In-the-hoop embroidered floral coasters
Coasters are a staple for the gift drawer, and an easy way to update your coffee table.
You can make coasters easily from any machine embroidery design sized approximately 10cm.
In this article I show you how to add a backing while your embroidery design is still in the hoop, by using one of the built-in square patterns on your Brother embroidery machine. This creates a pretty frame around the embroidery and a neat back to your coaster, as the second layer will cover all the stitching.
Felt works best for this project, as it does not fray.
Materials needed
- Four felt sheets (approximately 20 x 30cm each) in a colour of your choice – we used a dark grey melange
- Two pieces of tearaway stabiliser to suit the size hoop you are using
- Masking tape, 2-3cm wide
- Temporary glue adhesive spray (optional)
- Embroidery thread
- Bobbin thread
Equipment needed
- Brother embroidery machine with built-in border designs
- Embroidery frame
- Rotary cutter, ruler and cutting mat
Download the two embroidery designs here
How to
Step 1
Download and transfer the designs to your embroidery machine. Download using the blue button above.
Open one of the designs and press Add on the screen of your Brother embroidery machine.
Select the shapes menu.
Then press on the squares icon and select one of the square designs by pressing on it.
Press on Set.
Step 2
The square you selected will appear on the screen with the embroidery design, centred over the design, but will not be the correct size.
Select Size and scale the border to fit around the design. Proceed to Embroidery.
Tip: when you load the embroidery designs, they will automatically be centred in the hoop. If you leave both designs in this position, the border will automatically be even all around the design when you enlarge it with the size editing tools.
Step 3
Hoop one sheet of felt and one of the tearaway stabiliser pieces. If the felt is smaller than the frame, hoop the tearaway, give the felt a light spray with the temporary adhesive and smooth it onto the stabiliser. Sew out the embroidery up to the last colour change, which is the border.
Step 4
Remove the frame from your Brother embroidery machine.
Turn the frame over, with the embroidery in it, wrong side facing up. Place the second piece of felt over the embroidery area, roughly matching the placement of the first piece of felt, and secure with tape.
Wind a bobbin with the same thread you will be using to embroider the border. Change the bobbin.
Step 5
Return the frame to the embroidery machine and sew out the border.
Remove the frame from the machine and take the embroidery out of the frame. Tear the tearaway at the edges of the border.
Step 6
Carefully trim the coasters to size. A rotary cutter and ruler will help you to cut accurately and neatly.
Repeat with the second design!
I love in-the-hoop projects! This is such an easy way to make neat coasters for yourself or as a gift.
You can use up felt scraps and get creative with different colours on the front and back. You can also embroider a name or a special message on the felt that goes on the back prior to placing it – just take care to place it correctly. I hope you have fun with this easy idea!
