Quilt As You Go Holiday Mug Rugs

Learn how to make quilt-as-you-go holiday mug rugs with this fun and festive sewing tutorial. These little quilts are the perfect quick project to brighten up your coffee table, gift to friends, or add a handmade touch to your holiday decor.

The best part? You’ll sew the quilting and piecing at the same time—no separate quilting step required! Quilt-as-you-go projects are fast, forgiving, and a great way to use up your fabric scraps, especially all those cute holiday prints you’ve been saving.

Whether you make a set for yourself or stitch up a few for gifts, these mug rugs come together quickly and make the perfect “just because” handmade project during the busy holiday season.

I love myself a cup of hot cocoa. Most of the time it is accompanied with a little dipping snack too. I am not one to get all fancy with place settings, but I do love to use a mug rug, or crumb catcher. They are small enough to be tossed into a drawers without hogging a lot of space, and they are super easy to personalize.

If you are looking for more information on the Quilt-As-You-Go technique – checkout the series and additional projects you can try and sew.

Why You’ll Love This Project

• Quick and easy – sew, quilt, and finish all in one step.
• Scrap-friendly – perfect for leftover fabric strips or small pieces.
• Festive and fun – mix holiday prints for a cheerful, seasonal look.
• Great gifts – wrap them up with a mug or hot cocoa packet.
• Beginner-friendly – ideal for learning quilt-as-you-go techniques.

Materials Needed:

scraps of fabric for the mug rug top

backing fabric 8 X 10

scraps for applique pieces

Applique templates -print from here

Therm O Web HeatnBond® Lite Fusible applique

Therm O Web Fusible Fleece

Fabric & Design Ideas

• Holiday colors – reds, greens, golds, and snowy whites.
• Modern twist – use metallics, neutrals, or bold prints for a contemporary look.
• Mix textures – try flannel, linen, or metallic cotton for added interest.
• Scrappy charm – mix bits from past holiday projects for a cozy, patchwork look.
• All-season version – switch out the colors for Valentine’s, fall, or summer!

Instructions for sewing your holiday mug rug:

1) Cut your fusible fleece and backing fabric to 8 X 10

2) Fuse your backing fabric to the fleece using the instructions provided

3) Sew your scraps to the fused pieces following this tutorial for the quilt as you go method

4) Trace your applique pieces on the Therm o Web HeatnBond fusible- follow instructions to fuse to fabric scrap

5) Cut out and place on finished mug rug top. Iron in place

6) Sew around the outside of the fused holiday applique pieces to secure- you can do raw edge applique, button hole stitch, or zig zag if you’d like.

7) Bind the edges –tutorial for binding here if you need help

These would be great for quick presents, house warming presents for holiday meals, or under your Santa drink and cookies for the special night.

Ways to Customize Your Mug Rugs

• Add appliqué shapes—stars, trees, hearts, or snowflakes.
• Stitch decorative quilting lines or use variegated thread for extra sparkle.
• Add a hanging loop to turn it into a mini wall quilt or ornament.
• Personalize with machine embroidery or a name label for gifting.
• Bind the edges in a contrasting color or use the fold-over method for a quick finish.

Tips for Sewing Success

• Start with a quilt-as-you-go base slightly larger than your finished size and trim when done.
• Keep your fabric strips straight and smooth as you sew.
• Use a walking foot to help layers feed evenly.
• Try chain sewing if making several at once—it’s faster!
• Press each strip before adding the next for crisp, flat seams.

FAQs About Quilt-As-You-Go Mug Rugs

What size should a mug rug be?
Most mug rugs range from 6” x 8” to 8” x 10”, depending on how much room you want for your mug and snack. You can easily adjust the size to fit your needs.

Can I use batting scraps for this project?
Yes! This is a perfect project for using up leftover batting pieces. Just trim them to size before you start.

Do I need to quilt it again after piecing?
Nope! The quilting happens as you go—each fabric strip you add is stitched through all the layers, securing it as you piece.

What kind of backing works best?
Cotton or flannel work beautifully. Flannel adds a soft, cozy touch and helps keep the mug rug from sliding.

Can I wash mug rugs?
Yes! Use a gentle wash cycle and lay flat to dry or tumble dry low. They’ll crinkle slightly, just like a quilt.

These quilt-as-you-go holiday mug rugs are the perfect mix of fast, festive, and fun. They use up scraps, make great gifts, and are a cheerful way to add handmade charm to your home during the holidays.

Once you make one, you’ll find yourself sewing a whole stack—they’re that quick and satisfying. So pull out your holiday fabric scraps, warm up your sewing machine, and make a set of mug rugs to share (or keep for yourself).

They’re the perfect little project to enjoy between bigger quilts—and your coffee will thank you for the cozy landing spot.

For more quilt as you go fun…check these out:

Simple quilt as you go Projects~

• Holiday Mug Rugs
• Scrappy Ornaments
• Zipper Pouch
• 3 Ring Binder Cover

Pillows~

• Flag Pillow with Star
• Owls on Branch Fall Pillow

Table Runners~

• Easter Table Runner with printable applique
• Twisted Ribbon Table Runner

Pattern Collections by Topic~

• 15+ Bags and Pouches
• 26 QAYG Quilts
• 10 + Table Runners

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