Pattern | Simple Cup Cozy (and color work)

A while back I posted the pattern and tutorial for my Dimple Stripe Cup Cozy. Earlier this year I started to make more basic cup cozies so that they could be modified with embroidery and color work, and be a bit less feminine.  I've been walking around with my first one (not pictured) for a while now, and this weekend I got stopped by two women that wanted to know how to make it - this was a sign that it's time to update the blog with this particular pattern. So here it is, another free cup cozy pattern and tutorial!

I love how the knitted 'v' looks like a heart

These make really great little gifts, and are also great stash busters! They fit on regular coffee shop cups, as well as slim personal cups and travel mugs.



I've wanted to try color work for a while, and this weekend I finally did. I knew a cup cozy would be a great place to start because it's so small and quick. This pattern was also on my mind because of the first person who stopped me to ask about it... If you haven't done color knitting before, I suggest this video and this video, both from VeryPink Knits. Both were really helpful to me.

I will give the basic pattern first, and then follow with notes on the color work.


SIMPLE CUP COZY

These can be worked flat and seamed up the side (see photos from the Dimple Stripe Cup Cozy) or worked in the round on double pointed needles (DPNs). I worked the one pictured in the round.


MATERIALS
Worsted weight yarn, less than 25g - I am using leftover Quince & Co. Lark in Peacock (main), Moss, and Chanterelle
4.5mm needles, either four DPNs or a set of straight needles (I suggest bamboo or wood)
Yarn/tapestry needle for weaving in ends

METHOD
Cast on 36 stitches - I like to use the Twisted German Cast-on, but a standard knitted cast on works fine, too.
R 1-4,   2x2 rib in all rounds/rows
R 5-16(17*),   stockinet stitch - knitting every row if in the round; knitting a row than purling a row if working flat.
R 17-20 (18-21*),   2x2 rib in all rounds/rows
Cast off. Weave in ends.

*If you are adding color rows you will do an extra row of knitted stitches to even things out.


ADDING COLOR
For color knitting as above, follow the chart below. "o" = main color, "x" = color one, "z" = color two. The pattern is worked right to left, bottom to top, and repeated until the end of the row/round.

R 10, 14         o o o o
R 9, 13           o o z o
R 8, 12, 16,    o o o o
R 7, 11, 15 ,   x o o o

After row 16, complete one more round of stockinette for row/round 17. Rows/rounds 18-21 will be in 2x2 rib.

After casting off, weave in the ends of your color work - additionally I secured them with a little knot, but you need to be careful not to tug the yarn tight - and weave in the ends of your main color. Trim off the excess and turn right-side-out. Your cozy is ready to use!!

Here are some photos for further reference:

here you can see the colors inside the tube

... and more inside the tube...

inside-out with end woven in and knotted off

middle/main section, inside-out

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments below or reach out to me on social media!    I am on Facebook and Instagram.  I would also love to see how your projects turn out, so please tag them with {hashtag}WorkingYarns.

This pattern is not to be copied and sold. If you'd like to share it, please provide a link to this page from your site. You are, however, welcome to sell items that you make using this pattern. 

Thank you for reading! Enjoy!

Stephanie