DIY Quilted Coasters: A Simple Sewing Tutorial

Updated at: 15/05/2025

Are you looking for a fun and rewarding sewing project that yields both beautiful and practical results? Then look no further than DIY quilted coasters! This simple tutorial will guide you through the process of creating charming, personalized coasters that are perfect for adding a touch of handmade warmth to your home, or for gifting to friends and family. Forget flimsy, mass-produced coasters – these quilted beauties will protect your furniture in style. They're surprisingly easy to make, even for beginner sewers, and the possibilities for customization are endless.

Imagine the satisfaction of crafting unique coasters using your favorite fabrics and showcasing your own personal style. From playful patterns to sophisticated solids, the choice is yours! This project is a fantastic way to use up fabric scraps, making it both creative and eco-conscious. Ready to get started on your own set of delightful quilted coasters? Let's dive into the step-by-step instructions below!

Preparation and Safety Guidelines

Tools Needed
  • Fabric (two pieces 5.5 inches x 5.5 inches)
  • Wadding (one piece 5 inches x 5 inches)
  • Sewing machine
  • Pins
  • Scissors
  • Iron
Safety Guidelines
  • Always use sharp scissors or a rotary cutter to prevent fabric slippage and ensure clean cuts. Dull blades increase the risk of injury.
  • Handle your sewing machine needles with care. Never force fabric through the machine; this can cause the needle to break and potentially injure you.
  • Use a pincushion to store your pins and needles to avoid accidental pricks. Keep your workspace clean and organized to prevent injuries and improve efficiency.

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Prepare Fabric

    • Two pieces of main fabric (5.5 inches x 5.5 inches) and one piece of wadding (5 inches x 5 inches).
    Cut out fabric pieces: Two pieces of main fabric (5.5 inches x 5.5 inches) and one piece of wadding (5 inches x 5 inches).
    Prepare Fabric

  2. Assemble Layers

    • Place one fabric piece right side down, then place the wadding on top, followed by the second fabric piece right side down.
    Layer the fabrics: Place one fabric piece right side down, then place the wadding on top, followed by the second fabric piece right side down.
    Assemble Layers

  3. Stitch and Turn

    • Pin all layers together and sew around the perimeter, leaving a gap for turning.
    • Turn the coaster right side out through the gap.
    Turn inside out: Turn the coaster right side out through the gap.
    Stitch and Turn

  4. Finish Edges

    • Press the coaster flat and sew the gap closed.
    • Trim any excess fabric.
    Trim excess fabric: Trim any excess fabric.Trim excess fabric: Trim any excess fabric.
    Finish Edges

  5. Quilt and Decorate

    • Sew a stitch all the way around the coaster, followed by diagonal stitches and a square stitch in the middle for a quilted look.
    Decorative stitching: Sew a stitch all the way around the coaster, followed by diagonal stitches and a square stitch in the middle for a quilted look.
    Quilt and Decorate

Read more: DIY Super Cute Whale Shower Curtain: A Step-by-Step Tutorial

Tips

  • Ensure accurate fabric measurements for consistent coaster size.
  • Pressing the coaster after turning it inside out helps create a neat finish.
  • The decorative stitching adds a professional quilted look and secures the layers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Uneven Seam Allowance

Reason: Inconsistent seam allowance throughout the project leads to a messy, unprofessional look and potential size discrepancies.
Solution: Use a seam guide on your sewing machine or carefully measure your seam allowance with a ruler for each seam.

2. Skipping the Pre-Washing Step

Reason: Fabric shrinkage after washing can distort the coaster's shape and size, especially with cotton fabrics.
Solution: Pre-wash and dry your fabrics before cutting and sewing to prevent shrinkage after completion.

3. Poorly Secured Binding

Reason: Loose or unevenly stitched binding will fray and look unfinished, diminishing the coaster's durability and appearance.
Solution: Ensure your binding stitches are small, consistent, and completely secure the binding to both the front and back of the coaster.

FAQs

What kind of fabric is best for making quilted coasters?
Cotton fabrics are ideal for quilted coasters because they're easy to sew, relatively inexpensive, and wash well. Flannel or quilting cotton work particularly well.
Do I need a special sewing machine for this project?
No, a standard sewing machine will work perfectly. However, a machine with a walking foot can help ensure even feeding of layers, especially for beginners.
How do I prevent the layers from shifting while quilting?
Use plenty of basting spray or pins to hold the layers together securely before quilting. Working in smaller sections can also make it easier to manage and prevent shifting.