The short answer: build a full-board pattern, iron both sides fully so the holes mostly close, and cool it flat under a book. A single board makes a perfect drink coaster.
Coasters are the classic beading gift: useful, flat, and quick. A set of four takes one evening, and the finished pieces look great stacked on a coffee table.
Steps
- Pattern: pick a square or round design that fits one pegboard, about 29 by 29 beads.
- Build: place the beads on the board, keeping colors and rows tidy.
- Iron: fuse the front, then the back, until the holes mostly close. This makes the surface smooth and catches condensation.
- Cool flat: leave under a heavy book for at least ten minutes.
- Repeat: make the rest of the set so all coasters match.
For sets, build all four boards first, then iron them one after another, so the look is consistent. Need waterproofing tips? Our waterproofing guide has them. Coaster patterns are in our pattern library.