Crafting with Niki – The Perfect “Fall Back” Gift

Have you ever realized the night before a big party that you forgot someone on your gift list?  Or gotten invited at the last minute to a Christmas party and have no hostess gift to bring?  I have discovered the perfect gift that can be put together in about an hour.  Handmade coasters!  Pair them with some wine charms and a bottle of wine, or coffee mugs and hot cocoa for a complete gift!  One of my favorite things about these coasters is you can make a few sets to have on hand for those REALLY last minute gifts or you can make a set with a a particular person in mind to match their style!  This would be the perfect gift for teachers, secretaries, neighbors, your brothers-wife’s-fathers-girlfriend who is coming over on Christmas and you have never met, and even for family (Sshhh, don’t tell )

Let’s get started!

First, gather your materials. You need very little fabric (or sewing skills!) to make these.  You can use one fabric for both sides of the coasters or do each side different so they are reversible.  You will also need a little bit of batting or fleece.  Color doesn’t matter as it will be inside your coasters.  I used a small piece of pink fleece that I had left over from another project in my closest.

Next, cut out two 4 1/2-inch squares of fabric and one 4 1/2 inch square of fleece/batting for each coaster that you’ll be making.

You’re almost ready to sew! Layer  two pieces of fabric together (right sides together, or facing in) and lay your fleece on top.  Pin at least three of the four corners together and then you can sew!

A. Sew together each side using about 1/4″ seam allowance.    You will want to leave a 1 1/2 – 2″ opening on one side for turning.

B. Trim your layer of batting or fleece very closely to where you have sewn.  This will help reduce the bulk when you turn it right side out.  During this step, you should also trim your corners at an angle so they will turn nicely.

C. Turn your coaster right-side out.  Both sides of the coasters should now be facing out.  Carefully use a small object (I use the end of my scissors) to push out the corners.  Be careful not to poke a hole in your fabric.

D.  Iron your coaster, making sure to turn in your opening so you can close it.

E.  Now it’s time to top stitch.  You will want to sew as close to the edge as possible.  Be careful when you get to your opening to close it securely.

You’re done! Now repeat the steps until you have a full set of 4 – 6 coasters.

When you’re done with your set, you can use a piece of ribbon to tie them together for a finished look!

Niki is a work-at-home-mom of two children, ages 3 and 1. She makes handcrafted items for children and moms. Niki’s Knacks can be found at http://nikisknacks.etsy.com

Comments

By Tiffany on November 23rd, 2009 at 12:18 pm

I love your ideas- they are sooo practical and easy to do!

By Sarah on November 23rd, 2009 at 12:47 pm

Wonderful idea Niki!!!