10-Minute Folded Fabric Coasters

Videos are great for visual learners! Learn how to make these fabric coasters by seeing Mary Beth do it. It's particularly helpful to see how she folds the fabric rectangles. Press play on the box right below. Then scroll down to read through the written tutorial.
 

Materials Needed

1. Five 5" squares of fabric in coordinating colors – charm squares work perfectly
2. 4" square quilt batting
3. Sewing machine​
4. Hand needle and thread
5. Iron and ironing board
6. Cotton batting (optional)

1. Choose five squares that complement each other. Put one of your squares aside because that will be the backing of your coaster.

2. Fold your other four squares in half with wrong sides facing each other, and press them with your iron.
   
   Note: Alternatively, you can pin the fabric pieces in half.

3. Lay one of your folded pieces of fabric down.
   
   Lay down another one at a 90-degree angle over one side of the first.
   
   Lay the next one on top going the same direction as your first one over the bottom half of the second.
   
   For the last one, lay it over the most recent piece of fabric at a 90-degree angle but underneath the first fabric you laid down.
   
   Note: Take a look at the images below to help visualize how you will lay down your pieces. Make sure the pieces are tight and the folds meet at the center.

4. Place your backing fabric right side down over the square you just created.
   
   Pin it to hold.
   
   Sew all the way around the four sides but leave an opening (approximately 2-1/2 inches) in the middle of the fourth side.
   
   Clip your corners diagonally, turn it right side out, and give it a quick press to finish.
   
   Notes: When all the fabric pieces are folded, the "right sides" are facing some of the same ways, which can look incorrect but isn't.
   
   Even though sewists usually sew with the edge on the right side of the sewing foot, this project is so small that you may want to sew with the seam edge on the left.

5. Optional: Place some cotton batting in the opening and wiggle it in so that the corners line up. This can add an extra layer of protection and absorbency. 

6. Hand whip stitch your opening closed and tack stitch the middle to close it up.
   
   Note: You can also use a tack stitch to secure the center fold of your coaster if desired. Likewise, you can add any decorative stitches to the tops.