How to Make Easy DIY Fabric Coasters

Follow these step-by-step instructions to learn how to make easy peasy DIY fabric coasters. The best part is they come together super fast and they are a perfect beginner sewing project! These coasters are a great way to use up extra fabric scraps and would make a great gift, especially if paired with some coffee or tea! Not only will these fabric coasters protect your coffee table from water rings, but they are an easy way to personalize and add to your home decor.

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Video Tutorial

What is the best fabric for coasters?

This sewing project is best suited for cotton fabrics. Cotton is more absorbent than other polyester or poly-blends so it will help catch any drips or condensation. If you expect your coasters to see heavier use, maybe try a more durable fabric like canvas or duck cloth.

These DIY coasters are an excellent way to use up leftover fabric from quilts but they’re also well suited for fat quarters or fat eighths. You can create matching coasters by using the same fabric or use coordinating fabrics by pulling from fabric collections.

What is fusible fleece?

Fusible fleece is a polyester batting that can be adhered to fabric with an iron. It adds a layer of softness, body, and stability to sewing projects. Because it has adhered with an iron, it doesn’t require any pinning or basting like traditional cotton quilt batting. It is completely sewing machine-safe.

What is the standard coaster size?

Standard coasters are typically square and sized 3.5″ to 4″, but you can make these any size or shape you desire. I decided to make my coasters hexagon-shaped which I think is more fun and modern.

You can use this easy tutorial to make mug rugs, placemats, or a table runner. Just increase the size to the appropriate dimensions.

How many coasters are in a set?

Coasters usually come in sets of four to eight. However, the number of coasters one requires is entirely subjective. I would suggest erring on the side of caution — better to have too many, than not enough!

Tools + Supplies for Making Fabric Coasters

• Fabric (See Chart Below)
• Fusible Fleece
• Thread
• Rotary Cutter
• Cutting Mat (a rotating mat is easiest)
• 6″ Ruler
• Turning Tool
• Sewing Machine
• Iron + Ironing Board or Pressing Mat

Fabric Requirements

F8 = Fat Eighth (21″ x 9″) FQ = Fat Quarter (21″ x 18″)

Free Pattern Template for Fabric Coasters

Print your free pattern template here.

How to Make Fabric Coasters

Step 1: Cut The Fabric + Fusible Fleece

Cut your top fabric, bottom fabric, and fusible fleece the same size and shape. If you are making hexagon coasters use the template provided. If you are making square coasters, cut 5-inch squares. If you have a rotating cutting mat, now is the time to use it!

Coasters are a great opportunity to fussy cut your fabrics so that you can feature a special design or detail.

Step 2: Attach The Fusible Fleece

Attach the fusible fleece to the wrong sides of the top fabric following the manufacturer’s instructions. Tip: If you don’t have fusible fleece, you can use extra cotton batting by spray-basting a trimmed piece to the back of the fabric.

The Pellon Fusible Fleece instructions state: “place (the fusible fleece) on an ironing surface with fusible side up. Place fabric on top of the fleece with the right side up. To fuse, press firmly in place for approximately 10 seconds. Repeat, lifting and slightly overlapping iron until all interfacing is fused. Let the fabric cool, then check bond.”

Step 3: Sew The Layers

Pin the two main fabric pieces right sides together

Stitch around the raw edge of the coaster using a 1/2-inch seam allowance, being sure to backstitch at the beginning and the end. Leave a gap approximately 2″ wide to allow the coaster to be turned right side out.

To reduce excess bulk, trim the fabric off each corner. Take care not to trim too closely so as to compromise the stitching at the corner.

Step 4: Turn Rightside Out

Turn the coaster right side out using the 2-inch hole you left in the above step. Use a turning tool, or similarly sharp object, to poke each corner out.

Step 5: Stitch The Edge

To close the hole and create a clean edge, fold the fabrics inward. Using a hot iron, give the coaster a good press and set the folded seam.

Close the opening and secure the fabric sandwich by sewing a top stitch around the outside edge of the coaster, approximately 1/8″ from the edge. This will also help the coaster lay flat.

Step 6: Add Cork Backing (Optional)

For extra heat resistance and added traction, you can attach a thin layer of cork to the bottoms of your coasters. Simply cut a sheet of cork slightly smaller than the finished coaster and glue it to the bottom using a hot glue gun. Make sure the layer of glue is thin enough to not create any lumps in your fabric coaster.

Sit back and enjoy a nice cup of tea while you admire your finished coasters.

How to Wash Fabric Coasters

I would expect fabric coasters to see a lot of wear and will probably need to be washed frequently. Stain treat them if necessary and then I would suggest hand washing these if possible. However, these should stand up to a gentle cycle in the washing machine. You can either hand dry or tumble dry on low. They will likely need to be ironed after, so give them a good press with a hot iron to keep them looking nice!

Other Projects That Can Use This Same Method

As I mentioned above, this same technique can be used to make mug rugs, placemats, or a table runner. Standard sizes for these items can be found in the table below.

More on Placemats

For more on placemats, check out my other blog post on How to Sew Simple Quilted Placemats.

Coaster Set Gift Ideas

These coasters would make an adorable housewarming gift for a friend or family member. Depending on the fabrics you choose, they can be personalized to the recipient’s style or their new home decor. Add them into a gift basket with some mugs, coffee/tea, honey, and a few baked goods and you’ll be the gift-giving queen!

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