Scrappy Mug Rug Sampler Set Pattern
A great way to practice new weaving structures and techniques is to play around with small projects. Not only is the supply commitment low, but they do not take a lot of time and minimize frustration if something goes awry. They also give you a great feeling for the final look and drape of a cloth before you decide on a bigger project. One of my favorite ways to play with weave structures is to sample making mug rugs. Sampling does not have to be limited to only creating swatches; you can make very functional swatches with a good size and a little fringe. These three mug rugs only take a yard of warp, can be created with scrap yarns you have laying around your workspace and do not take much time to make. They focus on three skills: plain weave with color changes, clasped weft and a variation of waffle weave with on offset design. You can weave these mug rugs exactly as written, but they are also a great launching point to unleash your own creative weaving!
Structure
Plain Weave, Clasped Weft, Waffle Weave
Equipment
Rigid-heddle loom, 4.5" weaving width; 7.5-dent reed (or 8-dent reed); 2 shuttles.
Yarns
Warp: Worsted-weight yarn, Color A, 20 yds (Shown in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, 100% Wool, Soot).
Worsted-weight yarn, Color B, 14 yds (Shown in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, 100% Wool, Sweatshirt).
Weft: Worsted-weight yarn, Color A, 20 yds. (Shown in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, 100% Wool, Soot).
Worsted-weight yarn, Color B, 20 yds. (Shown in Brooklyn Tweed Shelter, 100% Wool, Sweatshirt).
Worsted-weight yarn, Color C, 20 yds (Shown in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes, 100% Wool, Black)
Warp Length
34 ends 1 yd long (allows 15" for take-up, loom waste) for three coasters. Add 10” for each additional coaster you wish to add to the warp.
Setts
Warp: 7.5 epi (1/dent in a 7.5-dent reed).
Weft: 8 ppi in plain weave.
Dimensions
Width in the reed: 4.5".
Woven length: (measured under tension on the loom) 5.5".
Finished size: (after washing) 3 coasters 4" x 4.5" with additional ½” fringe on either end.