Pattern Description:
The Folded Star Mug Rug is a charming fabric origami-style project that combines folding and layering techniques to create a stunning star design.
Using quilting cotton and fabric scraps, this 10-inch mat makes a festive accent for your table. Simple yet eye-catching, it’s a great stash buster and a perfect handmade gift for holidays or everyday décor.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
Materials:
- 5 Fat quarters of quilting cotton (used for the inner layers of the star and the backing).
- 1/2 yard (0.4 m) of quilting cotton (polka dot, used for the outer layer of the star).
- 1 yard (1 metre) bias binding.
- Firm fusible interfacing.
Cut Fabric Pieces:
- Interfacing: Cut into a circle that measures 10 inches in diameter.
- Centre Row: Cut five 5 inch circles from Fabric 1.
- Next Three Rows: Cut eight 5 inch circles from each fabric.
- Outside Row: Cut eight 7 inch x 7 inch squares.
- The finished Folded Star Mat measures 10 inches in diameter.
Instructions for Making the Folded Star Mug Rug Pattern:
Cutting Requirements
Fabric Piece Specifications The fabric pieces are cut into circles and squares depending on their placement in the star.
- Centre Row: Cut five 5-inch circles from Fabric 1.
- Next Three Rows: Cut eight 5-inch circles from each of the remaining fabrics intended for the inner layers.
- Outside Row: Cut eight 7-inch x 7-inch squares. This outer row is typically made using the dedicated outer layer fabric (e.g., polka dot fabric).
Folding the Fabric Pieces
The next step involves folding all the fabric pieces that will form the star points.
- Folding the Circles (Inner Rows): For all the 5-inch fabric circles intended for the inner rows, fold each piece in half, ensuring that the right side of the fabric is facing outwards, and then press the fold.
Following this, bring the outside points of the newly formed semi-circle down toward the center point and press again.
- Folding the Squares (Outside Row): For the 7-inch x 7-inch squares designated for the outside row, fold the square in half and press it.
Then, bring the outside points down to the center front of the folded piece and press to create a triangle shape.
Assembling the Star on the Interfacing
The folded fabric pieces are now layered onto the prepared interfacing circle, using the highlighted fold lines as guides.
Centering the First Row
To start the center row, open up one of the folded 5-inch circles completely. Place this opened circle in the center of the interfacing, making sure that its fold lines are perfectly aligned with the guide lines marked on the interfacing.
Next, place the remaining four triangles (folded circles) for the center row with their points meeting in the middle, also aligning them with the guide lines.
Once positioned, tack the points together.
The term “tack” is synonymous with “baste” and means sewing a few small stitches, by hand or machine, to secure the items in one spot. You should tack the points to hold them in place.
Additionally, tack along the outer edge of this row, basting the outer raw edges to ensure the row stays flat and secured.
Layering Subsequent Rows
The second, third, and fourth rows are layered sequentially, working outward from the center.
- Second Row: Place the eight triangles for the second row 3/4 inch away from the center points.
It is essential to line up these pieces carefully with the fold lines marked on the interfacing. Tack both the points and the outer edge of this entire row in place.
- Third and Fourth Rows: Repeat the layering process for the next two rows. For these rows, place the points closer to the previous row, positioning them 1/2 inch from the points of the preceding row.
Adding the Outside Row
Complete the star design by placing the triangles for the outside row. Repeat the layering process using the polka dot triangles (the pieces cut from 7-inch squares).
Finishing the Mat
Once all the folded fabric rows have been layered and tacked onto the interfacing, the mat is ready for its final steps.
First, trim the outside edge of the layered mat. Use the underlying interfacing circle as the guide to ensure the mat forms a precise 10-inch circle in diameter.
Next, turn the mat over so that the interfacing is facing upwards. Take one of the fat quarters designated for the backing and layer it over the interfacing, ensuring the fabric’s right side is facing upwards.
Press the fabric firmly onto the interfacing so that it fuses in place. Trim this backing fabric layer to match the 10-inch circle.
Finally, the mat must be bound. Stitch the bias binding in place around the circumference of the mat, following the bias binding manufacturer’s directions.
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