Patterns, Techniques, Articles, Blogs, and other resources to learn how to sew
Tonya from The Crafty Mummy shows how to make these folded and tucked fabric coasters. They look like they’d be difficult but they’re actually very to make. And quick, too. The top is made from 4 squares of fabric. She used the same fabric for all of them, but you could also use 4 different fabrics for a scrappier look. A set of these coasters would make great teacher or neighbor gifts! Go to The Crafty Mummy for the tute.
[photo from The Crafty Mummy]
The bag is simple, uses very little fabric (about 2/3rds of a fat quarter), has no fussy inside pockets (although you can add your own if you like), and takes me well less than 30 minutes to print the pattern, cut out and sew. But quick and simple doesn’t mean it’s not awesome!
It’s the sort of bag that is versatile enough to be used for lots of applications, not just cosmetics and toiletries. Keep all your pens and pencils in order, use it for a small first aid kit for the car, keep it in your desk at work for a few headache pills and other personal supplies.
Make some for yourself, for gifts or to sell.
I, too, have been making these for years(about 20). I just wanted to add a few ideas that I have done over the years: I use 6 squares, not 5. Lay one face down, add batting or insulation, if needed, one face up then the four folded pieces. Sew, trim, and turn inside out.
Instead of folding the 4 pieces into rectangles, you can fold them into triangles and then do all of the other steps.
Also, you can make these smaller for decorations and larger for hot holders, with proper insulation between the two squares.
And finally, you can make these using circles. Hope this jump starts some fun sewing!
PS: I recently sew these being used as wine glass holders, just slip the bottom of the wine glass in between the folds. It stays on, and can be used as an identifier, if each one is made differently.