Hi there everyone! Today it’s my turn to share for the Summer Sensations hop hosted by the amazing Marian over at Seams to be Sew. The theme is obviously summer and since many want to be outdoors as much as possible I wanted to make up a quick and easy sewing project that is also useful in the hot summer months.
Now, I know there are all sorts of drink coaster tutorials out there. However, many of them have one big flaw – they’re don’t really protect your furniture from the water marks! Those tile ones are really pretty, but when you have a drink that’s sweaty, the water pools on top of the tile coaster and ends running off the sides right onto the furniture you were trying to protect! And there are fabric ones out there – but if you just use regular fabric, eventually it’s going to get saturated and, once again, get your furniture wet… This has been bugging me for a while. And I’ve got an easy solution for you! That’s also quick. Plus, they’re nice enough to give as gifts.
Let’s make us some coasters that will actually protect your furniture!
Here’s what you’ll need for 1 coaster:
- 4.5″ square piece of fabric for top
- 4.5″ square piece of fabric or felt for bottom
- 5″ square piece of Pellon 100 Vinyl Fuse
plus a sewing machine or needle and thread as well as an iron. Yep that’s it! Let’s do this.
First we layer the top and bottom together with right sides out and sew a hem about 1/4″ in from the edges. I used a zigzag stitch because I like the look of it.
Then, if you would like, you can do some decorative stitching. I simply went around the edge of the chicken.
When you done, make sure you clean up all the stray threads on the front and back really well.
Next we’re going to peel the paper layer off the back of the vinyl fuse
and center it on the back side of the square with the sticky side down.
Press it down firmly. If you’re using cotton on the back it will stick well. However, if you’re using felt, it won’t stick that well. Don’t worry about that. It will be fine! Keeping the vinyl in place, flip it over and lay it on your ironing board. Fold the vinyl over one edge of the top and hold in place if it does not stick. Place an ironing cloth on top of the vinyl – very important! Do NOT iron directly on the vinyl!!! It will make a nasty mess on your iron! – and press for 8-10 seconds per section.
After I fold over the next edge, I simply snip off the corner so that it does not hang over the edge. This is optional. I like to do it so it looks neater.
After you finish all four edges, it’s time to flip it over and do that back. Once again, remember to use a pressing cloth! That’s it! You’re done.
These can be simply washed by hand with a drop of dish soap and hung to dry. In between use I turn them upside down in my dish rack so moisture doesn’t gather. Do not put these in hot water, the dryer, or the dishwasher as you’ll end up with a sticky melted vinyl mess.
As simple and quick as these are, you can greatly expand on this idea. Instead of using just a plain piece of fabric, you could use little quilt blocks, vintage linens, or even hand embroidered pieces. You could also make these larger to make placemats that will actually protect your table.
I hope you liked my simple tutorial. Now make sure you go visit the others that are participating in the Summer Sensations blog hop for more summer fun sewing!
Joining me today is
Life in the Scrappatch
You can find the entire schedule and list of participants here. Don’t forget there’s a give-a-way each day of the hop! You can enter below for a chance to win a $25 gift certificate from the awesome sponsor of the Summer Sensations blog hop
Till next time have fun sewing and try to stay cool!










Cute idea, love the tutorial also Mel.. Great Job and purely Summer Sensational!!
Thank you Marian! I had fun with it.
What a clever idea with the iron on vinyl. Thanks for sharing a great idea!
Thanks Nancy 🙂 I had fun.
Thanks for sharing this clever idea!
You’re welcome Lisa. Glad you like it.
Vinyl in a coaster. I have Tervis drinking glasses so any simple coaster works fine for us but I love this as a gift idea . Thank you!
Those are some great glasses for sure. 🙂 You’re welcome.
What a great idea! Thanks for the detailed instructions.
You’re very welcome Elizabeth 🙂
Great idea for coasters. Thanks for sharing your tutorial.
Thanks Dorian! 🙂
Great idea. I have made mug rugs and wondered about moisture getting through.
You could easily use the vinyl fuse on your finished mug rugs! Great idea Gabriele. 🙂
Too cute!
Thanks Kaholly 🙂
Very clever way to make coasters!!
Thank you Carol 🙂
Thanks for the cute tutorial. Great idea.
Thanks Renea 🙂
Clever idea. Thanks for sharing
You’re welcome Vicki 🙂
Brilliant idea!
Thank you Sandy! Glad you think so. 🙂
Such a great idea!
Thanks Beth! 🙂
Well done. And cute, too. I bought some of the vinyl to make a waterproof tote but haven’t used it yet. This will be a great way to test the vinyl out. Thank you.
You’re welcome KJ! Good idea on the waterproof tote. I really like this for fabric snack bags so I can just wipe them out.
I’ve seen the product before, but have never tried it. Thanks for the tutorial . It looks like a great idea.
You’re welcome Mary. I love this product! I try to buy some everytime I can stack Joann’s coupons and get it cheap.
What a great idea, as I detest soggy cloth coasters. Thanks for the tutorial.
Me too Nancy! 🙂 You’re welcome.
Love the rooster fabric. Very pretty coaster. Thanks for sharing … 🙂 Pat
Thank you Pat! Glad you like it. 🙂
Cute Coasters.
Thanks Quilting Tangent 🙂
Pretty and practical–I like that!
Exactly Afton! 🙂 Glad you like it.
Great idea and I do love using that vinyl!
I love using it too Joan! Thanks. 🙂
What a good idea! That is always a problem with coasters. Thanks
Thank you Mary. I’m glad you like my idea.
What a great idea! I love the chicken. Thanks!
Thanks Delaine glad you like it. 🙂
What a cute and quick project. Thanks for sharing.
You’re welcome Edith. 🙂 Quick, cute and function is what I was going for.
Great idea – thank you!
Thanks Helen glad you like it. 🙂
Great tutorial! I have often been concerned about all the different coaster tutorials for the very same reason. Thank you.
You’re very welcome Vicki 🙂
Great idea and tutorial, thanks!
You’re welcome Wendy
Very Clever, thanks for sharing. (Wonder why I never thought of that…..)
this is a fantastic idea. thanks so much for sharing
Great idea. Thanks for sharing with us.
Sandy
Interesting idea.
I like that idea. It is effective, and it’s simple! I can do that. =) Thanks for sharing this one.
Thanks for the great tip!
What a functional way to make coaster! Thanks for the idea!
Thanks for sharing your cute and versatile technique.
I have never used the vinyl fuse and I imagine it’s used to keep moisture away from the table surface? That’s a very clever idea and one I will keep in mind! Thank you!
Exactly Kathy! 🙂
How useful! I didn’t know about the sticky vinyl. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you. The sticky is just temporary to make it stay still until you iron it. 🙂
Thank you for the tutorial on how to do the vinyl! Cool Project!
You’re welcome. Glad you like it Lori! 🙂
Looks like fun. fwJIquilter
Thanks Caryn!
Thank you–love the chicken!
You’re welcome. 🙂 It’s for my mother-in-law who simply loves chickens.
What a great idea! I have some of that vinyl, so I’ll have to try this out!
Thank you Verna 🙂 Let me know when you do. I’d love to share some pictures of your finished project.
You are so right about the failings of most coasters Mel. This is a great solution!
I’m glad you think so Lara! 🙂
Cute coaster. I love roosters!
Thank you Theresa! 🙂