A cozy is the little handmade detail that turns a warm cup into an experience. It keeps your hands comfortable, gives your takeout cup personality, and makes a great small gift or shop item. Below are five stylish, usable, and fully worked cup cozy patterns — each with materials, stitch abbreviations, step-by-step instructions, finishing tips, and variation ideas. Every cozy is written to fit most 12–16 oz cups; I include simple notes for resizing and for buttoned vs slip-on versions.

All patterns use US terms. If you want UK conversions, say the word and I’ll convert them for you.

Quick notes before you stitch

• Yarn: worsted weight (#4) is ideal for cozy durability and structure. Cotton or cotton blends are best because they don’t melt if a hot cup sweats and they’re machine-washable. Acrylic is fine but not ideal around hot liquids.
• Hook: 4.0 mm (G) is a good starting point. Swap to 3.5 mm for a denser fabric or 4.5 mm for a looser one.
• Finished size target: Designed for standard takeaway cups: circumference ~9.5–10.5″ (measure your cup); height ~2.5–3.0″ (covering the hot zone). Patterns give instructions to adjust.
• Fastenings: Buttons, snaps, or a slip-on tube style are options. For reusable travel mugs you may prefer a tube (no button) to slide the cozy on. For single-use cups, a button strap is handy.
• Gauge isn’t critical, but tighter stitches give sturdier cozies. If your cozy feels too floppy, go down one hook size.

Abbreviations (US)
ch = chain
sc = single crochet
hdc = half double crochet
dc = double crochet
tr = treble crochet
sl st = slip stitch
st(s) = stitch(es)
sk = skip
rep = repeat
FP = front post, BP = back post (e.g., FPdc, BPdc)
sp = space

1. Crochet Basketweave Cup Cozy Pattern

A timeless textured cozy that looks artisan and fits comfortably in the hand. The basketweave uses front-post/back-post stitches for a deep woven texture.

Skill: Intermediate (post stitches)
Materials

• Worsted weight cotton yarn (approx. 40–60 yds)
• Hook 4.0 mm (G) — use 3.5 mm for denser fabric
• 1 button (12–15 mm) if making a strap closure
• Tapestry needle, scissors

Finished size (pattern): Circumference ~9.5–10″, Height ~3″ (fits most 12–16 oz cups)

Stitch notes (basketweave)

Basketweave is made with blocks of FPdc and BPdc (front post / back post double crochet). Typical repeat: 4 FPdc, 4 BPdc across.

Step-by-step (tube cozy — slip on)

Foundation row — measure & chain

1. Measure your cup circumference. Standard: 9.5–10″. Make a foundation chain that matches that circumference. Example: with worsted yarn and 4 mm hook, chain 27–30. (If you want to be precise: make a small chain swatch and measure stitches per inch.) Join with sl st to form a loop, being careful not to twist.

Round 1 — base round
2. Ch 2 (counts as leading hdc), hdc in each chain around; join with sl st to top of ch-2. This evens the edge.

Set up for basketweave
3. Round 2: ch 2 (does not count as stitch), FPdc around next 4 sts, BPdc around next 4 sts repeat around; join. (If your stitch count is not a multiple of 8, adjust 1–3 stitches at the end with sc to make the round work without a gap.)

Repeat rounds
4. Rounds 3–8 (or to desired height): Repeat Round 2. Work until cozy reaches ~3″ tall (or your chosen height). The FP/BP rounds stack to produce the woven texture.

Finish
5. Last round: ch 1, sc around (one round of sc tidies the top edge). Fasten off and weave in ends.

Optional strap (buttoned closure)

• If you prefer a button closure instead of a slip-on tube:
  1. Work the cozy flat by chaining the circumference + 1 and turning to work rows in pattern (instead of joining rounds). Work basketweave rows until desired height.
  2. On one short edge, ch 10 for strap, sc back across strap (3 rows), then sew strap to opposite edge, overlapping enough that when buttoned it fits snugly. Sew button on opposite side. Reinforce with extra stitching.

Finishing tips & variations

• For a rustic look use two strands of fingering held together (creates thicker fabric).
• Color block: switch colors after every 2 rounds for stacked stripes.
• Lining: add a felt circle base for decor cozies or a thin fabric lining for extra insulation.

2. Crochet Wheat Stitch Pumpkin Cup Cozy Pattern

A cozy with a warm textured motif inspired by wheat and fall pumpkins — uses the wheat stitch (also called the knit-like stitch) for a squishy, ribby effect and a twisted stem detail.

Skill: Intermediate (wheat stitch familiarity helpful)
Materials

• Worsted cotton yarn — main color (pumpkin orange) ~50 yds; contrast green for stem ~10 yds.
• Hook 4.0 mm
• 1 small button for stem tab or make as slip-on

Finished size (pattern): Circumference ~9–10″, Height ~3″

Stitch notes (wheat stitch)

Wheat stitch is made by repeating [hdc in next st, ch1] and worked in alternating rows to create a knitlike texture. Another common method uses sc and dc chained clusters. Here we’ll use hdc-based wheat stitch.

Step-by-step (button strap version with stem)

Foundation

1. Chain 28 (adjust to cup circumference) + 1 extra ch for turning. Work flat: Row 1: hdc in 3rd ch from hook and across (28 hdc). Turn.

Row 2 (wheat setup)
2. Ch 1, hdc in next st, ch 1 across, turn.
3. Row 3: ch 1, skip ch-1 space, (hdc, ch 1) in next st across. The alternating pattern creates tiny vertical ribs. Repeat Rows 2–3 until piece measures ~3″ high.

Finishing & strap
4. For a buttoned cozy, finish with one row of sc across both short ends to create a neat edge. Fold piece to bring short edges together. Sew one short edge to the other along side (or leave unsewn and make strap). On the opposite short edge add a small strap: ch 8, sc back across to make 2–3 rows, then sl st to attach to cozy. Sew a small green crocheted stem (MR 6 sc, 3–4 rounds to create a stub) and stitch at top of strap; sew a button on the front to fasten strap over stem.

Slip-on variant

• Instead of strap, join edges permanently to make a tube cozy that slips on.

Variation ideas

• Add embroidered pumpkin ribs: using dark brown yarn, run vertical lines from top to bottom (6–8 evenly spaced) to mimic pumpkin segments.
• Make a double-layer cozy by crocheting two rectangles, slipstitching them together leaving a small gap, then turning inside out—this hides raw edges and adds insulation.

3. Crochet Twisted Cup Cozy Pattern

An elegant, modern cozy featuring a central twisted cable (created by front-post stitches) that looks like a hand-knit twist — great for sophisticated gifts.

Skill: Intermediate (post stitches and a little shaping)
Materials

• Worsted cotton yarn ~50 yds
• Hook 4.0 mm
• 1 medium button (optional)

Finished size: Circumference ~9.5–10″, Height ~2.75–3″

Stitch notes (twist/cable using post stitches)

We’ll create a central twist by working FPdc/BPdc crosses which visually twist the ribs.

Step-by-step (flat panel, button closure)

Foundation

1. Chain 34 (or your measured number for circumference) + 1. Turn. Row 1: hdc in 3rd ch from hook and across (34 hdc). Turn.

Row 2 (setup)
2. Ch 2 (counts as hdc), hdc in next 6 sts, FPdc around next 2 sts, BPdc around previous 2 sts (or cross as desired), hdc across to end. The key is to identify a 4-st central panel where the twist will be created. Repeat row 2 for one or two rows to set fabric.

Create the twist
3. To create the visual twist you’ll do a front-post cross: For example, on the central 4 sts (sts 15–18), work FPdc around st 17, FPdc around st 16 (crossing the posts) — this creates a left-leaning twist. On subsequent row reverse the cross for a balanced look: BPdc crosses. Repeat crossing every 2–3 rows until panel length reaches cozy height.

Complete panel
4. Continue working hdc across non-twist areas so the twist sits centered on a field of hdc. When length = ~3″, finish with 2 rows of sc for neat edges.

Finishing
5. Add a strap: fold rectangle so ends meet; stitch one short side to create tube OR leave seam open and add a strap and button on opposing edges. Button on one side and a loop on the other: ch 6 for loop, sc back across to make strap, sew.

Tips & variations

• For a chunkier twist, work the twist over 6 posts (bigger cable).
• Try contrasting color for the twist only (work twist column in a different yarn and carry floats inside — or break yarn and rejoin).
• Make a matching hat or mug cozy set using the same twist motif.

4. Crochet Fall Leaf Cup Cozy Pattern

A seasonal, decorative cozy with crocheted leaf motifs worked as appliqués across a neutral background. Leaves are quick and have great visual interest.

Skill: Beginner → Intermediate (appliqué & sewn attachment)
Materials

• Worsted cotton yarn — main background color ~40 yds, three leaf colors (gold, rust, olive) small amounts.
• Hook 4.0 mm
• Tapestry needle, optional buttons or tiny beads for accents.

Finished size: Circumference ~9–10″, Height ~2.75–3″

Leaf motif (make 3–6 leaves)

Small leaf pattern (approx. 1.5–2″)

1. Ch 6. Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook, hdc in next, dc in next, tr in next (peak), then dc, hdc, sc down the other side in remaining chains. Sl st to finish. Fasten off. You’ve made a pointed leaf with a center peak.
2. For a fuller leaf, work an extra row of shells: ch 1, turn, sc in each st across, then at tip make 3 dc cluster and return. Block to shape.

Vein detail (optional)

• Using a contrasting thread and tapestry needle, stitch a single chain line down the center of leaf.

Cozy body (simple textured rectangle)

Foundation

1. Chain 30 (adjust for circumference) +1. Row 1: sc across to end. Turn. Work even sc rows until piece ~3″ high.

Attach leaves
2. Arrange leaves staggered across the rectangle (3 leaves for minimal look; 5–6 for fuller garland). Use long tails to sew leaves to front by stitching through the base only so petal tips remain free (gives 3D look). Add a bead or French knot in center of each leaf if desired.

Finish
3. Fold rectangle, sew short ends together for a tube OR add strap/button if you prefer. Weave ends.

Variation & styling

• For a wrap cozy, add a narrow strap that wraps and buttons on front to look like a twig tying the leaves.
• For an autumn market set, make multiple leaf colors and tie a small jute tag to each cozy with a note: “Handmade: Keep warm.”

5. Crochet Dancing Sheep Cup Cozy Pattern

A whimsical cozy with tiny sheep appliqués — perfect for gifts, kids’ cups, or shops. Sheep are cute, fast, and can be worked in a continuous strip and sewn on.

Skill: Beginner (appliqué + simple embroidery)
Materials

• Worsted cotton yarn: background ~40 yds (neutral), sheep body small amount of white, face & legs black/brown small amount.
• Hook 4.0 mm
• Tapestry needle, optional small safety eyes for non–children’s decor.

Sheep motif (make 3–5 tiny sheep)
Body (puff / bobble look)

1. MR, ch 1, 6 sc in MR (6). R2: ch 1, inc around — 12 sc. R3: sc, inc around — 18 sc. Fasten off leaving tail. For a fluffy body, work a round of 6–8 puff stitches around the ring: yarn over, insert, pull up loop, repeat 4 times then finish puff. This makes a bumpy woolly texture.

Head & legs
2. Head: in black yarn MR, 6 sc, 2 rounds sc (leave tail). Sew head to front of body.
3. Legs: make 4 tiny legs by chaining 3 and sc back (or make four small rectangular sc stitches) and attach at bottom of body. Optionally add embroidered eyes or small felt circles.

Cozy body

Strip base

1. Chain 34 +1, Row 1: hdc across (34 hdc). Work 6–8 rows of hdc for a squishy fabric. This background will show sheep dancing across the middle band.

Attach sheep
2. Arrange sheep in a line: sew them securely to the band, leaving a small loop of yarn at top of sheep to suggest bouncing. You can add embroidery lines like musical notes or small flowers between sheep for atmosphere.

Finish
3. Fold and seam short ends to make tube cozy. Add a small strap if desired (ch 8, sc back for 2 rows) with a button for a snug fit.

Variations & gift packaging

• Make a set of four cozies with different background colors and present them in a little gift box.
• For a kids’ cup, add a ribbon loop top and a wooden tag with the child’s name crocheted or embroidered.

Conclusion

• Resizing quickly: To increase circumference, add 2–4 chains to foundation chain or increase row count in flat panels. For exact fit, measure cup, make a chain swatch to calculate stitches per inch, then multiply.
• Care & washing: Cotton cozies are machine washable on gentle; air dry to avoid shrinking. If you use buttons, remove or hand-wash to protect fastenings.
• Stability: If your cozy will be used with hot liquids regularly, add a thin fabric lining or a circle of insulated felt inside to protect the yarn from direct contact with heat condensation and to increase insulation.
• Presentation: For gifts, wrap cozy around a reusable cup or a mug and tie with twine and a tag (“Handmade Cozy — hand wash cold”).

Conclusion

A crochet cup cozy is a small project that pays big dividends: quick to make, endlessly customizable, and instantly useful. Choose the textured Basketweave for a classic look, the Wheat Stitch Pumpkin for cozy autumn vibes, the Twisted Cozy for a modern, elegant touch, the Fall Leaf as a seasonal accent, or the Dancing Sheep for playful charm. Make a set in different colors for friends, or match cozies to mugs for a charming market item.