What is a Mug Rug and Why Should You Make One?
January 31, 2024
Hi!
This week we’re taking at look back in time to an article we published in the magazine several years ago, from Amanda Weatherill, aka the “Patchsmith”. Amanda specialises in creating gorgeous little quilts called mug rugs, and as quilters, I know we’re always on the lookout for quick quilty things to make for gifts, and to use up scraps. Her article on what is a Mug Rug and why you should make one is still worth a quick read today, and if you’re interested in more, do check out her website for more mug rug eye candy too!
What is a Mug Rug and Why Should You Make One?
“Many people believe a mug rug is another term for a coaster but a mug rug is so much more than a coaster.
For a start a mug rug has enough room for a mug and a muffin or cookie and is regarded as a mini quilt which varies in size from 4” x 7” to as large as 12” x 8”.
As such a quilter can fit more detail onto a mug rug than a coaster and in turn, have more fun creating them.
Because they are bigger in size a mug rug is also more versatile – they can be used to protect your table or furniture against plant pots, serving bowls, condiments and much, much more.
They can adorn coffee tables, desks, worktables, dressing tables, hall tables and hospital bedsides.
A pretty mug rug added to a dressing table is the perfect place for your perfume bottles whilst a bright and cheery mug rug looks good on the breakfast table holding the marmalade and honey pots. They also look good on the hall console table as the resting place for the car keys. Indeed, every room in the house can find a space for one of these functional little quilts.
Aside from being useful, there are lots of reasons why a mug rug should be included in your pattern library.
Firstly a mug rug is a great way to use your scraps and a quilter always has scraps!
Secondly every quilter loves to play with patterns and colours – a mug rug lets you test out fabrics and colours before using them in a larger project.
Thirdly you can try new techniques without wasting too much fabric or time.
A mug rug also makes an ideal gift and, due to their size, you will not be imposing your style and tastes upon another person as you would with a larger handmade item.
A rolled up mug rug popped into a mug makes a unique and perfect gift. Add a plant and you have a great Mother’s Day gift. Brighten a hospital bedside with a pretty little mug rug and give a mug rug to thank a hostess or teacher or colleague.
Finally, mug rugs can be the starting place for a larger project – you can add a border to a mug rug and turn it into a placemat, or incorporate a mug rug pattern onto the end of a table runner for added interest.
I like to add quick triangle corners to the back of my mug rugs and hang them in collections on the sewing room wall.
So you see mug rugs are a quick and inexpensive way to create a unique and personal home.
So why not start using some of those fabric scraps today and create a gift for yourself or another with a Patchsmith mug rug pattern.”
About the author:
Amanda Weatherill is the Patchsmith. Amanda has been designing patterns for many years and it is the popularity of her mug rug designs that made her one of the top pattern designers on Craftsy. Visit her website (https://thepatchsmith.blogspot.com/ ) to view more of her fun designs and check out the Patchsmith for hints and tips on creating your own mug rug.
We find that these fun little quilts are good for trying out new techniques or ideas too, or if you want to enjoy a quick finish project (and they’re especially great if you just want some easy hand stitching at night in front of the tv too!)
Get stitching today!
Enjoy your week,
8 responses to “What is a Mug Rug and Why Should You Make One?”
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These are so cute! I want to try them! They would also be cute in a senior citizen room!
That’s a great idea! Thanks for your suggestion Marty.
I like making mug rugs. I have a question? You mentioned in the text above: I like to add quick triangle corners to the back of my mug rugs and hang them —- Can you explain please?.
Ethel
Hi Ethel,
I think Amanda meant that she folds a square of fabric in half diagonally to make a triangle, then if you line up the triangle raw edges with the raw edges at the corner of your mug rug, you’d end up with a neatly folded triangular flap across the corner. I would then bind it, to cover all the raw edges.
If you did this for both top corners, you could then cut a piece of dowel (for example) to fit the top of the mug rug and slot into those corner ‘pockets’, and you could then hang it from a hook. I’d recommend something flatter like a wooden ruler cut to size, or even a piece of stiff cardboard, as your mug rug will only be light.
Hope that helps!
Thank you. I always look forward to reading your articles.
Thanks 🙂
These mug rugs are so darling! Right now I am involved in other projects, but I would eventually like to make a few or ALL of them.
Her designs are gorgeous!!