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One of my favorite things about the start of fall is having an excuse to craft and refresh my home with simple, low-cost seasonal decor. Small projects that come together quickly are especially satisfying when life is busy but you still want a handmade touch.
These woven ribbon coasters are an ideal quick fall craft. They offer a charming quilted look without the time commitment of making a full quilt, and they’re a great way to use up leftover fabric and ribbon. The candy-corn palette shown here — orange, yellow, and tan — brings an instant fall pop to your table, but the same technique works for any season or color scheme.
A 30-minute Fall Craft with Materials You Have on Hand
I enjoy quilting, but a full quilt takes time. These coasters satisfy that sewing itch in about half an hour each if you can sew a straight line on a machine. They’re sturdy, practical, and make lovely gifts. I’ve already planned spring versions in florals and summer coasters in indigo and bright white ribbon. Best of all, they protect furniture from water rings while adding handmade charm.
What You’ll Need
A basic sewing machine and simple sewing skills are required. If you can sew a straight seam, you’ll be fine. Prepare your materials before you start to make the process smooth.
- 1-inch wide grosgrain ribbon, orange — about 1 foot
- 1-inch wide grosgrain ribbon, yellow — about 1 foot
- 1-inch wide grosgrain ribbon, tan — about 2 feet
- 5-inch squares of coordinating fabric (for the top/coaster)
- 6-inch squares of coordinating fabric (for the backing)
- Basic sewing supplies: pins, iron, scissors or rotary cutter, seam ripper (optional)
Instructions
- Cut the ribbon: prepare six 6-inch pieces of ribbon — two orange, two yellow, and four tan. The tan pieces will form the vertical anchors for the weave.
- Position the tan ribbons: place a 5-inch fabric square right side up. Lay the four tan ribbon lengths evenly across the square, aligning the outer edges of the outermost ribbons with the fabric edges. The long ribbon ends will extend beyond the top and bottom edges of the square.
- Weave the colored ribbons: weave the orange and yellow ribbons horizontally through the tan ribbons in a loose basket-weave pattern, spacing them evenly. Keep the outermost edges aligned with the fabric edge so the weave looks neat and consistent.
- Secure with pins: carefully pin each ribbon end to the fabric to hold the weave in place while you stitch. Make sure the ribbons remain flat and untwisted.
- Stitch the ribbons: sew along all four sides of the coaster close to the edge to secure the ribbon to the 5-inch fabric square. Trim any ribbon overhang so the woven top measures exactly 5 inches square.
- Prepare the backing: place the woven top, right side up, on the 6-inch backing square, wrong sides together. This extra half-inch of backing fabric will form a tidy turned edge.
- Press and fold the backing: using a hot iron, press a quarter-inch fold along the top and bottom edges of the 6-inch square. Fold these pressed edges over the ribbon edge and press again so you have a clean finished edge. Stitch close to the folded edge on the top and bottom to secure the fold.
- Finish the sides: repeat the pressing and stitching on the left and right edges of the coaster. Trim any stray threads and make any small adjustments so all edges look even and neat.
And voila — your coaster is finished!
Tips and variations: try different ribbon widths or mix textures like satin and grosgrain for a more dimensional look. Use scraps of cotton, linen, or canvas for the fabric squares depending on the durability you want. If you prefer a quilted feel, add a thin piece of batting between the top and backing before finishing the edges. For machine washability, hand-stitch the edges more securely or use a narrow zigzag stitch to help ribbons withstand laundering.
These ribbon-woven coasters are quick to make, customizable, and practical. They’re perfect for seasonal décor, hostess gifts, or crafting with friends. Enjoy making a set in colors that match your home and protect your surfaces in style.