Gift Hack: Turning Quilt Blocks Into Coasters

There's nothing quite as traditional as a quilt! But did you know that a quilt can be so much more? Made up of blocks, quilts can be transformed into cushions, coasters, hangers, and more. In this blog, we will give you the steps to turn a quilt block into a coaster in two different sizes, using two different methods!

Method One: Back Opening 

Fabric Requirements 

Backing - 1 inch wider on top and bottom edge 

• 4x4 - 13cm x 18cm (5” x 7”) 
• 5x5 - 16cm x 20cm (6” x 8”) 
• 6x6 - 18cm x 23cm (7” x 9”)
• 7x7 - 20cm x 25cm (8” x 10”) 

Steps 

1. Make your block (we are using a 5x5 block in our example – 12 Days of Christmas Block 12) and cut your backing.

2. Place your two pieces of backing on your table (right sides together). 

3. Pin and stitch along one edge, leaving a gap a third of the length for turning (in this case, 1.5 - 2 inches). Press the seam allowance open. 

4. Place right sides together of the block and backing, pin, and sew the pieces together* with the block side facing up, so you can stitch between the border lines of the block. 

5. Sew all four sides closed then trim to a ¼ inch on all sides. 

6. Turn your project right side out and then poke the corners out gently with an Expert Point and Press Tool or chopsticks.  

7. Press all seams then hand stitch the opening closed. Your coaster is complete! 

Method Two: Seam Line Opening 

Fabric Requirements 

Backing - Same size or slightly larger than hoop size 

• 4x4 – 13cm x 13cm (5” x 5”) 
  
• 5x5 - 16cm x 16cm (6” x 6”)
• 6x6 - 18cm x 18cm (7” x 7”)
• 7x7 - 20cm x 20cm (8” x 8”)  

Steps 

1. Make your block (we are using a 6x6 block in our example – a sneak peek of one panel from an upcoming sew along!) and cut your backing. 

2. Place right sides together, pin, and sew the pieces together with the block side facing up, so you can stitch between the border lines of the block. 

3. Sew all three sides, leaving a gap a third of the length for turning  on the fourth side (in this case, 3 inches).  

4. Trim sides a ¼ inch from the border lines and the opening ½ inch. The 1/2" allows you to more easily align the opening while hand stitching. 

5. Turn your project right side out and then poke the corners out gently with  an Expert Point and Press Tool or chopsticks.    

6. Press all seams then hand stitch (or use fabric glue) the opening closed. We used an invisible box stitch. Your coaster is complete! 

*Tip - Use a footer that makes it easy to see where to stitch! Example below of different styles - we used the one on the right.

We hope this tutorial helps you get those last minute gifts sorted, or provides some inspiration for creation with your current quilt projects or one you may have been eyeing off! Share your progress in our Facebook groups or send us an email - we love to see what you create. Good luck and happy holidays!