purlJam

# Mother's Day Mug Cozy

A thoughtful handmade gift perfect for Mother's Day! This simple mug cozy wraps around a standard coffee mug to keep hands comfortable while enjoying a hot beverage. Knit flat in stockinette stitch with a decorative button closure, this beginner-friendly project works up quickly and can be personalized with embroidery or embellishments.

**Finished Measurements:**
- Width: 4 inches (10 cm) 
- Length: 9 inches (23 cm) - to fit mug with approximately 10-11 inch circumference

## MATERIALS

**Yarn:** Worsted weight yarn, approximately 60 yards (55 m)
- Sample shown uses 1 skein of worsted weight cotton or acrylic blend
- Suggested yarns: Cascade 220, Lion Brand Vanna's Choice, or similar

**Needles:** US 8 (5 mm) straight needles, or size needed to obtain gauge

**Notions:**
- 1 button, ¾ inch (2 cm) diameter
- Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
- Scissors
- Optional: embroidery needle and yarn for adding decorative details

**Gauge:**
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches (10 cm) in stockinette stitch

*Gauge is important for proper fit. Take time to check your gauge and adjust needle size if necessary.*

## ABBREVIATIONS
- CO = cast on
- k = knit
- p = purl
- RS = right side
- WS = wrong side
- yo = yarn over
- k2tog = knit 2 stitches together
- BO = bind off
- st(s) = stitch(es)

## PATTERN NOTES

- This cozy is knit flat from side to side, creating a rectangular piece that wraps around the mug.
- The buttonhole is worked on Row 27, positioning it at the center of the cozy.
- Stockinette stitch naturally curls at the edges; the button closure will hold the cozy snugly around the mug.
- For a less curly edge, you may substitute garter stitch (knit every row) throughout the pattern.
- The cozy fits snugly when new; it will relax slightly with use.

## INSTRUCTIONS

**Cast On**
CO 18 sts.

**Setup Row (WS):** Purl all sts.

**Body**
Work in stockinette stitch as follows:

*Row 1 (RS):* Knit all sts.
*Row 2 (WS):* Purl all sts.

Repeat Rows 1-2 until you have completed 26 rows total from cast on (13 ridges on RS).

[MATH CHECK: 26 rows completed, 28 more rows needed to reach 54 total]

**Buttonhole Row**
*Row 27 (RS):* K7, BO 4 sts (3 sts remain on right needle after bind off, plus the 7 sts already worked = 10 sts remain), k7. (14 sts remain; 4 sts bound off)

[MATH CHECK: 7 + 4 (bound off) + 7 = 18 sts ✓]

*Row 28 (WS):* P7, CO 4 sts using backward loop cast on, p7. (18 sts)

[MATH CHECK: 7 + 4 (cast on) + 7 = 18 sts ✓]

**Continue Body**
Continue in stockinette stitch (k on RS, p on WS) for 26 more rows.

[MATH CHECK: 28 rows completed + 26 rows = 54 rows total ✓]

You should have 54 rows total from cast on (27 ridges on RS).

[MATH CHECK: 54 rows ÷ 24 rows per 4 inches = 2.25 × 4 = 9 inches ✓]

**Bind Off**
BO all sts knitwise on next RS row.

## FINISHING

1. **Weave in ends:** Use tapestry needle to weave in all yarn tails on the wrong side of work.

2. **Block (optional):** Lightly steam block or wet block the piece to even out stitches. Lay flat to dry. Do not over-block or the piece will lose its elasticity.

3. **Attach button:** 
   - Wrap the cozy around your mug to determine exact button placement
   - The button should be positioned on the opposite end from the buttonhole, on the RIGHT SIDE of the fabric
   - Mark the spot with a pin
   - Sew button securely using yarn or thread
   - Test the fit before trimming thread

4. **Optional embellishments:**
   - Embroider a small heart using duplicate stitch in the center of the cozy
   - Use a contrasting color to embroider "MOM" or "LOVE" 
   - Add a small decorative tag or charm
   - Stitch a simple flower motif using lazy daisy stitch

## CARE INSTRUCTIONS

Hand wash in cool water with mild soap. Lay flat to dry. If using cotton or acrylic yarn, the cozy is machine washable on gentle cycle (place in mesh bag), but hand washing is recommended to preserve shape and button attachment.

## CUSTOMIZATION IDEAS

**Different sizes:**
- For larger travel mugs: CO 22 sts and work for 66 rows (11 inches long)
- For smaller cups: CO 16 sts and work for 42 rows (7 inches long)

**Color variations:**
- Use Mom's favorite color
- Work in stripes by changing colors every 4-6 rows
- Use variegated yarn for visual interest without extra work

**Alternative stitch patterns for adventurous beginners:**
- Garter stitch (knit every row) for a textured, non-curling fabric
- Seed stitch (k1, p1 on RS; p1, k1 on WS) for a bumpy texture

## GIFT PRESENTATION

Slip the finished cozy onto a new mug filled with Mom's favorite tea or coffee, wrap in tissue paper, and tie with a ribbon. Include a handwritten note about keeping her hands cozy and her heart warm!

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**Design Notes:** This pattern is designed for beginning knitters comfortable with knit and purl stitches. The simple construction and small size make it perfect for practicing gauge, buttonholes, and finishing techniques.

**Yarn Amount:** This project uses approximately 60 yards, making it perfect for using up partial skeins from your stash.

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*Pattern © 2024. For personal use only. Please do not reproduce for commercial sale.*