Mug rugs have been around for a while, but they’re still uber-popular. Why? Because they are quick and fun to make- you can finish a project in an afternoon! And because they are so quick, you can make them for every season and they make great gifts. They’re also very handy! What is a mug rug? Well, in case you don’t know, it’s a little mat which is the perfect size for your mug of tea or coffee, plus a few cookies… and when it gets dirty you just throw it in the wash. You can also use them for candle mats and to put under a vase of flowers, so you don’t get water rings on your table.
This project originally appeared in my free emagazine, The Art of Home. If you’re not signed up yet, click here so you don’t miss a thing! (AND get a free gift from moi…)
You can click here to get a downloadable/printable PDF pattern for this project.
OK, now it’s time to make our Valentine’s Day Mug Rug!
Makes 2 mug rugs, each about 6 1/2 x 9 1/2”.
Materials:
- Light pink- 2 pieces, each 6 1/2” square
- 6 different assorted Pinks and Reds- cut 1 strip from each 1 1/2” x 10”
- Scraps of Pink and Red for patchwork hearts
- Pink for binding- 2 strips, each 2 1/2” x about 40” (width of fabric, selvedges removed)
- Batting scraps (2 pieces about 7 1/2 x 10 1/2”)
- Backing Fabric (2 pieces about 9 x 12”)
- Thread for machine applique and quilting
- Fusible web for machine applique- I love Heat n Bond Lite
Make the patchwork for the heart applique: Start with a scrap of one of your fabrics (any shape, up to about 6 1/2” long) and sew right sides together with another piece of your scraps. Press the seam to one side. (Photo A) Trim off one side so that it is even. (Photo B) Sew another scrap to that edge. (Photo C) Trim off an edge (Photo D) and continue until you have a piece of patchwork which is about 6 1/2” square.
Trace heart pattern (found in PDF) 2 times onto paper side of fusible web. Cut out leaving about 1/8” border around hearts. Iron hearts to WRONG side of patchwork squares. (Photo E)
Cut out hearts on the drawn line. Remove paper backing and use iron to fuse hearts to center of Light Pink squares.
Make the patchwork squares border: Sew 3 of the strips together along the long edges and press seams open. Trim off about 1/4” of one short edge (so you have a nice even edge). Cut into 6- 1 1/2” wide units. (Photo F).
Repeat with remaining 3 strips. You now have 12 units, 1 1/2” x 3 1/2”. Sew 6 units together along long edges. Press seams to one side. Repeat with remaining 6 units. Sew to left sides of Light Pink squares. Layer with batting and backing fabric. Use a zig zag or button hole stitch to do applique stitching around edge of heart. Quilt remaining project as desired- for mine, I did loopy free-motion quilting around the heart, and a wonky (aka very imperfect) “stitch in the ditch” for the patchwork squares border. Bind with Pink fabric strip.
Really cute. Thank you so much for the PDF.
Thank you! this is so cute and perfect timing to make a little something to give my friends for valentines day!
I love this–the MR will lighten everyone’s mood, making fir a great day.
Thank you ever so much Jacquelyyne.
Thank you so much for mug tug pattern. I make these sweet little rugs all the time as gifts. Great practice for machine quilting!! ???
This is so cute, thanks!
I enjoy the emails and the patterns. Thank you so much for the patterns. They are really appreciated.
I’ve just started to make mug rugs and love this pattern! Thanks for sharing it, especially as a pdf file.
I just love your site. Thanks for the mug rug.
Thanks for another great project and the easy to follow PDF. I’m looking forward to making a Valentine creation this weekend…perfect timing.
First – your new website looks wonderful! It does have a nice, clean feel – easy to navigate. Congratulations!
Thank you for the darling MR pattern! Perfect little gift for my Valentine pals!
Thank you. Nice choice of colors in your mug rug.
What a cute mug rug! Thank you for sharing your pattern!
Such cute Valentine Mug Rug pattern I am in the processes of making them; so far I have pieced 3 hearts with 1 more to go. Can’t wait to complete them,
Thank you Jacquelynn
HI Maryann- I’d love to see photos when you are done! Have fun!
How do I send you the pictures?
You can post them on my Facebook page here https://www.facebook.com/Jacquelynne-Steves-543549752352215/ or email them comments(at)jacquelynnesteves.com
I love your patterns. This valentine day mug rug is great. Will be making some.
That is so nice! I love the fabrics! :)
Hugs, Ulla from Finland
Very cute, making mine in shades of purple, plenty of scraps. Will send pic through upon completion. Thanks for sharing, all the way from Adelaide, Australia. Cheers, Deb
Thank you so much for the mug rug pattern. I do these sweet little rugs all the time as gifts. Great practice for machine quilting!! I am also a crazy quilter! ????
thank you for sharing I just found you and am glad your here. ty
Thank you so much for the mug rug heart pattern. Always nice to find something free to work on. Very much appreciated.