Mug Rug
 

I have never made a mug rug, but my Mom wants one so i'm going to give it a shot. Basically, a mini-quilt, right? She said she saw one with potpourri in it, that was activated by the warm mug... My thoughts, wouldn't the potpourri make it lumpy (maybe grind it up)...would essential oils be better? Is there a standard size? Any ideas would be welcome.

Bernadette

A mug rug can be like a mini quilt or just a block or whatever variation strikes you fancy. I had never heard of the potpourri in it. Seems to me the essential oils might be a better option.

Agree for all ....... though I have seen potpourri put into hot pads for setting casseroles etc. on.

Sounds too dangerous and rocky to me, to put potpourri in when you would be putting a cuppa on top!

I would definitely go with the essential oils. I know I have seen some people put dried lavender in sachets but not sure about a mug rug. I am not sure if it would be as dangerous as the potpourri.

I make my mug rugs 6" x 9" so there is room for a cookie (or snack with wine).

Mug rug
 

Snack with wine sounds good too.😊

In the 1980's, a popular mug rug idea showed up at craft sales. Made of sturdy cotton , a square was sewn and partially filled with uncooked rice. Spices or potpouris could be added. Handsewn shut, the piece would be chanel stitched ( with some difficulty) by shifting the fill. On average about 1.5" appart, but looked 1" appart due to the 3/4" thickness of rice. This mug rug ,more like an oversized coaster ,was very level and sturdy to use. Not a lot of fun to make, but mine lasted for years before getting lost in a move.

What would be the best batting to use for a mug rug?

Mug rugs are fun and a great little in between project when you just want to sew something. I just use leftover scraps of batting from quilt projects.

Craftsy.com has some really cute ones for very little cost. They are downloads, so no waiting on the pattern to make them.

I make my mug rugs about 6 x 10. I use warm and natural batting. I just participated in an exchange to raise money for ovarian cancer. You exchange mug rugs with someone else. It is fun to get one back. A fabric company donates teal fabric and each person is sent a piece they need to use somewhere in the mug rug. If anyone is interested for next year, I will post the information here.

Wouldn't the Essential Oils leave spots wherever they're set down for any length of time? Just asking! You'd have to use more each time you used the mug rug and I'd be afraid of build up ruining the furniture they're trying to protect.

I remember buying mug rugs at a craft show that had something inside like cloves maybe. Smelled good but not very practical as the mug doesn't sit level !
I wouldn't use essential oils either as they can stain surfaces.

Thanks for all the input. Never thought of the oil staining... I think I'm going to go with no scent at all. Time to get to work. Mom's 80th birthday is coming up and we are having a 'Vintage Tea Party' themed party for her.

I'm thinking of making some mug rugs too, for stocking stuffers this year. Thanks for the ideas. I'm with you bernamom, I'd go scentless. I love your idea of a vintage tea party! Please post pics!

~ C