DIY Tutorial | Simple Fabric Heart Coasters

Hi 30 Days readers! I’m Allie from Miss Lovie and I’m here to share an easy sewing tutorial with you today, my fabric heart coasters! These would make a perfect gift for your mom, sister, or a friend on Valentine’s Day. They’d also be a great hostess gift any time of the year!



For these coasters, I used an inverse applique method I will show you. You could use this idea for hearts- or any shape that you like! This is a GREAT scrap-busting project. I’m pretty sure I used only scraps for the most part.





I love that these can be packaged up really cute and are the perfect little gift.

Ok let’s get started!

First, you’ll want to gather your materials:



For each coaster, you’ll need 3 squares of whatever main fabric you choose (I chose a linen-looking muslin), 1 square of fabric for the heart, 1 square of batting-not shown here- (any thinner kind will do- I used a low loft cotton batting) all cut into 4.5 inch squares. You’ll also need a heart template, coordinating thread, a pen to trace the fabric (you can use a disappearing ink pen, but you don’t really have to), and a needle for hand sewing. Be sure to wash and press your fabric before cutting!



First trace a heart in the middle of one of the muslin fabric squares. You don’t have to use disappearing ink because you’re going to turn this inside out and you won’t even see it Here’s a template if you need it: heart template for coasters.



Pin one of the other muslin fabric squares to it.



Now you’re going to sew right on top of the line you just drew. Set your stitch length to a pretty short setting (1 or 2). This will help you create a nice curve. I always start sewing the heart as shown in the above picture so I can begin sewing in a straight line which makes it easier to back stitch. When you get to the point of the heart, simply leave your needle down, lift the presser foot and turn it until it’s pointed in the right direction and continue sewing. On the curves, sew a few stitches, leave the needle down, lift your presser foot, and turn it until it’s pointing in the right direction, and repeat. If you look at the right photo above, you’ll see where I’ve pivoted my fabric to go in the right direction. The red line of the presser foot should always be right on the line of the heart. Take your time on this part. Sew all the way around, remembering to back stitch everything closed.



Next, you’ll cut out the middle of the heart leaving a small seam allowance next to the heart outline. Cut through both layers of fabric. Then clip and notch the curves. You can use pinking sheers for this if you like, but I just cut out tiny triangles with my regular fabric scissors because they’re more precise than the pinking shears I have.



This is the cool part. Turn one of the layers of fabric inside out as shown above so that the seam is now hidden. Use a turning tool or a blunt pencil to poke out the top point of the heart. Once it’s turned inside out, press the seams open and flat. (Sorry- my picture for that step disappeared.)

Your heart should look like the one in the top left photo below.



Next, you’ll pin your other fabric behind the heart and top stitch around the heart outline. Now you have the top of your coaster!



Now, layer the last muslin square on top of the finished top (heart should be facing the muslin square-not showing from the back) and then place the batting square on top and pin all the layers together.



Sew around the edge with a 1/2 inch seam allowance being sure to back stitch, leaving a 2 inch opening at the bottom for turning it inside out. Use pinking sheers to trim the edges and cut the corners off to ensure there isn’t too much bulk and the corners are nice and crisp. Turn the coaster inside out and use a turning tool or blunt pencil point to poke out the corners.



Turn the ends under where the opening is and press well. While you’re at it, press the entire coaster, smoothing out any wrinkles that accumulated while turning it inside out. Use your needle and a whip stitch to close that opening. Then top stitch the coaster on your machine using a 2/8 inch seam allowance. Finished!



Once you get all the fabrics cut and get rolling, you can whip up a set of these in no time.





Stack them and tie them up with a sweet ribbon and they are ready to be given away for a perfect gift. OR you can just keep them for yourself-which is probably what I will do because they’re so cute.
 

credit: thirtyhandmadedays.com