Embroidered Hexie Mug Rug Pattern

• Print off the 'But first coffee' template and using a light box (or holding it up to the window!) transfer the text onto the linen fabric. Keep it to the right of the fabric, approximately 5” across from the left hand side, as we're going to be also adding the appliqué hexagons on the left hand side.
  

Hand Embroider the Front

• Put the fabric in an embroidery hoop and make it taut to help obtain even stitches. Take an embroidery thread, (I've used an Aurifil 12 weight thread in hot pink) and stitch over the text using a back stitch.
  
• To make the text stand out more, you can go over the text with a whip stitch. Take the needle in and out of each stitch, going into each stitch from the same side each time. This will make the writing bolder and have more definition.
  
• Take the embroidery out of the hoop and give it a good press.
• TOP TIP: Don’t leave the fabric in the hoop for long periods of time. Always remove it when you’re not stitching to avoid permanent creases.
  

Create the Hexagons

• Cut out the 5 hexagon templates. Take the scraps of fabric for the hexagons and pin a paper hexagon to each of the scraps and then cut out with a 1/4” inch seam added on.
  
• Baste the hexagons to the paper. I like to thread baste, using large stitches to hold the fabric to the paper, but you may prefer to glue baste. Do this for all of the hexagons. Remove the pins and press them to ensure they are nice and flat.
  
• Now stitch the hexagons in a vertical row, using your preferred stitch. I like to use a ladder stitch, but you may like to use a whip stitch. I also like to use my favourite 80 weight Aurifil thread in Dove (2600) as this thread beautifully disappears into the fabric to create almost invisible stitches.
  

Finishing

• Carefully remove the papers. If you’ve used thread to baste them you will have to carefully remove the basting stitches. If you’ve used glue, carefully pull the papers away. Press to retain the shape of the hexagons and the seams.
  
• Protecting your work surface, spray the basting spray onto the back of the hexagons then adhere them to the embroidered background. Iron in place to activate the glue. They will overhang the mug rug but they are going to be trimmed at a later stage.
• Using a small slip stitch, appliqué the hexagon strip to the background. Trim off the excess at the top and bottom.
  
• Layer up the backing, batting and top, using spray baste to secure in place. Hand quilt around the hexagons and however you choose to decorate your mug rug.
  
• Stitch all the way around the edge with your sewing machine to 'seal' the edges then trim off the excess batting.
• Stitch the binding on to the front of the mat with the sewing machine, mitring the corners and hand stitch the binding to the back for a neat finish.
• TOP TIP: For small projects I like to use single fold binding, as I've done here. It uses less fabric, reduces bulk and makes it much easier to stitch. You do have to fold it over at the back, but it works perfectly every time.
• And you’re done! All you need to do now is make yourself your favourite coffee (mine’s a cappuccino) and sit back and relax.