Pattern Description:
Create a charming 5” x 5” quilted mug rug featuring a bright spring flower. This beginner-friendly project uses raw edge applique, perfect for practicing your stitching and creating a thoughtful gift for Mother’s Day, a hostess, or a friend.
Quick to finish in about an hour, this cozy coaster adds a cheerful touch to any table.
Materials Needed & Measurements
Fabric Pieces:
- Top Background: 5 1/2” square (solid or small tone-on-tone print recommended).
- Backing Fabric: 5 1/2” square (larger print or plaid optional; reversible mug rugs are possible).
- Big Flower Petal: Slightly larger than 4” in all directions (e.g., dark pink).
- Smaller Flower Petal: About 3” in all directions (e.g., orange).
- Flower Center: Approx. 2” square (e.g., light purple).
Other Supplies:
- Thin cotton batting: 5 1/2” x 5 1/2”
- Paper-backed fusible web (Wonder Under or similar): at least 4” x 10”
- Heavy paper for templates (cardstock, scrap paper, or cereal box)
- Pencil, scissors, rotary cutter, plastic quilt ruler
- Iron and pressing mat
- Thread and sewing machine
Note: Using 5” charm packs instead of the specified cuts will yield a coaster about 1/2” smaller.
Instructions for Making the Floral Mug Rug Pattern:
1. Making the Flower Applique
- Draw Squares and Circles: Use a quilt ruler to draw three squares on heavy paper: 4”, 3”, and 2”. Inside each square, sketch a roughly-shaped circle that fills the space. The shapes can be slightly irregular.
- Create Flower Petals: Mark a center dot on the 4” and 3” squares. Draw five lines radiating from the center, like a pie divided into five slices.
- Draw Arcs for Petals: Starting on one line, draw an arc curving outward and back down, ending about 1/4” from the adjacent line. Repeat around the circle to form a five-petaled flower shape. Rustic, uneven petals are fine.
- Cut Templates: Carefully cut out the 4” and 3” flower shapes and the 2” circle. These serve as your applique templates.
2. Preparing the Applique Pieces
- Trace Templates: Place the templates on the paper side of the fusible web and trace the shapes.
- Rough Cut & Press: Cut roughly around each traced shape, then press the fusible web (paper side up) onto the wrong side of your chosen fabrics according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Final Cut & Peel: Once cooled, cut precisely along the traced lines. Carefully peel away the paper backing from all three pieces.
3. Assembling the Coaster Top
- Position the Largest Flower: Place the largest flower piece on the right side of the background fabric. Press in place per fusible web instructions.
- Layer Remaining Pieces: Add the smaller flower piece on top, followed by the flower center. Press each layer.
- Note on Stitching: These layers will be permanently secured during machine quilting after the coaster is sewn together.
4. Sewing the Coaster
- Layering: Stack the appliqued top, backing fabric (right sides together), and batting on the bottom.
- Pin & Sew: Sew around the edges with a 1/4” seam allowance, leaving a 2” opening on one side. Trim corners carefully.
- Turn & Close: Turn the coaster right side out, push out corners, fold the opening’s raw edges inward, and pin.
- Topstitching: Use a longer straight stitch to sew 1/8” from the outer edge, closing the opening.
5. Machine Quilting the Applique
- Stitch the Center: Begin in the flower center, backstitch, and sew around the 2” circle, about 1/8” from the edge.
- Stitch the Middle Flower: Expand the stitching outward around the 3” flower layer. Smooth curves where petals meet.
- Stitch the Outer Flower: Continue outward to the 4” flower, maintaining an even 1/8” distance from edges. Backstitch to finish.
Your spring floral mug rug is now complete, ready to brighten your morning coffee or tea table!
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