Needlepointers.com Logo

Christmas Tree Mug Rug Pattern! It's Reversible

Holiday Mug Rug Tutorial to Get You in the Christmas spirit!

Learn how to make a fun holiday mug rug with this easy tutorial.

If you want to make a mug rug for Christmas, use this free Christmas Tree Mug rug pattern and holiday fabric scraps from your stash.  Then, brighten up your holiday or winter coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or snack time with this cute mug rug.

It also makes a fabulous handmade gift! Pair it with a mug, a mug-worthy beverage, some yummy candy,  a gift card or some other mug fillers for a heartfelt gift! 

This festive Christmas tree themed mug mat features a Christmas tree on one end, and a mat on the other.  It's reversible.  You can use the same fabric for the front and back of the mug rug or use different fabrics on the front and back for two different looks.  Reversible Christmas Tree Mug Rug Pattern - fb

This free mug rug pattern is finished without a binding making the project super quick and easy to complete in about an hour. Yep!!! You really can make this mug rug without binding.

Instead, the pieces are sewn together, all layers then flipped so that everything is right side out and the opening that is left is sewn together by hand. 

Follow this free mug rug pattern with our full photo step-by-step tutorial and you’ll have a Christmas tree mug rug made quickly. In addition, we have provided a video tutorial you can follow by simply clicking on the link below to go to a YouTube video tutorial.

Mug rug patterns are one of my favorite scrap busting and gifting projects.  For more free mug rug patterns scroll to the end of this article.


PRINTABLE PDF TUTORIAL - If you would like an ad free printable version of this tutorial optimized for printing, please visit our Etsy Shop listing for Christmas Tree Mug Rug Pattern! It's Reversible #ad. For a small fee, you can purchase a PDF downloadable version of this tutorial.
Keep reading for the free version of this tutorial.


COMPLETE VIDEO TUTORIAL AVAILABLE! The video below is a preview with no audio, to watch the whole video tutorial, click the link Christmas Tree Mug Rug Pattern! It's Reversible to watch in Youtube.


Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate Statement for more information.

Mug rugs have become a popular quilting and sewing project in the past several years and with their popularity, many questions have arisen.

what is a mug rug?

A mug rug is a mini quilt larger than a coaster but smaller than a placemat.  The typical size of a mug rug is anywhere between 4" x 7" up to 8" x 12".  Another term used for mug rugs is mug mats.

Mug rugs are just the right size to hold a cup of something yummy and a small snack.

When and where can you use mug rugs?

Primarily mug rugs are used to hold a mug and a snack or cookies.  But they can be used in many ways.

  • To protect the table from cup rings and food messes
  • For a desk coaster by your computer
  • Protect your table or furniture against potted plants
  • On an end table for your remotes
  • As a small table topper for vase of flowers
  • Hang on the wall as a mini quilt
  • As a decorative element under a lamp
  • To line a basket
  • On the dressing table for the brush and comb set
  • On the entry table for keys and pocket change
  • Gift it 
  • Wherever and whatever it's used for, it adds to the decor in your home or office

WHY Make A Mug Rug?

  • Thriftiness - Quilters always have scraps.  Mug rugs are a great way to use these scraps.
  • Gifting - Mug rugs are very customizable, so they make the perfect gift be it a "thank you" gift, a teacher gift, a hostess gift, a co-worker gift or just a special something for someone.
  • Skill building - Mug rugs are an easy way to try and learn a new technique without wasting a lot of time or fabric.
  • Upcycling - Have orphan blocks that are unfinished in your stash? Transform them into mug rugs.
  • Usefulness - As mentioned above, mug rugs are very functional and have many uses.

LET'S GET STARTED WITH THE HOLIDAY MUG RUG

Christmas tree mug rug tutorial

Christmas Tree Mug Rug pattern Finished on table

WHAT YOU NEED for the Christmas tree mug rug:

Find links to specific products at the end of this tutorial!

  • Two 10" x 6 1/2" main holiday fabric rectangles
  • Two 7" x 7" square green tree fabric
  • Two 2" x 2" brown fabric for tree trunk
  • One 14" x 7" rectangle batting piece
  • Ez Quilting 6" Tri Recs triangle ruler
  • Rotary cutter and mat
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine
  • Thread
  • Pins
  • Hand sewing needle
  • Iron and ironing board

Christmas Tree Mug Rug Supplies

What Size is Finished Christmas Tree Mug Rug?

The mug mat measures approximately 6" by 12" inches.

INSTRUCTIONS FOR THE CHRISTMAS TREE MUG RUG

Step 1: Cutting pieces

You’ll need to cut the following pieces:

(2) 10” x 6 ½” main fabric
(2) 7” x 7” square from tree fabric
(2) 2” x 2” square from trunk fabric
(1) 14” x 7” rectangle of batting Christmas Tree Mug Rug Fabrics When cutting the main, tree and truck, you will cut two pieces at the same time.  Make sure the fabric is wrong sides together when cutting.

If you are using different fabrics for the front and back, when cutting the rectangular pieces placing the pieces wrong side together before cutting is very important.

Step 2: Cutting tree pieces

Stack the two 7” x 7” pieces on a cutting surface with the wrong sides together. Christmas Tree Mug Rug Cut Tree

Place the plastic triangle ruler on top and use a rotary cutter to cut along all the sides. Christmas Tree Mug Rug Tree Shape cut

You now have two triangle pieces which will be the mug rug trees. Christmas Tree Mug Rug Two Tree Shapes

Step 3: Prepare rectangle pieces

Stack the two 10” x 6 ½” pieces on top of each other with the wrong sides together. Remember: Stacking these pieces, wrong sides together, when cutting is very important.

Christmas Tree Mug Rug Ruler on mat Mat Align the straight edge of the recs tool ruler with the top left corner of the fabric.  Cut along the diagonal side.

If you are right-handed, you may want to twist the fabric so it is easier to cut. Christmas Tree Mug Rug Cut Mat Let’s refer to these pieces as the mat fabric.

Step 4: Sew tree to mat

Christmas Tree Mug Rug Tree by mat

Lay one tree triangle on top of one mat fabric, right sides together. Christmas Tree Mug Rug Pin tree to mat

Make sure that the bottom tip of the tree triangle extends ¼” beyond the bottom edge of the mat fabric. Christmas Tree Mug Rug Tree tip extends past edge This ¼” is a must or the bottom of the tree and mat will not line up when opened. Sew a ¼” seam. Christmas Tree Mug Rug Sew On Tree

Repeat with the other two pieces – triangle and rectangle.

Christmas Tree Mug Rug Iron opposite directions When both pieces are completed, press the seams in opposite directions.

Step 5:  Sew tree trunk

Align the edges of the two tree trunk fabrics, with right sides together.  Sew three sides with a ¼” seam. Christmas Tree Mug Rug Sew Tree Trunk

Clip the corners and turn right side out.

Christmas Tree Mug Rug Pressed Tree Trunk

Use an iron to press the tree truck flat.

Christmas Tree Mug Rug Turn Tree Trunk

Step 6:  Sewing Mug Rug

Layer the mug rug sandwich as follows: 

1) the batting, Christmas Tree Mug Rug Batting on Table

2) one tree mug rug piece with right side up, Christmas Tree Mug Rug Mat Fabric on Top of batting

3) position the tree trunk piece in the middle of the tree with raw edges even and the tree trunk extended toward the center of the tree, Christmas Tree Mug Rug Add Tree Trunk

4) align the second tree mug rug with wrong side facing up. Christmas Tree Mug Rug Second mat fabric wrong side up

Pin the layers. Christmas Tree Mug Rug Pin layers This stacking order is very important because once you are done stitching you will turn the mug rug inside out and the batting will be hiding in between the top and back with the tree trunk extending down.

Christmas Tree Mug Rug Sew around mug rug mat Sew a ¼” seam around the mug rug leaving a 3” opening for turning along the bottom.  Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam so the seam won’t rip when turning the mug rug right side out.

Trim the excess batting. Christmas Tree Mug Rug Trim around

Step 7: Turn the mug rug right side out

After clipping the corners, turn the mug rug right side out through the opening. Christmas Tree Mug Rug Turn mug rug Use a chopstick or something else to push the corners out.

Step 8:  Closing opening

Give it a good press so the edges are crisp.  As you press, fold, press and pin the raw edges of the opening inward; lining them up with the rest of the mug rug so it can be sewn closed. Christmas Tree Mug Rug Pin opening closed

Hand stitch the opening closed using the ladder stitch.  The ladder stitch is a practically invisible stitch.  If you don’t know how to do the ladder stitch, head on over to our ladder stitch tutorial.

Christmas Tree Mug Rug Ready for quilting

 Step 9: Quilt the mug rug

Quilt as desired. Christmas Tree Mug Rug Quilted

 You're done.

Now, keep this little quilted treasure for yourself to brighten up any desk, table or nook.  And make a few others for gifting. Christmas Tree Mug Rug Finished with mug and cookies

Thank you so much for dropping by today.  I hope you enjoyed our tutorial on making a Christmas Tree Mug Rug.  Be sure to pin and bookmark so this free holiday mug rug tutorial is available to you in the future.  We would love for you to also share it with quilting friends.

Make sure to check out some of Needlepointers.com's other videos on our YouTube channel. While you're there, please subscribe to our channel so you don't miss future craft projects.

Sign up for our newsletter so you keep up to date with our new tutorials.

Happy Sewing!

 Annette's Signature 

PRINTABLE PDF TUTORIAL - If you would like an ad free printable version of this tutorial optimized for printing, please visit our Etsy Shop listing for Christmas Tree Mug Rug Pattern! It's Reversible #ad. For a small fee, you can purchase a PDF downloadable version of this tutorial.




QUESTIONS?

If you have any questions about this project, contact us through the YouTube Video comments or our Contact Us page. We respond to questions in e-mails and YouTube comments regularly.

More mug rug tutorials you may like

Did you enjoy this tutorial?  We have a few other mug rug tutorials you may be interested in.

Supporting Products and links: Some of the links below may be affiliate links. We make a small commission on sales through the affiliate links, at no extra cost to you. Thank you in advance for your purchase and your support! Please see our full Affiliate Statement for more information.

Batting

Batting #ad

Amazon has a wonderful selection of batting by many manufacturers and in many types and lofts.
An added convenience is that by buying through Amazon you do not have to stop quilting to run to the store. Happy shopping!
Affiliate Link to Amazon

Batting

Batting #ad

A nice selection of quilt batting is available at Michaels. Many types. Many sizes. Affiliate Link to Michaels

Dritz 100-Piece Long Pearlized Pins

Dritz 100-Piece Long Pearlized Pins #ad

1-1/2-Inch, White Affiliate Link to Amazon

Dritz 25 Assorted Craft Needles with Threader

Dritz 25 Assorted Craft Needles with Threader #ad

Includes Betweens, Sharps, Straw/Milliners, Chenille, Tapestry and Crewel Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

Dritz Ball-Head Pins 1 1/6"

Dritz Ball-Head Pins 1 1/6" #ad

350 piece package. Used for fine and lightweight fabric and lace. Stainless steel. Affiliate Link to Amazon

EZ Quilting Tri Recs Tool

EZ Quilting Tri Recs Tool #ad

Tri-recs tools are thick and sturdy so they will stand up to years of wear. This 2 piece set makes it easy to make Triangles within squares and divided rectangles. Affiliate Link to Amazon

OLFA 18-Inch x 24-Inch Self-Healing Double-Sided Rotary Mat

OLFA 18-Inch x 24-Inch Self-Healing Double-Sided Rotary Mat #ad

Use only rotary cutters and blades,Suitable for any small to medium size project Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

OLFA 24" x 36" Double-Sided, Self-Healing Rotary Mat

OLFA 24" x 36" Double-Sided, Self-Healing Rotary Mat #ad

Double-sided mat is solid green on one side for general crafting and has grid lines marking inches on other side for detailed cutting Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

Olfa Rotary Cutter

Olfa Rotary Cutter #ad

Cuts through 6 layers at once. Dual-action safety lock. Ergonomic handle for comfortable cutting; blade moves to opposite side for left-handed use. Affiliate Link to Amazon

Omnigrid Ruler 3 1/2 x 24 inches

Omnigrid Ruler 3 1/2 x 24 inches #ad

3 1/2 x 24-inch ruler is used to cut strips, shapes and bias pieces when quilting. This ruler has 30 degree, 45 degree and 60 degree angles lines marked for easy alignment of fabric. Affiliate Link to Michaels

Point 2 Point Turner

Point 2 Point Turner #ad

The Clover 7803 Point 2 Point Turner is designed to turn every point perfectly. The curved end has a tip for point turning and the fine tipped end is perfect for more detailed work. Affiliate Link to Amazon

Point Turner and Seam Creaser

Point Turner and Seam Creaser #ad

Lightweight tool that can be used to turn points, crease seams and take out basting stitches. Temporarily mark fabric with a crease and guide fabric when machine stitching. Made by: Dritz Affiliate Link to Amazon

Quilter's Slidelock Ruler

Quilter's Slidelock Ruler

The Quilters Slidelock is a non-slip quilting ruler for rotary cutting that solves the two biggest problems quilters face while trying to cut fabric: slippage and sliding. The Quilters Slidelock holds the fabric securely, protects fingers, and most importantly, is easy to use. Affiliate Link to Sew Be It Quilts

Rotary Cutters

Rotary Cutters #ad

Purchase rotary cutters at Amazon.com. Check out their selection. Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

Sewing Scissors

Sewing Scissors #ad

A huge selection of sewing scissors are available at Amazon.com. Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

Singer Assorted Hand Needles

Singer Assorted Hand Needles #ad

Package contains 25 assorted hand needles and includes darners, embroidery, sharps and between Affiliate Link to Amazon.com

Singer Pearlized Head Straight Pins

Singer Pearlized Head Straight Pins #ad

150 count, assorted color head pins, 1 1/4" Affiliate Link to Amazon






Christmas Tree Mug Rug Pattern - pin


Profile Photo

Annette & Chris are a mother/daughter team. We've brought you craft projects and tutorials through this web site for over 20 years.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

100K YouTube Subscriber Celebration - Free Book Offer

Quilting Shopping

Quilting Topics

Fat Quarter-300x250 Accucut - 250x250 ElectricQuilt - Small

Profile Photo

Annette & Chris are a mother/daughter team. We've brought you craft projects and tutorials through this web site for over 20 years.

Subscribe to our Newsletter

100K YouTube Subscriber Celebration - Free Book Offer

Looking for something you cannot find on our site? Click here to e-mail the Needlepointers Information department.

Copyright ©2003 - 2019 Needlepointers.com. All Rights Reserved. | Powered by w3.css

Secured by RapidSSL