Relax! Mug Rug

When you have a free afternoon, why not spring-clean your stashed fabrics and whip up a few mug rugs?

MATERIALS

Materials given make 1 mug rug.

• 12 (21/2") A squares assorted gray prints

• 1 fat quarter contrasting solid

• 2 (91/2" x 71/2") rectangles cotton batting

• Thread

• 1/8 yard 18"-wide fusible web

• Basic sewing tools and supplies

CUTTING

Prepare message letters and exclamation point for appliqué using patterns given and referring to RawEdge Fusible Appliqué on page 32. From contrasting solid:

• Cut 2 (1" x 20") strips. Subcut strips into 2 each 1" x 61/2"

B strips and 1" x 91/2" C strips.

•

Cut 1 (71/2" x 20") strip. Subcut strip into 1 (71/2" x 91/2")

backing rectangle.

COMPLETING THE TOP

1. Arrange and join four A squares to make a row; press. Repeat to make a total of three rows.

2. Join the rows to complete the mug rug background as shown in Figure 1; press.

3. Sew B strips to opposite short ends and C strips to opposite long sides of the background; press.

4. Arrange and fuse the message letters and exclamation point on the background referring to the Placement Diagram to complete the mug rug top.

COMPLETING THE MUG RUG

1. Place the mug rug top right side up on one batting rectangle; pin or baste to hold layers together.

2. Using a close, narrow machine blanket stitch and thread to match letters, sew around each shape.

3. Place the stitched mug rug top on top of the remaining batting rectangle. Place the backing rectangle

right sides together on the mug rug top; pin edges to hold.

4. Stitch all around outer edges, leaving a 3" opening on one side.

5. Clip corners, trim batting close to seam and turn right side out through the opening; press edges flat.

6. Fold the opening seam allowance to the inside; hand-stitch the opening closed.

7. Stitch in the ditch between the pieced background and the B and C border pieces and around each appliqué piece to finish. QW

80