How to Sew a Mug Cozy

Learn how to sew a mug cozy for the perfect fall accessory. Use quilting cotton for an easy beginner sewing project that makes a great handmade gift!

There are lots of things I love about the Fall and colder weather, but one of my joys is drinking a hot drink from a mug. I switch around with lots of different kinds of drinks, but there’s something so cozy and special about holding a warm mug in my cold hands and smelling the wafting steam of my drink.

Sometimes I’m working or reading while I drink from a hot mug, and the heat dissipates too quickly. I made a simple mug cozy to put around any of my mugs to help keep it warm for longer, and I’ll show you how to make your own mug cozy! It’s such a fun beginner sewing project, and you can get the free sewing pattern at the end of the post!

I used a really pretty fall print that I enjoy every time I see it. It’s a muted pink with little scattered fall leaves all over it. It looks really good against the large wooden button.

I can’t wait to use it throughout the fall, and I’ll probably make another mug cozy for the holidays and winter.

What fabric should I use for a mug cozy?

The best fabric to use for a mug cozy is cotton fabric like quilting cotton. It is easy to sew, easy to wash, and it does well with both hot and cold.

How should I insulate a mug cozy?

Make sure to use some sort of batting in between the fabric layers to give extra insulation. There are lots of different kinds of batting with varying degrees of warmth. I went with some fusible fleece I had on hand to make it easier, but do the research to find what’s best for you.

Don’t place the mug cozy in the microwave, unless you’ve specifically used the right materials. You could ruin your microwave and mug cozy if you aren’t careful!

What is a PDF sewing pattern?

A PDF pattern is a sewing pattern designed on the computer and organized so that it can be printed on several letter or A4 size pieces of paper.

I love using PDF sewing patterns because if the pattern gets ruined or if my children or I changed sizes, I can always print it again. It’ll never be destroyed since I have a digital version!

How do you use a PDF sewing pattern?

Open the PDF on a computer and click print. When printing make sure that the scaling is set to 100% or no scaling so that the pattern prints at the correct size.

Once the pattern is printed it can be taped together to get the full size. Then the pattern can be cut for each pattern piece size or individual sizes can be traced so that the pattern can be used again and again. Learn how to use PDF sewing patterns.

Do you love to sew? Try one of these sewing projects:

Supplies

Free mug cozy sewing pattern – get it at the end of the post
Scraps of coordinating quilting cotton
6 inches of 1/4 inch or 1/8 inch elastic
Large button
Mug (Isn’t this “Make it Sew” the cutest sewing mug?)
Scrap of fusible interfacing
Scrap of fusible fleece
Sewing tools
Sewing machine

Do you just want the pattern and tutorial as a PDF? Get the pattern and tutorial for just $5. You won’t need to access the internet every time you want to make it. Or get the Pattern Bundle with ALL the PDF tutorials!

First, measure the circumference of your mug. I used a standard mug so you can use my measurement, 10 inches, if you have a similar standard mug.

Measure the height of your mug. Mine was almost 4 inches tall.

Add 1/4 inch seam allowance to your measurements. Cut out two fabric rectangles, one fusible fleece rectangle, and one interfacing rectangle. I cut my rectangles 11 inches wide and 3 inches tall. I wish I would have cut them slightly wider and slightly taller like 11.5 inches wide and 3.5 inches tall.

cut out two rectangles of fabric, one interfacing rectangle, and one fusible fleece rectangle

Fuse the interfacing to one fabric rectangle and the fusible fleece to the other fabric rectangle.

fuse interfacing and fusible fleece to fabric

Cut the elastic to 3 inches. Fold it in half and pin it to one short end of a fabric rectangle. Baste it in place 1/8 inch from the edge.

pin elastic to short end of one rectangle

Place the two fabric rectangles right sides together matching up corners and edges and pin.

Sew around the edge with a 1/4 inch seam allowance and leave a 2 inch hole for turning. Pivot at the corners and backstitch when you start and when you stop.

Trim the corners to reduce the bulk.

Turn it right side out and poke out the corners. Press the mug cozy flat. Make sure that the seam allowance at the hole is tucked inside when you press.