1. Home
›
2. Sewing Project Index
›
3. Current Page

Hot Cocoa Mug Sleeve Tutorial

A cozy mug sleeve is a fun, quick project that makes hot cocoa time extra special! These sleeves protect hands from warm mugs and can be customized with fabric scraps, felt shapes, or simple designs. They make great gifts for teachers, friends, and family.

Supplies You’ll Need

• Cotton fabric scraps (two pieces 4"; x 11";)
• Felt or batting (one piece 4" x 11") for padding
• Sewing machine or hand-sewing needle
• Thread
• Pins or clips
• Velcro or a button and elastic loop
• Fabric marker or chalk
• Iron and scissors

Optional:

• Appliqué shapes (hearts, stars, initials, etc.)
• Ribbon or trim

Step-by-Step Mug Sleeve Tutorial

1. Cut Your Fabric

Cut two pieces of cotton fabric measuring 4"; x 11"; — one for the outside and one for the lining.
Cut one felt or batting piece the same size to add padding.

2. Layer the Pieces

Stack them in this order:

1. Outer fabric (right side up)
2. Lining fabric (right side down)
3. Felt or batting layer

Pin or clip all around the edges.

3. Sew Around the Edges

Sew around the entire rectangle using a ¼ inch seam allowance, leaving a 2 inch opening on one long side for turning.

4. Turn and Press

Turn the sleeve right side out through the opening.
Use a pencil or chopstick to gently push out the corners.
Press the sleeve flat with an iron.

5. Topstitch for a Finished Look

Topstitch around all four edges. This closes the opening and helps the sleeve keep its shape.

6. Add Your Closure

You can choose Velcro or a button with an elastic loop.

Velcro Method

• Cut a 1–1.5 inch piece of Velcro.
• Sew one piece on the inside of the left end.
• Sew the matching piece on the outside of the right end.

Button Loop Method

• Sew an elastic hair tie into one short end before turning the sleeve right side out.
• After topstitching, sew a button on the opposite end so the loop can fasten around it.

7. Decorate (Optional)

Kids can personalize the mug sleeves with:

• Felt appliqués (hearts, snowflakes, stars, initials)
• Simple embroidery
• Fabric paint or iron-on patches

Keep decorations fairly flat so the mug still sits comfortably on a table.

8. Wrap It Around Your Mug

Test the fit on your favorite cocoa mug and adjust the closure if needed.
Now your mug has its own cozy sleeve, ready for hot chocolate time!

Fun Ideas for Kids

• Make matching mug sleeves for the whole family.
• Create themed sets using favorite colors or patterns.
• Pair a mug sleeve with a packet of hot cocoa for an easy, handmade gift.