DIY Athletic Number Coasters Made from Felt and Iron-On Numbers
Bold jersey-style numbers pressed onto soft felt squares make coasters that look like they came off a locker room bench. A set of these is an easy handmade gift for a sports fan, and each coaster takes only a few minutes.
The whole project is felt, iron-on numbers and an iron. Below are the questions people usually ask before they start.
What do you need to make number coasters?
- Felt in the colors you like
- Scissors, a rotary cutter with a cutting mat, or a die-cut machine that can cut felt
- Iron-on numbers
- An iron
- A thin pressing cloth, such as a scrap of cotton fabric
Look for numbers made for fabric, and check the package for the heat setting. Craft stores often discount single numbers, and a mix of sizes and styles can look charming in a set. If you want a matched set, choose numbers in one style and size.
How big should the coasters be?
A square about 4 inches on each side works well. It is wide enough to hold a mug or glass and small enough to stack neatly. Measure and mark one square on cardboard, then trace it for the rest so they all match. A rotary cutter gives the cleanest edges, but sharp scissors do the job. Cutting through a single layer of felt at a time keeps the corners crisp.
Thicker felt protects a table better than a thin craft sheet. If your felt feels flimsy, glue two squares together before you add the number. Let the glue dry fully first.
How do you iron the numbers on?
- Set the iron to the cotton setting, or follow the temperature on the number package. Turn off any steam.
- Press the bare felt square for a moment to warm it and smooth out creases.
- Center the number on the felt with the adhesive side down.
- Lay the pressing cloth over the number so the iron never touches it directly.
- Press firmly for about 25 seconds, without sliding the iron around.
- Flip the coaster over and press the back for another 25 seconds, again through the cloth.
- Set it down and let it cool completely before you touch it.
Cooling matters because the adhesive sets as it cools. Lift a corner of the number once the felt is cool. If an edge curls, cover it and press again for a few seconds.
What are the best ways to customize them?
Team colors are the obvious choice, such as navy felt with gold numbers or red felt with white. You can also match the colors of a den, game room or kitchen.
For a gift, use the jersey numbers of a person’s favorite players, or numbers that mean something to them, such as a lucky number. A set of four or six looks best, and you can repeat the same number if the person has a single favorite.
Felt also comes in a lot of colors, so you can alternate two shades in one set. Plain neutral felt, such as gray or cream, lets bright numbers stand out.
How can you give them as a gift?
Stack the coasters and tie them with twine or a strip of ribbon in a team color. They pair well with team-themed glass mugs, and tucking the set into a mug makes a ready-to-give present. Add a small tag naming the players or years the numbers stand for.
Felt coasters are best for dry or lightly damp glasses. If one gets wet, let it air dry flat. Spot clean with a damp cloth rather than washing, since heat can loosen the adhesive on the numbers.
