Hexagon Mug Rug Tutorial

A scrappy little sewing project for coffee breaks, cocoa season, and fabric leftovers that deserve a tiny adventure.

Scraps have a way of multiplying when we’re not looking.

One minute you have a neat little basket of leftovers. The next minute your sewing room has entered “fabric avalanche” territory and you’re pretending those tiny pieces are part of a very organized creative system.

Relatable. Deeply.

That’s where this hexagon mug rug comes in. It’s small, useful, and perfect for turning favorite scraps into something you’ll actually use. Set one under your morning coffee, tuck one into a gift basket, or make a stack for holiday tables and cozy sewing days.

This project was originally part of the Quiltbound Digital Advent Calendar, and it’s exactly the kind of mini make I love for December. It feels festive without requiring a whole production, and it gives your scraps a very cute second life.

Hexagon Mug Rug Tutorial

Finished project: Hexagon mug rug
Skill level: Beginner-friendly
Time needed: About 30 to 45 minutes
Template required: 7" hexagon template

Supplies

• Two 10" fabric squares
• One 10" batting square
• 36" of 2.5" binding
• 100% cotton thread
• 7" hexagon template
• Rotary cutter
• Quilting ruler
• Scissors
• Basting pins, spray, or preferred basting method
• Sewing machine
• Iron

Optional: Make one of your 10" squares a patchwork panel using scraps, improv piecing, or a tiny mini block. You can fussy cut the hexagon around your favorite section once it’s quilted.

Step 1: Prep Your Fabric Squares

Cut two fabric squares at 10" x 10".

Cut one batting square at 10" x 10".

For a simple mug rug, use two solid fabric squares and move right along.

For a scrappier version, turn one of your 10" squares into a patchwork panel. Piece together leftover strips, small scraps, tiny blocks, or any fabric bits you can’t bring yourself to toss because they still have potential. We love a second-chance fabric moment.

Once your patchwork panel is pieced, trim it to 10" x 10".

Step 2: Make a Quilt Sandwich

Layer your mug rug pieces like a tiny quilty snack.

Place the backing fabric right side down.

Add the batting on top.

Place the top fabric or patchwork panel right side up.

Baste the layers using your favorite method. Pins, spray, or a few quick stitches all work here. This is a small project, so you do not need to overthink it unless overthinking is part of your personal craft process. No judgment.

Step 3: Quilt as Desired

Quilt the sandwich however you like.

Straight lines are always a solid choice. A simple grid looks polished and keeps things easy. You can also try wavy lines, swirls, diagonal stitching, or whatever your sewing machine feels emotionally prepared for that day.

This is a great place to practice a quilting design without committing to a full quilt. Low stakes. High cuteness.

After quilting, give the piece a quick press so it lies nice and flat.

Step 4: Cut Out the Hexagon

Place your 7" hexagon template on top of the quilted sandwich.

If you made a patchwork panel, rotate the template until your favorite part of the design is centered inside the hexagon. This is the fun little fussy-cutting moment, especially if you have a cute print, tiny block, or especially charming scrap you want to feature.

Hold the template steady and cut carefully around all six sides.

Now you have a quilted hexagon ready for binding.

Step 5: Bind the Mug Rug

Bind the hexagon the same way you would bind a small quilt.

Use your 2.5" binding strip and stitch it to the front of the mug rug, working carefully around each angle.

When you reach a corner, take your time folding the binding so the angles stay neat. Hexagons are not hard to bind, but they do like to remind you that they have six opinions.

Wrap the binding around to the back and finish by hand or machine, whichever method you prefer.

Step 6: Sip and Admire

Place your finished mug rug on your favorite table, desk, sewing station, or cocoa-drinking surface.

Add a mug. Admire your work. Feel extremely pleased with yourself.

Then, naturally, make another one. Mug collections have range, and your scraps are probably still watching you from across the room.

Make It Scrappy

This project is especially fun when you use leftover fabric from a favorite quilt.

You can piece together tiny scraps, use an orphan block, or turn a mini improv panel into the top. If you’re making a set, try using the same binding on each mug rug to help them feel connected, even if the centers are all different.

It’s a sweet way to use fabric you already love without needing a big plan. Sometimes the smallest projects are the best place to let the fabric wander around a bit.

Gift Ideas

Hexagon mug rugs make great little handmade gifts.

Pair one with a cute mug, tea, hot cocoa, coffee beans, or a small bag of cookies. You can also make a matching set for a holiday table, a sewing retreat, or a cozy coffee station.

They’re quick enough to batch sew, but still feel thoughtful and personal. The dream combo, honestly.

Download the Free Hexagon Mug Rug Template

Want More Cozy Sewing Projects?

This tutorial was originally part of the Quiltbound Digital Advent Calendar, a December countdown filled with quick sewing projects, recipes, printables, and festive surprises for quilters.

Because sometimes all you need is a tiny finished project, a warm drink, and a scrap pile that feels slightly less chaotic than it did yesterday.