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A little square of patchwork is a lovely way to play with scraps. Put a quiet fabric next to a lively one, turn a stripe in a new direction, and see what happens when you pair different designs and colors.
These coasters are small enough to sew up without making a big commitment, with just enough room for a few lines of hand quilting. Make four for your own table, or divide them into little gifts.
What you’ll need
- An assorted scrap bundle. First reserve four 5½" squares for backing; the remaining pieces must supply sixteen 3" squares.
- Four 5½" squares of thin cotton batting.
- Sewing thread and quilting thread, needles or sewing machine, ruler, scissors, pins or clips, and iron.
Cutting list
All measurements are in inches. Cut measurements include the stated seam allowances. Measure fabric after washing and pressing.
| Piece | Quantity | Cut size |
|---|---|---|
| Patchwork squares | 16 | 3" × 3" |
| Backing squares | 4 | 5½" × 5½" |
| Batting squares | 4 | 5½" × 5½" |
Right sides together means the fabric faces you want to show are touching. Secure the beginning and end of each assembly seam.
Let’s make it
1. Reserve the backs, then cut
Press your fabric scraps. Cut the four backing squares first so you do not use up the larger pieces by accident. Cut sixteen 3" squares from the remaining fabric; two from each of eight fabrics gives a pleasing mix. Arrange the small squares into four groups of four.
2. Make the four-patch tops
For one coaster, sew two squares right sides together along one edge with a ¼" seam. Make a second pair. Press one pair’s seam to the left and the other to the right. Place the two pairs right sides together and match the center seams, nesting the allowances. Sew the rows together with a ¼" seam and press. The top should measure 5½" square. Repeat for all four.
3. Layer each coaster
Put one batting square on the table. Place a patchwork top over it, right side up, then a backing square right side down. Align the edges and pin. Pair fabrics right sides together, with batting underneath the pair.
4. Sew and turn
Sew around the square with a ¼" seam, leaving a 2" opening in the middle of one side, away from a patchwork seam if possible. Secure the seam ends. Clip the corners without cutting the stitches, then turn right side out through the gap, between the two fabric layers. Gently ease out the corners.
5. Close the opening
Fold the opening edges inward ¼" so they align with the sewn edges and press. Close with small ladder stitches*. Alternatively, topstitch ⅛" from the edge all around, making sure to catch both folded edges at the gap.
6. Add a little quilting
Smooth the layers and pin or baste them. Quilt through all layers with small running stitches, securing thread ends in the batting. Follow the patchwork seams or add a simple grid. Space the quilting according to your batting’s instructions; avoid leaving the center completely unsecured. Repeat and give the set a gentle final press.
Let the fabrics lead
Try four different fabrics in each coaster, or repeat one quiet print through the set to tie everything together.
*A small stitch note: For ladder stitch, take tiny alternating stitches inside the two folded edges of an opening. Gently draw the thread snug to bring the folds together, then secure the end.
A little more making
There's no need to save your favorite fabric for a big project. Let this small project become part of the everyday.
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