Fans of sewing know that craft ideas are nearly limitless. They also know that there’s nothing better than the excitement one feels when venturing into a new project. Here’s one of the most accessible and fun sewing projects for you to begin.

Quilted coasters not only make great gifts, but they’re also easy and enjoyable to create. On average the little squares take about 15 minutes each to complete, and come out looking amazing and professional if made with patience. For one quilted coaster, you’ll need a piece of fabric that measures about 4-5×10 inches, high loft cotton batting, and cotton sewing thread.

Once you have all your materials, cut your batting at about 4 inches. Assemble all the elements of the coaster together, folding your 4×10 inch fabric in half, ultimately forming a 1×5 inch rectangle. Sew those 2 sides together to make 1 side open. Trim your fabrics corners if necessary, and then fold the fabric right-side-out. Gently insert your cotton batting into the fabric, and fold your coasters remaining exposed edges inside. Cover batting with the edges of fabric, pressing your edges that are folded in an accurate placement.

Now you can begin quilting the coaster with your sewing thread. It’s recommended that you purchase your thread from a reliable retailer such as Superior Threads. When ready, place your needle on your sewing machine downward. Begin first by quilting all edges of the outside, sewing in a continuous line to the middle of your coaster. Once you have quilted the coaster’s edge, it will be easy to use that sewing thread as a guide for where to neatly quilt next. Quilt 1/8 of an inch from the edge to one side. Stitch around the sides of your coaster, always 1/8 of an inch inward. Repeat these steps for each side; when you’re at your last corner stop the machine, turn the coaster 90 degrees, sewing 1/4 of an inch inside past stitch lines. Repeat until you’re at the center of your coaster, then end the project by quilting some backstitches. Tah-dah! You have successfully made 1 quilted coaster.