Chunky Sedge Stitch Mug Rug Free Crochet Pattern

Introduction

This chunky sedge stitch mug rug is the perfect little project for anyone who wants a quick, satisfying win—whether you've just learned single and double crochet or you're a seasoned maker looking for a fast gift. The modified sedge stitch creates a dense, bumpy, beautifully textured fabric with tiny eyelets, so it protects your desk from hot mugs and condensation while looking far more intricate than it is. Worked in a softly variegated terracotta, cream, and ochre worsted yarn, it has a warm bohemian feel, and a narrow deep teal single-crochet border frames it like a little piece of art. It works up in under an hour, feels sturdy and soft in the hand, and sits perfectly flat at 7 by 5 inches.

Materials Needed

• Yarn: Worsted weight (4) acrylic-cotton blend. Color A (variegated terracotta/cream/ochre): 60 yd (55 m). Color B (solid deep teal): 15 yd (14 m).
• Hook: 5.0 mm (H/8) crochet hook.
• Notions: Tapestry needle for weaving in ends, scissors, a few stitch markers (optional), and a spray bottle or steamer for blocking.
• Finished size: 7 in (18 cm) wide x 5 in (13 cm) tall after light blocking.

Abbreviations

• ch – chain: yarn over and pull through the loop on your hook.
• sc – single crochet: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over, pull through both loops.
• dc – double crochet: yarn over, insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull up a loop, yarn over and pull through two loops, yarn over and pull through the last two loops.
• sk – skip: leave the next stitch or chain unworked.
• sp – space: the gap made by a chain (here, the ch-1 space).
• st(s) – stitch(es).
• sl st – slip stitch: insert hook in stitch, yarn over, pull through both the stitch and the loop on your hook.
• rep – repeat.
• R / Rnd – row / round.

Gauge

14 sts x 8 rows = 4 in (10 cm) in modified sedge stitch. To check it, crochet a small swatch in pattern, lay it flat, and measure the middle of the fabric with a ruler—if you have more stitches than 14 in 4 inches, go up a hook size; if fewer, go down.

Tips Before You Start

• Mind the group, not the stitch: Each sedge group is worked as [sc, ch 1, dc] into the same stitch or space. Count groups (9 per row), not individual stitches, to stay on track.
• Keep the ch-1 loose: A relaxed chain keeps the eyelets visible and the fabric flat; a tight chain makes the rug pucker.
• Turn consistently: The ch 1 at the start of each row does not count as a stitch—don't work into it, or your edges will grow.
• Let the variegation work for you: Don't try to match color repeats; the random terracotta, cream, and ochre pooling is part of the charm.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Body (Color A)

Note: Modified sedge stitch = [sc, ch 1, dc] in the same st/sp. Each row begins with ch 1 (does not count as a st) and ends with sc in the last st.

Set-up: With Color A, ch 26.

R1: [sc, ch 1, dc] in 2nd ch from hook, sk 2 ch, *[sc, ch 1, dc] in next ch, sk 2 ch; rep from * to last ch, sc in last ch (9 sedge groups, 1 sc).

R2: Ch 1, turn, [sc, ch 1, dc] in first sc, *[sc, ch 1, dc] in next ch-1 sp, sk 2 sts; rep from * to last sp, sc in last st (9 sedge groups, 1 sc).

R3–10: Rep R2 (9 sedge groups, 1 sc per row).

Finish: Fasten off Color A.

Border (Color B)

Join: Join Color B with a sl st in any corner.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc evenly around the entire perimeter, working 3 sc in each corner; join with sl st to first sc. Fasten off Color B.

Assembly and Finishing

This mug rug is worked in one piece, so there is no seaming—just finishing. Weave in all ends on the wrong side with your tapestry needle, threading each tail back and forth through a few stitches so it won't work loose. Block lightly to 7 x 5 in (18 x 13 cm): mist the rug with water or steam it, pat it flat into a rectangle with straight sides and gently squared corners, and let it dry completely. Light blocking opens the sedge texture and makes the teal border sit crisp and even.

Pro Tips and Variations

• Make a set: Chain 38 instead of 26 for a wider 10-inch mat, or work more rows for a taller rug—just add 3 chains per extra sedge group.
• Change the border: Swap the single crochet round for a crab stitch (reverse single crochet) edge for a chunkier, rope-like frame.
• Use up scraps: Work each row in a different scrap color for a striped bohemian look, or choose a solid neutral body with a bright border for a modern kitchen vibe.