Holiday quilting project

These holiday mug rugs are a fun project that can be done pretty quickly. There are 8 different applique shapes in the complete set. They would make a wonderful gift for someone as a whole set of 8 or you could make a few for a teacher, neighbor, or co-worker.  They also work as tray mats and cushion fronts.

 

Fabric: (Fabric requirements are based on 42" wide fabric)
10- 2.5" strips (8 for binding & 2 for the strip panel)
2- 1.5" strips
1- 1" strip
8- 7" x 7" neutral squares (applique background)
8- 7" x 7" printed squares (applique shapes)
8- 9" x 13" pieces for backing
8- 9" x 13" pieces of batting
1. Strip Panel
With right sides together begin by sewing a strip panel using 2- 2.5" strips, and the 1.5" and 1" strips. Press towards the darker fabrics. The finished panel should be 7" wide.
Sub-cut into 4.5" x 7" units.

 

2. Raw-Edge Applique
I didn't use fusible web for the applique shapes in this project. Instead, I used a glue stick. The glue stick method may not be the most popular method but because these mug rugs are used differently than a quilt and the shapes are on the larger side I thought I would be ok without the fusible. It seemed to work out pretty well. After I traced the shapes onto the wrong side of the 7" patterned squares and cut them out, I placed the shapes onto the 7" background squares with a small amount of glue from the glue stick to keep them in place before sewing. If you do use the glue stick method just be careful to keep the glue away from the edges where your needle will go when sewing to avoid getting glue on the needle and in your bobbin. Finish the raw edge with your favorite stitch. I used a wider zig zag.
3. Assembly
After finishing the applique squares sew them to the 4.5" x 7" strip panel units.

4. Quilting & Finishing
Layer and baste the backing, batting, and top. Stitching in the ditch looks great on this project or try some new free motion quilting designs that you haven't done before. Small projects like this are a great way to practice and to try free motion stitching! Use one of the 2.5" strips to bind and finish the mug rug. Finished size 7" x 11".
Enjoy & Happy Creating!