Scented mug mats are great gifts for teachers, friends or just to have in your home. Using beautiful quilters squares you can easily create these fragrant coasters.
Did you ever buy a quilter's charm pack? They are five-inch squares of coordinated fabric for quilters. I have a sewing machine and I wish I had the time and patience to make a quilt because the fabric designs out there are crazy gorgeous.
However, I am guilty of buying charm packs. One of the ways I've used them is to make scented mug mats. Mug mats are coasters made from squares of fabric and filled with spices or potpourri. The idea is when a hot mug sits on the mat it helps release some of the scent into the air.
Spice Filled Scented Mug Mats
You can use the quilters squares or charm packs to make these but you can also make them out of any scrap fabric. Also, if you are a big fan of burlap I think they would look very nice with a stamped monogram.
This post contains some affiliate links (that means if you make a purchase after clicking a link, there's no additional cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
Materials Need to Make Mug Mats
- 2 - 5-inch squares of fabric (I used coordinated fabrics with a different top and bottom)
- approx. 1/4 c. of spices (I used allspice
, clove
and cinnamon chips
)
How To Make Scented Mug Mats
- Start by matching two 5 inch fabric squares together with the right sides facing each other.
- Sew a 1/4 inch seam around all four sides leaving a one- inch gap on one of the sides.
- Cut the corners and turn right side out.
- Fill them using a funnel about 1/4-1/3 full of the spices.
- Turn under the open edge and sew a border along the edge on all sides, enclosing the opening.
Mug Mat Filling Ideas
For the filling, I used allspice, cloves, and cinnamon sticks. Placed them in a bag and smashed them with a wooden mallet first.
Other spices you may want to add or try are star anise, nutmeg, bay leaves, peppercorn, cardamom, and coriander.
You can also buy cellulose fiber and scent it with fragrance oil blends or essential oils.
They are really quick and easy to make. If you don't have a sewing machine you can hand stitch them or try something like fabric glue
Place one in your family's stocking or wrap up a trio for a teacher, helper or friend.
I think it will be a valued and welcome fragrant gift to anyone on your list.
P.S. If you enjoy crafting with spices you may like these Pomander Spice Balls or these Spice Filled Pumpkins. You can find them and much more on my DIY Projects Page.
Scented Mug Mats: Beautiful Spiced Filled Handmade Gifts
Equipment
- sewing machine
Materials
- 2 - 5 " squares of fabric
- approx. 1/4 c. of spices
Instructions
- Start by matching two 5" fabric squares together with the right sides facing each other.
- Sew a 1/4" seam around all four sides leaving a 1" gap on one of the sides.
- Cut the corners and turn right side out.
- Fill them using a funnel about 1/4-1/3 full of the spices.
- Turn under the open edge and sew a border along the edge on all sides, enclosing the opening.
Lowetta
What happens to the spices/scents when you wash them? Eventually they will get dirty. Do they still have a scent? Or do you need to replace the spices?
Guessing hand wash-not machine wash?
Patti Estep
Lowetta, I'd spot wash them. However, you could also make a slightly smaller pouch out of muslin or cotton to fit inside the mug mat and remove it before washing. You would have to remove a few of the stitches to get it out and sew it back up again.
MrsSW
Hi Patti - so glad you posted these. I have just the fabric sitting on the table next to the sewing machine. I'm going to print a picture of your mats and hang it on the door so I won't forget about them ...again.
Dollar Tree for the spices is a great idea.
Thanks,
Sheila
Jessica
Will these sweat and mold the spices?
Patti Estep
I suppose it could but I have not noticed that problem.
Brooke
Do you think this would work ok with felt squares? I was thinking about embroidering a pretty snowflake design on the top part, but worry the felt may be too thick for the heat to spread the scent.
Patti Estep
Hi Brooke,
Though I haven't tried it, I think felt would work fine.
Laney Breau
Hi Patti I'm thinking of making these for resale at booth rental I have.
I have smashed up the cinnamon sticks (I had) , cloves, and added allspice! Do you recommend putting inside muslin bag or will they be alright just inserted inside fabric?
Thanks very much!
Patti Estep
Laney, I think putting them in muslin would be a nice touch especially if you are going to sell them. Also, I think it would depend on the fabric you use for the mug mats. If it's not sturdy enough some of the powder and bits from the spices could seep through.
Jamie
Where did you purchase your spices?
Patti Estep
Hi Jamie,
I typically buy stuff like that on Amazon or Atlantic Spice Co. If you're not making too many you can even try places like Dollar Tree or Big Lots for good prices.
Rebecca
I used to make these for a company years ago.Do you hire ppl to make these for a company.i would be interested in making these since I'm a stay at home mom.
Patti Estep
Hi Rebecca,
Currently I am not selling anything that I make on the blog. I am considering opening an Etsy shop in the future and will keep you in mind. This is something you may want to consider doing yourself. The cost is minimal and as I understand, pretty easy to set up.
Lee Deininger
So you don't have to do anything to the herbs, but smash them up and put them in the pouch? I bought one at a store, and it has a one-sided open layer on top of a front-an- back lined coaster in which they insert a spiced-filled muslin bag. You can take it out and use the coaster for cold drinks. It says you can taked the scented pouch out and wash/cold water and tumble dry it. Would this make the scent last longer or shorten it? Or I wonder why you would need to wash it.
Patti Estep
Hi Lee,
I guess if something got spilled on the mug mat you might want to wash it. The one you bought sounds very nice and I can see why they took that added effort to make a pouch that could be removed. I think someone else mentioned using a tea bag such as chai tea inside for an easy option. It's really up to you. I just made them simple and not for sale. The spices/herbs I used are pretty fragrant and when the heat hits them, even more so. Just a fun craft to use up my fabric stash.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
Patti
TrudieB
I've seen these made using spice tea, like Constant Comment, or Cinnamon Spice-- they smell divine when they are warmed up by a mug of hot tea. Thanks so much for the idea, I'm going to try my hand at these-- however I'm worse than you, seamstress-wise: I don't remember WHERE I put my sewing machine!!
Patti Estep
Hi Trudie,
The tea bag idea is kind of genius. Beats having to by all the individual ingredients. Especially if you have some that you love. I might use an extra layer of something just to make sure that don't bleed through if they got wet. And, don't worry the sewing is super simple, once you find you machine :).
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti
pamela
I have made these for years. Not sure why you would leave a 1" opening on all four sides?? Sew 3 sides , clip corners, turn, fill and top stitch the last side. done. If u want fancier when u top stitch sew lace around all sides.
Patti Estep
Hi Pamela,
Of course you are right. Duh, that was a typo and I thank you for pointing it out. Geesh. Thanks for the lace idea too.
Have a great weekend!
Patti