Paper Pieced Apple Mug Rug
by Vicki Holloway
Create a paper pieced apple mug rug to gift to a new teacher. Or make a set of four using coordinating apple-print fabrics as a hostess gift.
Size: 5″ square
SUPPLIES
- Sulky Paper Solvy
- Cotton + Steel Thread (colors to match fabrics)
- Cotton fabric scraps (such as a bright apple color, a light or white background color & brown for the stem)
- 5 1/2″ square each of batting & backing
- Point turner, chopstick or blunt knitting needle
- Apple Mug Rug Pattern
Foundation Paper Piecing
Print the Paper Pieced Apple Mug Rug foundation paper piecing pattern onto a sheet of Sulky Paper Solvy.
Foundation paper piece each unit of the block as numbered on the paper pattern. Assemble the top row units in this order: E-A-D-C. Then stitch the row to the larger B unit to complete the apple.
Tear away as much Paper Solvy as possible. Rinse away any remaining; let dry. Press the paper Pieced Apple block from the wrong side.
Paper Pieced Apple – Construction
Place the batting square on a flat work surface. Then place the backing fabric right side up over the batting. Position the Apple block wrong side up on the backing.
Stitch the perimeter, using a 1/2″ seam allowance and leaving a 2″ opening along one edge for turning.
TIP: Place the opening for turning along an edge that has minimal piecing.
Trim the corners to reduce bulk at the 90° intersection of seams.
Turn the mug rig right side out. Finger-press the opening seam allowances so they are inside the mug rug layers.
Press the mug rug lightly.
Paper Pieced Apple – Quilting
Topstitch the mug rug 1/2″ from the perimeter. End the stitching 1/2″ from each corner, pivot, rotate the work and continue stitching. Choose a thread color that matches or contrasts the mug rug background fabric for the topstitching.
Choose a green thread color to free-motion quilt leaves along the apple upper edge. Thread the needle and bobbin with matching thread.
Draw the leaves onto a sheet of Paper Solvy. Experiment by drawing larger or smaller leaves, as desired. Place the Paper Solvy over the Apple to audition placement until satisfied.
Pin the Paper Solvy leaf template in place. Or use a light spray of KK 2000.
Set the machine for free-motion stitching by dropping the feed dogs. Then stitch along the leaves through the Paper Solvy and Paper Pieced Apple Mug Rug using a straight stitch. If desired, set the machine for a double- or triple straight stitch for more or less definition.
Alternatively, or in addition to the leaves, quilt an allover design, straight lines or echoing squares to make the mug rug your own.
Pattern and instructions by Vicki Hollloway. Find her on Facebook and Instagram!










Feeling somewhat challenged as I cannot find the file for the paper pieced apple. Very cute project
Hello! I just sent you an email with the pattern. I will change the post as soon as I’m able. Thanks for letting me know!
Where is the pattern?
I am also looking for the pattern for the paper piecing,, is it listed somewhere??
The leaf detail is awsome.
I can’t find the paper piecing pattern. Thanks for any help. Deb
Hi there! Thanks for letting me know. I just sent you an email with the pattern. Hope you enjoy making it!
I am sure I am overlooking it, but I cannot find the paper piecing pattern or a link to it in the blog. Can you help, Please?
Hello! I just sent you an email with the pattern. Apologies for the inconvenience.
I can’t find the pattern!
Hello! I have sent you an email with the pattern. I will update the post with the link as soon as it’s available. Apologies for the inconvenience.
Help, I can’t find the paper piecing pattern
Judith the link to the pattern is now at the top of the post , thanks for asking!
Apologies! It has been added to the post now.
I am unable to find the paper piecing pattern and made the mistake of showing it to my daughter .
Please let me know how I can find this
Can you e-mail me the pattern too? Thanks so much1 The mug rugs are adorable!
Never mind – i found it when I scrolled back up! Thanks!
Where is the pattern
Where is the foundation piecing pattern?
Thanks that looks like fun..
I just found this. Thank you for sharing this very cute mug rug.
I am a gramma now, and it is good to have things, just little cute ideas to make for people I love.
When you get older… you accumulate even more people to love.
Thank you so so very much for this wonderful pattern!
I have the pattern, but is there a template for the leaves? In the pattern it mentions a leaf template, but I cannot locate the same. Can you point me in the right direction. Thank you.
Hello! There is no template for the leaves. She instructs you to draw your own leaf onto Paper Solvy and follow those lines with your stitches.
Happy Fall!