Criss-Cross Coasters revisited

The coaster factory has been humming along this week, I swear making these is downright addictive. These sets are a mere fraction of the output thus far. And there are more to come, I can't seem to stop myself... "just one more set, those fabrics would look perfect in _____'s sun room"... that sort of conversation keeps burbling inside my head.

Anyhoo... now that I've made more than a few of these... some revisions to the tutorial are definitely needed. I'll be making changes to the original post to reflect this new information: 

First, 5 inch squares of fabrics are just too darn big. 4.5 inch squares work much better, it makes for a more coaster-y finished size, and you can use fat quarters with much less fabric waste since they are 18" wide. Then the fusible web size should go down to 4 inch square, and you could even make it a bit less. By the way, this is not necessarily the kind of fusible that has the paper backing, just plain old Pella works great and is less hassle.

Also, if you lay the folded fabrics on in a counter-clockwise order, the sewing goes easier since you're not feeding the lead edge of a fold under the presser foot.

And one more bonus tip - if you choose a nice coordinating fabric for the back piece, you can cut a strip of it at the same time you're cutting the squares and it makes a nice little tie for the set!

So... on to the next adventure. Katy arrives tomorrow! Woohoo!!! I can't believe Christmas is almost here! Ack!

Cheers,

Jenny

Comments

[MissMeshell]

I want to thank you SO MUCH for this tute, these are just wonderful, and gawd, addictive is the right word! Everyone I know is getting some of these, hehe. I just love making them =)

[lauradodson]

just so you know, i've made like.a. gazillion. i LOVE making these little dudes. they're just plain fast and fun and so cute. everyone loves them and they think i've worked my fingers to the bone. :o) little do they know....

[Morgan]

Definately will have to give they little guys a try. They are adorable!

[marta]

i love these, especially the rockin' polka dots. thanks for sharing. i am up for a crafty weekend myself.

[Juanita]

These coasters are gorgeous!
And, thank you for the tutorial!

Admiring your beautiful blog and work,
Juanita

[Zabrina]

I keep your tutorial at my favorites to make for me later. They are gorgeous!

[Kristin]

What a wonderful project and great gift idea!

[Elisabeth]

They are so pretty :-)

I`m wishing you a Merry Christmas!

[Mike]

Hi. These are really great! And a great tutorial too! Thanks much. I've added your blog to my favorite places over at my blog. Happy Holidays!

[Pieces]

I made a bazillion of these for Christmas gifts. It only took me half-a-bazillion to figure out the counter-clockwise thing. I felt so stupid after that. It does help a lot.

[Linda]

these look fantastic!! just beautiful. Merry christmas :o)

[Emma]

I wanted to try this tutorial back when you first posted it, but I'm finally getting around to it now and I'm making up a few of these for my grandma for Christmas. I've just made my first one and they are so easy and look lovely, so thanks so much for sharing the tutorial :D Merry Christmas! ♥

[Angie]

WOW am I ever glad I stumbled upon your blog. I am so inspired by your projects and pictures and your illustrations are to die for!
Your now in my favorites!

[Syrenmuse]

Yes, I noticed the 5" ones were a wee too large and experimented with 4" and 4 1/2" as well. The 4" ones are OK, but not as terrific so I settled on the 4 1/2 and found some lovely precut coordinated fabrics by Moda at the Fat Quarters Shop(www.fatquartershop.com).

Happy New Year and thanks for the great tips!

[Barbara]

I received some gorgeous pink versions of these coasters from Meshell, and I'm glad I found the tutorial! They're so fab, my mum got all excited when she saw them. Will have to try them myself soon! :)