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I was in the shower the other day, thinking about sewing projects (as we all do). I've been needing coasters in my office to help protect the furniture. I tried a design from a book, but wasn't happy with the result. Well, inspiration came to me in the shower. As soon as I was done, I had to jot down all my notes so I wouldn't forget.
A couple of days later I had some free time and decided to give my design a try. I'm quite happy with the result. As you can see from the pic, the coaster ends up with a grid effect of different hues of blue. Great for me since my office is blue.
So I've put together a little how-to on how to create these coasters I call "coasters cubed". Maybe somebody else will like the look and make some themselves.
What you will need:
- 4 pieces of fabric in the same hue cut to 2.5" x 4". These will make the top.
- 1 piece of fabric cut to 4" x 4". This will make the bottom.
- 1 piece of batting cut to 5" x 5". This will be the padding on the inside.
- Thread
- Music to keep you going. May I recommend Dolly Parton's "Travelin' Thru" and DJ Earworm's "Stairway to Bootleg Heaven".
 Step 1: Cut your fabric pieces to the correct size. I did my 4 top pieces in hues of blue. The bottom was white.
Step 2: Fold over the long edge on each of the top pieces by half an inch. Iron flat.
 Step 3: Sew along the folded edge of each top piece. Have an 1/8" seam.
 Step 4: Lay your bottom fabric on top of the batting. Be sure the right side of the fabric is up and the wrong side is down.
 Step 5: Lay one of the top pieces on top of the bottom piece as shown. The right side of the fabric should be down. The hem on the top piece should be on the right side.
 Step 6: Lay another of the top pieces on top of the bottom piece as shown. This piece should align with the top of the square bottom. Again, the right side of the fabric should be down. The hem should be on the bottom.
 Step 7: Lay another of the top pieces on top of the bottom piece as shown. This piece should align with the right of the square bottom. Again, the right side of the fabric should be down. The hem should be on the left.
 Step 8: Lay the last top piece on top of the other pieces as shown. This piece should align with the bottom of the square bottom. Again, the right side of the fabric should be down. The hem should be on the top.
 Step 9: Lift the first top piece that was placed down and place the end of the last piece underneath it to create the grid look shown. Make sure that the bottom square is completely covered. If you can see any of it now, you will be able to see it in the finished product. You don't want that.
 Step 10: Pin the pieces together and sew around the perimeter. You can sew a 1/8" or 14" seam.
 Step 11: Trim off the excess fabric and batting.
 Step 12: Turn inside out, push out the corners, and iron flat.
 Step 13: Enjoy!
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