Let’s talk about Mug Rug, a coaster lookalike!

One of my favorite past-time hobbies is making a mug rug for myself, friends, family or even colleagues who want to place their cup of tea, cookies, snacks or any other thing in a colorful piece of mat and enjoy spending time with their loved ones. 

Many of my friends confuse a coaster with a mug rug and I can totally understand it because the concept of them are pretty similar and some of them don’t even know what it is all about. In this post, I’ll just discuss it and share an easy way to create it.

What is a mug rug?

It is a mini quilt to hold a cup of tea with an extra space for a snack or any other item. It is larger than a coaster and smaller than a placement. It can be easily made with fabric scraps in a matter of a few minutes.

In some cases, it is also called “snack mats” and some people also refer to this as “mini placement” due to its size.

Earlier, I was using my coaster but it didn’t have enough space for my cookies, biscuits, and other snacks. When I started quilting, I learnt about mug rugs and started making it out of necessity and it turned out to by past-time hobby. Till now, I’ve made over 100 rugs for myself, friends, family and even neighbours (because we love them). 

What’s the average size?

The smallest size for a mug rug is 4” x 7” and to accommodate a large plate or similar item, it can be made up to 12″ x 8″. This isn’t a hard-and-fast rule and we can customize it depending on our requirements; however, staying in these ranges will define its true character. I’ve generally made rugs between this range as it is sufficient for my needs.

With various free patterns available, it can be made in rectangular, square and circular shapes.

What Batting Should You Use?

A cotton batting is highly recommended as it is heat resistant and it’ll not affect the mug as well as the table top. You can also pick other materials such as 80/20 cotton poly blend or fusible fleece, just make sure it isn’t too thick to quilt.

Best Materials for Mug Rugs

For the front and the back of the mug, you can use any quilted cotton. I generally use scraps from my finished projects or extras from unfinished projects and that usually works for me. It is a fun project and you can try various fabrics to do it. 

How to make it?

Step 1: Gather the required supplies. 

Here’s what you’ll need:

1. Fabric scraps or any small piece of quilting cotton.

2. Batting or fusible fleece.

3. Sewing machine or needle and thread.

4. A Scissor.

5. A ruler.

6. Iron.

7. Free mug rug sewing patterns (optional)

Step 2: Cut the Fabric

Like I mentioned earlier, I mostly use scraps so I’ll simply take and cut it. For this example, I’ll set the size as “5” x 5””.

Next, I’ll cut the strips to 2 ½” x 6” and then cut them in half to eight 1 ¼” x 6” strips.

Step 3: Arrange & Sew the Strips together

Arrange two sets of four in the order you like. By following the standard ¼” seam allowance, sew both sets up four strips.

Step 4: Press the Seams

To reduce the bulk at intersections and flatten the flatten, pressing the seam is extremely important. 

Step 5: Cut the Strips in Half

Now, cut the strips in half, trim them and then you’ll have four 3” x 3” blocks.

Step 6: Sew the blocks and seam them

Using the seam allowance rule, sew the blocks in the horizontal rows and then, the rows together. Next, press the blocks you just made.

Step 7: Assemble the mug rug

Assemble it in a proper way i.e. batting, top facing up and back fabric facing down.

Step 8: Sew the layers jointly

Start sewing around the border of the layers and leave approximately 2” wide gaps on the right side.

Step 9: Press again

This will be the last pressing to ensure the mug rug lays flat.

Step 10: Topstitch the Edge

The last thing you need to do is, topstitch the edge for a proper finish and then, you’ll have your mug rug.

FAQs

1. What is the purpose of a mug rug?

The purpose of a mug rug is to have tea or coffee or any beverage along with some snacks like cookies, muffin etc in the same mat. It also acts as a protector for your table top or any other furniture.

2. What is the main difference between a mug rug and a coaster?

A coaster can be used only to hold a mug whereas, mug rug will have room for a mug and other items.

3. Do mug rugs need batting?

Yes. Batting is essential for mug rugs, mainly to absorb spills and for a proper structure.

4. What is a good size for a mug rug?

The most common size is 4” x 7” as it is good enough for a mug and one more item. If you want to hold more things, you can increase its size accordingly; however, make sure it doesn’t become a coaster.