Have you ever wondered what to do with the socks whose mates were lost in the time/space vortex known as the dryer? Well, if you’re all stocked up on hand puppets, rice heating pads and dusting supplies, I have an idea I think you’ll love.
This coffee mug cozy requires no knitting, sewing or, um, skills, so it’s perfect mama’s that skipped Home Ec. (I’m still kicking myself for that, btw.)
Not only will it keep your coffee, tea, hot cocoa or bone broth warm longer, it will do it while delivering what the potami like to call hand snuggles. If you’re not familiar with this phrase, it’s the highly technical term for protecting your hands from the hot cup while giving you warm fuzzies. You can see why I’m excited about this, right?
Now, here’s the best part
Not only is it ridiculously easy and inexpensive, it makes a great gift. Pair it with a stainless steel mug (if they don’t already have one), bulletproof coffee or organic chai tea. You might even spring for a new sock, because you love them that much.
And if you’re feeling especially crafty, you could include a batch of homemade hot chocolate mix . . .
or masala chai mix. (There’s a link to the label template used in the photograph above in the post.)
How To Make A Travel Mug Cozy From An Old Sock
Materials:
- Scissors
- Sock (preferably a long one)
- Fabric glue, iron-on seam tape, or a needle and thread
Step 1: Measure the section of your travel mug/coffee cup that you want the cozy to cover. Add one inch to your measurement. I actually added a little more because I wanted the cozy to be a little scrunchy.
Step 2: Cut the top section of the sock (that would normally cover your ankle and calf) to fit the measurement. If the lower section (that would normally cover your foot/toes) is long, you may want to set it aside to make a cozy for a short mug or cup. (Instructions below)
Step 3: Turn the sock inside out and fold down one inch of the cut edge. Secure the seam by gluing, ironing, or sewing it into place. If you use fabric glue, I recommend spreading the glue before you fold the edge over, then placing a heavy book over the sock while it dries. I left mine in place for about an hour.
Step 4: Turn sock right side out and fit onto your mug.
How To Make A Coffee Mug Cozy From An Old Sock
Follow steps one through four above, then cut a slit in the sock make room for the handle. After cutting, trim away any frayed edges and apply a thin layer of fabric glue to prevent future fraying. As long as just a little is used it will be invisible when it dries.
This is what it will look like when it’s done.
Step 6: Sew on a few decorative buttons if desired.
Care instructions:
Dry clean only. Just kidding. It’s a sock – wash and dry as needed.
This is a cool idea! Thanks!! I am also trying to reach someone on your staff. I purchase the Natural cleaning e-book last night but couldn’t get the file open on my ipad. Could someone please check your e-mails and resend to me at my other e-mail address. thanks.
Hi Cathy, glad you like the post! You should be getting a new download link soon.
Absolutely brilliant idea! From now until Christmas I’m going to ever-so-slightly hoping that a sock goes missing so I can turn it’s lonely mate into a Christmas present 😀
Actually… I might buy some new socks to make some… only because using an old sock icks me out a little lol!
Glad to hear I’m not the only one kicking myself for missing home-ec classes in school btw. I would love to turn back time on that one!
This is a great idea! Thank you for sharing!
How did you know I had a pile of socks just waiting for this project ; )
Oh my goodness, so great, I’ve been pondering this one as of late!!!! I do a very similar thing, but over 8oz mason jars for my son to drink from! I don’t cut the bottom off, but just slip the cushy sock (preferred, as it adds padding) over the mason jar and fold down. I might trim them now!
🙂
Great minds think alike — I posted a tutorial for these today! I love the travel mug idea!
I love the sock you chose! So colorful 🙂
We could pick up Festive and Seasonal socks from, let’s say, the Dollar Store and make the cozies for any holiday! Thanksgiving, Chistmas, Valentines, even Birhdays! Thanks!
Bummer. We are moving and I just threw away my last mateless sock. I have a ceramic cup that the sleeve has gone missing…I’ll keep this in mind..or maybe lose a sock on purpose.
Hi Heather!
I’m currently working on a roundup post highlighting sweater upcycle DIYs for Apartment Therapy and am reaching out to see if it is ok to use one image from your post with proper credit and a link back to the original post?
Please let me know and I look forward to hearing from you!
Hi Cat, yes you can use a photo with a link back. 🙂
This is a great project. My tea always goes cold on me so I’m going to make some of these. Great idea for Xmas gift with some specialty to go with it. Looking forward to more projects thank you.