Valentine’s Day Mug Rug Free Pattern

Pattern Description:

This is a beginner-level tutorial for sewing cute heart mug rugs, perfect for Valentine’s Day. 

The project involves quilting small fabric squares (2.5 inches) together to form a larger heart shape, or sewing simple heart shapes. 

It uses basic sewing supplies and techniques like edgestitching. The project is fantastically easy and designed to take less than one hour to complete.

Materials Needed & Measurements:

Material	Quantity/Notes	Measurements/Dimensions
Fabric	4 fat quarters (Vintage Valentine Collection in Linen-Cotton Canvas was used)	Strips for quilted heart: 2.5 inches x 12 inches (4 strips of each fabric).
		Squares for quilted heart: 24 squares cut to 2.5 inches.
		Fabric pieces for other hearts (front and back): 7-inch x 7-inch squares.
Batting	Basic sewing supply	8-inch x 8-inch square (for quilted heart). 7-inch x 7-inch squares (for other hearts).
Thread	White Thread or 50 wt cotton thread	N/A
Tools/Supplies	Rotary Cutter and Mat, Scissors, Straight Ruler, Pins, Basting Spray, Iron, Basic sewing supplies, Electric Cutter (optional).	N/A
Templates	Heart pattern or Valentine Mug Rug Template	Large heart cut to 8-inches x 8-inches. Smaller hearts created to 6.5-inch x 6-inch.
Construction Specifics	Seam Allowance	Use a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
	Turning Hole	Leave a 3-inch hole for turning.
Used Products	BERNINA 570 QE, Edgestitch Foot #10D, Patchwork Foot #97D.	N/A

Instructions for Making the Valentine’s Day Mug Rug Pattern:

Step 1: Cutting the Fabric

The cutting process involves different dimensions depending on whether you are making a quilted heart or a simpler heart.

For the Quilted Heart: To form the quilted fabric panel, begin by cutting 4 strips of each fabric to dimensions of 2.5 inches x 12 inches.

If you plan to make only one quilted heart, the strips can be cut shorter than 12 inches. Next, cut each of these folded strips into 2.5-inch squares.

You will need a total of 24 squares to construct one quilted heart. For the quilted heart, you will also need to cut one piece of backing fabric and one piece of batting to 8-inch x 8-inch squares.

For the Smaller Hearts (Non-Quilted): To make the simpler, non-quilted hearts, cut two pieces of fabric (one for the front and one for the back) and the batting to 7-inch x 7-inch squares.

Step 2: Constructing the Quilted Heart Panel

If you are making the quilted version, this step prepares the main fabric piece before cutting the heart shape.

• Arrange the squares in the pattern and order you desire to see them.
• Sew each horizontal row of squares together using a 1/4 inch seam allowance.
• Once a row is sewn, iron the seams to one side.
• Repeat this process until all rows are fully stitched.
• Finally, pin the rows together and sew them using a 1/4 inch seam allowance to create the complete, unified quilted panel.

Step 3: Cutting Out the Heart Shapes

Once the quilted panel is constructed or the plain fabric squares are ready, they must be cut into the final heart shape.

• If you own an electric cutter, you can use its associated software to design and cut the specific heart shape you want.
• The large heart (intended for the quilted piece) was cut to 8-inches x 8-inches. Ensure the batting and the backing fabric are cut to this same size.
• For the smaller hearts, create a shape measuring 6.5-inches x 6-inches. Cut the two fabric pieces and the batting to match this smaller template.
• If you do not have an electric cutter, utilize the provided heart template for cutting the shapes.

Step 4: Assembling and Finishing the Mug Rugs

This step finalizes the construction of the mug rugs.

• Basting: Baste the batting layer and the top fabric piece (either the quilted panel or the solid fabric) together using basting spray.
• Pinning: Place the backing fabric piece on top of the basted front piece, ensuring that the right sides of the fabric are together, and pin them securely around the edges.
• Sewing: Sew the pieces together around the perimeter using a quarter-inch seam allowance. (The #97D Patchwork Foot was used in the tutorial, but standard machine feet may be used).
• Turning Gap: As you sew, be sure to leave a 3-inch hole along the edge, which will be used for turning the heart right side out.
• Turning and Pressing: Turn the heart inside out through the 3-inch opening. Use a point turner or similar tool to run along the inside edge to push out the corners and curves, achieving a crisp edge. Once turned, press the entire piece with an iron.
• Topstitching: Use the Edgestitch Foot #10D (or similar) to topstitch the heart closed. This topstitching line serves to seal the 3-inch opening and gives the mug rug a finished appearance.
• Final Press: Give the finished mug rug one final press.

Repeat these steps to create any additional smaller hearts. These mug rugs are great for enjoying a cup of hot chocolate while protecting your table, and they make wonderful last-minute gifts.

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