Checkerboard Mug Rug... where dreamers become quilters...
Page 1 Checkerboard Mug Rug
Page 2 Checkerboard Mug Rug What is a mug rug? How big should it be? Well, ask a few different quilters and you may get different answers. We say a mug rug is a mini placemat- big enough for your mug and a cookie. To us, the cookie is equally important so we don t want our mug rug too small. Then, it just becomes a coaster! This mug rug is 8 x 10. This mug rug can be done in a lot of different colors, seasonal fabrics... there are all sorts of options! Have fun with it! You can also choose to use a fourth fabric for the outside borders- General Directions Read through all directions before beginning. Sew using a ¼ seam unless otherwise specified. Seam allowances are built into the cutting directions. All pieces are sewn with right sides together (RST) unless otherwise specified. Cutting directions are based on fabric 40 long (WOF)- adjust as needed. See page 5 for optional quilt as you go instructions. Cutting Directions Fabric A- Cut: (1) 1 ½ X WOF strip- sub cut into: (1) 1 ½ x 14 strip for piecing (1) 1 ½ x 6 ½ piece Fabric B- Cut: (1) 1 ½ X WOF strip- sub cut into: (1) 1 ½ x 14 strip for piecing (1) 1 ½ x 6 ½ piece Fabric C- white Cut: (2) 1 ½ X WOF strips- sub cut into: (1) 1 ½ x 13 strip for piecing (2) 1 ½ x 6 ½ borders (2) 1 ½ x 10 ½ borders Binding Cut: (1) 1 ½ X WOF strip for single fold binding Backing Cut: (1) approximately 10 ½ x 12 ½ piece (this will be about 1 larger than mug rug on all sides)
Page 3 Step 1 Sew (1) 1 ½ x 18 Fabric A strip to (1) 1 ½ x 14 Fabric C strip. to Fabric A. Step 2 Sew (1) 1 ½ x 18 Fabric B strip to (1) 1 ½ x 14 Fabric C strip. to Fabric B. Step 3 Sub cut each of the strip sets from Steps 1 and 2 into (9) 1 ½ x 2 ½ units. Step 4 Rows 1,3,5 Sew (1) C/A unit on either side of (1) C/B unit. See diagram for correct rotation of units. as shown. Make 3 rows. Rows 1,3,5 Step 5 Rows 2,4,6 Sew (1) B/C unit to either side of (1) A/C unit. See diagram for correct rotation of units. as shown. Make 3 rows. Rows 2,4,6 Step 6 Sew the rows together. in one direction. Mug rug should measure 6 ½ square.
Page 4 Step 7 Sew (1) 1 ½ x 6 ½ Fabric A to (1) 1 ½ x 6 ½ Fabric B strip. to one side. Step 8 Sew unit from Step 7 to the left edge of mug rug. to unit. Step 9 Sew (1) 1 ½ x 6 ½ Fabric C border strip to either side of mug rug. to Fabric C. Step 10 Sew (1) ½ x 10 ½ Fabric C border strip to the top and bottom of mug rug. to Fabric C. Mug rug should measure 8 ½ x 10 ½.
Page 5 Finishing Now that you have your quilt top, the next step is to prepare your backing, baste and quilt as desired. Some people hate it when a pattern says quilt as desired, but really, this is when you can add your personal touch. Maybe you like to quilt in the ditch, or do an all over design. The good news is, it is your choice and there is no wrong answer! Another fun idea is to use the quilt as you go method to put this mug rug together. Then when it is all pieced, all you have to do is bind it- the quilting is done. See the photos below. For quilt as you go, I would cut the backing slightly larger- just in case you start a little off center- you don t want to run out of backing! Make your rows- stop after Step 5. Lay your backing down, wrong sides up. Place batting on top. Find center of backing/ batting and mark with a pin or a mark. Lay Row 4 down, right sides up, with top edge even with center mark and the mark at the seam line between 2nd and 3rd piece in the row. See picture. Lay Row 3 down on top of Row 4, RST, matching seams. Sew along top edge. to Row 3. (Tip: I would sew all the way across the piece so that quilting lines don t stop and start in the center of the piece. Since you will sew over them, you don t have to backstitch, I just don t like how it looks. Picky, picky!)
Page 6 Continue adding rows, the border pieces, pressing after each addition to the newly added piece.
Page 7 Once all the pieces are added, trim mug rug to 8 ½ x 10 ½. Binding and Labels Once your quilt is quilted, it is time to bind. We made single fold binding since this is a small project. Don t forget to add a label to the back of your mug rug so everyone knows who created this amazing little quilt! If you need binding instructions, visit our website for a free tutorial. Kate and Elizabeth