This might be a sill question but what should I use to protect a mugrug from spills and staining?

I use iron on vinyl.

oops

I always tell people that mug rugs are not coasters. Coasters need a good water barrier. Further, water can wick through any hole that the needle has made, so even with a water barrier, water can wick through the edging if it is satin stitched or bound with fabric. (Speaking from experience here.) When I do make coasters, I use the table cloth vynal that has fabric on the back that I get at Joann's. You can put the vynal so the cloth side is out, or so that the vynal side is out. It won't matter. Everyone seems to prefer the cloth side out. I throw coasters in the wash and dryer at a medium heat. I can throw the mug rugs in the dryer too, but I like to lay them flat to dry.

Scotch Guard will help block stains, but may reduce the ability to absorb liquid. Just experiment with the differnent combinations of techinques to see what works best for you and your materials.

I use fabric for mine, for my daughter who drinks coffee I used a brown fabric so it doesn't show up the drips they wash up well.

The best way..... don't use them he he good luck

I tried covering a few with Vinyl but was not happy with them. I like the ones made with cotton fabric that can be washed much better. I don't think it is any different than washing your hotpads or placemats. If you are worried about shrinkage just let them air dry. Unless the people using them are very messy people they don't have to be washed every time they are used.

2 comments

by bevintex 23 May 2016

If they are that messy they probably don't use them in the first place.

by sewist1 23 May 2016

LOL.

plastic is what i use and it works wonderful and is cheap***

try Scotch Guard. It's the product which is used on lounge suits etc to protect the fabric. You may still wash your mugrug, then spay it again if you need to.

I have used the vinyl tablecloth as well as a piece of batting on the inside making sure the vinyl is the last piece next to the bottom. It prevents moisture from seeping through.

3 comments

by Sewmum1 22 May 2016

I can see how that would work well to protect the table. good idea and the top still looks nice

by Smokey12 23 May 2016

I will have to try this. You have the batting to absorb and no moisture going through. Thank you for this idea. Hugs.

by Leaha 23 May 2016

Your are welcome Smokey12

Lots of good suggestions..but for me, I make them out of cotton and a double layer of cotton batting...I use Warm & Natural...and I treat them just like placemats and quilts...when they need to be laundered, I throw them in the washing machine and then the dryer...they come out good as new....I usually make them a tad bit bigger than a "normal" coaster to allow for a bit of shrinkage...I use them for anything on the table from coffee to wine to coctails...you wash every thing else...why not these...

1 comment

by Sewmum1 22 May 2016

I like your thinking, making them a bit bigger. Yes I am happy to wash mine as soon as they get dirty but I know a few people that would like them but would expect to use them with little to no cleaning! eeewww!

I made a set early on and cover them with clear vinyl. The hardest part is getting the vinyl on without shifting. I think the washable is better as a couple pieces have gotten a little gnarly over the years.

2 comments

by Sewmum1 22 May 2016

Thank you. Love the cute set you made. Does the vinyl melt with the heat from a hot cup or plate?

by cfidl 23 May 2016

I did not try a plate, however it did fine with hot chocolate.

Water beads on the vinyl or plastic. I just use my felt or fabric and batting. I have had to wash a couple and I just threw them in the washer and dryer. One did need pressing after the dryer but I don't prewash fabric.

2 comments

by crafter2243 22 May 2016

That is what I do. I use cotton and batting. Washes just fine and may sometimes need a little ironing

by Sewmum1 22 May 2016

I didn't really think about the water beading on vinyl. Looks like I may have to make these and give instructions to wash and dry as soon as they get dirty

I always make mine out of felt

2 comments

by Sewmum1 22 May 2016

How does that hold up to washing?

by mrskiki 23 May 2016

You can't wash craft felt.

I have always wondered if coaster and/or mug rugs that are made from vinyl, in plastic, etc don't let the condensation roll right off onto the table. Can anyone answer this? I always make mine with fabric that does absorb the water & wash well. Coffee may stain, but if you run cold water over it right away, rarely do I have a stain.

1 comment

by Sewmum1 22 May 2016

thank you. Some people I plan to make these for can be a bit lazy so may not wash them right away. I worry about mould issue too if they get damp and not washed straight away

I haven't tried this, but you could try spraying with Scotch Guard fabric protector. It's a water repellant, so any spills would just roll off, not soak in.

1 comment

by Sewmum1 edited 22 May 2016

that is a good idea, I hadn't thought of that one. I wonder if that stays in after several washings

I have used clear vinyl and have even used plain colored vinyl table cloths to make coasters out of......it is a heavy duty vinyl that is actually made for tablecloths and you can stitch right on it and put some batting in between front & back for some body.....I have also used plain colored faux leather with a cotton batting in between the front and back and I stitch right on the faux leather......then they just wipe off...
Hope this helps......

3 comments

by Sewmum1 22 May 2016

Thank you. I hadn't even thought of making them out of the faux leather or vinyl. That would look good on a mans mug rug especially. Good thinking with the batting too. A good way to use up some of my quilting scraps

by momac 23 May 2016

Thank you Vicki for the great idea, I have made them out of material and they wash well.

by tonilee 31 May 2016

question, do you use a regular needle?