Scotch Stitch Mug Rug Tutorial and Free Pattern

Free Plastic Canvas Mug Rug Pattern and Video Tutorial!

Learn how to create a pretty plastic canvas mug rug using the scotch stitch, framed with rows and columns done in the continental stitch.  

With a few basic supplies - yarn, plastic canvas and yarn needle - you can create this scotch stitch plastic canvas mug rug.

The scotch stitch allows for quick completion of this project, which is perfect for holding both a beverage and a snack or adding a textured decorative touch to your home décor. 

Are Plastic Canvas DIY Projects Expensive?

Plastic canvas crafts are one of the most reasonably priced DIY crafts.  With only a few inexpensive supplies - plastic canvas, yarn, scissors and yarn needle - you can create lovely projects. Typically, only a small amount of yarn is needed for a project, so scrap yarns in your yarn stash will suffice.  Additionally, there are thousands of free plastic canvas patterns available on the Internet.

Although my mug rug is a fun way to hold a beverage and a snack, it's versatile.  They are a cute addition to protect furniture under plants, serve as a desk mat for drinks, office supplies and small gadgets, hold keys and small items in an entryway, or use under serving bowls at the dining table.

It also makes thoughtful homemade gifts for friends and family, especially those who love their coffee and tea.

Watch this video tutorial or follow the step-by-step photo guide below to make your own plastic canvas mug rug.

INSTRUCTIONS :

STEP 1: print the pattern

First, download and print the free plastic canvas pattern. The link to the printable PDF is at the bottom of the page in the "Supporting Products and Links" section. You may have to set your printer in landscape mode when you print this pattern.

STEP 2: Prepare the plastic canvas

With a scissor, cut a piece of plastic mesh canvas that is 47 holes wide by 27 holes high.

Step 3: Start the Scotch Stitch

Let’s begin by making the first scotch stitch! For this project, the scotch stitch resembles a square worked in diagonal lines over four threads.

Thread the yarn needle with your chosen yarn for the scotch stitch.

We will begin stitching the scotch stitch in the top left-hand corner.  As with any stitch, you will be bringing the threaded needle up from the back of the canvas to the front, leaving a short tail in the back of the plastic canvas which the first several stitches will secure.

Start by creating a small diagonal stitch (a tent stitch) by starting in the top left corner. Count 2 holes horizontally and then 3 holes down vertically. Bring the needle up from the back of the canvas through that hole leaving a short yarn tail on the back.

Take the needle down in the next diagonal hole. Notice you have crossed one mesh thread.

For the next stitch, bring the needle to the front one hole below the first stitch and make another stitch diagonally to the previous one, by skipping one hole and going down in the second hole.

Bring the needle up directly below the second stitch, skip two holes and go down into the third hole forming the third diagonal stitch.

Work one more stitch in the same way by bringing the needle up below the previous stitch and making the stitch diagonally to the previous one.

Now let’s start to decrease the length of the stitches so we can form a square when finished. Bring the needle up in the hole next to the last stitch. Skip two holes and go down in the third hole which will be right below the last stitch.

Up directly next to the last stitch, skip one hole and go down in the second hole.

Finally, finish with a tent stitch, up in the hole directly next to the last stitch and down diagonally in the next hole.

Repeat this scotch stitch pattern across the canvas as indicated in the printed pattern.

Step 4: Stitch Border Around Scotch Stitches

Once the scotch stitch squares are completed, use the continental stitch (also known as a tent stitch) to create the border framing around the scotch stitch squares.

Thread the needle with the color yarn you want to use for the framing.

With the right side of the plastic canvas facing you, begin in the right corner, count one hole left and one hole down. Bring the needle up from the back of the canvas through this hole. Take the needle down in the next diagonal hole toward the right.

Bring the needle to the front in the hole next to the first stitch. Take the needle down in the next diagonal hole on the first row.

Continue with the continental stitch around all the scotch stitch squares.

Continental Stitch On the Back Of Canvas

I like using the continental tent stitch because it produces dense rows of slanting stitches on the back of the canvas ensuring good, dense coverage. 

You’ll be left with a row of threads around the outside.

Step 5: Overcast the Long Edges

After finishing the framing around the scotch stitch squares, use the overcast stitch along the two long sides of the mug rug.

Step 6: Add Fringe to the Short Edges

The final step is to add fringe to the two short sides of the plastic canvas mug rug.

Cut 56 pieces of yarn 6” long.

Fold one piece of yarn in half and thread both ends through the eye of the needle.  Here is a handy tip on how to thread a needle with yarn.

Insert the needle into a hole at the end of the mug rug from the front to the back.  Pull the yarn through until a loop forms on the front.

Pass the needle through the loop and pull tight to create a fringe. Remove the needle from the yarn.

Repeat this process adding fringe to all the holes along the two short edges.

Once the fringe is complete, lay the mug rug on a flat surface and trim the fringe so it’s all an even length.

Your scotch stitch plastic canvas mug rug is now finished!  Whether you use it for coffee, tea and a snack or as a decorative item, this easy project is fun to make and a practical addition to any room.

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