Summer Sensations

Posted on by clothandpaperstudio

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!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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76 thoughts on “Summer Sensations”

  4. 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!

    Reply

  14. 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.

    Reply

    1. 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.

      Reply

    1. You’re welcome Mary. I love this product! I try to buy some everytime I can stack Joann’s coupons and get it cheap.

      Reply

  25. Great tutorial! I have often been concerned about all the different coaster tutorials for the very same reason. Thank you.

    Reply

  35. 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!

    Reply

    1. Thank you Verna 🙂 Let me know when you do. I’d love to share some pictures of your finished project.

      Reply

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