perfect for housewarmings or as personalised presents for friends and family. You can experiment with different fabric combinations, sizes, and quilting patterns as you gain confidence with your sewing skills.

Tips for Success

• Use 100% cotton fabric: This is best for quilting as it presses well and withstands the heat from cups and mugs.
• Experiment with colours and patterns: Don’t be afraid to mix and match; quilting is about showcasing your personal style.
• Practice makes perfect: If your first attempt isn’t perfect, don’t be discouraged. Each project is a learning experience.

Making easy beginner quilted coasters is not just a fun craft—it’s a practical skill that can enhance your home decor. So gather your materials and get sewing; your beautifully crafted coasters await!