Introduction: I-cord Easy Mug-cosy
This is the type of project that 'just happened' one day. I had a lot of I-cord (knitted string), that I was not sure what to do with, and once I realised that I can both get rid of a tangly thing lying around and make a nice present for my grandma's birthday. (Which is December 24th)
Step 1: Make Lots of I-cord
First, collect some colourful leftover yarn. This is the hardest part as all the colours should be bright and look nice together. Actually, I decided not to bother and use some variegated sock yarn that has been lying around since last winter.
Then spend a few evenings watching good old films and knitting a loooooooooong I-cord.
If you don't know what I-cord is, look here http://www.purlbee.com/i-cord-tutorial/, or just about anywhere. Don't be scared if you've never touched knitting needles before; it is very easy
Step 2: Start Sewing
You should make enough I-cord to wind it in spirals around your cup.
Start going up, and when you meet the handle turn 180 and go back wards. Make one of your turns a bit longer to go through the handle, so it can become a buttonhole. Hold everything in place as you proceed with little 'invisible' stitches with an ordinary sewing needle and thread.
It was long to write, but actually the photos are quite self-explanatory.
Step 3: Sew the Button On
Well,
1) Choose a nice-looking button
2) Sew it on.
Step 4: Almost the End...
You should get something like this:
Step 5: The Very End
I hope it turns out a good present. It only took me about four evenings ( the total playing time of 'the Birds', 'About a boy', and something else).

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29 Comments
10 years ago on Introduction
Hello, i showed this to my girlfriend, and she made one, will do other ones soon i think...
Thank you very much !
11 years ago on Introduction
Great and fantastic idea. I love i-cord, it's very practical and you can use it in many ways. Just a question: have you knitted just one i-cord? It seems as if you have sewn many i-cords.
Congrats,
Mary Jo Zilveti
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
No, it was one long piece which went up in a spiral. Only I used variegated sock yarn that gave the striped effect.
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Tks, dear. Have you ever seen a headphone covered with i-Cord? It's fantastic, mainly to the white ones. I have tried to knit one, but it's a little bit complicated, once you have to knit the i-cord with the headphone inside. I have seen many pics with headphones covered, but... http://www.bclef.com/2011/03/tutorial-for-i-cord-earphone-cover.html
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Thanks, I\ve seen it somewhere some time ago, but, unfortunately, I haven't got headphones (impossible for a teenager, even I am suprised).
If I ever get some I'll most probably do it...
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
Last, but not least: how have you joined it? With hot glue? Even if it's a long piece, you have to join it through the mug. Or does the button hold it?
Reply 11 years ago on Introduction
I\ve sewn it all the way up the spiral with invisible seam (by hand)...
12 years ago on Introduction
I'm half way through making one of these, with a few yards of i-cord made I have got a mug out to wrap around to estimate how many yards I need, only to realise that you really need a mug similar to the one pictured with a very high up handle.
Please help me out by telling me where you got this style of mum from so I can get one and not waste my effort?
I REALLY love the design and would be delighted to complete one.
Thanks.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
In case anyone is following this thread. Gruffalo child has, I am delighted to say, replied that the mug (not mum - sorry about that typo!) is from Ikea.
As I live in England I had been startled to see she lives in Moscow, and quite despondant that I would therefore not be able to source a similar mug. But - all is restored and I am off down to my local Ikea for a 'gross' of the mugs to make Christmas presents for everyone!
Luckily I have one of those icord little machines for churning out all the 'string'.
12 years ago on Introduction
This is so adorable! Thanks for sharing! Have a splendorous day!
Sunshiine
12 years ago on Step 4
Love, love, love it!!! Now I know what I can do with all that left-over yarn! Thank you for sharing your creative talents :)
Reply 12 years ago on Step 4
Thanks, I also think it should help if I ever lose my "hiking" plastic mug, I can take an ordinary one dressed up in this;)
12 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for this idea, I have had some half-started 'french knitting' lying around for over a decade. Now, I have finally re-learnt how to do it and am nearly done with my first mug cosy, no where near as colour co-ordinated as yours, but still... should solve a certain some ones cold tea problems!
NB
French knitting produces the same sort of 'i-cord' used here, but no knitting needles are necessary, for those like me who do not get on well with them! This site has really simple instructions: http://www.how-to-knit-guide.com/french-knitting.html
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Thanks for the links I am going to check it out.
12 years ago on Introduction
Wow..I never thought to use what I call sock needles to knit round cord. I drilled a hole in a piece of wood and then added four to six pegs and use a hook. I find it very soothing. Though If I just had the needles I would do that too just cause. I love the mug hug very much. Check out my hand make sock knitter. On one I added a cord knitter to the handle of my Wooden P. I am checking out your other instructables. You are inspiration as I need to finish my second one.
12 years ago on Introduction
What a great project for using up scraps!
12 years ago on Introduction
OMG!!!!!! This is ADORABLE! For my grandma. LOL!
12 years ago on Introduction
Not to beg but. Does anyone know how to do this on strait needles? I'm going to make a set of DPNs but in the mean time do i just knit then slide back to the left knit and repeat?
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Yes, that works, but I always thought it was rather annoying.
Reply 12 years ago on Introduction
Thank you for the prompt reply.