Thursday, October 3, 2013

More mug rugs.........

I am still working on mug rugs.  Once I get started I want to stick with it because with the routine I get pretty good on the binding.  I could almost say I'm enjoying doing the binding.


I'm doing them all by machine.  I sew the folded binding on the front and then press the binding out.  Turn it under and stitch in the ditch right next to the binding on the right side to catch the flap on the back. I do one side at a time, backstitching at the beginning and end on each side.  This way the corners look really good on the back. Then bartack the corners.

The photo above is the front and here is the back.  I cut the binding 2 1/4" and sewed with a 1/4" seam.  That gives me enough extra on the flap on the back to get caught in the stitching.


I used the same color backing and binding on more than one so I could use the same color thread on more than one.










I finished these 2 during the day when the light from the window was perfect for a photo.  Then I mowed the grass and walked down to the library to return a book.




I finished these last 3 while watching TV last night.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

I just love your mug rugs. I have only made one but you inspire me to want to make more. Yours are so colorful, I love it! Also like the way you do the binding. Makes the front part more smooth looking. I fixed it so you could reply if you need to.

Beth@IHaveANotion.com said...

This post is nearly a tutorial!!! They are definitely bright!

HollyM said...

They are all colourful and pretty. I so admire your nice neat bindings. I do mine the same way but they never seem to look as good as yours.. I need to practice!

Mary said...

I'm not doing many mug rugs these days, but I do need to make some new pot holders. I'll try your technique on them and see if I'm happier than I've been in the past. Your mug rugs are really pretty!

Unknown said...

I love your mug rugs! I have only machine sewed bindings a hand full of times and really need more practice. Yours look perfect!!

Sewing Junkie said...

They make nice gifts. Yours are mini works of art. Chris

Jean said...

You are on a roll, and things definitely go faster the more practice you get ...lol They are very pretty!

The Reader said...

What a great way to do machine bindings! I need to remember that. What is a bartack, though???

(and, like everyone has said, your color choices, like always, are fabulous!)

hetty said...

Way to go Wanda! They look fantastic. Thank you for that tutorial post! I must try this myself on some charity quilts, journal quilts and mug rugs.

Mary Ellen said...

Although I like stitching down the binding by hand, it would be nice if I could do it be machine when time is a factor or for baby quilts and mug rugs, place mats, etc. Yours look really neat and I think I will have to work on the technique.

Sheila said...

I love your mug rugs, Wanda. I've made a couple, but you have inspired me to make more. Love your straight and wavy line quilting. Thank you for the binding tutorial. I like to sew my binding on with a sewing machine.

Needled Mom said...

They all look so pretty. It would be hard to choose a favorite.

Gari in AL said...

Love these but like the one I bought in NC last year better.

Lola said...

LOVE the blue/purples...they are all great though. What a neat wall collage they would make!

Elaine said...

I have started to make mug rugs with my leftovers. Saving the tops till I have a few then will sandwich and quilt. May I ask what you do with all of yous as you seem to make quite a few of the mini works of art? Thanks for the binding tips.

JJM said...

Just loved Wed. and Thurs. posts devoted to Mug Rugs. They are mini quilts that everyone of us can make, if only ours turned out as wonderful as yours. Your fabrics are always supreme.

And so appreciated learning how you mitered the corners to perfection.

JJM

suemac said...

Hmmm. I can't decide on a favorite. That all look good. A nice way to use up leftover fabric.

Elaine/Muddling Through said...

They all look SO good! I love your attention to detail. The mug rugs are such a good use of leftover fabric. I make some bigger to use for other things - like a mouse pad for the computer. ;)

Deb@asimplelifequilts said...

I love your little works of art... this is why I can't throw away scraps. Such great way to play with color.

Mystic Quilter said...

As I said the other day your mug rugs are glorious - I have to say today that the last shot of your dark blue one is all time favourite!
I have some ready to go and will definitely try your binding method!

Brown Family said...

They are pretty. Are you doing a double fold or a single fold binding?

Annie said...

These are brilliant! Love the colours

Catholic Bibliophagist said...

I really appreciate that the photos enlarged when I clicked on them because then I was able to see exactly where you were putting the bar tacks. (I too would like to know whether you were using double or single binding.)

--C.B.

Bethy A said...

Hi
I would like to try your mug rug idea in a larger form for placemats - love the combination of batik colours.
Beth