T-Shirt Braided Coaster
I had quite a few white t-shirts that were either ripped or stained and I did not want to throw them out. There are many projects you can make using old t-shirts, but I chose to make braided coasters. Once I made the t-shirt yarn (there are many tutorials available on the web) I incorporated some cotton yarn into the braid to add some colour and use up my odds and ends. I sewed the braid using a slip stitch in order to form a circle. To finish the bottom, which is not necessary, but I thought it would look nice, I glued some felt on the bottom just a tad smaller than the diameter of the coaster. These coaters are quite thick, great for large glasses like beer mugs or ice water that have a lot of condensation.
Knitted Coaster with Crocheted Border
What I love about these coasters is that I mixed and matched the yarn. I doubled up on the yarn using a seed stitch and then crocheted a border. Since these coasters are knitted, there are some small holes, but because the yarn is doubled, this provides enough protection from heat from drinks such as coffee or tea. These coasters are not as thick as the braided coasters, but they are flatter, which is good for wine glasses. For the braided coasters you will need a sturdy glass or mug. 
Embroidered Coaster
The fabric that I used for these coasters was from a duvet cover that was faded by the sun. The fabric was expensive so I could not see it go to waste, or just sit in the closet, plus I loved the palm tree pattern. For the sections that weren't faded I was able to make decorative pillows. Since the fabric pattern had enough spacing between the palm trees, I was able to fit one palm tree on each coaster. The duvet cover was custom made with three layers, just like a quilt which added extra thickness, perfect for a coaster or pot holder. I wanted the palm tree to stand out, so I embroidered an outline stitch around it. For the bottom of the coasters, I cut some matching fabric the same size as the top square. I actually used some fabric from the bed skirt which had also been faded by the sun. I placed the squares right sides facing, sewed around the square leaving an opening to turn it inside out and then closed the opening using a slip stitch.
