Materials & tools you'll need

Worsted weight yarn (acrylic blend) — a scrap from your stash works well, or any standard acrylic worsted yarn · 5mm crochet hook (a Red Heart hook is preferred for its deeper hook, which some find smoother for stitch retrieval) · Scissors · Yarn or tapestry needle, for weaving in ends · A coffee mug to size the cozy against (standard size shown; adaptable to larger mugs)

Skill level: Intermediate. Uses US crochet terms — double crochet (dc), front post double crochet (FPdc), back post double crochet (BPdc).

Step 1 — Start the foundation

Make a slip knot and chain 14 stitches. Double crochet into the third chain from the hook, then continue double crocheting across the remaining chains to complete the first row. This row sets the width of your mug cozy rectangle.

Step 2 — Establish the basket weave pattern

Chain two and turn. Double crochet into the first two stitches. Work front post double crochet (FPdc) into the next four stitches, then back post double crochet (BPdc) into the following four stitches. Repeat this FPdc/BPdc block once more — four stitches each — then finish the row with a double crochet into the last two stitches. This alternating block pattern is what creates the woven, basket-like texture.

Step 3 — Repeat the pattern block

Repeat the row from Step 2 to build a nine-row repeat, then work through the same repeat three times over. As you continue, begin finishing rows with a single double crochet in the last stitch instead of two — this makes turning your work easier heading into the final rows. Keep repeating the pattern block for a total of 16 rows (15 visible, since the first row disappears into the FPdc stitches above it).

Step 4 — Seam the cozy closed

Fold your finished rectangle so you have an open end and a closed fabric end. Insert your hook into the first stitch from the yarn side and pull the loop through to begin binding the two sides together. Slip stitch into the first stitch on each side, then work along the next eight stitches of the basket weave pattern, slip stitching only one side at a time without fully securing them yet. Finish by reattaching both sides for the remaining eight stitches, working through both layers together, then complete one final chain stitch, pull it tight, and trim. Tie off to the initial tail and weave in all remaining ends.

Step 5 — Add the drawstring and finish

Turn the cozy right-side out, leaving an open gap for the mug handle to poke through. To make the drawstring, chain 60 stitches, then weave the chain through the stitches along the top edge of the cozy. Slip the cozy onto your mug, pull the drawstring snug, and tie it into a bow to finish. Your basket weave mug cozy is ready to keep your coffee — and your hands — cozy.

Frequently asked questions

What size is the finished basket weave mug cozy?
The cozy's exact dimensions will vary depending on the size of your coffee mug, but working the pattern as written gives a standard-size rectangle of approximately 7 inches by 5 inches before seaming.

How does the adjustable drawstring work on the mug cozy?
After seaming the cozy and turning it right-side out, chain 60 stitches and weave the chain through the stitches along the top edge of the cozy. Pull the ends to cinch it snugly around your mug and tie them in a bow to finish.

Will this cozy fit a larger coffee mug?
Yes. While a standard coffee mug is used in the tutorial, the basket weave rectangle can be sized up to accommodate larger mugs — simply work a few extra repeats of the pattern block to add length before seaming.

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