Pattern Description:
Create charming and functional coasters and mug rugs using colorful jelly roll strips. This beginner-friendly project combines simple weaving and stitching techniques to produce durable, eye-catching pieces.
Perfect for gifts or everyday use, each coaster measures about 5″ square, while mug rugs are slightly larger. Quick to make, versatile in design, and endlessly customizable with fabric choices.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Jelly Roll strips – 1 roll (2.5″ x 42″ pre-cut strips)
- Batting – 5″ squares (1 per coaster/mug rug)
- Thread – coordinating color
- Others: Sewing machine, iron, ironing board, pins or clips
- Note: Each coaster uses six 5″ fabric squares for the top layer and one batting square.
Abbreviations Used:
- RS – Right Side
- WS – Wrong Side
- SA – Seam Allowance (¼”)
- TL – Top Layer
- BL – Base Layer
- FP – Folded Press
- SE – Sew Edges
- FN – Finish
Instructions for Making the Jelly Roll Coasters and Mug Rugs Pattern:
Fabric Selection & Prep (FP)
- Select Fabric (SF): Pick 6 coordinating jelly roll strips for each coaster/mug rug.
- Cutting (CT): Cut strips into 5″ squares (coasters) or 6-7″ for slightly larger mug rugs.
- Pressing (PR): Press all squares FP to remove wrinkles; ensures neat alignment later.
- Organize Squares (OS): Lay out squares in the order you plan to weave; RS up for top squares.
Weave Top Layer (TL)
- Arrange Squares (AS): Take 4 squares for each TL. Alternate RS and WS to create contrast.
- Woven Pattern (WP): Weave squares over and under to create an interlocking design.
- Pin Intersections (PI): Secure intersections with pins or clips to maintain alignment.
- Check Orientation (CO): Ensure the final TL matches your planned design before attaching to BL.
Prepare Base Layer (BL)
- Batting Placement (BP): Place 1 batting square on a flat surface.
- Bottom Fabric (BF): Lay a square RS down on top of the batting. This forms BL and adds absorbency.
- Alignment Check (AC): Make sure BL and batting are centered; TL will sit neatly on top.
Assemble Layers (AL)
- Layer TL on BL (LTL-BL): Position TL RS up over BL.
- Pin or Clip (PC): Secure all edges and corners to prevent shifting while sewing.
- Corner Management (CM): Ensure corners meet neatly to avoid bulk when stitching.
Sewing Edges (SE)
- Stitching (ST): Sew around all four sides with ¼” SA.
- Optional Opening (OO): Leave a 1-2″ gap if you plan to turn edges or add stuffing for padded mug rugs.
- Edge Reinforcement (ER): Double-stitch corners for durability.
Finishing Touches (FN)
- Clip Corners (CC): Clip corners diagonally to reduce bulk.
- Turn Right Side (TRS): Turn the coaster/mug rug RS out; use a pointed tool carefully to push out corners.
- Press FP (PF): Press the piece flat for crisp edges.
- Topstitch (TS): Optional – topstitch around all sides for professional finish and extra durability.
Optional Embellishments (OE)
- Decorative Stitching (DS): Add decorative stitches along edges or inside woven TL.
- Binding (BD): Add bias tape binding for a polished look, especially for mug rugs.
- Personalization (PRZ): Embroider initials or small designs to customize gifts.
Tips & Variations (TV)
- Seasonal Fabrics (SF): Use holiday-themed jelly rolls for festive sets.
- Pattern Play (PP): Experiment with diagonal or checkerboard TL arrangements.
- Gift Pairing (GP): Combine coasters with matching mug rugs or wine glasses.
- Upcycling (UP): Use leftover jelly roll scraps for mini coasters or table mats.
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