How to Knit an Easy Mug Rug Using the Linen Stitch

This easy knit mug rug is so cute and super simple to make!

Our linen stitch mug rug is a free pattern that’s beginner-friendly. It's perfect for a beginner knitter who wants to create something that looks more complicated but isn’t. However, all skill levels of knitters would enjoy making this mug rug.

The linen stitch is an easy stitch pattern with its simple two-row repeat, making it quick to learn and easy to use when creating a beautiful, texture-absorbent mug rug.

This quick knitting project, a knitted mug rug, is a great idea for gift gifting by pairing them with a mug and a package of ground coffee or a box of tea. Make some for your home in your favorite colors to match the home decor.

If you want to learn how to make a linen stitch mug rug, you can get the free mug rug knitting pattern by watching our video tutorial or by reading this post for our easy step-by-step photo tutorial.

COMPLETE VIDEO TUTORIAL AVAILABLE! The video below is a preview with no audio, to watch the whole video tutorial, click the link How to Knit an Easy Mug Rug Using the Linen Stitch to watch in Youtube.

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What is a mug rug?

A mug rug is larger than a coaster but smaller than a placemat. It's perfect for holding a beverage along with a small snack; making it a nice accessory for a relaxing break.

The size of mug rugs can vary, ranging from 4" x 7" to 12" x 8", making them suitable for different uses.

Mug rugs can be used for more than just a mug and a snack. They can also function as protective mats in your home to protect furniture against stains and scratches from plant pots, serving bowls, car keys, wine bottles and glasses of beverage. Use them as pretty decorative home accents throughout the home.

What is the Knitted Linen Stitch?

The linen stitch produces an interesting stitch texture. It's a beautiful textured stitch making it an ideal choice for creating mug rugs and coasters due to its ability to produce a flat, sturdy fabric. This stitch uses a combination of knit stitches, purl stitches and slip stitches. On the right side of the fabric, you'll notice horizontal bars of yarn intertwined with v-shaped stitches. The wrong side of the fabric displays raised bumps reminiscent of the seed or moss stitch.

here are instructions for the free linen stitch knitting mug rug pattern

WHAT YOU NEED to make a linen stitch mug rug:

Medium Worsted Weight Cotton Yarn (#4)
Knitting Needles US Size 7
Scissors
Ruler
Yarn Needle
Crochet Hook

the yarn

The yarn I used here was a cotton worsted weight yarn (#4) because of its absorbency. However different yarn types can be used but you do want to choose the same weight category.

Another thing I love about this simple project is you can use leftover and scrap yarn for the whole mug rug.

Techniques You’ll Use for This Project:

Cast On Stitches
Knit
Purl
Slip Stitch
Yarn Forward
Yarn Back
Binding Off Stitches

Skill level: Easy+

Finished size: 4 3/4" x 8" without fringe; 4 3/4" x 12" with fringe

Gauge: Not necessary for this pattern

directions for making the mug rug using a linen stitch

The linen stitch is a simple two-row repeat making this project easy to knit. We have a step-by-step tutorial for knitting the linen stitch here.

STEP 1: Cast on

Using the chosen yarn and #7 knitting needles, use your favorite cast on method to cast 26 stitches onto the knitting needle. The cast on method I used was the two needle cast on. I like this cast on technique because you don't have to guess the amount of yarn needed for the cast-on as you do with the long-tail cast-on.

However, any cast on method is okay for this small project.

If you would like a larger or smaller mug rug, simply cast on the stitches in multiples of two (an even number of stitches).

STEP 2: row 1 (right side)

Start by knitting the first stitch, bring the yarn in front, slip the next stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right needle, move the working yarn to the back (so you are wrapping the slip stitch), repeat for the rest of the row.

The following is a photo tutorial of row 1:

Knit 1

Bring yarn to front, slip one purlwise

Move yarn to the back and knit continue to the end of the row.

STEP 3: ROW 2 (WRONG SIDE)

Purl the first stitch, move the yarn to the back, slip the next stitch purlwise from the left needle to the right, bring the working yarn forward, and repeat to the end of the row. Repeat rows 1 and 2 until the mug rug measures 8 inches.

STEP 4: Bind Off Stitches

Once finished knitting the linen stitch, it is time to remove the stitches from the needle. Using the standard bind off technique, knit the first 2 stitches.

Then lift the first stitch (the one on the right) over the second (the one on the left) letting it drop off the needle. Now, knit one more stitch and again lift the right stitch over the left stitch and let it drop off the needle. Repeat across the row until you have only one stitch remaining on the needle.

Pull up a loop, cut the yarn, insert the yarn tail through the loop and pull it to tighten.

STEP 5: weaving in ends

Use the yarn needle to weave the yarn tails into the knitted work to hide and secure them.

STEP 6: Add Fringe

Fringe will be added along cast-on and bind-off edges. To create the fringe cut 26 5-inch pieces of yarn from the same yarn for the mug rug. Use your ruler to make sure they’re all the same length. You'll use one strand for each fringe.

To attach the fringe, take one stand and fold it in half to create a loop. Insert the crochet hook through the edge of the mug rug from back to front where you want the fringe to go. Grab the loop with the crochet hook and pull the loop through. Then put the yarn tails through the loop and tighten.

Repeat with 13 strands evenly spaced along the first edge and repeat with the remaining 13 strands on the other edge. That's all! The easy knit mug rug is finished and ready to use! This quick project would knit up fast for wonderful holiday mug rugs.

MUG RUG TUTORIAL SHORTENED VERSION

For your convenience, here is a concise version of the pattern.

Stitches/Abbreviations:

K = Knit
P = Purl
sl = Slip Stitch
yf = yarn forward
yb = yarn back

Free Linen Stitch Mug Rug Pattern Instructions

Cast on 26 stitches using your favorite method

Row 1 (Right Side): *K1, yf, sl 1, yb* repeat from * to end of the row

Row 2 (Wrong Side): *P1, yb, sl 1, yf* repeat from * to end of the row

Repeat rows 1 - 2 until you have reached 8” in length.

Bind off and weave in the loose tails.

Free Fringe Instructions

Cut 26 five-inch stands of yarn.

To attach the fringe take a strand of yarn and fold it in half. Insert your crochet hook into the edge of the mug rug from back to front, grab the folded yarn, and pull through a loop. Now put the ends of the fringe through the loop and tighten. Repeat with 13 strands evenly spaced along the cast on and bind off edges of the mug rug.

Is the mug rug reversible?

Yes, absolutely. Some knitters will say the linen stitch is not reversible but it has a pretty texture on the back.

Mug Rug Back

Can't get enough of mug rugs. Find more knit mug rug patterns here. Not only can mug rugs be knitted, they can be quilted and it is possible to crochet mug rugs. Our free crochet mug rug pattern page is a must-see for those who enjoy crocheting.

Interested in this knitted mug rug pattern and want to save it for later? Bookmark or pin it!

We hope you enjoyed this linen stitch mug rug knitting pattern tutorial.

Have a wonderful knitting day!

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.