Pattern Description:
This is an easy Quilt As You Go Mug Rug Tutorial (finished size: 6″ x 9″). The technique involves layering and basting the backing and batting, then sewing fabric strips onto this foundation, simultaneously quilting all layers.
Applique is optional, but adds a charming touch. This is a fun, quick project, taking only about 4-6 hours, and is an excellent way to use leftover fabric scraps.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Mug Rug Size: 6″ x 9″ (Finished size).
- Fabric Scraps: Scraps of 7 different fabrics, at least 1 3/4″ wide. Specific cut pieces needed are (7) 1 3/4″ x 6 1/2″ rectangles.
- Backing Fabric: 6 1/2″ x 9 1/2″.
- Batting: 6 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ (Any type of leftover batting is fine; Pellon Thermolam Plus was used).
- Binding Fabric: (1) strip of desired width. 2 1/4″ wide binding strip (standard) or a 1 1/4″ wide binding strip (for single-fold binding).
- Optional: Paper-backed fusible web product for applique (Heat ‘n Bond Lite is recommended).
- Optional: Print out templates for applique.
Instructions for Making the Quilt as You Go Mug Rug Pattern:
Preparation and Cutting Instructions
- Prepare Layers: Cut the backing fabric and the batting both to 6 1/2″ x 9 1/2″ rectangles. Any type of leftover batting can be used, though Pellon Thermolam Plus was used in the example.
- Cut Fabric Strips: Cut scraps of 7 different fabrics into (7) 1 3/4″ x 6 1/2″ rectangles. These fabric strips should be at least 1 3/4″ wide.
Implementing the Quilt As You Go Technique
- Baste the Foundation: Baste the backing and batting rectangles together. For this small project, options for basting include using pins, a small amount of basting spray, or water-soluble glue.
- Set Up Machine Thread: It is essential that the bobbin thread matches the backing fabric, as the stitching will show on the back. The top thread can be a neutral color. A walking foot is recommended, or an integrated dual feed can be used.
- Start the Center Strip: The quilt is constructed working from the center outward to the sides. Place the first 1 3/4″ x 6 1/2″ fabric rectangle right side up along the center of the basted foundation, making sure it is straight and parallel to the long sides.
- Attach the Second Strip: Take the second 1 3/4″ x 6 1/2″ rectangle and place it right side down on top of the first center rectangle, matching one raw edge.
- Stitch and Press: Stitch through all three layers (fabric strips, batting, and backing) using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Once stitched, finger-press the seam open or use a seam roller.
- Continue to the Side: Take the next fabric strip and repeat the process, working toward the right side of the quilt sandwich. There may be a small amount of batting and backing remaining uncovered at the edge, which will be trimmed later.
- Finish the Other Half: Turn the quilt sandwich and add the remaining fabric strips to the opposite side using the same technique.
Finishing and Trimming
- Trim the Mug Rug: Trim the completed quilt sandwich down to the final finished size of a 6″ x 9″ rectangle.
- Edge Basting: Baste around the edges of the trimmed piece. This basting should be done within 1/4″ of the raw edge, using a walking foot and a long stitch length.
Optional Applique Instructions
If you choose to add applique, fusible, raw-edge applique works well for this project.
- Fuse Shapes: Once the desired applique shape is cut out and the paper backing removed, fuse it onto the quilted top.
- Stitch Edges: Stitch the raw edges of the fused shape down using a favorite stitch, such as a zig zag stitch. This step simultaneously adds to the quilting, as the stitching goes through all layers and shows up on the back of the mug rug.
- Adding Details: For shapes like the leaves, a small stem can be added at the end of each applique piece using a semi-decorative stitch, a reinforced straight stitch, or a narrow zig zag.
Binding the Mug Rug
The binding is added to the mug rug just as it would be added to any typical quilt.
- Standard Binding: Width for a standard binding strip is 2 1/4″ wide.
- Single-Fold Binding (Optional): For a flatter binding edge, which is nice for this project, try a single-fold binding. This technique requires a narrower binding strip, typically 1 1/4″ wide.
- Finishing: The binding can be secured to the second side either by machine stitching or by hand for those who enjoy handwork.
- Labeling: Remember to add a label if you have one.
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