How to make a mug cozy from a sock

Tepid tea or coffee is a real downer. Keep morning coffee and relaxing evening tea warm with the help of a mug cozy crafted from an unmatched sock. The thicker the material, the more insulating it will be, so try to use a wool or heavy-knit sock. Besides keeping liquid warm, the cozy protects fingers from getting burned.

This project requires some basic sewing skills, but if sewing is difficult for you, use hem tape or hot glue. If you choose to use glue, be careful not to press the fabric together too hard, as the glue may ooze through the porous fabric.

Materials
- Ankle sock
- Fabric shears
- Straight pins
- Sewing machine
- Needle and thread
- Pinking shears
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1. Place the sock horizontally on the work surface so a side is face up, with the toe at the left and the ankle on the right. Cut vertically up the sock, starting at the bottom of the heel.

2. Arrange the sock so the top is flat and face up. Cut across the toe just above the seam.

3. Fold in both ends 1/8 inch and pin in place. Hem the ends, removing the pins as you go.

4. Arrange the sock so the open ends are at the top and bottom. Pinch together 1 inch of fabric horizontally at the middle of one side of the sock (A1).

5. Cut 1 inch vertically through the center of A1. Slide the cozy over the mug, with the handle protruding through the A1 slit. If the slit is too small, use pinking shears to elongate it. Trim loose threads.

6. Hem the slit all the way around, folding under as you go. Arrange the cozy on the mug so the lip is exposed for drinking access.