RJLinkletter

Thanks everyone. I will try the birthing method and trim right back. I don’t know why I didn’t think of that!

alikigirl

Have you heard of the envelope style back? It is similar to the birthing method, but instead of 1 piece for the backing, you have 2 over-sized halves (hemmed on one edge). Then you can turn through that opening, and do not have to hand sew the closing. You can fuse it shut if you want. Here is what I am talking about - eventho this is a pillow back - just use this for mug rugs. This is how a lot of machine embroidery in-the-hoop item are finished. https://www.thewonderforest.com/2013...-tutorial.html

RJLinkletter

Thanks alikigirl. I am aware of that technique and have used it for some cushions but am struggling to understand it’s effectiveness for mats etc - you would have a ridge on the back and would have to hand sew it shut anyway as fusing would wear off after a couple of washes? I can see why it works for embroidery hoop designs.

linmid

I have sewn around my mug rug about one half inch and then cut with pinking shears or other type of scissors I use in scrap booking. It looks pretty and holds up to washings.

rjwilder

klswift

you could 'self-bind'. Have the batting a shy 1/2" bigger than the front and the backing 1 1/4" bigger than the front. Then you fold the back over the front and machine stitch it down. I like to use a decorative stitch since it shows on the back and front. Being just the backing, it is easier to fold and make your sharp corners, whether you mitre or just fold over. I often use this same technique when making baby quilts because then they can never chew off the binding!