How to Make a Mug Rug With Crochet: Easy Steps for Beginner

Don’t we all sometimes feel like the winters are just not going, but you feel the spring in the air day by day? This is where people like to make new things to welcome the new season. And that is actually a good idea to get your home ready with a handmade crochet mug rug.

If you are a crochet lover and love knitting, one of the best things you can do with your cotton yarn is make coasters and mug rugs with a seasonal touch.

Whether you want to crochet a mug coaster, a mug rug, or a flat stash buster, these free mug rug crochet patterns will equip you with easy steps to start working on your project.

Why a Mug Rug?

Everyone can agree that coasters are great, but sometimes we have bigger cups, bottles, or other items that are too big to fit on a coaster. This is where the mug rugs come in the light because they are more versatile and better!

If you are someone who runs out of patience quickly, then crocheting these mug rugs won’t use much of your time and your yarn, and you will create these rugs in a jiffy!

Introducing The Simple Mug Rug Pattern

Mug rugs are such a fun and easy project to make for your home. They also make great gifts for your family members as a housewarming gift.

The simple crochet mug rug pattern is a beginner-friendly pattern and is a great project for practicing the single crochet stitch with ‘easy to follow’ instructions. It uses a single crochet stitch to create this lovely texture.

Tip: A set of four mug rugs tied up with a piece of yarn in a bow is such a sweet gift idea.

Supplies You Will Need

Let’s say you want a 4”x 6” mug rug size without the fringe, and with the fringe added, it is 4”x 8” approximately.

Yarn: Category (4) Worsted Weight Yarn in any colour of your choosing. You will need one skein if you want to make a set of four.

Hook:  H-5.00mm

Notions: Yarn needle, Scissors.

Gauge:  13 sc x 14 screws = 4” x 4” square

Abbreviations (uses US conventions)

ch= chain

st= stitch

sc= single crochet

dc=double crochet 

Pattern for the Simple Mug Rug 

Chain 14.

Row 1: Dc in 2nd Chain from hook. Dc in each remaining chain (13 St)

Row 2: Ch1 and turn work. Sc in first stitch and each stitch across (13 St)

Row 3: Repeat Row 2 (13 St)

Row 4: Ch2 and turn work. Dc in first stitch and each stitch across (13 St)

Rows 5 – 8: Repeat Row 4 (13 St)

Rows 9 – 10: Repeat Row 2 (13 St)

Row 11: Repeat Row 4 (13 St)

The Fringe (Optional) 

For the fringe, lay the mug rug on a flat surface with the right side facing up. Cut the strands that are 4 inches long. (You can also use a business card to wrap around it.) Place 12 fringes across each end of your mug rug. Wrap the yarn around the card 24 times, it will allow 2 strands of yarn for each fringe. 

Cut through all the strands of yarn, which are folded, put the ends together, and create the loop that can be threaded into the edge of the mug rug, and then make a knot on it. This creates a 4-stranded fringe. 

You can also use a hook to pull the loops through and then thread the long fringe through the loop and pull the tight to create the knot. 

If Knitting is Hard (just in case)

Insert your crochet hook through a loop on the edge of the mug rug, starting from the back of the work.

Next, grab the loop formed by folding the strands of yarn. Use a hook that is large enough to catch the yarn and pull it through the loop.

Always pull the fringe loop through from the same direction so the knots all match

Enlarge the loop you have pulled down so it is big enough to bring the long strands down and thread them through this loop.

Pull the loop tight and move onto the next fringe. 

When you have the fringes done on each edge of your crochet cup mat, you can trim the fringe to the preferred length. This is up to your individual taste.

Finishing On the Edges

• Use a yarn needle to weave in the loose ends.
• Complete the mug rug by adding fringe edging.
• Maintain even tension to prevent weak spots.
• Wet block or steam block to help stitches settle and hold shape.
• You can also apply a small amount of glue or fray to check the ends. 
• Choose a durable yarn blend 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Keep your stitches even to avoid loops and gaps.
• Make sure you don’t skip any stitches, as this can make your coaster uneven.
• Not weaving your ends well to prevent them from coming loose.

Tips for Maintaining Your Handmade Mug Rug

To keep your crochet coasters in top shape, it’s important to wash them properly. Hand washing is usually the best method. Use mild detergent and warm water. 

Gently swish the coasters around and avoid wringing them out, as this can distort their shape. Rinse thoroughly and press out excess water with a towel. Lay them flat to dry, reshaping them as needed.

Proper storage can extend the life of your crochet coasters. Store them flat in a dry place to prevent them from becoming misshapen. If you have multiple coasters, stack them neatly. You can also place a small weight on top to keep them flat.

What Yarn is Best for Mug Rugs?

For making mug rugs, it is best to use tough and easy-to-wash yarn like cotton or acrylic.

These materials last well, even with lots of use and washing. Also, pick a yarn thickness that matches how you want your rug to feel and look.

If you cannot find the right thickness, you can always crochet two or three strands of yarn together to get the thickness you want.

How Big Are Mug Rugs? 

Mug rugs come in different sizes, but they are usually smaller than placemats and bigger than coasters.

They can be about 4 inches by 6 inches (10 cm by 15 cm) to 8 inches by 10 inches (20 cm by 25 cm), but it depends on what you like and what you are using them for.

Some people like smaller ones because they are compact, while others prefer bigger ones to fit larger mugs or more snacks. It is all about what feels right for you!

The Satisfaction of Crocheting Your Mug Rug 

There is something satisfying about crocheting your cozy mug rug, the repetitive actions that always set you free from your stress and create a calming feeling that is worth living for. 

Unlike store-bought wood coasters, handmade mug rugs hold a piece of your creativity and your effort into making it. 

And when you finally set your favorite mug on it, there is a sense of “pride” in knowing that you made it with your own hands using a mug rug crochet for beginners guide. 

Crocheting is so versatile, and you will love all the things you can create with it. If you let your creativity take control, there is absolutely no end to what you can create. And that’s why you should crochet. 

Let loose, and let your creativity run wild.  

Happy Crocheting! 🙂