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A mug rug does double duty, it protects the table from a hot mug and looks nice doing it. This particular pattern goes one step further. Ground spices get tucked between the layers of fabric, so the warmth of the mug releases a bit of scent every time it’s set down.
Cinnamon, clove, and allspice are my usual choices, one spice per coaster, and they release a warm, fall-like scent. Any ground spice works, just make sure it’s fine enough that it doesn’t add bulk. A few drops of essential oil on the batting works well too, if you’d rather skip the spices.
This is a great scrap-busting project, and a good one for beginners since it only requires short, straight lines of sewing.
Any ground spice you prefer will work. Lavender would be lovely. Just make sure it is ground or flat so that it doesn’t create bulk. You want a secure surface for the mug to safely rest on.
For the perfect gift, bundle some coffee beans and/or tea bags with a set of mug rugs .
The free mug rug pattern detailed below is a great project for beginners who are learning to sew. It only requires straight, short lines of sewing and very little fabric and supplies.
In fact, this is a great scrap busting project for both fabric and batting.
Supplies
- Fabric Quarters or Scraps
- Batting Scraps
- Coordinating Thread
- Various Ground Spices – Cinnamon, Clove, All Spice
- Rotary Cutter and Mat
- Sewing Clips
- Turning Tool or Chopstick
A set of fabric quarters is perfect for this project since they all coordinate. Scraps from a quilt are also a great choice. You can use leftover batting too.
How to Make a Mug Rug
Before you begin, it is a good idea wash, dry and press your fabric. Then cut it to 5.5″ x 5.5″ squares. A rotary cutter and cutting mat make quick work of this step.
Cut squares of batting the same size too. You will need two squares of fabric and two squares of batting for each coaster.
Choose one fabric square for the top of the coaster and one for the bottom. They can be the same fabric or different, coordinating fabrics. Grab two squares of batting too.
Sprinkle your spice(s) of choice all over one of the batting squares.
Then stack the squares with the spices on the bottom, followed by the other piece of batting and two fabric squares, right sides together.
Now use sewing clips to hold all the layers together. Use two pins on one side to mark where to start and stop sewing that it leaves an opening for turning.
Next, sew around all four sides of each coaster with a 3/8″ seam allowance. Remember to leave a 2″ opening on one side.
When approaching a corner, stop 3/8″ from the edge, lift your presser foot, and turn the square so that you can continue sewing down the next side.
Now trim the sides and corners to reduce bulk in the seams after turning. DO NOT trim the side with the opening. This will make it easier to sew closed later.
Insert your fingers through the opening and pull all but the top layer of fabric through the opening.
Use a point turner or chopstick to gently press out the corners. Take care not to press through the fabric.
At the opening, fold the fabric inside the coaster so that it is flush with the edge. Use a few sewing clips to hold it closed.
Then top stitch around the perimeter of the square as close to the edge as possible. Make sure you close the opening as you sew.
Add some quilting stitches to the center of the coaster to prevent the layers from shifting during use or washing.
You can sew any design you’d like to accomplish this. We placed a simple “X” in the center.
Use thread snips to trim any threads. Pressing can also help if your coasters do not lay flat. In our case, it was not necessary.
You made a scented mug rug!
Use and Care
The warmth of a hot mug of coffee or tea will activate the spices to reveal a pleasant aroma.
They can be machine laundered as necessary. Give them a press if needed.
How to Make Scented Mug Rugs
How to make scented mug rugs with the aroma of spices.
Materials
- Fabric Quarters or Scraps
- Batting Scraps
- Coordinating Thread
- Ground Spices (Cinnamon, All Spice, etc.)
Tools
- Rotary Cutter and Cutting Mat Set
- Sewing Clips
- Turning Tool or Chopstick
Instructions
- Cut fabric and batting into 5.5" squares (two each for every coaster)
- Sprinkle spices all over one of the batting squares
- Layer two squares of fabric on top of two squares of batting with the spices sandwiched in between
- Clip
- Sew around perimeter with 3/8" seam allowance leaving 2" opening on one side
- Trim sides and corners to reduce bulk
- Turn right side out
- Press out corners with point turner
- Turn fabric of opening under 3/8"
- Clip
- Top stitch around perimeter as close to the edge as possible
- Sew an "X" in the center
I love your instructions. They are clear and very specific. I would not wash as the spices and herbs will lose their aroma. Great tutorial. Thanks.
I love your Scented Mug Rug. Thank you for sharing!
So tickled to hear it!
These look lovely. Just wondering if they can be washed? Thanks, Sharon
Once you wash the scent is likely to go away and they might get extra lumpy…
Can I use felt instead of batting, Or jeans? I’m new to this. Thank you.
You probably could but I haven’t tried it.
Such a great way to use scraps! I’m excited to try this! This is going to be my co-worker gift this year! Can I sprinkle essential oil (like lavender) on the batting instead of spices?
I think essential oils would work perfectly.