Using either rag quilt snips or regular scissors, snip all the exposed seam allowances on your coaster.
Here's a photo of my denim coasters prior to snipping:Ħ.
(You can also leave a smaller, 1/4-inch seam allowance, but this will make your finished coaster less "raggedy".) If you want extra durability (such as if you plan to toss the coasters in the washer frequently), sew a second square of seams just inside the first. Sew around the inside edges of the squares, about 1/2 inch from the edge. Just be sure you have the "pretty" sides of the front and back squares showing.) Pin your layers of denim together.ĥ. (If you use three squares, the middle can be facing either way. Place the wrong sides of your denim squares together. If you prefer, you can wait until the end, but you won't be able to get to the threads on the back of the top square.Ĥ. However, with small shapes like these, 1/4 inch may be the best you can do.)Īfter this step, I like to snip off the loose threads so that they don't get in the way later on. (The larger the seam allowance, the more fraying you'll have. Sew about 1/4 to 1/2 inch inside the edges of the accent shapes. (Depending on your level of experience and the complexity of your design, pinning may not be necessary, but it helps if you're worried about things moving around as you work.) Pin the shapes to only the top layer of each coaster. You''ll need one shape (or one set of shapes, if several shapes make up one motif) per coaster.ģ. Try to use shades that contrast with the top square of denim. If you want to decorate your coasters, too, cut accent shapes (hearts, flowers, clouds) from your smaller scraps of denim. You may leave your coasters plain- just two squares of denim sewn together and ragged- but I chose to decorate mine with small appliqu és, which are also "ragged".
#RAG QUILT SNIP SCISSORS FREE#
I use 2 layers and have never had a problem with condensation leaking through to the furniture underneath.) Feel free to mix and match colors and shades in the same coaster.Ģ.
(The more layers your coaster has, the more absorbency and furniture protection it will offer. (For example, the 3-inch square is a common size for a coaster.) I cut 5-inch squares to make generously sized coasters, but you can adjust to suit your own preferences. However, on a smaller project like this, they aren't absolutely necessary.)ġ. These make repeatedly snipping easier on your hands, because they are spring-loaded to automatically re-open after each cut. Sewing machine (fitted with a denim needle, if you're working with denim).Rotary cutter is nice for quickly cutting the denim squares. Scissors and rotary cutter, ruler & mat, if you have them.Also, you may need more layers to absorb condensation, if you use a fabric thinner than denim. To get the rag quilt effect, use a fabric that frays well, such as flannel. Denim scraps in a variety of colors or shades.Please don't let the changing colors and patterns confuse you!
Note: The photos for different steps are not of the same coaster. It uses up smallish scraps of denim (whether new off the bolt or recycled from old clothes), and it's a fun way to test out rag quilting before committing to a large-scale pattern. This is a simple project that is easy for even novice seamstresses. The ragging worked great- and then, because I hated to throw them away, I started using the squares as coasters. I had some smaller denim squares lying around, so I gave it a try. The prototypes for these coasters happened "by accident" last year, when I wanted to try out the rag quilting method before starting in on the actual quilt I was making. But why would you want to do a thing like that?) Do you have stacks of old, worn-out, out-dated, or out-grown jeans lying around the house? Why not give that durable denim another life as a set of cute 'n' cozy rag-quilted coasters? (You can also get a more modern look by leaving off the hearts and flowers- or opting for simple square or circular patches.
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