Snowmen Coaster Tutorial

I recently had the opportunity to play with the most adorable Sizzix Bigz Die with Bonus Die-Snowmen Let It Snow by BasicGrey.  I decided to make a set of quilted coasters.  Since I happened to have some Blitzen on hand, it was a no brainer--I had to use it for this project!

I started off using the Sizzix 4" Square Die to cut four backings, four fronts and four pieces of cotton batting. As you can see, the Blitzen snowman print that inspired this die was used for the coaster backings!  Because the snowmen are applique, I backed my fabric with Steam A Seam 2 prior to cutting my snowman shapes.

I then placed the snowmen on the coaster fronts, making sure I had a 1/4" seam allowance all the way around.  I set them in place with my iron.  I placed the batting behind the coaster fronts and used my free motion quilting foot to outline the shapes with coordinating thread.

With right sides together, I stitched the coaster fronts to the backings leaving an opening for turning.  I turned the coasters, pressed, hand-stitched the openings and then top-stitched around the edges.

Here is the cute little set all done!

An "action" shot with the hot cocoa here.

And all wrapped up and ready to go.  Don't you think that this set would make a great teacher's gift or hostess gift this winter?