The Less-Than-1-Hour Coffee Cozy For Busy, Crafty Moms

Every fall I start to get the itch to knit. The weather is getting cooler, holiday season is around the corner, and honestly knitting is a cozy project that I enjoy so much. When I was a kid, I would watch my memere knit project after project. She would sit in her rocker next to the large bay window overlooking her beautiful backyard. There were bird feeders teeming with all types of birds – chickadees, blue jays, cardinals, yellow finch, and even the not-so-occasional squirrel. The second she spotted the squirrel looting the birdseed, she would quickly set down her knitting and walk outside to grab the hose and spray the squirrel – yelling at it to “get down from there” in her French-Canadian accent. That memory still makes me laugh. While knitting and watching birds, she would also have the television on “her shows”. She could very easily watch her shows without even looking at what she was knitting. I didn’t realize how difficult that was until I began knitting myself. (Truth be told, I still can’t do it!) One day I asked her if she would teach me how to knit. I wanted to be able to create the beautiful things she was creating. She first taught me how to cast on, then how to knit, and then how to purl. I made a long “scarf”. Admittedly, I gave up knitting until adulthood; long after she had passed away. I had to watch some YouTube videos to refresh my memory, but it was just like riding a bike. I am forever grateful to my memere for teaching me this craft that connects me to her. Every time I pick up a set of needles and a ball of yarn, I think of her. I can see her face and hands and hear her voice just like it was yesterday. For me, knitting has become a creative outlet. When life is stressful and busy (when isn’t it?) I love being able to dive into a pattern for a project that I’ve made a hundred times, or a brand new pattern. It calms my soul and connects me to my memere. Sometimes we all just need our grandmothers. Bonus when I get to talk to her in my dreams.

Below is a free pattern I’ve created for busy moms who want a quick, easy knitted project. It only uses one type of stitch – the knit stitch, and knits up in less than one hour. This coffee cozy makes a great gift for the coffee and tea lovers in your life. I hope that as you knit this project you stop and think of someone you’re grateful for. Happy knitting!

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Less-Than-One-Hour Simple Coffee Cozy

Materials:

• Super bulky yarn (I love Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick and Quick)
• US Size 11 (8 mm) knitting needles
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends
• Scissors
• Buttons

Pattern:

1. Cast On: Cast on 10 stitches
2. Work in Garter Stitch:
   • Row 1: Knit all stitches.
   • Repeat Row 1 for a total of 40 rows (or until the piece measures about 8 inches long, depending on your preferred fit for the cup).
3. Bind Off: Bind off all stitches loosely.

1. Finishing:
   • Use the tapestry needle to weave in all loose ends.
   • Sew on buttons

This cozy will keep her coffee warm and hands protected—perfect for busy mornings! I would love to see a photo of your version! Please post in the comments – I look forward to seeing your coffee cozy ❤️