Valentine Mug Mat

There is still time to stitch up a cozy mug mat for your Valentine! This 5" square mug rug is the perfect landing spot for a cup of coffee or cocoa!

You will need:

Applique Patterns (Download them here).
5" square of background fabric
5" square of backing fabric
5" square tear-away stabilizer
5" square of Insul-bright batting
Scrap fabrics for applique pieces
Web Bond Temporary Adhesive Spray
Transfil clear monofilament thread
Mettler Silk Finish 60 weight cotton thread in a neutral gray
Mettler Silk Finish 50 weight multi (Sample uses Color 9846)

First, prep the fabrics for invisible appliqué. Watch the video below for step by steps on the invisible appliqué process:


Trace the patterns onto muslin or non-woven interfacing. Place the traced muslin with the marked side up onto the right side of the appliqué fabric. (The right side of the appliqué fabric and the marked side of the muslin will both be face UP).

Using Mettler Silk Finish 60 weight thread, stitch through both the muslin and the appliqué fabric, following the traced pattern.

Trim around the appliqué shape approximately 1/4 inch away from the stitched line. Clip corners and curves to prep the fabric for turning.

Cut a small slit in the muslin and turn the fabric right side out. Use a point turning tool to smooth the edges. Press well.

Spray the back of the appliqué pieces with Web Bond temporary adhesive spray.

Place the sprayed pieces onto the background fabric as desired.

Remove the top layer of appliqué and set aside. Layer a single piece of lightweight tear away stabilizer under the background fabric. 

Set up the machine with Transfil monofilament in the top and the 60 weight Silk Finish in the bobbin.

Stitch the appliqué to the background fabric using a blind-hem type stitch. The straight line part of the stitch will be in the background fabric and the zig-zag portion of the stitch should "bite" into the appliqué.

Layer the second appliqué fabric in place and stitch on with the same technique.

Use Mettler Web Bond to layer the top fabric, Insul-Bright, and backing fabric together.

Quilt the layers as desired, using Mettler Transfil thread.

Choose a 50 weight Silk Finish multi thread that coordinates with your fabrics.

Round the corners of your mat with sharp scissors.

Thread the machine with the Mettler Silk Finish Multi thread in both the needle and the bobbin. Using an overlock foot, stitch a wide satin stitch along the edge of the mat, encasing the edges in thread.

Trim any excess threads and put your new mug rug to work!