Pattern Description:
Create a festive Wonky Stars Christmas Mug Rug measuring 4.5″ x 6.5″ with this fun mini quilt project.
Using two whimsical star blocks made from scrap fabrics, you’ll piece, quilt, and bind a charming holiday accent.
The wonky effect comes from angled star points, giving each block unique character- perfect for beginners and a cheerful handmade touch to your holiday decor.
Materials Needed & Measurements:
| Item | Details / Measurements | |
| Finished Dimensions | 4.5″ x 6.5″ | |
| Pattern Basis | Based on a 1″x1″ grid (finished squares) | |
| Coordinating Fabrics | Scraps of coordinating fabrics | |
| Binding Fabric | Coordinating fabric strip for binding | |
| Background Fabric | White or other solid background | |
| Batting | Small scrap of batting | |
| Backing Fabric | Backing fabric | |
| Floss | Embroidery floss in coordinating colours (used for simple running stitch quilting) | |
| White/Background Squares | 16 squares cut at 1.5″ x 1.5″ | |
| Feature Fabric Squares | 5 squares of both feature fabrics (e.g., red and gray) cut at 1.5″ x 1.5″ (one for the center and four for the star points) | |
| Alternative Star Point Squares | If you want more wonkiness, cut 4 of the squares at 2″ x 2″ | |
| Completed Block Size | Each wonky star block should measure 3.5″ x 3.5″ | |
| White Strips (Mug Rug Top) | Two 1.5″ x 3.5″ strips of white | |
| Binding Strip Measurement | Cut 2″ wide by about 24″ |
Instructions for Making the Wonky Stars Mug Rug Pattern:
Cutting the Pieces
- Cut 16 white squares (or other solid background fabric) at 1.5″ x 1.5″.
- Cut 5 squares from each of the two feature fabrics (for example, red and gray) at 1.5″ x 1.5″. These squares are designated as one for the center and four for the star points of each block.
- Optional Step for Wonkiness: If you wish to have more room to manipulate the wonkiness of each star, cut 4 of the squares at 2″ x 2″ instead.
- Cut all but one of each set of colored squares in half diagonally, from corner to corner, to create triangles. The two remaining full squares will be the center pieces for the stars.
Creating the Wonky Star Points
- Lay out 8 of the white or background squares.
- Lay 4 triangles of each color over the squares, placing them right sides together.
- You will be stitching the long edge of the triangle to the white square to form one point of the star.
- Before stitching, confirm that the triangle is large enough to completely cover the square below once you flip it open.
- To achieve the desired wonky effect, intentionally ensure that the angles you use for sewing are different for each piece.
- Stitch the first set of triangles, then trim the white square underneath and press the triangle open.
- For the second star points, place the remaining triangles onto each unit in the same manner, stitch, trim, and press open.
- Use a quilting ruler to square up each set of star points so that they measure 1.5″ x 1.5″.
- Tip: To ensure that there is no gap between the points when they join the center square, aim for a 1/4″ seam allowance at the base of each unit. This can be aided by trimming slightly more off the white edge than the star edge.
Assembling the Star Blocks
- Arrange the squared-up star point blocks around the center square.
- Sew the squares together to complete each of the three rows.
- Press the seams for the two outside rows toward the outer edge.
- Press the seams for the center row toward the middle block. This technique ensures that the seams will nest properly when the rows are joined.
- Sew the three rows together, and press the final seams.
- Your finished wonky star block should measure 3.5″ x 3.5″. Repeat these steps to create the second block.
Completing the Mug Rug Top
- To join the blocks, cut two 1.5″ x 3.5″ strips of white fabric.
- Lay out the blocks with the white strips.
- Sew the first star block to one strip, and press the seam toward the strip.
- Repeat this process for the second block and strip.
- Sew the two halves of the mug rug together and press the final seam. The completed mug rug top should measure 4.5″ x 6.5″.
Quilting and Finishing
- Layer the completed mug rug top with the batting and backing fabric.
- Pin or baste the three layers together securely.
- Quilt the layers. Machine quilting is also an option.
- Once the quilting is finished, remove any basting stitches and trim the excess batting and backing material.
Binding the Edges
- Cut a strip of coordinating fabric for the binding, measuring 2″ wide by about 24″.
- Fold the strip in half with wrong sides together and press it.
- Fold one end of the binding strip under by 1/4″ and press.
- Begin stitching the binding strip, matching the raw edges to the edge of the mug rug, using a 1/4″ seam allowance. Leave the previously folded end free.
- Mitering Corners: When approaching the first corner, stop stitching exactly at the 1/4″ mark. Pivot and sew down to the corner point.
Cut the thread and flip the binding up at a right angle, away from the mug rug. Then, fold it back down so that the raw edges align again, forming a neat square corner.
- Start stitching the next side 1/4″ in from the end to ensure the folded edge is not caught in the stitching. Repeat this process for all corners.
- Joining Ends: When you reach the starting point, trim the binding strip and slip the raw end inside the beginning of the binding where it was folded under. Finish sewing the binding down.
- Fold the binding over to the back of the mug rug and secure it by slipstitching it down. Mitre the corners on the back side in the same manner as they were formed on the front.
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