The Queen's Platinum Jubilee Mug Rug

Platinum Jubilee Mug Rug

I love to bring the seasons and celebratory days into my home using small quilted items especially mug rugs.  (What is a mug rug?)

Here in England we have a very special celebration coming up - the Queen's Platinum Jubilee celebrating the extraordinary achievement of Queen Elizabeth II to serve the people of Britain for seventy years. 

If time is short, quilt and bind a block to add a touch of British charm.

And I want something particularly special to mark the occasion.  So I have created a Platinum Jubilee mug rug using the 6" Union Jack block from my Union Jack Blocks and Table Runner pattern.  

6" and 12" Union Jack Blocks and a Table Runner
in one handy pattern

If you want to do the same this is how ......

Firstly you will need to patch a 6" Union Jack block.  Alternatively, you could use any 6" block (finished size) that has a British theme.

It doesn't have to be red, white and blue.

Next, you will need to download and print the 

PLATINUM JUBILEE MUG RUG SIDEBAR PATTERN.  

Make sure you print the template sheet to the 'exact size' using the size check box on the template page.  (I also have a page on downloading and printing patterns.)

Add some jewels if you want a pop of colour

Then follow the pattern to applique the crown onto the sidebar.  You can add jewels to the crown as I have down in the red, white and blue version above - or you can leave the crown unadorned as shown in the pretty pink version below.

No jewels for this crown!

And you could leave it there - finishing off the mug rug as detailed in the Sidebar Pattern.  However, if you wish to make the mug rug commemorative you might want to add the dates to the sidebar.

To do this you will need to mark the dates onto the sidebar.  You can use a lightbox if you have one or you can do as I have done, and use a window and some sticky tape.   Here is how:

Tape the applique template to a window

Once the applique is complete tape the template page to a window before taping the appliqued sidebar on top of the paper, aligning the appliqued crown with the crown on the paper.  (Do not worry if the applique is a little out - you just need to be able to see the dates, so adjust the sidebar position if necessary.)

Tape the appliqued Crown Sidebar on top of the sheet

Next use a dispersible marker pen or pencil to trace over the dates.  I use a Frixion pen as the markings disappear when you iron over them.  These are readily available from supermarkets here in England but you can also purchase them from Amazon.   Alternatively you can use chalk paper.

These Frixion pen marks will disappear with a hot iron

Carefully detach the sidebar from the template sheet and you are ready to stitch over the date tracings.  I used two strands of embroidery floss and a small chain stitch on the red, white and blue mug rug and a simple backstitch on the pretty pink mug rug.

Pretty in Pink

Finally, finish off the mug rug according to the sidebar pattern.

There you have it - a little bit of nostalgia and a whole lot of fabric fun.  Until next time ....