A Heartfelt Mug Rug Tutorial

I haven’t posted a mug rug tutorial for a while, so I felt that a cute Valentine’s mug rug would be nice. This mug rug can be made with our without a heart in the center. 

You will need the following sized fabrics: 

Fabric 1 (light)- 3″ x 3″ block for the center and 11″ x 11″ piece for the backing

Fabric 2 (dark)- two 1 1/2″ x 3″ strips

Fabric 3 (light)- two 1 1/2″ x 4 7/8″ strips

Fabric 4 (dark)- two 1 1/2″ x 6 5/8″ strips

Fabric 5 (light)- two 1 1/2″ x 6 3/4″ strips

Fabric 6 (dark)- two 1 1/2″ x 8 1/2″ strips

Fabric 7 (dark)- 3×3″ block to create the heart (optional) 

This  is made with a Courthouse Steps block using a Quilt-As-You-Go method. Courthouse steps is a Log Cabin block variation block. Instead of sewing the strips in a circular motion around the center block, you will sew opposing sides to the center block.

1. Start with a 9 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ piece of scrap batting. Draw a line from corner to corner with a water soluble pen. 

2. Use basting spray or a glue stick to set your center square onto the batting. The corners will line up with the lines you drew. 

3. Set a fabric 2 strip on top of the center block at the right. Line up the edge and sew the strip to the block using a 1/4″ piecing foot. Fix the stitch or back-stitch at the beginning and end. Turn the batting to repeat this process with your second fabric 2 strip on the other side of the center block. Trim your strings. 

4. Turn the batting so that your new strips are on the top and bottom. Iron both strips outward. 

5. Set a fabric 3 strip on top of the center block at the right. Line up the edge and sew the strip to the block using a 1/4″ piecing foot. Fix the stitch or backstitch at the beginning and end. Turn the batting to repeat this process with your second fabric 3 strip on the other side of the center block. Turn the batting and iron the strips outward. Trim your strings. 

6. Continue this process with the remaining strips until all 12 strips have been sewn on. Remember to alternate your dark and light fabrics. 

7.  Trim the block to 8.5″ x 8.5″. 

6. If you want to add a heart, you will do so here. Fold your 3″ x 3″ block in half. Draw a half heart onto one side, then cut it out. 

7. With basting spray or a glue stick, attach the heart  to the center block. Sew the heart on using a small blanket stitch. Fix the stitch or back-stitch at the beginning and end, and trim your strings. 

8. Set your backing square face down. Center the block on the backing. Use basting spray to adhere the layers together. 

9. Trim the backing to 1″ larger than the block on all four sides. 

10. If you need help finishing the binding using the backing, follow the directions from Simply Basics: Binding a Quilt. There are plenty of photos to help you with each step. I recommend using Wonder Clips to hold the evenly binding in place while you sew. 

 

This mug rug would make a lovely exchange gift with fellow crafters. Just don’t forget to toss in a few chocolates to make it even sweeter!