20+ Free Plastic Canvas Coaster and Mug Rug Patterns

Welcome to Needlepointers page of plastic canvas mug rugs and coaster designs! This page is full of free patterns to browse through, and you are sure to find one that strikes your fancy.

Plastic canvas coasters are a fun and simple DIY project. They are perfect for beginner and experienced crafters alike.

Plastic canvas is a stiff, gridded plastic used for needlework. It works great for creating durable coasters.

Plastic Canvas Coasters and Mug Rugs

It is important to gather the necessary supplies for making plastic canvas coasters and mug rugs.

• Plastic canvas:Grids for plastic canvas crafts comes in different sizes, usually 7-mesh or 10-mesh. The mesh size refers to the number of squares per inch.
• Yarn: Cotton or acrylic yarn with a backing to catch drips is best, but any yarn that fits through the holes in the plastic canvas will work.
• Scissors: These are needed for trimming the canvas and for cutting the yarn.
• Plastic canvas needle: This is a large, blunt needle with a large eye to accommodate yarn.
• Patterns: Find many plastic canvas coaster patterns on this page! There are various themes like geometric shapes, flowers, seasonal patterns, and many others.

Basic Steps To Make Plastic Canvas Coasters

1. Cut the canvas: Use scissors to cut the plastic canvas into the size and shape desired. Standard coasters are approximately 4” x 4” squares or circles. It is also possible to make custom shapes. See the apple coasters for an example of this.
2. Choose a pattern: Using a pre-made pattern like those below is easiest. Otherwise, it is possible to create unique designs like stripes, blocks, or even small images like a star or heart. 
3. Stitch the yarn: Use the yarn and the plastic canvas needle to stitch through the holes of the plastic canvas. The most common stitch is the continental stitch, but other stitches can be used such as cross stitches or back stitches to create different effects.
4. Cover the edges: Once the design is complete, the edges can be finished with an overcast stitch to prevent the yarn from unraveling and give the coaster a neat, finished look.
5. Optional backing: If desired, a felt or fabric can be added to the back of the coaster to hide stitching, provide a good backing surface to hold the coaster in place, and to absorb moisture.

For durability, thicker yarn can be used, especially if the coasters will be frequently used. The patterns below have options of making matching sets or a variety of related designs to suit different themes and occasions.

This project is a great way to add a personal touch to the home while also being practical. Scroll down the page to view a variety of fun, beautiful and fancy designs for your next coaster or mug rug project.