Mug Rug Basics


Hints and tips to help you create a wonderful 
mug rug

What is a Mug Rug? - and why you should make one of these lovely mini quilts

Quick fuse applique - what it is, how to do it and hints and tips

How to bind a mug rug - single fold, double fold and mitred corner binding instructions

Downloading and Printing PDF Patterns – how to save and print your PDF patterns

No binding mug rug - if you don't like binding then this is for you

How to enlarge a mug rug - making your mug rug bigger using a home printer

Transfer a Stitchery Design onto Dark Fabric - a quick and easy way to transfer a design without a lightbox.

English paper-pieiced Hexden Mug Rug - hand-stitch a mug rug using EPP

Mug Rug Making Basic Tools - handy tools to have on your work table

Mug Rug Swap Etiquette - how to be a good partner and enjoy your mug rug swap

Two Owls and  Winter Early Bird Mug Rugs – hints and tips on Two Owls mug rug and Winter Early Bird mug rug

20 comments:

  1. Hi!!

    I must have missed it - but what kind of batting and how many layers do you use? Your site is wonderful as well as your patterns. They are reasonably priced and a small enough project to start off with or to encourage someone who is "stuck" in the middle of too many projects to complete.
    Thank you - Jane

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Jane,
      I use whatever batting I have to hand. If you were to delve into my mug rug stash you would find that there are many different thicknesses. One of the good things with mug rugs is you can use left-overs from bigger projects. However, last year I used a fusible fleece (Pellon 987F Fusible Fleece) for a mug rug swap and it was the only time that I felt the batting was too thin (it was left over from a bag I had made). Yet my friends often use fusible fleece/batting or sometimes a thicker grade interfacing. If you find your batting is too thick then place it under a layer of fabric or muslin and press it hard with a hot iron until it reduces. I would even consider using a layers of towelling if it was all I had to hand (I can be a bit impatient waiting for supplies!!).
      Hope this helps but if you have any other queries just shout - if I don't have the answer one of my friends will.
      But it sounds like you are becoming addicted to mug rugs ... a hazard of these cute little projects!

      Delete
  2. I have not done any applique before, but I am in love with your patterns, so here I go!

    ReplyDelete
  3. i found you via craftsy also - thank you for introducing me to the world of mug rugs, these are adorable :) the only problem i have is deciding which pattern to buy first :)

    ReplyDelete
  4. Do you sell the fabric for these rug mugs. I just love the blue one,

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Unfortunately I don't sell the fabric. And you will be surprised to know that here in the south of England, I often don't know the names of the fat quarters I am buying unless I am lucky enough to buy a fat quarter that still has a selvage attached. We just do not have the supply or range that is available in America. I gaze at the Fat Quarter on-line shop and catch my breath as I see lines of fabric that I have never seen here.

      Delete
  5. I just love that gingerbread boy!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. My mom loves turtles - do you have any patterns, for mug rugs, with turtles on them?

    ReplyDelete
  7. hi, I am in love with Mug Rugs and have decided to use them for Gifts for my large family this year for Christmas. I enjoy the idea of using my scraps of both fabric and batting. I enjoy your patterns and this is the 2nd rug mug swap I have done with Michelle at the Quilting Gallery.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mug rugs are so versatile and they make excellent gifts. I also use them to mark the seasons in my home and at work. Michele is brilliant at the organizing - I am lucky to pair up with her for this swap. I hope you enjoy it.

      Delete
  8. A friend and I will be learning hand applique at a retreat in July. I am a HUGE fan of your mug rugs but I have always made them by machine. Would you recommend your rug mug patterns for hand applique also?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Absolutely. They are perfect for hand applique and make great portable projects. They are also good for retreat as you will be able to make a couple (or more) over a weekend. I hand applique and machine stitch - sometimes slower is nice and sometimes I want a gift in a hurry. I hope you and your friend enjoy your retreat.

      Delete
    2. Nan, It is a good idea to use a lightweight fusible webbing if hand applique. I use lightweight Bondaweb and can hand-stitch through three layers of fabric with Bondaweb.

      Delete
    3. Thank you so much! I appreciate your fast response! You are awesome!

      Delete
  9. Great instructions - Thanks for sharing. All of them are very pretty!!!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Can you use regular felt for the batting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. You could but it would be quite thin. You might want to use a couple of layers. Check that it is colourfast before using.

      Delete
  11. On your tea and books mug rug, how do you get the titles of the books on the spines. I do not see instructions in the pdf I purchased. thanks
    Risa

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. The book titles are from the selvedge edges of fabrics. Each fabric will have the name of the collection and the designer on it. I cut these out and fuse them to the book spines using fusible webbing. I then stitch them in place. Once you start looking - you will find lots of lovely titles.
      Sorry for the delay - it has been a very busy year, full of illness and accidents. But all is well now as I go into Christmas.
      Wishing you a happy CHristmas and a healthy New Year.
      Kindness,
      Amanda

      Delete