Mug Cosy

Materials required:

Several pieces of contrasting woven fabric

Sewing thread

Sewing needle (large eye and sharp point)

Embroidery thread

Button (optional)

Ribbon

Scissors

Pen/pencil (to mark outline of shapes)

Template/ruler/Set square (to cut fabric shapes)

Uses:

Keep your cup of tea or coffee warm without the cup being too hot for your fingers!

You may choose either (a) or (b) for this project — or both, if you have time!

Remember when you are making the mug cosy that the broad end is at the top, and the narrow end is at the bottom, so that it fits snugly around the mug.

Instructions:

Cut a piece of felt according to the template — the template curves to follow the shape of the cup. The cosy should fit several types of cup/mug and can be secured with ribbon or a button. Make either (a) or (b) — or both if you are feeling adventurous! 

(a) Patchwork effect

Cut triangles (or other shapes) from the woven fabric. You may chose to hem around these in blanket stitch or running stitch, or leave the raw edges. Arrange the fabric shapes along the felt and then secure in position along the middle using running stitch.

Cut a length of ribbon to go on top of the fabric pieces and secure with blanket stitch. You can choose blanket stitch to match or contrast with the ribbon. The ribbon should be long enough to go right around the mug and tie in a bow to hold the cosy in place. Alternatively, make a loop with the ribbon and place a button on the other end.

(b) Embroidered mug cosy

Cut a piece of woven fabric to go on top of the felt, of a similar shape and size. Embroider the fabric (e.g. your name, “tea”, “coffee”, floral or geometric designs). Attach the embroidered fabric to the felt with running stitch or blanket stitch at the top and bottom edges. The two splashes of colour on the design below are dandelions printed on the fabric.

Cut two lengths of ribbon to be sewn at each end of the cosy so that they can be tied to form a bow. Alternatively, make a loop with the ribbon and place a button on the other end. 

Example text that can be used:

   

Coffee

Tea

Example symbols that could be used:

These symbols could mean:

• snowflake — cold drink
• wind — very hot, blow to make the drink cooler
• waves — water
• leaves — tea, herbal tea

You could choose your own symbols, or have a double-sided mug cosy - one side for coffee, the other for tea! You might want to embroider your name, or the name of a friend as a gift.