25 Days of Handmade Christmas: Day 11 Snowflake Coasters

Hi everyone!  I'm so excited to be guest posting today at Embracing Messy!  A huge thank you to Kelsey for having me.  My name is Vicki and I blog over at Quilting Lodge with my mom, Judy.  We love to share all of our quilting and sewing adventures.

At first I wasn't sure what I wanted to make and share.  I finally decided on a set of Snowflake Coasters that will make great gifts.  Or you can be a little stingy and keep them for yourself.    

I apologize now for the length of the tutorial.  There are quite a few pictures.  Don't be scared, they're actually very easy to make.

Step One: Snowflakes {Make 4}

We are basically making a paper snowflake but we're using fabric instead of paper.  You may remember how to do this but I'll show step by step instructions for those of us who can't remember grade school and paper snowflakes.  

4.5" square of white fabric	Fold square in half
Fold over one side	Fold over the second side
Cut across the bottom	Make several cuts on all sides

Carefully open the snowflake

I used Tsukineko ink to paint over each snowflake.  

I love sparkly glittery things especially at Christmas time!  You can use any kind of fabric paint if you don't have Tsukineko ink.  Make sure you follow the directions for setting the paint.  I had to heat set the Tsukineko ink with my iron.

Step 2: Sew snowflakes to fabric
       
Layer one snowflake, one 6" square of fabric and one 4.25" square of batting.  The snowflake is on top and the batting is on bottom.  You can see in the picture below that the batting is centered on the 6" square of fabric.  Just ensure that the batting is also centered under the snowflake.  You don't want part of the snowflake hanging off.

I didn't pin any of the layers together.  I didn't have any trouble holding it all together because it is a small project.  I probably would have pinned it if it was any bigger.  I sewed around the edge of each snowflake and around a couple of the holes in the center.  Just pick what you think looks good.  I did not sew around every hole.  I used a shimmery iridescent thread.   

You can either back stitch to secure the threads or pull the threads to the back and tie them off.  I pull my threads to the back and tie them off.  This method takes more time but I prefer that over back stitching.

Step 3: Adding the back to the coaster        

The back of the coaster is sewn on after the snowflake is stitched down.  Place another 6" square on the back side.  The right side of the fabric should be facing out.  

Stitch around the coaster.  I followed the edge of the batting when I stitched around the coaster.

It's a little difficult to see in the picture but there is a ridge where the batting ends.  That's what I followed when I stitched around the coaster.  

Step 4: Trimming the coasters

Our final step is to trim each coaster.  I used a scalloped edge rotary blade.  This gives my coasters a decorative finish and eliminates fraying.  You could use pinking shears if you don't have a scalloped edge rotary blade.  I trimmed about 1/8" away from my stitch line.    

That's it!  Your snowflake coasters are now finished!

  

You could also add a magnet to the back and make awesome refrigerator magnets.  Or add a ribbon and make them into ornaments.  These little guys are very versatile.  

I hope you have enjoyed my tutorial.  I know I enjoyed sharing with you.  Thanks again to Kelsey for having me today!  

Merry Christmas!