What Is A Mug Rug

Have you ever heard the term “mug rug” and wondered what it is? If you’re a quilter or even just a fan of handmade projects, you’re probably familiar with coasters and placemats.

Well, a mug rug is like a happy middle ground between the two! It’s a small, quilted mat designed to hold your mug and a little snack—a mini placemat, if you will.

I love mug rugs because they’re such a fun and functional project. Not only do they protect your table from heat and spills, but they also give you extra room for a treat, like a cookie or slice of cake.

Plus, they’re the perfect size for trying out new quilting techniques or using up fabric scraps. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned quilter, making mug rugs is a great way to get creative without the commitment of a full-size quilt.

Let’s look at what a mug rug is, what size they typically come in, the best materials to use, and even whether or not you need to finish them with binding.

So, if you’re ready to learn more about these cute little quilted mats, keep reading! You might just find yourself itching to make a few of your own by the end.

What is a Mug Rug?

Let’s chat about one of the cutest and most practical little projects in the quilting world: the mug rug! If you haven’t come across this term yet, it’s basically the perfect blend between a coaster and a mini placemat.

Mug rugs are ideal for holding your coffee (or tea, no judgment!) and a snack. I love them because they’re small, quick to sew, and a great way to use up fabric scraps. Plus, who doesn’t love a cozy spot for their mug?

What Size is a Mug Rug?

When it comes to size, mug rugs are pretty flexible. There’s no hard-and-fast rule, but most tend to be between 5” x 7” to 6” x 10”. If you go larger, then it could also be used as a large hot pad.

That gives you enough room for your mug and a cookie or two (and really, we all deserve a snack, right?). If you like a little more space, you can go larger, but try to keep it smaller than a placemat to stay in the mug rug territory.

What Batting Should You Use?

For the batting, I always like to go with something that’s heat resistant but still easy to quilt through. A cotton batting works well because it absorbs heat from your mug and feels nice and soft.

If you want a bit more insulation—especially if you’re making a mug rug for someone who drinks piping hot coffee—consider using something like Insul-Bright. It has a layer of foil-like material that helps reflect heat.

Just be careful; it can be a little bulkier to quilt.

Best Materials for Mug Rugs

The sky’s the limit here! You can use any quilting cotton for the front and back of your mug rug. I often grab scraps from previous projects to create a patchwork effect or try out fun prints that make me smile. Mug rugs are the perfect playground for your creativity.

Whether it’s holiday-themed fabrics, bold prints, or even leftover blocks, anything goes.

One tip—if you’re like me and don’t want your mug slipping around, a grippier fabric on the back can help. Flannel works nicely for this or even a tightly woven cotton with a little texture.

To Bind or Not to Bind?

Now, let’s talk about finishing.

Do you need to bind a mug rug? The short answer is—it’s up to you! Binding definitely gives your mug rug a more polished, quilty look, and it’s a great way to practice those binding skills on a smaller scale.

But if you’re in a hurry or just don’t feel like messing with binding, you can always go the quick route: sew the front and back together with right sides facing, turn it inside out, and topstitch around the edges to close it up. Easy peasy.

Useful Tips for Making Large Coasters for Snacks

Since mug rugs are small, they’re the perfect project for testing out new techniques or playing with new designs. You can try piecing together tiny blocks, experimenting with free-motion quilting, or using a fabric you’ve been saving for something special.

They’re also a great way to make use of leftover batting scraps you have from bigger projects.

And don’t forget, mug rugs make excellent gifts! Pair them with a cute mug, some tea or coffee, and you’ve got a thoughtful, handmade present that’ll actually get used.

So, if you’re looking for a quick, fun project that’s as practical as it is cute, a mug rug is the way to go. You can keep it simple or let your imagination run wild—either way, it’s a lovely way to add a personal touch to your coffee break.

Another quick tip – if you have leftover quilt blocks or orphan quilt blocks that are just hanging around and not being used in a quilt, check out how you can use those quilt blocks in a new project.

Free Mug Rug Patterns

Scrap Fabric Rugs – grab your scraps and let’s make an easy little rug that will catch your crumbs and drips.

Using the quilt as you go technique, this tutorial will help you use your little bits of fabric and it’s perfect for the holiday season.

Fall Pumpkins are great for using your scraps of orange, and you have an option of binding or not.

Apple core twists are a little smaller, but still great to have on hand.

Easy maple leaf mug rugs – great for celebrating the season or the country.

These are sooo easy and are made with the quilt as you go technique as well. Great for Halloween season too!

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What’s the Difference Between a Mug Rug and a Coaster?

While both mug rugs and coasters serve a similar purpose, the main difference is size. Coasters are usually smaller, just big enough for a mug or glass—think around 4” square. A mug rug, on the other hand, is larger and can hold not just your drink but also a little snack or two.

It’s like the coaster’s more generous cousin! Coasters focus mainly on protecting surfaces from water rings, while mug rugs offer a bit more room for crumbs and spills.

What is Another Name for a Mug Rug?

You might hear mug rugs referred to by a few different names, but one that pops up often is “snack mat.” This fits perfectly with its dual function—holding your mug and a small treat. Some people might also call them “mini placemats” because of their size, though that’s a bit less common.

Are Mug Rugs Washable?

Absolutely! Since mug rugs are made from quilting cotton and batting (materials we already know wash well), you can toss them in the washer without any worries. Just treat them like you would any quilt—gentle cycle and low heat to dry. If you’ve used fabrics that tend to shrink, pre-washing is always a good idea, especially since mug rugs see plenty of spills and crumbs.

What Do You Use a Mug Rug For?

Mug rugs are the perfect landing spot for your coffee or tea and a little snack like a cookie, muffin, or even a sandwich. They’re also handy for protecting your table from heat and spills. Whether you use them on your coffee table, desk, or even your sewing table (quilters need coffee too!), they add a cozy touch to any spot. Plus, they’re an adorable way to brighten up your space with some handmade charm!

Additional Quilting Resources

• Self Binding Tutorial
• Wonder clips for binding
• Quilting with your regular sewing machine

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