A Free Knitting Pattern by Liz Chandler @PurlsAndPixels ☕
There’s nothing quite like wrapping your hands around a warm cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa on a chilly morning. A cozy makes it even better by keeping your drink warm and your hands comfortable. This easy, beginner-friendly knitting project is a fun way to create something useful, and the best part is that one size fits most cups, including the ever-popular Stanley mug that kids and adults adore!
Free Chunky Knit Cup Cozy Pattern: Easy Beginner Knitting Project
This quick chunky knit cup cozy pattern knits up in less than an hour, making it perfect for beginners. Whether you’re crafting for yourself or making a last-minute handmade gift, this cozy coffee sleeve is a must-try!
🔗 Want more beginner-friendly patterns? Check out my free knitting tutorials and other cozy patterns!
Why Make This Coffee Cup Cozy?
Knitting should be fun and stress-free, and this cup cozy is a perfect beginner project. This kid-friendly project is simple, quick, and makes a useful little accessory for your favorite drinks. Whether you’re making one for yourself or as a gift, here’s why you’ll love this pattern:
🧶 Chunky Yarn for Fast Results: See your progress quickly and enjoy a soft, cozy finish. Thick yarn makes it extra warm and comfy to hold.
🪡 Only One Stitch: This pattern uses just the knit stitch, making it a great way to build confidence and practice knitting skills.
🎁 Easy to Use and Gift: Knit flat and secured with buttons, this cozy wraps around mugs with handles and fits a variety of cups. It’s a great project for all ages; you can knit one for yourself, a teacher, a parent, or a friend!
The Fastest Beginner-Friendly Mug Cozy Pattern
This cozy works up in less than an hour and uses minimal yarn, making it perfect for using up those leftover balls of chunky yarn. Whether you’re making a coffee sleeve for yourself or a thoughtful DIY gift, this pattern is beginner-friendly and satisfyingly quick.
Essential Skills for Your Mug Cozy
For this simple coffee cup sleeve, you’ll need to know how to:
- Cast on
- Turn your work
- Make a knit stitch
- Bind off
- Weave in loose ends
- Sew on a button
If you need help, there are instructions and video tutorials here on PurlsAndPixels for every step you’ll take.
Materials for Your Chunky Cup Cozy
Knitting Needles
Long Circular Needles
- 36-inch (91 cm) long US No. 13 (9 mm) circular needle (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Or Straight Needles
- 9-inch (23 cm) long US No. 13 (9 mm) straight needles (or size needed to obtain gauge) (or size needed to obtain gauge)
Yarn
One 87-yard (5-ounce) skein of super-bulky (No. 6) yarn* (shown in Wool Ease Thick & Quick by Lion Brand Yarn “Carousel”), in your choice of color).
- One cozy uses approximately 17.4 yards (1 oz.)
*Weights estimated with Wool Ease Thick & Quick by Lion Brand Yarn; other yarn weights may vary.
Notions
- Darning needle
- Scissors
- Measuring tape
- Three (3) buttons (approximately 3/4 inch [19 mm] size works best)
- A sewing needle
- Color-coordinated sewing thread
Gauge
12 stitches x 15 rows = 4 x 4 inches in Stockinette Stitch on No. 13 (9.0 mm) needles. (Learn how to check your gauge here.)
Abbreviations
k = knit
Instructions: Chunky Knit Cup Cozy Pattern
(3 inches (7.62 cm) x 9 inches (22.86 cm) or desired length)
Instructions: Use the long tail cast on. Knit flat, turning after each row.
Row 1: With two strands held together, cast on 8 stitches. (8 stitches) Turn.
Rows 2 – 38: k 8. (8 stitches) Turn. [Work should measure approximately 9 inches (22.86 cm) long at this point. For extra-wide cups, knit a few more rows before binding off.]
Row 39: Bind off loosely.
Cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch (20.32-cm) tail, and pull through. Weave in ends. Block if desired.
Attach three buttons to one end of the cozy: one at the top, bottom, and center of the edge. Ensure your buttons are properly sized so they can use the natural holes in the knitting as buttonholes.
Embellish with decorative touches if desired.
Print the Free Chunky Cup Cozy Knitting Pattern
Printable Chunky Cup Cozy pattern PDF by Liz @PurlsAndPixels
Pro Tips for Perfect Coffee Cup Cozies
- Choose the Right Yarn: Chunky or super bulky yarn works best for a warm, cushy feel and quick knitting. Wool blends add extra insulation and grip the cups a bit better than very smooth acrylics.
- Use Sturdy Buttons: Since this cozy fastens around the cup handle, pick buttons that are large enough to stay secure but easy to fasten and unfasten.
- Test the Fit: Before weaving in your ends, wrap the cozy around different cups to ensure a snug but not too-tight fit.
- Make it Gift-Ready: Pair it with a bag of coffee or box of tea for an easy, thoughtful present. Bonus points if you customize the cozy with a fun button or embroidery!
- Make It Washable: Coffee spills happen! Use machine-washable yarn so your cozy stays fresh and clean with minimal effort.
Why Knitters Love This Pattern
- Perfect for beginner knitters
- Quick 15-minute project
- Ideal handmade gift for hot beverage lovers
- Minimal yarn requirements
- Customizable to any mug size
2025, Liz Chandler of PurlsAndPixels.
This pattern is for personal use, gifting, and charitable donation of completed items. You may also sell handmade items created using this pattern. Do not copy this pattern and distribute it. If you’d like to share the pattern, refer your friends to my website, purlsandpixels.com so they may obtain a copy.
If you find any errors or have any questions, email purlsandpixels@gmail.com and I will do my best to help.
I’d love to see your finished work! Tag your photos with @PurlsAndPixels on Twitter or Instagram.
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