This week we're hosting the Mug Rug Blog Hop!
In celebration of fall, a season filled with mugs of apple cider, tea, and even hot cocoa, we have four different bloggers sharing a mug rug design they've created with one of our new fabric lines.
In celebration of fall, a season filled with mugs of apple cider, tea, and even hot cocoa, we have four different bloggers sharing a mug rug design they've created with one of our new fabric lines.
BYOM (bring your own mug), but we'll provide the mug rug inspiration, as well as fabric giveaways!
Today we're featuring the intriguing Nature's Pearl collection from Kanvas. These fabrics have pearlescent accents that create an almost luminous effect. They're gorgeous, and the prints are so fun to work with--dotted spirals, dandelion puffs, leaves and a wavy stripe. We're showing two different methods (fusible and topstitch) to make a similar looking mug rug that plays off of the soft, wavy designs that appear in the fabric. Enjoy the tutorial and at the bottom find out how you can enter to win a fat quarter bundle of Nature's Pearl.
A look at the fabrics we're working with--a nice variety of values and prints
You'll need:
2-5 fat quarters
12" square of black solid (for the fusible technique only)
Two 2-1/4" x 42" strips for binding
12" square of backing fabric
12" square of batting
Fusible web (for the fusible technique only)
Making Mug Rug #1 (fusible technique)
1. From each fat quarter, cut a 6" x 12" piece. Cut an equal number of 6" x 12" fusible web pieces. Apply the fusible web to the back side of each piece.
2. Trim the black square to measure approximately 9-1/2" x 11-1/2" (our finished mug rug is 8-1/2" x 10-1/2"; if you'd like yours to be smaller, start with a smaller black piece that is approximately 1" larger than your desired finished size).
3. With your rotary cutter, freehand cut gentle curved strips from the fused fabric pieces. Try to vary the shape of the curves and the width of the strips. You'll want between 8-12 strips total. Cut one strip with a straight edge to position at the bottom of the mug rug.
4. Lay the first strip on the black background.
5. Begin adding additional strips, experimenting with placement. Don't fuse anything in place yet.
6. Notice how we let the black background show through in places.
7. When you are satisfied with your strip placement, fuse the strips in place.
8. Layer the fused top, batting, and backing piece. Quilt as desired (we free motion quilted wavy lines). Try to stitch close to each raw edge to help secure. Trim to desired finished size.
9. Use the binding strips to find the mug rug. Enjoy!
Making Mug Rug #2: (topstitch technique)
1. Choose a fabric for the background and cut a 12" square. Cut 4" x 12" strips from the remaining fabrics.
2. Layer a 6" x 12" strip under the bottom edge of the background fabric so the two overlap slightly. With your rotary cutter, freehand cut a gentle curve. Remove the two scrap pieces.
3. Turn one of the cut pieces over and press the curved edge 1/4" to the wrong side.
4. Pin in place on the background fabric, just above the cut curved line. Topstitch to secure.
6. Continue adding pieces in the same manner until you are satisfied with how it looks.
7. Layer with backing and batting and quilt as desired. We quilted in wavy lines again. Trim to desired finished size.
8. Bind and enjoy!
Both of these techniques are fun and easy and create a similar looking result. We made the first mug rug using a greater variety of fabrics so it has a scrappier appearance. For the second mug rug, we used only three fabrics.
To be entered for a chance to win a fat quarter bundle of Nature's Pearl, leave a comment below telling us if you've ever sewn with curves before. Contest ends Sunday, October 23rd at 11:59 pm EST.
Make sure to catch all of the tutorials in our Mug Rug Blog Hop!
Tuesday: Chris from made by ChrissieD featuring Sewing Room
Wednesday: Debby from Debby Kratovil Quilts featuring Wings
Thursday: Benartex blog design team featuring Nature's Pearl
Friday: Alison from Little Bunny Quilts featuring Kitchen Love
Love It? Share It!
No, they scare me! Something small like this may get me to try.
ReplyDeletepatsystitch@gvtc.com
I find the curves pretty intimidating, and stick to straight line piecing most of the time...this is beautiful, though, I think I could try this!
ReplyDeleteYes, but not very often. These are beautiful, I will definitely give both of them a try.
ReplyDeleteI have not tried curves but this is something I am going to try! Thank you!
ReplyDeleteScary curves oh no I would say I haven't had a lot of luck with them so I tend not use them for piecing thanks for the tutorial
ReplyDeleteI didn't try really. I started a handsew project with a snowball pattern. Lots of curves ther, but to sew by hand ist quite ok, lol!
ReplyDeleteI've never sewn curves before, but your tutorial makes it look easy!
ReplyDeleteI haven't sewn with curves before - in decades of sewing! - but this is the year, and this mug rug looks like the perfect project!
ReplyDeleteWow - love the two different methods - I think the first one is my fav! I've tried some curves - it really isn't that scary!!! mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI have seen lots and lots of curves. Just don't like all the pinning. The mug rug looks awesme!
ReplyDeleteI sewed clothing for years, lots of curved seams. I am a little out of practice, but I know I can do this.
ReplyDeleteHaven't sewed curves. This look is on my to do list. 24Tangent@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteYes, curves are fun!
ReplyDeleteThose are great fabrics! And, yep, I've done several pieces with curves. They may be challenging sometimes but I love the finished looks.
ReplyDeleteI've done a bit of sewing with curves. Your mug rugs are just wonderful and make me want to do more. Love the fabrics too!
ReplyDeleteI have not pieced with curves this way before. I have sewn a lot of bags, etc that incorporate curves into them. Thank you, peterstankovich@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteI have not tried to sew curves. This tutorial is very nice, maybe I will try. The mug rug looks beautiful with those fabrics.
ReplyDeleteI so totally avoid curves but this has me tempted. They are sharp! Can we have this on a PDF?
ReplyDeleteI've not tried to sew curves yet. Thanks for the tutorial; you make it look easy!
ReplyDeletenikilsend(at)outlook(dot)com
nope not yet
ReplyDeleteNo. My skills aren't to that level...yet
ReplyDeleteI really like sewing curves, they add the fun to a boring quilt day.
ReplyDeleteYes, I've sewn with curves and love the impact. Still working on my skills though.
ReplyDeleteI recently designed a block using a curved piece and it went well. I didn't even pin it. That was the first sewing a curved piece I did and I made 5 blocks (not counting setting in sleeves). These are such pretty fabrics! kthurn(at)bektel(dot)com
ReplyDeleteI've never seen with curves but this looks like an easy project to learn on. Thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteI've never sewn with curves that I can recall....grin.
ReplyDeleteYes I have sewing with curves, don't always enjoy it though!
ReplyDeleteI have a curve ruler but yet have to use it. So many tools, little time to use!
ReplyDeleteI sew with curves on a very sporadic basis. Still have a lot to learn about sewing them. Love the two different methods you have presented here. The fabrics are gorgeous! njjnoah@comcast.net
ReplyDeleteNot very often. I love your mug rug. I did something similar when I made jackets for myself and for one of my granddaughters many years ago. I used a cut up sweatshirt for the base. They turned put very cute.
ReplyDeletethese are pretty and fun and so simple. thanks.
ReplyDeleteno i have not done curves yet. just hasn't happened yet. LOL
now will need to give them a go.
Not yet, but with your easy directions, I may give it a try. :)
ReplyDeletecraftyccain@gmail.com
i have never sewed with curves before but I would love to try
ReplyDeleteerin2470@hotmail.com
I'm planning out a piano runner with a curved pieced background so this post was perfect timing!
ReplyDeletethese are pretty and fun and so simple. thanks.
ReplyDeleteno i have not done curves yet. just hasn't happened yet. LOL
now will need to give them a go.
Curves can be challenging, but they do add a lot of interest in a quilt or sewing project! I don't tackle them often, but I hear practice makes perfect ;)
ReplyDeleteCute ideas! I've tried curves, they didn't turn out too well. I think you have to have some patience to do curves.
ReplyDeleteReally loving this blog hop. Great ideas. I've just started a Drunkard's Path project, so I'm learning curves--it takes patience. Thanks for the tutorial I have mug rugs on my Christmas gift list. grinnie1961 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI did make a drunkards path quilt years ago. I need to freshen up my skills. I really like the first method using fusing.
ReplyDeleteI've done lots with curves. Clothes, Drunkard's Path quilts, and more. It's so easy and fun, and your designs are cute.
ReplyDeleteLove the fabric and how the mug rug design echoes the fabric theme.
ReplyDeleteI've gone out of my way to avoid curves but this is very tempting! Is there anyway this can be made into a PDF for easy saving?
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try this but as a stitch and flip quilt as you go. Love the wavy quilting
ReplyDeleteThis is great idea and instructions. Thanks 4 sharing. I have done some quilting with curves. Would be good to do more 😊😊
ReplyDeleteI've done the curves sewubg down the turned edge on several projects. But I've never let the background show through and I like that idea. I also think the fused method would be a lot easier to do. Thanks for the ideas.
ReplyDeleteIt`s fabulous.I don´t like sew curves and you make it so fun and easy.Thanks for the tips!
ReplyDeleteYes, I have sewn curves. I love both of these mug rugs.
ReplyDeleteNo, I haven't sewn with curves. I've avoided doing them for a long time. Lately, though, I've seen some neat patterns with circles and curves and have been thinking I ought to try something. Would love, love, love to win the fat quarter. Natures Pearl is gorgeous fabric.
ReplyDeleteNo, curves are not my friend! I am going to borrow both of these techniques. I love the outcome. Thank you for showing us how to achieve the look.
ReplyDeleteI've no quilt experience with curves however have stitched quite a few sleeves into armholes for clothing.
ReplyDeleteI took a course from a member of my quilt guild. Marianne Haak is a wiz at curves and a great teacher. It was a fun and enjoyable day.
ReplyDeleteHI I only sewed curves once before, a front flap piece for a bag. But this little mug rug is beautiful...Thank you for the tutorial.
ReplyDeleteI just tried some curves for a table runner. Came out pretty well.
ReplyDeleteYes, I have sewn with curves. Love the techniques for the mug rug.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great looking mug rug! I've sewn with curves before. It usually turns out ok. :)
ReplyDeleteSewn some curves, just like any other technique...takes practice.
ReplyDeleteI have not done curves, but this tutorial for a great mug run has me wanted to take a go of it! tks!
ReplyDeleteI have only sewn curves as part of the drunkard's path block. Those I did by hand, too, not by machine. Would love to try the way curves are done here!
ReplyDeleteSandy A
I have sewn slight curves before...but not a true curve (as in Drunkard's Path)... Love the Mug Rug tho!! Think would make a cool modern Pillow Top too! Thank you for the idea! & for chance to win your Give-a-way too! :)
ReplyDeleteYes I have been sewing and quilting for over 55 years. I have made many quilts and garments with curved seams.
ReplyDeleteI have made a few "Drunkards Path" blocks--pretty tricky! Your fabrics are beautiful!
ReplyDeletebjkaup(at)(abbnebraska)(dot)(com)
I've never sewn with curves before, but would like to try it.
ReplyDeleteThe drunkard's path is one of my favorite blocks. I I started sewing curves as a beginning quilter. It takes a little practice but sew worth the effort!
ReplyDeleteI have sewn curves--New York Beauty blocks & free style curves that I first learned in a Ricky Tims class!
ReplyDeleteYes, I have sewn with curves before.
ReplyDeleteI have sewn with curves using several techniques including free-style cut and raw-edge fused. With technique #2 above I had better results with the 1/4" press-under with less distortion when I stabilized the fabric (spray sizing, best press, etc.) before cutting. Thanks for the good tutorials and the chance to win. (janeherbst at roadrunner dot com)
ReplyDeleteI really haven't sewn with curves before, but I am dying to!! I will have to try your mug rug pattern!!
ReplyDeleteMy curve sewing is mostly limited to rounded edges/corners. I have "cheated" by sewing appliqued circles onto squares, then slicing them to create half or quarter circles (i.e. drunkard's path units). Thanks for the chance to win.
ReplyDeletejoyecox@yahoo.com
I've only sewn curves on clothing. But Drunkard's Path is on my bucket list.
ReplyDeleteI hosted Susan Brubaker Knapp at my home a few years ago. she helped me so much overcome the trepidation of sewing curves. it's not that hard
ReplyDeleteYes I've sewn with curves before. LOTS of times. This is a super idea for a mug rug, must try it! Thank you!!
ReplyDeleteNever on a quilt. I do have a neck pillow that I make that has curves, but that's it. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteI have sewn Drunkard's Path curves, but never this style. It has been on my "to do" list for some time.
ReplyDeleteLovely fabrics. I think there will be some "mug rug" Christmas presents.
I have sewn with curves, but could use more practice! I made a Drunkard's Path table runner for Christmas last year and it turned out OK, but all of those mistakes glare at me!
ReplyDeleteI e sewn a few table runners with curved seams and love the results!!!
ReplyDeleteYes, I have sewn with curves. I am creating a Double Wedding Ring quilt at this time. I really like the way this method brings everything together so easily, I will be giving it a try later on today. Thank you for sharing and have a fantastic creative day!
ReplyDeleteI love this fabric & yes I have sewn curves many times. One of the techniques I have used is very similar to this one. Thanks
ReplyDeleteNot much - curves frighten me!!
ReplyDeleteI have sewn curves before, I really didn't enjoy it.
ReplyDeletejen dot barnard at btinternet dot com
Yes, I've sewn with curves before; sometimes successfully and sometimes not so much. I love this collection, especially the dandelion prints.
ReplyDeleteCurves I've sewn in apparel but not in a quilt block. Great tips in this tutorial and ready to do some slicing. Thank you.
ReplyDeleteschimmel(dot)db(at)gmail(dot)com
I have sewn with curves, but not quite like this! I liked both methods, and will try one soon.
ReplyDeleteI have sewn curves in a jacket pattern. Thanks for the 2 tutorials to try different methods.
ReplyDeleteI've fooled around with curves, but haven't done a lot. This method would result in an outstanding piece. Thanks for the chance.
ReplyDeleteYes I have sewn with curves before. I love these mug rugs!
ReplyDeleteI have sewn with curves before, but I could use some practice.
ReplyDeleteNever! I'm a beginner and it's too difficult for me at the moment.
ReplyDeleteI've never made the pieced curves. I really like the applique piece, however I might try the pieced version because I really want to learn it. Thank you for interpretable instructions!
ReplyDeleteI've never made the pieced curves. I really like the applique piece, however I might try the pieced version because I really want to learn it. Thank you for interpretable instructions!
ReplyDeleteI have never sewn curves, but I guess I will have to bite the bullet and try them. Thanks!
ReplyDeletePlease click on the delaineelliott above for my email link.
One of the first items I sewed for my daughter back in 1994 was one of those popular hats! Then I sewed scallops on the bottom of her dresses, too. I have never tried sewing curves in quilting though. I'll have to give it a try.
ReplyDeleteI do not usually sew curves.
ReplyDeleteI've not sewn a lot of curves - I'm a bit scared of them!
ReplyDeleteI haven't used curves but you had a great tutorial, so I think it would be fun to try on a small scale mug rug. Thanks! jarvenpa1ne at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteI haven't sewed with many curves, except when making clothing!
ReplyDeleteOther than applique, not too much. These mug rugs would be a fun place to play with doing curves, though. Thanks for the giveaway. Deb mdenders@msn.com
ReplyDeleteCute mug rug! Yes, I have sewn curves and they are not as bad as one might think. :) Thanks for the giveaway!
ReplyDeleteNot too often but I'm pushing myself to try new methods/designs. akronne17@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteNot really. I'm a beginner and just love to browse patterns. Not so good yet.
ReplyDelete