How to Know a Basketweave Coffee Cozy (Perfect DIY Gift!)
If you’re looking for a DIY gift that’s quick, meaningful, and totally adorable — I’ve got you covered. Today I’m walking you through how to knit a Basketweave Coffee Cozy, step by step. It’s cozy, quick to make, and looks way fancier than it actually is!
Even if you’re still getting the hang of knitting (like me!), this is one of those easy wins that turns out so cute, people will think you’re a pro.
This little project is a favorite of mine — and if you’re a coffee (or tea!) lover like me, you’ll adore it too.
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We’re Jen and Trent – your budget-loving, real life DIY BFFs! With years of experience transforming multiple fixer uppers (while raising 2 kids, owning 3 businesses, surviving open heart surgery, and hustling through major financial curveballs), we believe creating a home you love shouldn’t feel overwhelming – or expensive!
From small room renovations to full-home makeovers, we share approachable, step-by-step projects, honest lessons learned, and all the affordable DIY tricks we’ve picked up along the way. Because you deserve a home that makes you smile — without breaking the bank. And yes, friend — you CAN do this!
Why I Love This Little Project
Here’s the deal — I love giving handmade gifts, but I don’t always have the time (or patience) for big projects. These cozies? They’re fast, practical, and super satisfying to make.
They’re perfect for:
- ✔️ Coffee and tea lovers (aka, everyone I know)
- ✔️ Last minute gifts
- ✔️ A great way to clear out that yarn stash you keep swearing you’ll organize
What is the Basketweave Stitch?
If you’re not familiar, the basketweave stitch is a combo of knits and purls that creates this really cool, woven texture that looks like a woven basket. And it’s not nearly as complicated as it looks.
It’s a fun way to add a little flair to your knitting without going full cable-knit-scarf mode.
It’s one of those patterns that looks impressive but is secretly super simple.
Supplies You’ll Need
Pro Tip: Grab one of those cardboard sleeves from your local coffee shop to use as a guide for sizing!
Sizing Your Cozy
You’ll want this cozy to hug your mug, not slide off like a slouchy sweater.
I cast on 50 stitches using a long-tail cast-on. That worked great for my big 16 oz mug. You might need more or fewer stitches depending on your mug, so feel free to test it as you go.
Basketweave Coffee Cozy Knitting Pattern
You will need to know how to create knit and purl stitches.
Knit stitches are made with the yarn held behind the needles and end up looking like v’s when knit in rows.
Purl stitches are made with the yarn held in front of the needles which creates a horizontal ridge across the bottom of the stitch. It kind of looks like wavy lines.
Once you know how to do these stitches, you follow the simple pattern below to make your mug cozies.
This is such an easy pattern to knit, just working in equal rows of knits and purls.
Grab an average size coffee cup. You could even use one of those cup sleeves you can get from a coffee shop to figure out the size of your cup cozy.
You want to work in equal purl and knit patterns.
This green cozy is knit in a 5 X 5 pattern, meaning 5 purl stitches and 5 knit stitches.
You will want to cast on a good number of stitches. And test it frequently against a mug to determine appropriate size.
Here’s the Simple Pattern I Used
- Row 1 (Right Side) Knit all stitches
- Rows 2-6 *K5, P5; repeat to the end of the row
- Row 7 Knit all stitches
- Rows 8-12 *P5, K5; repeat to the end of the row
- Rep rows 1-12 until your cozy is the right length
I repeated that pattern twice, and it wrapped perfectly around my mug.
Once it’s long enough, go ahead and bind off, leaving long tails for sewing.
Putting It All Together
Now for the finishing touches!
Once you reach your desired size, bind off leaving long yarn tails.
This is what you’ll use to tie around the coffee mug.
I took some yarn and thread a yarn needle so I could stitch one end together.
Here Are The Steps
- Stitch one end of the cozy closed using your yarn needle.
- On the other end, add a braided yarn tie so it can be tied around the mug. (You can also knit an i-cord if you’re feeling extra.)
- Wrap it around your mug, tie it up, and admire your handiwork!
Get Creative with Colors
These look amazing in all kinds of colors.
I used a bright lime green for one and charcoal gray for a more masculine vibe.
They also pair beautifully with a cute mug and some coffee beans if you’re building a gift basket. Just sayin’.
Not Into Knitting? Coffee Cozy Variations
That’s okay — I’ve got a few other cozy gift ideas you might love:
- Sew a fabric coffee cozy – Find your favorite fabrics and sew a coffee cozy that closes with a pretty button
- Try other knit textures like ribbing or seed stitch if you want to mix it up
- Embroider a store-bought sleeve – Grab some embroidery thread and give a store bought coffee cozy a new look. Here’s one I tried a few years ago.
Tips for the Visual Learner
Totally get it — sometimes seeing it done makes everything click. Search for “basketweave knitting tutorial” on YouTube and follow along.
You’ll be knitting like a boss in no time.
There are some amazing videos out there that can show you exactly how to begin to knit. Find a video tutorial if you are just starting out.
I hope this cozy little project inspired you to grab your needles and make something sweet (and useful!).
If you end up making a Basketweave Cozy, I’d LOVE to see it — tag me or drop a photo in the comments.
Handmade projects are meant to be shared!
Jen,
This is the cutest, and coziest!
Thank you so much for sharing, and wishing you the best weekend.
xoxo,
Brendt
This is such a cute idea and would make a great gift!
Sorry for the late reply! I cast on 20 stitches for the 5 x 5. It's such an easy knit. Send me a pic of how yours turns out. Thanks for stopping by!
I'm a beginner knitter. How many stitches did you cast on for the 5×5? What size needles and yarn weight did you use? Such a cute pattern.
Thanks Michele!
Love your basket weave<3 Pinned