How To Knit A Simple Mug Rug Tutorial For Beginners

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Learn to knit an easy garter stitch mug rug. This little project is perfect for beginners, or even a first time knitter.

Just because this is the perfect project for a beginner doesn’t mean it’s not useful. It’s a super simple pattern that makes great gifts!

Whether you’re knitting for friends, family or craft fair season these mug rugs are a fun project for everyone.

Two mug rugs with coffee on one in blues and greens.

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Read on for all the details on what you need to make this free mug rug pattern.

The Yarn

The yarn I use here is Dishie yarn*. I love that you can use leftover yarn for the whole mug rug.

And especially if you’re doing stripes since it uses very little so it’s a great way to use that scrap yarn. With a simple color change you can make this a holiday mug rug too.

Materials

  • 30 yd of #4 med worsted weight yarn. I use Dishie Yarn* (100% cotton, 190 yd / 100 g) in two colors (A) 22 yd and (B) 8 yd. Pictured in Navy and Inlet.
  • US needle size 7 / 4.5 mm knitting needles
  • scissors
  • yarn needle
  • measuring tape

Skill Level

Beginner

Gauge

4″ / 10 cm x 4″ / 10 cm = 18 sts x 28 rows

While this pattern does not need to meet precise measurements, checking gauge will give you the best results.

Stitches/Abbreviations (US Terms)

CO – Cast On The long tail cast on is great for small projects this like this. If you are a crocheters then casting on with a crochet hook is easy peasy.

K – knit

P – purl

rep – repeat  

RS – right side

st(s) – stitch(es)

WS – wrong side

Finished Size

4″ tall by 6″ long, without fringe.

Adjustments

Since this is a straight garter stitch pattern there are no stitch counts or repeats to worry about. To make it longer or shorter just add or subtract stitches. To make it taller or shorter just add or subtract rows.

Video Tutorial

Watch the video tutorial on my YouTube channel.

Scroll down for the free knitting pattern!

Cup of coffee and spoon on navy mug rug with green mug run in front.

How to Knit a Mug Rug

Yield: 1
Prep Time: 1 minute
Active Time: 30 minutes
Additional Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 36 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Estimated Cost: $1

Learn how to knit a simple mug rug in the easy garter stitch.

Materials

  • 30 yd of #4 med worsted weight yarn. I use Dishie Yarn (100% cotton, 190 yd / 100 g) divided in 22 yd (Color A) and 8 yd (Color B).

Tools

  • US needle size 7 / 4.5 mm knitting needles
  • scissors
  • yarn needle
  • measuring tape

Instructions

  1. In Color A. Cast on 27. You can use any cast on you are comfortable with, here are 4 easy cast ons for beginners.
  2. Row 1. K all sts to the end of row.
  3. Rows 2 - 6. Repeat row 1.Blue mug rug with green stripes, green one on needles.
  4. Change to Color B.
  5. Rows 7 - 8. K all.
  6. Change to Color A.One blue stripe added to green swatch on needles.
  7. Row 9 - 20. K all until your work is 3" tall. Edge of mug rug on needles with fringe tied.You can tie off the tails to use as fringe, or weave them in.
  8. Change to Color B.
  9. Rows 21 - 22. K all.
  10. Change to Color A.
  11. K all for the last 6 rows.
  12. BO on the right side of your work.
  13. Pull yarn through the last st.
  14. Cut yarn and weave in ends.
  15. Optional: Add fringe to edges.

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Did you make this project?

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