Coaster Tutorial

Here is a easy way to make a great
gift for your family and friends...
or whip some up for your next stall or school fete...

Cut 2 (12 cm) squares of denim
and one (12 cm) square of patterned material
one square (11 cm) of cotton wadding
***
they will be set out in this order
when you put them altogether
and the wadding sits behind the patterned fabric...

Cut out a heart shape in paper
and pin onto the facing denim
it should go through 3 layers
denim(face up), patterned fabric(face up),and wadding
but do not pin on the denim backing...

Machine stitch around heart
so as to get the right shape
and take paper off when finished...

Pierce a small whole only through the denim
(a un-picker is helpful)
be careful not to cut the patterned fabric...

then carefully use your scissors and cut
around the inside if the heart
leaving a small inside boarder...

using clippers or scissors
clip around the inside edge of heart
(about every 1/4 cm)
so it will fray when washed...

Now place denim backing on
facing the right way if you were to turn it over...
matching corners etc...

and stitch all the way around
leaving a 1 cm boarder...

Now using scissors or clippers
cut through all layers
around the edge...
be careful not to cut the stitching and watching fingers...
use a nice even spacing about 1/2 cm...

To rag the edges you need to put it into
the washing machine
(no hand washing)
and then place in dryer...
you may even need to do this twice
to get it to rag well...
this will depend on the material used
but denim works really well...

repeat all steps another 4 times
and now you have a set...
make them up for gifts by tying them up
with a pretty little bow...
now don't forget to add the poem...
***
I'd love a cup of coffee,
I'd love a cup of tea.
Pop it on a coaster,
But there’s no guarantee’s.
Cause you know...
That I will drip it and spill it
and make such a mess.
But, I REALLY need to sit
and have a well-earned rest...
***
if you are making these to sell
please refrain from using this poem...
but if it is for a gift please feel free
to cut and paste and print out...
HAPPY SEWING...