Pattern Description:
This project features a beginner-friendly 9-patch block turned into a charming mug rug. It combines simple square piecing with basic quilting, making it ideal for practicing accuracy on a small scale.
Perfect as a quick gift or scrap-buster, the design blends nine small fabric squares into a balanced layout finished with backing, batting, and binding.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Assorted fabric scraps (at least 3 contrasting prints/colors)
- Cutting: nine 2 ½″ x 2 ½″ fabric squares
- Backing fabric: one 8″ x 10″ rectangle
- Batting: one 8″ x 10″ piece
- Binding: two strips, each 2 ½″ wide x width of fabric (WOF)
Instructions for Making the Simple 9 Patch Mug Rug Pattern:
Step 1: Gather Materials and Prepare Fabrics
Start by selecting three or more fabric prints that coordinate well together. Using contrasting fabrics will help each square stand out, giving the design a crisp appearance.
From your fabric, cut nine squares, each measuring 2 ½″ x 2 ½″. These will form the 9-patch block.
For the backing, cut an 8″ x 10″ rectangle. You’ll also need an 8″ x 10″ piece of batting and binding strips measuring 2 ½″ wide by the fabric’s width.
Before sewing, press your fabrics to remove wrinkles. Accurate pressing and cutting are key to neat, even blocks.
Step 2: Arrange the 9-Patch Layout
On a flat surface, lay out your nine squares in three rows of three. Play with the arrangement until you’re happy with the placement of colors and prints.
Balance light, dark, and patterned fabrics to create contrast and visual interest. Once arranged, take a quick photo or sketch a diagram to reference during sewing.
Step 3: Sew the Rows
Begin by sewing the first row of three squares together. Place the first two squares right sides facing, align edges carefully, and stitch with a ¼″ seam allowance.
Press the seam toward one side, then add the third square in the same way. Repeat this process for the second and third rows. After pressing, you should have three neatly sewn rows.
Step 4: Join the Rows into a Block
To assemble the block, place Row 1 and Row 2 right sides together. Align seams so that the squares meet precisely at each intersection.
Pin if necessary to keep the seams from shifting. Stitch with a ¼″ seam allowance, then press seams to one side.
Repeat by attaching Row 3 to complete the block. You should now have a finished 9-patch measuring about 6 ½″ square.
Step 5: Layer the Quilt Sandwich
With the block completed, it’s time to build the quilt sandwich. Place the backing fabric right side down on your work surface.
Center the batting piece on top, followed by the 9-patch block with the right side facing up. Smooth the layers so there are no wrinkles or puckers. Pin or use basting spray to secure the layers.
Step 6: Quilting the Mug Rug
Quilting adds texture and durability. For this project, simple straight-line quilting works beautifully.
Stitch in the ditch along the seam lines of the 9-patch, or quilt diagonal lines across the squares for a different effect.
You can also experiment with decorative stitches if your sewing machine offers them. The quilting should hold all three layers together without distorting the fabric.
Step 7: Trim and Square Up
After quilting, trim the mug rug to square it up. Use a rotary cutter and quilting ruler to ensure all edges are even, aiming for a neat rectangle approximately 7 ½″ x 9″.
Trimming removes excess batting and backing while keeping the piece balanced for binding.
Step 8: Prepare and Attach the Binding
Take your binding strips and join them end-to-end with diagonal seams to create one long strip. Press the seams open, then fold the entire strip in half lengthwise with wrong sides together and press again.
Align the raw edges of the binding with the edges of the mug rug. Start sewing along one side with a ¼″ seam, mitering the corners as you go. Continue around the perimeter, leaving a short overlap to join the ends neatly.
Step 9: Finish the Binding
Fold the binding to the back of the mug rug and hand-stitch it in place using a slip stitch, or machine-stitch for a faster finish.
Take care at the corners to create neat miters. Press the finished mug rug lightly to smooth out any wrinkles.
Step 10: Final Touches and Use
Your 9-Patch Mug Rug is now complete! This small quilted piece is perfect for holding mugs, glasses, or even small plates.
It protects surfaces while showcasing your quilting skills. The project can be customized endlessly by using different fabrics, colors, or quilting designs.
Make a set for gifts, swap fabrics with friends, or experiment with seasonal prints for year-round use.
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