Wednesday 3 February 2016

Hexden Flower Mug Rug


Have you tried English paper-piecing (EPP)?  It is a hand-stitching technique where you stitch around paper templates to create shapes. 

One of the best books I’ve read on how to English paper-piece is All Points Patchwork by Diane Gilleland.

This is my ‘go-to’ reference for all things EPP.  I would also recommend Craftypod’s YouTube videos ‘Basics of Basting’ for creating hexagons and ‘creating outward curves’.  Both tutorials teach you everything you need to know to make my Hexden Flower mug rug pattern.
Hexden Flower Mug Rug Pattern

This is my first English paper-piecing mug rug pattern and it includes all the templates you need to create a fun and functional mug rug for your work desk or coffee table.
Hand-stitched Hexden Flower Mug Rug

Although the Hexden Flower Mug Rug pattern doesn’t teach you the basics of English paper-piecing (Craftypod does it so much better than I ever could), it is suitable for both beginner and experienced English paper-piecers.

The pattern provides two options for creating the sidebar – you can create it using a patched piece of EPP:
Patched EPP Sidebar

....or you can applique three EPP hexagons onto a background rectangle.
Applique EPP Sidebar

Both methods are hand-stitched.  Whichever you choose, you are sure to get lots of use out of the Hexden Flower Mug Rug pattern (you could even applique the flower onto a 6” quilt block).  

So are you ready for some hand-stitching?

p.s.  If you prefer to read a tutorial on English paper-piecing this one from Buttons and Butterflies is very good.  

Until next time ......


4 comments:

  1. This pattern looks like a wonderful to-go project! It will be fun to start it by hand and then finish it off in a flash.

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  2. Such a pretty mug rug! I'm looking forward to having a go at this one. I have ordered the book you suggested too. Thank you for your help with my first couple of mug rugs, the new sewing machine foot works a treat.

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    1. The book is awesome and includes templates in the back which you can trace. Diane is Craftypod so she is the person on the videos. It is worth checking out her website too.
      I am so glad you enjoyed your first couple of mug rugs - the size of them can be a bit of a shock if you are use to making full size quilts. They are addictive though - but that is not a bad thing.
      Kindness
      Amanda

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    2. I will check out Diane's website, thank you. I haven't made a full size quilt, I like the mug rugs because they are small and with each one I complete it feels like I am learning and improving. Thank you for supplying the lovely patterns, plenty to keep me busy for now. :)

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