Make quilted coasters Using leftover right-triangles

All topicsScrap BustingProjects
Written By Lisa Briese

Looking for other scrap busting ideas? See our blog for more scrap busting projects.

Read on for further details and instructions on how to make quilted coasters, with a free PDF guide available in our Resource Library to download and print.

Assorted quilted coasters made from leftover right-triangles.
Quilted coasters make a fun project that use up your scraps
 

When creating flying geese units one at a time or making square-in-a-square blocks, you will end up with leftover right-triangles (which have one right angle).

Don’t throw your right-triangles away! They are perfect for making half-square triangle (HST) units that can form the basis for a number of simple projects. Simply sort your triangles by size, then pair them to make your HST units.

Patterns that yield leftover right-triangles perfect for this project:

  • Cross Your T’s pillow pattern (A FREE pattern available in our Resource Library to newsletter subscribers).

 

What you will need: For each coaster you make you will need: 8 right-triangles to yield 4 - 2½" HST units.

The diagram shows the perfect right-triangle size for this project, with a little extra for trimming your HSTs.

If your right-triangle are a little smaller, make a test block to see if the smaller right-triangles will yield a 2½" HST block.

This is the perfect right-triangle size for this project!

 

Handle your right-triangle BIAS EDGES with care: When sewing your right-triangles together to make HST units, you will be sewing along a bias edge. The bias edge is fabric that has been cut on a 45 degree diagonal across the lengthwise and crosswise grains of the fabric. This results in very stretchy fabric which may distort out of shape.

As these right-triangles are small, I didn’t find it too tricky working with the bias edges. Plus the HST units are trimmed to size once sewn. Here are a few tips:

  • No pinning: As you are sewing a short seam, I found that pinning can add to the stretching and distortion when you are sewing.

  • Avoid stretching the bias edge when sewing.

  • When ironing your seams, give them a gentle press (ie. lifting the iron up and down).

  • If you’re worried about distortion, then starch your right-triangles before piecing.

Assortment of half-square triangle units, teamed with a newsprint fabric that I had leftover from a previous project.
 
 
A guide for making quilted coasters.
 

Sign up to our Resource Library and receive a FREE copy of the Make Quilted Coasters guide for you to download and print.

A stack of quilted coasters!
 
Lisa Briese

Lou Lou & Betty is a culmination of my love of quilting, designing and sharing my quilting knowledge. From an early age I’ve had a love of craft and one early memory is spending my school holidays learning how to sew on my Mum’s sewing machine. After a number of years moving around on military postings, I’ve finally settled in the beautiful beachside city of Newcastle, New South Wales, Australia.

I design modern quilt patterns that are thoughtfully written. In addition, tutorials are available on our website that allow even a beginner to complete their first quilt project. Discover how you can make a quilt with a basic sewing machine and quilting tools, so you can fall in love with this craft. With a growing library of resources, PDF patterns, quilt fabric kits and curated fabric bundles, take a look at what Lou Lou & Betty has to offer.

https://www.loulouandbetty.com
Previous

Guide to Crosshatch Machine Quilting
Next

Cosmic Cactus Quilt Along PART 8: Finish your quilt (optional)