The Woven Willow Mug Rug: A Free Crochet Pattern for a Textured, Rustic Coaster with a Braided Edge
Introducing the Woven Willow Mug Rug
Transform your morning coffee ritual with this charmingly rustic mug rug, featuring a dense, woven-like stitch pattern and a beautifully braided crochet border. This quick project uses a single skein of cotton yarn to create a protective and stylish home for your favorite mug. Perfect for beginners and seasoned crocheters alike, this free pattern will add a touch of handmade warmth to your home decor.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Lion Brand 24/7 Cotton (worsted weight, 100% mercerized cotton, 100g/186yds): 1 skein in 'Linen' (MC) and small amount in 'Ecru' (CC) for border
- Hook: US G/6 (4.0mm) crochet hook
- Gauge: 16 sts x 8 rows = 4 inches in Moss Stitch (ch1, sc) pattern
- Other: Yarn needle, scissors, steam iron or blocking mat (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mug Rug (Make 1)
Foundation: Chain 22 stitches.
Row 1: Single crochet in the 2nd chain from the hook. *Chain 1, skip the next chain, single crochet in the next chain.* Repeat from * to * across the row. Turn your work. (You should have 11 single crochet stitches and 10 chain-1 spaces.)
Row 2: Chain 1, single crochet in the first single crochet. *Single crochet in the next chain-1 space, chain 1, skip the next single crochet.* Repeat from * to * across the row, ending with a single crochet in the last single crochet. Turn your work. (You should have 11 single crochet stitches and 10 chain-1 spaces.)
Rows 3-14: Repeat Row 2 exactly. At the end of Row 14, do not turn your work. Fasten off the main color (MC) yarn.
Braided Crochet Border (worked in the round)
Round 1: With the right side facing you, join the contrasting color (CC) yarn with a slip stitch in any corner. Chain 1, work 1 single crochet in the same stitch. *Work 1 single crochet in each stitch and chain-1 space along the edge, working 3 single crochet stitches in each corner.* Repeat from * to * around the entire mug rug. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. (You should have approximately 60 single crochet stitches.)
Round 2: Chain 1, single crochet in the same stitch. *Chain 3, skip 2 single crochet stitches, single crochet in the next single crochet.* Repeat from * to * around the mug rug, ending with chain 3, slip stitch to the first single crochet to join. (You should have 20 chain-3 loops.)
Round 3: Slip stitch into the first chain-3 loop. Chain 1, work (single crochet, half double crochet, double crochet, half double crochet, single crochet) in each chain-3 loop around the mug rug. Join with a slip stitch to the first single crochet. Fasten off the contrasting color (CC) yarn. Weave in all ends with a yarn needle.
Finishing
Lightly steam block the mug rug to flatten it and set the braided border. To do this, gently steam the piece with an iron held a few inches above the yarn (do not press directly) or use a blocking mat and pins to shape it. Allow to dry completely before use.
