Mug Rug

Kathy Johnson Art

Mug Rug
a Slow Stitch Textile Workshop

Combine slow stitching, fabric pieces, and trims
to create a one-of-a-kind mini rug for your favorite mug filled with your favorite hot beverage

In this 2-day live Zoom workshop you will:

Explore the relaxing meditative process of slow stitching.
Learn techniques for arranging fabric pieces into a pleasing collage before stitching.
Explore different stitch patterns and how to incorporate them into your design
Receive a class kit that includes all the fabric pieces you'll need.
Get a digital handout with instructions and resources.
Learn how to tea stain and color thread and small bits of fabric for future projects.
Enjoy a bonus gift - my three favorite biscotti recipes!

This live Zoom workshop is open to all skill levels and will take place on Tuesday, March 11th (2.5 hours) and Tuesday, March 25th (1.5 hours). If you can’t attend live, don’t worry! You’ll have access to the class recordings for one year.

Using the fabrics in your class kit (with the option to incorporate pieces from your own stash), you'll create a small textile collage, stitching it entirely by hand—no sewing machine needed. I'll guide you through each step, demonstrating a variety of stitch patterns to enhance your design. With hands-on practice and live demonstrations, you'll build the skills and confidence to continue stitching between sessions and long after the class ends.

Day 1
You'll begin by experimenting with different fabric arrangements to create your collage. Once you’ve settled on a design, you’ll baste (temporarily attach) the fabric pieces to the backing fabric using thread or a glue stick. From there, you’ll choose your stitch patterns and start stitching everything in place. I’ll guide you through the process of attaching the back piece to complete your Mug Rug. You’ll also receive a digital copy of the instructions for future reference. We’ll wrap up the session with time for you to continue stitching at your own pace.

You can create a square mug rug or a rectangular one with room for a cookie or two!

Day 2
On our final class day, we'll get together for a show-and-tell session where you can share your stitching progress or your finished piece. I'll demonstrate how to stain thread and small pieces of fabric with tea and paint for those times when white just won't do and you may only need a small amount. To further inspire your slow stitching journey, I’ll also introduce you to some of my favorite books on the subject. We’ll finish the class with a final Q&A.

Class kit includes:

6 x 9 white fabric as a base for stitching the fabric pieces to.
2 skeins white* embroidery floss (*tea stained for the rust color kit)
6 x 9 white* fabric for the back (*tea stained for the rust color kit)
Multiple pieces of fabric in a variety of colors - you choose from available combinations when you register.* Preview here.
Thread for basting fabric pieces in place before stitching
2 embroidery needles
1 needle threader
A photo with a sample arrangement that can be followed (There is more than enough fabric in each kit if you prefer to create your own arrangment.)

What you'll need to supply:

Scissors
Ruler - a clear quilting ruler is helpful but not required
Straight pins to hold fabric in place
Washable glue stick (Elmer's is a good choice) for alternative basting method - optional
Circle templates - optional
Erasable pen (Pilot Frixion is the brand I use most often) - optional
Feel free to supplement the kit with your own additional fabric pieces, trims and different thread colors.

*The class kits are made from my own fabric stash which is a mix of repurposed clothing, household linens, dyed cloth, and other textile treasures found at thrift stores and flea markets.

2025 Workshop Dates

two week session
Tuesday, March 11th 1:00PM - 3:30PM ET
&
Tuesday, March 25th 1:00PM - 2:30PM ET

Registration has closed

Cost of shipping the class kit to US addresses is included.
You’ll receive the class confirmation email within 24 hours of your registration.

A link to the Zoom recordings will be provided after each class and will remain accessible for one year.
Since recordings are available to all registered participants, refunds will not be issued.

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