Scented Mug Rug

Stop hot beverages from damaging surfaces and catch drips by making a simple and beautiful mug rug. Today on beginner sewing projects, we are going to show you How To Make Scented Mug Rugs! Ground spices are hidden between the layers of fabric. When a cup full of a hot drink is placed on it, the scent of the spices fills the air. How amazing is this! We chose cinnamon, clove, and allspice to insert in our mug rugs – one spice in each coaster. They release a pleasant scent of fall. Any ground spice you prefer will work. Lavender would be lovely. Just make sure it is ground or flat so that it doesn’t create bulk. You want a secure surface for the mug to safely rest on. This is a super simple sewing project that you can make in no time at all. These scented mug rugs would make a great gift as well. You could make some for summer and some for Fall!

For the perfect gift, bundle some coffee beans and/or tea bags with a set of mug rugs in a reusable produce bag made with coordinating fabric. This is a great project for beginners who are learning to sew. It only requires straight, short lines of sewing and very little fabric and supplies. In fact, this is a great scrap-busting project for both fabric and batting. Here are some other awesome sewing projects for beginners that we love. Now, let’s gather up our supplies and get started!

Supplies

• Fabric Quarters or Scraps
• Batting Scraps
• Coordinating Thread
• Various Ground Spices – Cinnamon, Clove, All Spice
• Rotary Cutter and Mat
• Sewing Clips
• Turning Tool or Chopstick

A set of fabric quarters is perfect for this project since they all coordinate. Scraps from a quilt are also a great choice. You can use leftover batting too.

How to Make a Mug Rug

Before you begin, it is a good idea wash, dry and press your fabric.

Step 1 – Cut Fabric

Cut t out two 5.5″ x 5.5″ fabric squares for your coasters. I cut out enough fabric for several coasters . A rotary cutter and cutting mat make quick work of this step.

Step 2 – Cut Batting

Cut squares of batting the same size too. You will need two squares of fabric and two squares of batting for each coaster.

Step 3 – Sprinkle Spices

Sprinkle your spice(s) of choice all over one of the batting squares.

Step 4 – Assemble Squares

Choose one fabric square for the top of the coaster and one for the bottom. They can be the same fabric or different, coordinating fabrics. Grab another square of batting too.

Then stack the squares with the spices on the bottom, followed by the other piece of batting and two fabric squares, right sides together.

Step 5 – Clip Layers Together

Now use sewing clips to hold all the layers together. Use two pins on one side to mark where to start and stop sewing that it leaves an opening for turning.

Step 6 – Sew Around Square

Next, sew around all four sides of each coaster with a 3/8″ seam allowance. Remember to leave a 2″ opening on one side.

When approaching a corner, stop 3/8″ from the edge, lift your presser foot, and turn the square so that you can continue sewing down the next side.

Step 7 – Trim Corners

Now trim the sides and corners to reduce bulk in the seams after turning. DO NOT trim the side with the opening. This will make it easier to sew closed later.

Step 8 – Turn Right Side Out

Insert your fingers through the opening and pull all but the top layer of fabric through the opening.

Use a point turner or chopstick to gently press out the corners. Take care not to press through the fabric.

Step 8 – Fold Opening Under

At the opening, fold the fabric inside the coaster so that it is flush with the edge. Use a few sewing clips to hold it closed.

Step 9 – Top Stitch Perimeter

Then top stitch around the perimeter of the square as close to the edge as possible. Make sure you close the opening as you sew.

Step 11 – Quilt Center

Add some quilting stitches to the center of the coaster to prevent the layers from shifting during use or washing.

You can sew any design you’d like to accomplish this. We placed a simple “X” in the center.

Step 12 – Finishing

Use thread snips to trim any threads. Pressing can also help if your coasters do not lay flat. In our case, it was not necessary.

You made a scented mug rug!

Use and Care

The warmth of a hot mug of coffee or tea will activate the spices to reveal a pleasant aroma.

They can be machine laundered as necessary. Give them a press if needed.

Don’t forget to pin this project for later, and check out some more sewing projects for beginners listed below.