Behind the Design

What I love about crochet is the variety of items you can make. From exquisite sweaters, to small coasters, and everything in between. One of my personal favorite projects though, are the quick kinds! The kinds that are beautiful and provide great texture but don't take a ton of time or supplies. I also love a good stash busting project – which is why I came up with the Sweetheart Mug Rug coaster!

And who doesn't love a good coaster, right?

If you do know how to crochet and are interested in learning, you should check out my post Beginner Crochet TIps - Learning to crochet. In this post I talk about the first two things you’ll want to pick up at the craft store!

Anyway, back to the coasters! Funny enough, coasters weren't really a thing in my house growing up. Fast forward to the future, after I married my husband I quickly discovered our differences. He DID come from a family who used coasters and quickly convinced me to become a coaster family! Any excuse for a new crochet project, am I right?! We have so many different kinds of coasters, I couldn't even count them all. That being said, coming up with a coaster to match my Sweetheart Hand Towel was a no-brainer!

If you haven't seen already, I designed and listed my Sweetheart Hand Towel pattern back in July of 2022! It's been a great success so far, and since so many of you have loved it, I decided to make a crocheted mug rug pattern to match!

I hope you find as much enjoyment and creativity making your own adorable mug rug, and I can't wait to see what colors combos you come up with! Don't forget to tag me @junebugandjames and use the hashtag #sweetheartmugrug in any of your posts so I can give you a shout out and share them with all my friends!

Now for the good stuff...read ahead for all the pattern details!

The Sweetheart Mug Rug Pattern

Difficulty level: Easy

Materials

Yarn:

Color A - I Love This Cotton, size 4 medium weight [100% cotton; 9 yds/8m per 0.13 oz skein; in color Rosy];

Color B - I Love This Cotton, size 4 medium weight [100% cotton; 9 yds/8m per 0.13 oz skein; in color Parchment]; Color C - I Love This Cotton, size 4 medium weight [100% cotton; 9 yds/8m per 0.13 oz skein; in color Warm Blush]

Hook size: H-8 (5.00mm)

Tapestry needle

Scissors

Tape measure

Final Measurements: 4.25" (11 cm) long (without fringe) X 3.5" (9 cm) wide

Notes

The beginning ch count for this project must begin with an even number.
To change colors at the end of each row, do NOT fasten off with current color (color A for this example). Instead, when working your LAST sc of the row, simply insert your hook and pull up that first loop of the sc, drop color A, yarn over with Color B, and pull through the two current loops of Color A on your hook. Now, you'll be working with Color B to finish off the row with a ch 1. Color A will be left hanging from your work, and when you reach that side again, you'll simply grab color A from where it's hanging and repeat the same instructions to join.
It's so important that you pay attention to your tension in this project! If you begin too tight or too loose, and then change your tension in the following rows, the edges of your coaster will be uneven. Keep count of your stitches after each row to ensure you're still on the right track.
Try using an iron to smooth out your fringe at the end - then trim your fringe to the desired length.
Don’t forget to save your yarn scraps! Check out this video for some fun and creative ways to use those yarn scraps!
My pattern and photographs are copyrighted, and may not be used for distribution or resale purposes. However, you’re more than welcome to sell your finished items, while giving credit to Junebug and James. Please credit @junebugandjames or use #sweetheartmugrug when sharing your finished products on social media! I can’t wait to see your work! :)

Abbreviations

ch(s) = chain stitch(es)

rep = repeat

sc = single crochet

sk = skip

sl st = slip stitch

st(s) = stitch(es)

Special Stitches

The Linen Stitch (also called the Moss stitch): To crochet the linen stitch, work one row of the following: [sc, ch 1, sk next st]. Then, work the pattern in reverse by placing a single crochet in each ch 1 sp and a ch 1 above the single crochet from previous row.

Pattern

Ch 20 with Color A

Row 1: Continuing with Color A, sc in 2nd ch from hook, (ch 1, sk 1 ch, sc) across, change to Color B, ch 1, turn [10 sc, 9 ch(s)]

Row 2: With Color B or next color, sk 1st sc, sc in next ch 1 sp, (ch 1, sk 1 sc, sc in next ch 1 sp) to last sc, ch 1, sc in last sc (this is where you will join with Color C or your next color), ch 1 with Color C or your next color, turn [10 sc, 9 ch(s)]

Rows 3-19: rep row 2, continuing to pick up the next color in that last sc of each row to keep the alternating color sequence going. You will not have to finish off with any of the colors until you reach the last row.

Fasten off all colors and weave in ends with a tapestry needle.

Adding the fringe!

Cut 34 pieces of yarn in desired color 2" (5 cm) long.

Attach 17 strands of yarn to each end of the coaster.

To attach fringe - fold yarn in half, insert hook into stitch and pull loop through, thread ends of strands through loop to secure. Rep for each strand of yarn. Trim fringe to desired length, and to even out any edges.

I hope you enjoy your new and adorable Sweetheart Mug Rug!

This pattern is a copyright © 2023 Junebug and James. Pattern and photos can not be used for resale purposes. Distribution in part or in whole of this pattern is strictly forbidden. Any Sweetheart Mug Rug created using this pattern may be sold, but please remember to give credit to Junebug and James. | www.junebugandjames.com

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