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 the 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.
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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 right sides facing each other.
- Sew a 1/4 inch seam around all four sides leaving a one- inch gap on one of the of 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.
pamela says
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 says
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
TrudieB says
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 says
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
Lee Deininger says
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 says
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
Rebecca says
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 says
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.
Jamie says
Where did you purchase your spices?
Patti Estep says
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.
Brooke says
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 says
Hi Brooke,
Though I haven’t tried it, I think felt would work fine.
Laney Breau says
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 says
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.