Crochet Mug Rug: A Big Coaster with a Tea Bag Pocket
A mug rug is a coaster big enough for a mug and a snack. This 9 × 6 inch one has a little pocket for a tea bag or spoon, in striped single crochet. Ninety minutes; the perfect desk or teacher gift.
Pattern at a glance
US terms- Skill level
- Beginner
- Yarn
- Worsted (#4) cotton in 2–3 colours, about 70 yd
- Hook
- 4.5 mm (7)
- Time
- About 1½ hours
- Finished size
- About 9 × 6 in (23 × 15 cm)
You'll need
- Worsted (#4) cotton in 2–3 colours — about 70 yd
- 4.5 mm (7) hook
- Tapestry needle
In this post
A mug rug is an oversized coaster — about 9 × 6 inches — with room for a mug plus a biscuit or a snack. It protects the desk better than a small coaster because drips and crumbs land on it too. This one is striped single crochet in absorbent cotton, with a small pocket sewn on one side for a tea bag, sugar packet or spoon.
Want just a coaster? See the crochet coasters collection.
The rest of this post is just below — free, as always.
Mug rug
- Row 1: In colour A, ch 41. Sc in the 2nd ch from the hook and across. Ch 1, turn. (40)
- Rows 2–30: Sc across. Change colour every 4 rows (A, B, C…). Ch 1, turn. (40)
- Border: In colour A, sc around all four sides, with 3 sc in each corner. Join, then sl st around. Fasten off.
Tea bag pocket
- Row 1: In colour B, ch 13. Sc in the 2nd ch and across. Ch 1, turn. (12)
- Rows 2–12: Sc across. (12)
- Top edge: Sl st across the last row for a firm edge.
- Attach: Sew it to the right side of the mug rug, about 1 in from the edge, on three sides (open at the top).
Why cotton
Cotton absorbs drips and condensation and can be washed hot. Acrylic repels water and can scorch under a very hot mug. Use 100% cotton for anything that sits under a drink.
Themes
| Theme | Idea |
|---|---|
| Autumn | Rust, mustard and cream stripes, a crochet acorn on the pocket |
| Christmas | Red and white candy stripes |
| Teacher gift | A tea bag and a note in the pocket |
| Coffee lover | Pair with a coffee cup cozy |
See more gifts for coworkers.
Common questions
What is a mug rug?
An oversized coaster, about 6 × 9 inches, big enough for a mug and a small snack. It catches drips and crumbs on desks and side tables.
What size should a crochet mug rug be?
About 9 × 6 inches. Anything from 8 × 5 to 10 × 7 works.
Can I wash a crochet mug rug?
Yes. Cotton mug rugs can go in a warm wash; reshape and dry flat.
Tea or coffee at your desk? ☕
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