Easy Mug Rugs Free Crochet Pattern

Follow the Colorwork Fun Blog Hop

My latest obsession? Mug rugs, but not just any mug rugs. These little squares pack a punch with texture, color, and even a touch of magic. I call this set “Embrace the Elements,” and each of the crochet mug rug patterns represents one of the four elements: Earth, Water, Air, and Fire. And trust me, they’re so much cooler than regular coasters!

Think cozy nights in with a warm drink and candles aglow. Think a tapestry crochet project that’s easier than it looks (promise!). And definitely think gifts – because who wouldn’t want a mug rug that channels their inner fire (or water, or earth, or air)? This works for your zodiac sign crochet projects too! Check out the image below to match the star sign of the intended recipient, with their element. So that you can personalize a set of crochet mug rugs, just for them!

Mug Rugs make quick projects that are great for last-minute gifting! This is an easy crochet pattern with written instructions, that uses basic stitches. And Crochet Coasters are fun patterns to use up that leftover yarn in your yarn stash too! Do you really need more reasons to give these ‘Embrace the Elements’ free mug rug crochet patterns a try? I don’t think so! Let’s get crocheting!

DISCLOSURE: This post may contain affiliate links. These allow me to make a small percentage from any purchase you may make, but do not affect the price you pay in any way. You can read all the details here –>  Privacy Policy.

Tapestry Crochet vs Intarsia vs Mosaic Crochet

Are you colorwork curious?

Mosaic crochet and tapestry crochet are both fantastic techniques for creating stunning multicolored projects. However, they achieve their vibrant results in distinct ways.

Tapestry crochet, sometimes known as jacquard crochet, involves juggling 2 or more yarn colors at once. With Tapestry, you hold your active color and carry the unused colors along the back of your work, switching back and forth between those colors to create a pattern or image. In Tapestry, usually the working color is worked around the carried yarn. This method allows for a vast array of colors in a single row and intricate, detailed patterns.

Intarsia crochet, is similar to Tapestry Crochet in that it involves working with multiple colors of yarn with in each row. With Intasia colors are typically in larger blocks of color. What makes Intarsia stand out from tapestry, you work each color section with a separate ball of yarn, rather than carrying the different yarns along.

Mosaic crochet, on the other hand, utilizes a single yarn per row. The magic lies in strategically placing single crochets and double crochets to create the illusion of multiple colors within a row. This technique is perfect for geometric patterns, typically using a maximum of two colors per row. The result is a beautiful, textured effect.

Mosaic, Intarsia, and tapestry crochet might sound like a tangled mess of yarn at first. But fear not! Let’s ditch the overwhelm and get our hooks working some magic together. Join us on the CAL – we’ll create a stunning Moonrise Mountain piece that will teach you step-by-step, how to learn tapestry crochet.

Crochet ‘Embrace the Elements’ Coasters Pattern!

Y’all know by now that I’m a self professed indoorsy nature lover. Because I am kinda obsessed with nature and the natural world, I have created many related crochet patterns and pattern collections. Like my Nature Lover Pattern Round-up, and my Moonrise Mountain Tapestry Wall Hanging, Odin the Owl Ami, Hestia the No-Sew Ami Hedgehog, Mystical Mushroom Dice Bag patterns; and of course my whole zodiac round up series! 

And I’m gettin more and more obsessed with the versatility of Tapestry Crochet! I love it so much and can go down rabbit holes for hours on etsy and ravelry, just looking at Tapestry Crochet Patterns! So I really wanted to do another pattern using this super fun, crochet technique! And even better than that? This pattern is part of an awesome Colorwork Fun blog hop! So you can find even more free patterns to add to your crochet queue!

Haven’t tried Tapestry Crochet yet? Check out my Unicorn Coffee Cozy Free Pattern to try your hand at a small project and easy pattern, using Tapestry Crochet! The pattern includes written instructions, plus a video showing how I do my color changes for tapestry crochet, and how to carry the contrast color along.

‘Embrace the Elements’ FREE Crochet Mug Rug Patterns

This mug rug crochet pattern set of 4, is a fun way to add some gorgeous spiritual vibes around your home. And they’re a fun little project to practice your color changing and the tapestry crochet technique! Each symbol is specifically related to one of the four element symbols we use in our world. 

🔥 Fire Symbol (△) 

• Element: Fire
• Traits: Heat, energy, passion, transformation, creativity, courage, ambition
• Associations: Sun, summer, south

💧 Water Symbol (▽)

• Element: Water
• Traits: Flow, adaptability, emotion, intuition, purification, healing, reflection
• Associations: Moon, autumn, west

💨 Air Symbol (🜁)

• Element: Air
• Traits: Intellect, communication, knowledge, freedom, change, movement, perception
• Associations: East

🌱 Earth Symbol (🜃)

• Element: Earth
• Traits: Stability, grounding, growth, fertility, strength, security, patience
• Associations: North

Please note: This is based on the traditional alchemical signs, and how I like to express them. These associations can vary depending on the specific tradition or cultural context.

 You can join the fun here on my blog, and you can share your projects on Ravelry and in our Facebook Group if you like! We have so much fun sharing our WIPs in there!

Crochet Some Elemental Mug Rugs

I can’t think of a more fun way to learn tapestry crochet, and create something amazing to use in your home! Can you? The pattern may be rated intermediate, but the stitches couldn’t be more simple. Single Crochet all the way, and a slip stitch border! I kept the pattern simple by only using 2 colors for each mug rug coaster. 

This free crochet pattern is written in a very simple manner too. The color and then number of stitches are listed, making it easy to keep track of where you’re at on any row! If you prefer to work with a color chart or colorblock directions, you may want to pick up the Premium Pattern PDF version which includes both of those!

The Colorwork Fun Blog Hop runs from July 1 to 22, 2024. 

More details about the Colorwork Fun Blog Hop, can be found below.

What is your favorite way to relax and crochet? I love to listen to an audiobook while I crochet, or watch the latest movie on Amazon Prime! During the summer I often find myself crocheting outside while the kids swim and play. I think one of my favorite things about crocheting is that you can pick up your project and take it anywhere with you!!

Need some help with the stitches? I provide photo tutorials within the pattern to help you with the included techniques and more! I am always happy to help you with any questions you may have! Don’t crochet yet? I’d love to help you Learn to Crochet with my fun Crochet Tutorials!

Like Free Patterns?

Then make sure you check out my most blog post that lists my most popular Free Patterns of 2023!!
Want to see even more? You can find all of my other Free Crochet Patterns <<– Right here!! 😀

Fab Crochet Mug Rug Patterns Testers!

I am so incredibly lucky to have such amazing pattern testers!! They all worked super hard, creating their stunning alchemy elements mug rugs and provided me with excellent feedback about these crochet mug rug patterns! I so greatly appreciative of their help getting this pattern ready for you!

It’s so amazing for me to get to see the projects y’all crochet with my designs! My fabulous testers are such an important part of creating the highest quality pattern for y’all! Check out their amazing tapestry crochet mug rugs my testers created with this pattern, below!

Thank you so much for testing the Embrace the Elements Tapestry Crochet Mug Rug Patterns Klarisse Torres, Laura Friloux, Mary Cilento, Asia Wicht, Judith Painter, Loretta McDonald, Michelle Klosterman, Mary Dredge, and Nicolle Watts.

Make your Crocheted Mug Rugs!

Materials:

• YARN: Paintbox Cotton Aran (Light) Worsted Weight 4 yarn, (100% cotton, 1.7 oz/50 g, 93 yds/85 m)
• Sample Colors: Paper White, Marine Blue, Pansy Purple, Lime Green, Red Wine
• TOTAL YARDAGE: 40-50 yds per Mug Rug  
• MC (Main/Background Color): 30 – 40 yds
• CC (Contrast/Symbol Color): 10 – 20 yds
• HOOK: US G/6 4.0/4.25 mm
• Yarn needle, Scissors

Finished Size:  5.75” tall x 5.5” wide

Gauge: 16 rows sc x 19 sc = 4” x 4” square

Gauge is not very important.

Experience Level: Intermediate

Pattern Key:

st(s) – stitch(es)

ch(s) – chain(s)

sc – single crochet

MC – Main Color (Background/Color)

CC – Contrast Color (Symbol/White)

Learn Tapestry Crochet Tutorials:

Tapestry Color Changes: To change colors from MC to CC, complete the number of stitches in MC indicated by the pattern, stopping at the last stitch. For the last sc of MC, insert hook and pull up a loop as usual. Drop the MC and pick up the CC yarn, yo and pull through both loops on the hook with CC, to complete the sc st. Repeat the process for each color change.

NOTES:

1. Read through the entire pattern first.
2. This tapestry crochet pattern is worked back and forth in rows. Carry the non-working along throughout the tapestry, crocheting around non-working yarn
3. Try to keep an even tension. Blocking is highly recommended
4. Odd rows are Right side (RS). Even rows are Wrong side (WS).
5. Chart is worked from bottom to top. Work Right to Left on odd rows (RS), and Left to Right on even rows (WS). This will be reversed if you are left handed
6. Instead of a beginning chain 1, pull up the working loop when creating 1st st of each row. This creates an edge for your tapestry that is straight and more even.
7. Pattern instructions are written with the color MC/CC in parentheses followed by the number of stitches in that color. The rows are all worked single crochet. Ex. (MC) x 4, (CC) x 12, (MC) x 4, = 4 sc in Main, 12 sc in Contrast, 4 sc in Main.
8. This pattern is FREE to view and read on my website ONLY, and has been thoroughly tech edited. Please feel free to share any comments or ask any questions you may have! I welcome your feedback!!
9. If you would like a downloadable, ad-free PDF of the pattern, you may purchase from one of my shops linked in this post for a small fee.
10. This post and all it contains including the pattern and photographs are my intellectual property and copyright protected property of GreenFoxFarms LLC © 2024. You are welcome to make as many bags as you like to sell, giveaway, etc. You may NOT sell, copy, or alter and claim as your own this pattern. You may not use my photographs. This pattern is not for mass production.
11. If you want to share this pattern online, you must only share a link to my blog post. You may not copy and paste my text or the pattern to another site. Thank you for respecting my work.
12. By using this pattern, you are agreeing to abide by these terms.

Elements Mug Rugs on the Colorwork Fun Blog Hop!

I’m so excited to share that my new Embrace the Elements Tapestry Crochet Mug Rug Patterns are featured on the Colorwork Fun Blog Hop! Melanie from Simply Melanie Jane has put together an amazing Event to help you learn and practice various crochet colorwork techniques! 

The Colorwork Fun Blog hop features a new Crochet Pattern each day from July 1 – 22, 2024, except Sundays. Patterns are Free to Download, for 24 hours only. Missed a few days? Never fear! You can also grab a copy of the Colorwork Fun Pattern Bundle, for a limited time only! Details below.

THE FREE DOWNLOAD DAY FOR EMBRACE THE ELEMENTS CROCHET MUG RUG PATTERNS HAS PASSED. The patterns are FREE to view on my blog. Find the FREE Pattern below Happy Hooking! 💜

Simplify with the COLORWORK FUN BUNDLE

🌈  If you would rather not have to visit each day and hop from blog to blog, if you need all the colorwork patterns right now to learn and practice new techniques, gift making, and/or something NEW to crochet! You can grab all the patterns right now, NO WAITING, NO visiting the blog every day, for a deeply discounted price! 🌈

🌈 Get 22 Colorful Crochet Patterns RIGHT NOW!

🌈 SAVE over 90% off retail – pay less than $0.60 per pattern!

🌈 SUPPORT your favorite independent crochet designers (like me!)

🌈 DON’T Miss a single pattern – you can get them all TODAY!

🌈 LIMITED TIME ONLY! Get your Bundle TODAY!

Pattern Release Details:

The Embrace the Elements Tapestry Crochet Mug Rug Patterns is now available for purchase in my Ravelry and Etsy Shops! The written pattern is FREE here on my blog, OR you can purchase the ad-free, printer friendly, PDF copy that includes a full tapestry crochet charts, and colorblock directions, for a couple of dollars. It would make my day if you would visit and save the pattern on your favorite venue, which helps my patterns get seen by more people! Thanks so much for your continued support!! Just click the buttons below to find the premium pattern PDF including the full learn tapestry crochet chart and Patterns available for purchase!

Don’t crochet? I would love to help you Learn to Crochet with my fun Crochet Tutorials! 

Do you love discounts? How about specials, exclusive sneak peeks, and giveaways? If so, you want to join my VIP List and/or Facebook Community where you can find all of those things AND a special coupon to use on patterns in my Etsy or Ravelry shop! In addition, my VIPs are the first to hear about new pattern releases, sales (some are exclusive to the group/list), CALs (crochet alongs) and lots of fun crochet discussions!

Handmade Coasters Make Great Gifts!

Looking for another easy crochet project to make even more coasters? They make the perfect gifts!

Try the Sweet Stripes Coasters Pattern next!

EMBRACE THE ELEMENTS MUG RUGS:

Pattern Directions:

USING G/6 4.0 MM HOOK

WATER OR FIRE SYMBOL MUG RUG:

• MC = Marine Blue or Red Wine CC = Paper White
• Carry the non-working yarn throughout design, working around it for each stitch.
• Odd Rows are RS (Right Side), Even Rows are WS (Wrong Side). You may want to mark the RS around Row 3 or 5 to make it easier to keep track while working.
• ← and → indicate the direction each row will be worked.
• Do NOT ch 1 at the beginning of each row.

Begin with MC, ch 27 working 1st st of Row 1 into 2nd ch from hook.

← Row 1 [RS]: (MC) x 26

→ Row 2 [WS]: (MC) x 26

← Row 3 [RS]: (MC) x 12, (CC) x 2, (MC) x 12

→ Row 4 [WS]: (MC) x 11, (CC) x 4, (MC) x 11

← Row 5 [RS]: (MC) x 10, (CC) x 6, (MC) x 10

→ Row 6 [WS]: (MC) x 10, (CC) x 6, (MC) x 10

← Row 7 [RS]: (MC) x 9, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 2, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 9

→ Row 8 [WS]: (MC) x 9, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 2, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 9

← Row 9 [RS]: (MC) x 8, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 4, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 8

→ Row 10 [WS]: (MC) x 8, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 4, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 8

← Row 11 [RS]: (MC) x 7, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 6, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 7

→ Row 12 [WS]: (MC) x 7, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 6, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 7

← Row 13 [RS]: (MC) x 6, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 8, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 6

→ Row 14 [WS]: (MC) x 6, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 8, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 6

← Row 15 [RS]: (MC) x 5, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 10, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 5

→ Row 16 [WS]: (MC) x 5, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 10, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 5

← Row 17 [RS]: (MC) x 4, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 12, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 4

→ Row 18 [WS]: (MC) x 4, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 12, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 4

← Row 19 [RS]: (MC) x 3, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 14, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 3

→ Row 20 [WS]: (MC) x 3, (CC) x 20, (MC) x 3

← Row 21 [RS]: (MC) x 3, (CC) x 20, (MC) x 3

→ Row 22 [WS]: (MC) x 3, (CC) x 20, (MC) x 3

← Row 23 [RS]: (MC) x 26

→ Row 24 [WS]: (MC) x 26

Total: (MC) x 468, (CC) x 156 – Do not cut MC. Continue with border below.

EARTH OR AIR SYMBOL MUG RUG:

USING G/6 4.0 MM HOOK

• MC = Lime Green or Pansy Purple CC = Paper White
• Carry the non-working yarn throughout design, working around it for each stitch.
• Odd Rows are RS (Right Side), Even Rows are WS (Wrong Side).  You may want to mark the RS around Row 3 or 5 to make it easier to keep track while working.
• ← and → indicate the direction each row will be worked.
• Do NOT ch 1 at the beginning of each row.

Begin with MC, ch 27 working 1st st of Row 1 into 2nd ch from hook.

← Row 1 [RS]: (MC) x 26

→ Row 2 [WS]: (MC) x 26

← Row 3 [RS]: (MC) x 12, (CC) x 2, (MC) x 12

→ Row 4 [WS]: (MC) x 11, (CC) x 4, (MC) x 11

← Row 5 [RS]: (MC) x 10, (CC) x 6, (MC) x 10

→ Row 6 [WS]: (MC) x 10, (CC) x 6, (MC) x 10

← Row 7 [RS]: (MC) x 9, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 2, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 9

→ Row 8 [WS]: (MC) x 9, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 2, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 9

← Row 9 [RS]: (MC) x 8, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 4, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 8

→ Row 10 [WS]: (MC) x 8, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 4, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 8

← Row 11 [RS]: (MC) x 3, (CC) x 20, (MC) x 3

→ Row 12 [WS]: (MC) x 3, (CC) x 20, (MC) x 3

← Row 13 [RS]: (MC) x 3, (CC) x 20, (MC) x 3

→ Row 14 [WS]: (MC) x 6, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 8, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 6

← Row 15 [RS]: (MC) x 5, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 10, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 5

→ Row 16 [WS]: (MC) x 5, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 10, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 5

← Row 17 [RS]: (MC) x 4, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 12, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 4

→ Row 18 [WS]: (MC) x 4, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 12, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 4

← Row 19 [RS]: (MC) x 3, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 14, (CC) x 3, (MC) x 3

→ Row 20 [WS]: (MC) x 3, (CC) x 20, (MC) x 3

← Row 21 [RS]: (MC) x 3, (CC) x 20, (MC) x 3

→ Row 22 [WS]: (MC) x 3, (CC) x 20, (MC) x 3

← Row 23 [RS]: (MC) x 26

→ Row 24 [WS]: (MC) x 26

Total: (MC) x 426, (CC) x 198 – Do not cut MC. Continue with border below.

Finishing Mug Rugs:

MUG RUG BORDER: 

Side 1: Ch 1, turn to RS, working along Row 24 of square, sl st in each st across, ch 1 at corner. Side 1: (Ch-1, 26 sl st).

Side 2: Rotate, working down side of square, 24 sl st spaced evenly down side, ch 1 at corner. Side 2: (Ch-1, 24 sl st).

Side 3: Rotate, working along beginning chain of square, 26 sl st in each st across, ch 1 at corner. Side 3: (Ch-1, 26 sl st).

Side 4: Rotate, working up side of square, 24 sl st spaced evenly up side, ch 1 at corner, sl st to join to 1st sl st of border (not a stitch). Side 4: (Ch-1, 24 sl st).

Total: (4 ch-1 sp, 100 sl st). FO and weave in ends! Grab your fave beverage and enjoy!

Please Share our Own Set of Coasters!

I hope you enjoy this set of free crochet mug rug patterns, as much I enjoyed creating it for you! I would love to see your gorgeous projects on Ravelry and social media! Please tag me in your photos so I can see what you’ve made! I simply love getting to see the amazing projects y’all have made with my patterns! It’s the reason I do what I do!! (Plus the yarn benefits don’t hurt either!! 😝)

If you enjoyed this easy crochet mug rug pattern, and you would like to see more Free Crochet Patterns (<– like these) going forward, please help me grow by sharing Blog Post ❤️ and subscribe to my newsletter!!! You’ll be the first to hear about future new pattern releases. You can use the social media buttons below the post to easily share! Thank you so much for your amazing support!  If you have any questions or need assistance with the pattern, feel free to contact me or leave a comment on the blog. I would love to help!

You may also enjoy these posts: