A Valentine Mug Rug

I wanted to make a quick and easy project for Valentines Day, and for me that means something I can cut out quickly with my Accuquilt Go! cutter.  Mug rugs/mats are really popular right now, and I didn't have one yet, so I made one just for me...and one for my Etsy Shop :)

I started with (36) 2 1/2" squares that I cut using my Value Die (#55018) that came with my Accuquilt Go!  I totally used scraps, just randomly stacking about 4 layers at a time and running them through the cutter.  I arranged the squares in (4) rows of 7 squares, (1) row of 5 squares, and (1) row of 3 squares.  Press the seam allowances of each row in the same direction, and the row next to it in the opposite direction.  Then sew the rows together.

I clipped the seam allowances on each side of an intersecting seam and pressed the seams open to help it all lay a little flatter.

Then using my handy dandy Whitman's Sampler candy box, I traced around it to mark my overall heart shape, and cut out on the line.

Before I layered my little quilt, (this picture shows the finished quilt top later after it's quilted), first fuse some paper backed fusible web to the back of some red  fabric, then cut out a medium heart shape from the Accuquilt Go Heart Die #55029.  Fuse the little heart to the front of the pieced heart quilt top, and blanket stitch around the red heart. 

I didn't snap a picture of this step either (sorry - been sick and I'm very unorganized this week), but I layered this pink floral backing fabric right sides together with the heart front that I cut out (and under the backing fabric, I had a layer of batting).  I sewed all around the outside edge at a scant quarter inch seam allowance, leaving about a two inch opening for turning.  Trim the seam allowance, clip corners and at the inside point of the heart, and turn right side out.  Make sure the entire seam is completely turned out,  press (tucking in the opening), and top stitch all around the outside edge of the heart about a 1/4 inch from the edge. 

Then lightly quilt the little quilt, and enjoy!   This makes a generous sized mug rug, or a cute little candle mat.  Check out Sew Cal Gal's blog for links to other Valentine themed projects from the Bloggers Who Love Their Accuquilts Team.  Happy Valentines Day!!

Enjoy the day!
~ Dawn