Another year is over-and-done-with and a bright, shiny new one is ready to go. I can't wait! I always make really broad new year's resolutions so that I usually accomplish at least one. One thing I want to make sure to do this coming year is more giving on ye olde blog. I'm going to post more free tutorials and patterns, (I've been hoarding a few in hopes of selling them in my etsy store but I figure it's way more fun to have people stop by my blog to see them for free instead!) and I want to do a couple giveaways here and there. I feel silly sometimes because every year I mean to do a "blogiverssary" post and give something away in celebration, but I end up missing it every time. Come this next July my blog will be 4 and darn it I'm going to celebrate! This thing is by far the longest running project I've ever done and I love it so much! Anywho, on to the start of my new year's resolution, a mug cozy tutorial for you all!
Crocheted Mug Cozy Pattern
Fits the common "souvenir" style mug, 3 inches in diameter and 3 3/4 inches tall with straight sides. Makes 4.

Skill Level: Intermediate: Knowledge of basic stitches and crochet in the round is needed.
Materials:
US size I9/5.5mm hook
1 Skein Bernat Softee Chunky in Natural
4 1-inch mismatched vintage buttons
Gauge:
3 rows of 5 dc = aprox. 1 1/2 inch square
Begin with an adjustable loop, the tutorial for which can be found at this website.
Row 1: Chain (ch) 2, this will always count as the first stitch. Crochet 11 double crochet (dc) into the loop, join last stitch to beginning chain stitch with a slip stitch (slst), and tighten the loop. (12 dc)
Row 2: Ch 2. 2dc in each dc, join with a slst. (24 dc)
Row 3: Ch 2. *2dc in first dc, 1 dc in next.* Repeat from * until end of row, join with a slst. (36 dc)
Row 4: Ch 1. Single crochet (sc) in each stitch around, join with a slst. (36 sc)
Row 5: Ch 2. Dc in the back loop only of each stitch around, join with a slst. (36 dc)
Row 6: Ch 2, turn. Dc in next 33 stitches. Do not join. (34 dc)
Rows 7-8: Repeat row 6. (34 dc)
Row 9: Ch 2, turn. Dc in next 33 stitches. (34 dc) Chain 9 and attach the end of the chain to the bottom of the dc with a ss. This will create the loop for the button closure.
Row 10: Slst. Remove hook from yarn and insert it thru the front top of the last dc. Draw yarn loop through top of stitch. For decorative edging: *sc in first dc, ch1, slst in next dc.* Repeat from * until end of row.
Bind off and weave in ends. Sew a button to the corner opposite the loop. Use mismatched buttons to help tell the mugs apart.
And just a reminder, the original set of cozies is up for sale in my etsy shop if you don't feel like making any. ^_~
If you have found this or any of my other free patterns useful and would like to help me keep creating them I accept PayPal donations!