Free Crochet Pattern: Mug Rugs
If you're like me, you love starting the day with a fresh mug rug under your coffee cup. There's something about a small, handmade touch that just makes mornings better! Today, I'm sharing my free crochet patterns for these mug rugs, along with some yarn insights for those curious about mixing fibers.
I'll be making several of these since I love switching out my mug rugs daily, and I’ll be sharing the patterns here on my blog! You can access the free pattern right on this page, or if you’d prefer an ad-free, printable PDF, it’s available for just $1.
Stay tuned for more fun mug rug designs coming soon!
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Want to see all the mug rug patterns in one place? I’ve gathered them up for easy browsing!
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One of the things I loved about making these little mug rugs was watching the yarn do its thing. The color changes kept it fun and gave each rug its own personality, even though the stitch pattern stayed the same. It’s such a quick project that you can play with scraps or leftovers and end up with a set of colorful little trails for your coffee break.
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For the Tiny Trails Mug Rug, I paired Premier Home Cotton with Premier Cotton Sprout Luau, and I really enjoyed how they worked together.
Premier Home Cotton is sturdy and reliable, a go-to worsted weight that holds up well for home projects like dishcloths, coasters, and of course mug rugs. It kept the design crisp and the fringe nice and full.
Premier Cotton Sprout Luau was the real star for me here. The gradual color changes kept things interesting and made each rug look a little different, even though the pattern stayed the same. It was fun to watch the colors shift row by row.
Shop Premier Home Cotton
Shop Premier Cotton Sprout
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Starting at the bottom, working towards the top
With White, chain 22
SC in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across (counts as row 1)
Row 2 (Blue) SC x1, BLSC x19, SC x1
Row 3 (White) SC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x17, FLDC x1, SC x1
Row 4 (Blue) SC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x6, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, SC x1
Row 5 (White) SC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x6, BLSC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, SC x1
Row 6 (Blue) SC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x6, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, SC x1
Row 7 (White) SC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x4, BLSC x3, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, SC x1
Row 8 (Blue) SC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x4, FLDC x3, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, SC x1
Row 9 (White) SC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x8, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, SC x1
Row 10 (Blue) SC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x9, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, SC x1
Row 11 (White) SC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x7, BLSC x3, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, SC x1
Row 12 (Blue) SC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x7, FLDC x3, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, SC x1
Row 13 (White) SC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x11, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, SC x1
Row 14 (Blue) SC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x12, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, SC x1
Row 15 (White) SC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x10, BLSC x3, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, SC x1
Row 16 (Blue) SC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x10, FLDC x3, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, SC x1
Row 17 (White) SC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x14, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, SC x1
Row 18 (Blue) SC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x15, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, SC x1
Row 19 (White) SC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x13, BLSC x3, FLDC x1, SC x1
Row 20 (Blue) SC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x13, FLDC x3, BLSC x1, SC x1
Row 21 (White) SC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x17, FLDC x1, SC x1
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I learned something with these Pixel Maze Mug Rugs … contrast is everything. The red and cream combo really makes the design pop, but that blue and cream one? It’s much harder to see the pattern clearly. Next time, I’ll definitely stick with colors that have more contrast so the texture and detail really shine.
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As I was making these Pixel Maze Mug Rugs, the idea hit me that this design could actually make a beautiful full-size afghan. I kept thinking how nice it would look repeated across a larger piece, maybe ten panels or so. It’s a simple pattern, but it has such a nice texture and rhythm to it. I’m definitely tempted to give it a try and see how it comes together.
Yarn Notes: My Ami vs. Cottage Cotton
For these mug rugs, I used two yarns from Herrschners, and they’re both great, just in different ways.
My Ami is a lightweight cotton/acrylic blend meant for amigurumi, but it worked really well for colorwork. It’s smooth, easy to handle, and perfect when you just need a small amount of a color.
Cottage Cotton is a soft worsted weight with a cozy, airy feel. It’s great for dishcloths, blankets, and home projects. I loved working with it, though the light blue and cream were a little too similar to show the design clearly — next time I’ll go with higher contrast.
Both yarns are machine washable, budget-friendly, and fun to work with. Just depends on what kind of project you’re making!
Shop Cottage Cotton
Shop My Ami Yarn
Want the printable, ad-free PDF version of the Pixel Maze Mug Rug?
Get the PDF for $1Starting at the bottom, working towards the top
With Chiffon, chain 22
SC in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across (counts as row 1)
Row 2 (Hot Pink) SC x1, BLSC x19, SC x1
Row 3 (Chiffon) SC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x3, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x3, FLDC x2, SC x1
Row 4 (Hot Pink) SC x1, BLSC x6, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x6, SC x1
Row 5 (Chiffon) SC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x3, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x3, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x3, FLDC x2, SC x1
Row 6 (Hot Pink) SC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x5, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, SC x1
Row 7 (Chiffon) SC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x7, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x2, SC x1
Row 8 (Hot Pink) SC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x9, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, SC x1
Row 9 (Chiffon) SC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, SC x1
Row 10 (Hot Pink) SC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x3, FLDC x1, BLSC x7, FLDC x1, BLSC x3, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, SC x1
Row 11 (Chiffon) SC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x9, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, SC x1
Row 12 (Hot Pink) SC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x11, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, SC x1
Row 13 (Chiffon) SC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x9, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, SC x1
Row 14 (Hot Pink) SC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x3, FLDC x1, BLSC x7, FLDC x1, BLSC x3, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, SC x1
Row 15 (Chiffon) SC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, SC x1
Row 16 (Hot Pink) SC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x9, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, SC x1
Row 17 (Chiffon) SC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x7, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x2, SC x1
Row 18 (Hot Pink) SC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x5, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x2, SC x1
Row 19 (Chiffon) SC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x3, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x3, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x3, FLDC x2, SC x1
Row 20 (Hot Pink) SC x1, BLSC x6, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x6, SC x1
Row 21 (Chiffon) SC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x3, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x1, FLDC x1, BLSC x3, FLDC x2, SC x1
Cat Mug Rug
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Cat Mug Rug 〰️
Experimenting with Yarn Choices
I had a couple of things in mind when working on these mug rugs. First, I wanted to see how a variegated yarn would pair with a solid color. I chose Village Yarn 100% Cotton in Royalty (a variegated purple) and Herrschners My Ami Yarn in a solid purple (55% acrylic, 45% cotton). In theory, the contrast should have worked, but the colors were too similar, and they blended together more than I expected. Lesson learned: If you’re trying this technique, choose a solid color that really stands out against your variegated yarn!
In case you're curious or want to try the same combo, here are the yarns I used:
Herrschners My Ami Yarn
Village Yarn 100% Cotton
The second experiment was mixing fiber types. I see a lot of crocheters asking if acrylic and cotton can be combined in a project, so I gave it a go. The My Ami Yarn has a cottony texture, which worked really well with the Village Cotton. Unlike typical acrylic yarns, it doesn’t have that slick or plasticky feel when wet, making it a great choice for projects like coasters. The result? A great combination in terms of feel! The acrylic component in My Ami Yarn typically makes colors pop and prevents bleeding, which I love.
What Worked Best
I also experimented with different hook sizes to see what worked best. The first mug rug was made with a 3.75mm hook, while the second one used a 3.5mm hook, which I ended up preferring. I think my preference though for cotton yarn with a mosaic pattern is a 3mm D hook. After seeing that my first attempt didn’t have enough contrast, I grabbed another 100% cotton yarn, Village Cotton in Lemon Ice, and paired it with the solid purple. This version turned out much better! The colors pop, the texture is fantastic, and it's exactly what I was hoping for in a functional, cute mug rug.
Mosaic Crochet & Video Tutorial
These mug rugs are made using mosaic crochet. If you're new to this technique, mosaic crochet creates a beautiful textured pattern that's fun to learn and experiment with! The mug rugs are so small and just perfect to practice the stitch on.
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Starting at the bottom, working towards the top
With Background, chain 22
SC in 2nd chain from hook and in each chain across (counts as row 1)
Row 2 (CAT) SC x1, BLSC x19, SC x1
Row 3 (Background) SC x1, FLDC x4, BLSC x10, FLDC x5, SC x1
Row 4 (CAT) SC x1, BLSC x4, FLDC x1, BLSC x6, FLDC x3, BLSC x5, SC x1
Row 5 (Background) SC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x3, FLDC x3, BLSC x9, FLDC x2, SC x1
Row 6 (CAT) SC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x5, FLDC x9, BLSC x2, SC x1
Row 7 (Background) SC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x1, FLDC x4, BLSC x11, FLDC x1, SC x1
Row 8 (CAT) SC x1, BLSC x2, FLDC x1, BLSC x4, FLDC x11, BLSC x1, SC x1
Row 9 (Background) SC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x2, FLDC x3, BLSC x11, FLDC x1, SC x1
Row 10 (CAT) SC x1, BLSC x3, FLDC x1, BLSC x4, FLDC x9, BLSC x2, SC x1
Row 11 (Background) SC x1, FLDC x3, BLSC x1, FLDC x4, BLSC x9, FLDC x2, SC x1
Row 12 (CAT) SC x1, BLSC x3, FLDC x1, BLSC x5, FLDC x7, BLSC x3, SC x1
Row 13 (Background) SC x1, FLDC x3, BLSC x3, FLDC x3, BLSC x7, FLDC x3, SC x1
Row 14 (CAT) SC x1, BLSC x5, FLDC x1, BLSC x4, FLDC x5, BLSC x4, SC x1
Row 15 (Background) SC x1, FLDC x5, BLSC x1, FLDC x2, BLSC x9, FLDC x2, SC x1
Row 16 (CAT) SC x1, BLSC x8, FLDC x9, BLSC x2, SC x1
Row 17 (Background) SC x1, FLDC x8, BLSC x9, FLDC x2, SC x1
Row 18 (CAT) SC x1, BLSC x9, FLDC x3, BLSC x1, FLDC x3, BLSC x3, SC x1
Row 19 (Background) SC x1, FLDC x9, BLSC x3, FLDC x1, BLSC x3, FLDC x3, SC x1
Row 20 (CAT) SC x1, BLSC x9, FLDC x1, BLSC x5, FLDC x1, BLSC x3, SC x1
Row 21 (Background) SC x1, FLDC x9, BLSC x1, FLDC x5, BLSC x1, FLDC x3, SC x1
Coffee, chocolate, and a little holiday stitching — yes please! This festive ePattern includes a chart and a coffee mix recipe. PDF download from Leisure Arts.
Let's Get Started!
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Let's Get Started! 〰️
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