Folk Art Penny Rug

Fabric Requirements:

Notes:

• Unless indicated otherwise, all stitching is with one strand of embroidery floss.

Assembling the Project:

1. Use glue baste or pins to attach the 1" Circles on to the tip of the small Tongues, centering them.
2. Use two strands of floss, with a knot at the end, and a star stitch to secure the Circles. To make a star stitch, bring your needle up outside of the Circle so that it is in the middle of the Circle, much like cutting a pie. Bring the thread over the Circle, pushing the needle down next to the Circle. Bring the needle up midway on the left side of the Circle, pulling the thread over the Circle and down into the background next to the Circle. Your threads should form a + now. Continue by angling the stitches until they form a star. The thread should match in the center. Secure with a knot on the back.
3. Lay the small Tongues on the large Tongues, keeping the straight edge even and the same amount of room along the sides. Whipstitch (overcast stitch) the small Tongues with one strand of floss.
4. Put the finished units together with the remaining large Tongues. Blanket stitch around the outside edges with two strands of floss. Do not stitch the top edge.
5. On each Tongue unit, make a mark 1/4" from the edge of the straight side.
6. Pin the Tongues around the center circle so that they are evenly dispersed tucked 1/4" under the edge of the circle. Use the marks to keep them even.
7. With two strands of floss, blanket stitch the Circle to the Tongues, going through as many layers as you can. Hide knots on the back.
8. When the top is completely stitched, turn the mat over and lay the other Circle over the top, covering all of the raw edges and stitches. Whipstitch with two strands of floss, hiding knots inside.
9. Press with a pressing cloth and light steam when completed, allowing the mat to dry on the ironing board before moving.