drink coasters sewing tutorial

Star Coffee Coaster Tutorial – A Quick Handmade Gift Idea

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Looking for a fast and thoughtful handmade gift? This star coffee coaster tutorial is the perfect weekend sewing project. You’ll use a simple diamond template and your favorite fat quarters to create a set of star-shaped fabric coasters—ideal for coffee, tea, or hot cocoa. These sew up quickly and make great gifts during the holidays (or any time of year!).

Finished star coffee coaster on wooden table

How do you sew a star coffee coaster?

To sew a star coffee coaster, cut six fabric diamonds using a printable template, arrange them in a star pattern, and sew them together. Add fusible fleece and a fabric backing, sew around the shape, and turn right side out. Finish with topstitching for a crisp, gift-ready look.

Star Coaster Materials

To make one coaster, you’ll need:

  • Fat quarters (3 coordinating prints)
  • Star Coaster Template
  • 7″ square of solid fabric for backing
  • Pellon Fusible Fleece 987F or quilt batting
  • Point turner – I like the Dritz Bamboo Point Turner & Presser
  • Basic sewing supplies

Cutting Instructions

To make one coaster, you’ll need:

  • 6 diamonds cut from the Star Coaster Template
  • 1 – 7″ square of backing fabric
  • 1 – 7″ square of fusible fleece

There are two easy ways to cut out your fabric diamonds: the pin and cut method, or the freezer paper method. Here’s how to use both:

Pin and Cut Template Method

Print the Star Coaster Template and roughly cut out the diamond shape. Pin the paper directly to your fabric and cut out 6 diamonds.

Cutting fabric diamonds for star-shaped coaster

Freezer Paper Template Method

Trace the template onto freezer paper (just 1 or 2 copies is enough). Cut loosely around the shape, then iron the freezer paper shiny side down onto your fabric. Cut out the shape, peel off the paper, and reuse it. You can either trace around the paper or leave it on while cutting—it helps with accuracy.

Star Coffee Coaster Tutorial – Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Arrange the Diamonds

Lay out your 6 diamonds in a repeating pattern to create your star shape.

Step 2: Sew the First Two

With right sides together, sew two diamonds together along one edge. Press the seam to one side.

Step 3: Add the Third Diamond

Sew a third diamond to the opposite side of the center one to form half the star. Press.

Sewing step for star coffee coaster tutorial

Step 4: Repeat for Second Half

Sew the remaining three diamonds together to form the second half of the star.

Step 5: Join the Halves

Sew the two halves together along the center seam. Press seam open for a flatter finish.

Step 6: Fuse the Fleece

Iron the fusible fleece to the wrong side of the 7″ backing fabric.

Step 7: Sew the Star to the Backing

With right sides together, place the star on top of the backing fabric. Sew just inside the star’s edge, leaving a small 1¼” opening for turning.

Step 8: Trim & Clip

Trim away the extra backing fabric around the star shape. Clip the points and notches (carefully!) to reduce bulk.

Step 9: Turn & Press

Turn the star right side out through the opening. Use a point turner to gently push out the corners. Press flat.

Step 10: Edgestitch

Topstitch around the star’s edge to close the opening and give it a clean finish. If you run into bulky seams, use a height compensation tool (also called a foot spacer) to help your presser foot glide evenly.

And you’re done! Make a few more and tie them with ribbon for a sweet handmade gift—or keep them for your own morning coffee break.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use scrap fabric for this star coaster?
Yes! This star coffee coaster tutorial is a great way to use up scraps or leftover fat quarters. Each diamond is small, so you don’t need much fabric.

Do I need a sewing machine to make these?
A sewing machine will make the process faster and give cleaner seams, especially for topstitching, but you can hand-sew them if needed—just allow more time.

What’s the best interfacing to use?
I recommend Pellon 987F fusible fleece for a lightly padded feel. Batting also works if that’s what you have on hand.

Are these washable?
Yes! Use cotton fabrics and fusible fleece for a machine-washable coaster. Wash on a gentle cycle and air dry for best results.

Let me know in the comments if you try this pattern—or tag me on Instagram @TangledThreadsByJen so I can see your finished coasters!

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