Pattern Description:
The Nautical Mug Rug is a charming appliqué sewing project featuring classic seaside motifs like lighthouses and sailboats.
Using red, white, and blue fabrics, each design is fused, stitched, and layered to create a coastal-inspired décor piece.
The finished rug measures approximately 8.75 x 10 inches, perfect for adding a nautical touch to any tabletop.
Materials Needed & Measurements:Measurements:
- Finished Size: About 8.75″ x 10″
- Background: Cut larger than finished size for trimming
- Binding: Approximately ½ inch wide
- Backing (fold-over method): 2 inches wider and taller than trimmed panel
- Fabrics: Red, white, and blue for appliqué; plain cotton or calico for backing
- Fusible Material: Heat N Bond or similar
- Stabilizer: Tear-away stabilizer, light interfacing, or fusible fleece
- Optional: Batting or fleece for quilting
- Tools: Printer, fabric marker, pins, spray baste or hand basting tools
Instructions for Making the Applique Nautical Mug Rug Pattern:
1. Choosing Fabrics and Preparing Fusible Materials
Select fabrics in a nautical color scheme– red, white, and blue, for a classic seaside look. Use solids or subtle patterns, ensuring the background fabric contrasts with appliqué elements like the lighthouse, sailboat, and waves.
Use a fusible web such as Heat N Bond. On the paper side, trace all pattern pieces from the template (found on page 8 of the PDF).
You may try printing directly onto the fusible sheet if it’s trimmed to letter size, but manual tracing is safer.
Rough-cut each traced piece, then fuse it to the wrong side of your chosen fabric following the manufacturer’s directions.
Once fused, cut precisely along the traced lines. Duplicate shapes like the waves if needed for layering.
2. Cutting and Arranging the Background
Cut your background fabric larger than the final size of 8.75 x 10 inches. This extra space allows for trimming once the stitching and quilting are complete.
Lay the cut-out appliqué pieces on the background to test different placements. Take note of which shapes overlap others, for example, the sailboat may sit in front of the waves, while the lighthouse might stand behind certain elements. Arrange the layout until you are satisfied with the composition.
Fuse the appliqué pieces to the background in small groups, working carefully to ensure smooth adhesion and correct alignment. Continue fusing until all appliqué pieces are firmly in place.
3. Stabilizing for Stitching
Before sewing, reinforce the fabric to prevent stretching or puckering during stitching. You have several options for stabilization:
- Tear-away stabilizer (e.g., Sulky) for easy removal after stitching
- Lightweight interfacing ironed onto the back for support
- Fusible fleece for a slightly padded texture
Each of these options will help keep your stitches neat and consistent, especially when using decorative or dense stitch patterns.
4. Stitching the Appliqué
Once stabilized, begin stitching around each appliqué piece. You can use a variety of stitches depending on the desired effect:
- Running stitch for a simple, delicate outline
- Blanket stitch for a traditional appliqué edge
- Decorative stitches available on your sewing machine for added flair
Mix and match stitches and thread colors to create texture and visual interest. If you prefer a handmade aesthetic, don’t worry about perfection—slightly uneven stitching can add charm and authenticity.
Instead of backstitching (which can be visible on the front), pull thread ends to the back, tie a small knot, and trim neatly. If your stitching begins and ends at the fabric’s edge, you may backstitch, as the binding will later conceal it.
5. Adding Quilting Layers (Optional)
To give your mug rug a quilted finish, prepare a three-layer sandwich:
- Top layer: The stitched appliqué panel
- Middle layer: Batting or fleece for softness
- Bottom layer: A plain cotton or calico backing
Cut the batting and backing slightly larger than the top layer to account for shifting during stitching. Secure the layers with pins, spray baste, or hand basting.
Use a disappearing fabric marker to sketch quilting lines or follow the shapes of your appliqué design. Quilt as desired, then pull all thread tails to the back, knot, and trim. Once done, trim the mug rug to its final size.
6. Finishing the Edges
There are two ways to finish your mug rug edges:
- A. Traditional Binding: Cut binding strips and stitch them around the edges using a ½-inch seam allowance. Fold over to the back and stitch down to encase the raw edges.
- B. Fold-Over Backing Method: Cut the backing fabric 2 inches wider and taller than the trimmed appliqué panel. Center the panel on the wrong side of the backing.
Turn in ½ inch on each edge, press, then fold the backing fabric over the front to cover raw edges. Pin carefully, forming neat corners. Stitch around all four sides to secure.
7. Final Touches
Once complete, give your mug rug a light press to smooth any wrinkles. Inspect all edges and stitching to ensure they are secure.
Your Nautical Appliqué Mug Rug is now ready, perfect for displaying seaside charm or gifting to a fellow ocean lover.
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