So What is a Mug Rug anyways?

So to round out all the pretty Mug Rug tutorials and pictures, just like in the last round of Mug Rug Madness, I'm going to have some informative posts too. Some of the information will be repeated from last round (there's lots of new people joining in the fun!) but there will be new stuff, too! So to start out - WHAT is a Mug Rug??



(photo by Eileen Josephine, on Flickr)


To me it's simple - a mini quilt that is usually between the size of a coaster and a placemat, which turns out to be just the perfect size for a cup of whatever you're drinking and a little treat beside it.

There's no standards, really, when it comes to creating Mug Rugs. Cut into your most prized Flea Market Fancy stash, or scrounge up some scraps from your sewing room floor. Usually they're rectangle (but not always) and mostly fall in between the sizes of 4"x6"-ish to 6"x10"-ish. Although I've seen some really awesome circle, hexagon and other non-traditionally shaped Mug Rugs that are lovely.



(photo by fishskin fabric, on Flickr)


Make it simple - use the super fast and easy Quilt As You Go method. Piece simple strips or use your Accuquilt Go! Baby cutter to do tiny 2" squares. Make it complicated - hand piecing hexagons, anyone? Are you sensing a theme here? The BEST thing about Mug Rugs is that they're whatever YOU want them to be and whatever YOU have time for.



(photo by Dream Patch, on Flickr)


So, to recap:

What is a Mug Rug? A small, fun to create, mini quilt that is mostly there to look pretty on your desk and soak up your drink of choice's drips and condensation, as well as giving you full-on permission to eat some cookies, since, well, that extra space off to the side of your drink is just THERE for you to use.

How big is a Mug Rug? As big as you want it to be, usually falling somewhere in between the usual size of a coaster and a placemat. 4"x6"-ish to 6"x10"-ish. Can you tell I'm pretty non-committal about these things?

How do I make a Mug Rug? Just like you were making a mini quilt! Is that answer not satisfying enough? Keep checking back for new original tutorials all this week with more in depth instructions on different ways to finish a Mug Rug off.



(photo by dinino68, on Flickr)

----------

Make sure you to comment on this giveaway post for a chance to win one of the great Mug Rugs featured in the Mug Rug Madness holiday edition tutorials or a charm pack prize pack from Fat Quarter Shop!



----------