Stitching the clamshell cuppa mug rug

clamshell cuppa mug rug

Hi, come on in and we'll get started on the clamshell mug rug. I'm so glad you'd like to join in 😃

If you're new to the cuppa mug rug stitch along you'll find the requirements list and templates in the previous blog post. As you read along, please remember there are alway lots of different ways to achieve a pretty finished project. This is how I make mine.

On with the fun stuff .... for this project I cut out my clamshell and mug shapes as "windows". This allows me to see what will be visible when the mug rug is finished. 

(Yep, you can tell that clamshell window has had a bit of use.)
You can of course, cut out the cardboard clamshell shapes to place on top of your fabric. Make sure you mark the centre notch at the top. The horizontal and vertical lines are just there to help you line up the clamshell on the fabric.

Appliqueing the clamshells

1. Trace 3 x clamshell shapes on your fabric squares, marking the position of the centre notch at the top. Place the mug template/window on the fabric for the mug top, marking lines as shown in the photo above.

2. Finger press down the centre of each piece of fabric. This will be a useful guide when positioning the clamshells.

3. Trim around the clamshells' top curves, about 3/8" outside from the line you drew (as below). 

The excess fabric below the clamshell will be very handy for the next row of clamshells so don't trim it back just yet.

4. Fingerpress/ pinch the seam allowance under at the centre top and both corners of the clamshell.

5. Using applique pins, pin the clamshell to the mug top fabric as shown in the photo above. Pin only where indicated in the photo, taking "bites" with the pin of about 1/8" in length. You might find a pin in the middle of the clamshell helpful as well. Too many pins makes it difficult to manipulate the fabric easily.

(As you become more comfortable with appliqueing clam shells you can pin on a whole row of clamshells at once, ready for stitching. For this tutorial though I'm adding one at a time.)

6. Starting with a knotted thread (in the seam allowance) make a couple of tiny stitches in the same place to secure the thread. Stitching around curves works better when the stitches are quite small, maybe 1/8 " - 3/16 ".  

As you stitch the clamshells down and and are ready to turn under another section of seam allowance, trim back the seam allowance just in front of where you're stitching to about 1/4". Pinch the seam allowance under with your fingers. You can also tuck the seam allowance under using the tip of the needle. 

7. Pin the next clamshell into position, matching the centre top notch mark with the line you drew earlier, as well as the corner point of the first clamshell we just applied. Stitch it down as the first.

8. Pin the third clamshell in place on top of the first two clamshells, matching the centre line and the two corner points. 

Bias edges and cumbersome seam allowances all contribute to the new clamshell sitting bumpily. As you stitch and trim your way around the top curve, it will gradually sit flat.

Stitch the last clamshell in place.

9. Turn your piece over to the back to carefully, one layer at a time, trim away the excess fabric leaving about 1/4 " seam allowance.

Quilting

1. Draw a quilting guide line about 1/4" inside the top curve of each clamshell.

2. Place on top of batting.

3. Using a knotted thread, sew simple straight stitches along the drawn line using the thicker thread.

4. Finish off with a knot in the seam allowance area.

Making the handle

1. Fold the handle piece in half lengthwise and press with the iron. 

2. Open up and press the two raw, long sides to the centre line you just created. 

3. Fold again so the raw edges are enclosed within the handle.

4. Stitch about 1/8 " from both long sides. 

Assembling the mug rug

1. Place the mug rug template over the quilted piece and draw the outline.

                             

2. Use the sewing machine to stitch on the line you just drew. I use a stitch length of around 2.00 - 2.5

3. Pin, then sew the handle onto the cup as shown in the photo below.

4. With right sides together, place mug front on top of mug back.

Stitch just inside the outline which you've already sewn. I've used red thread to show you where I stitched. Leave a turning gap of about 1" - 2" along one side.

5. Trim the seam allowance to about 1/4 " out from the stitching line. 

6. Turn out the right way. Fold the turning gap seam allowance to the inside and press the mug.

7. Topstitch through all layers 1/8" away from the edge to finish. 

Ta-da!

The mug rugs make cute Christmas tree decorations too 😄

I hope you've enjoyed the tutorial. If you'd like to share photos of your own cuppa mug rugs please add them to #cuppamugrug on Instagram, we'd love to see them.

Happy stitching,

Kellie

xo

  

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