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How To Make A Denim Cup Cozy

November 10, 2017

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Make a DIY denim cup cozy out of an old pair of skinny jeans with this quick and easy pattern. 

It's a creative and inexpensive fashion accessory or gift for your favorite coffee lover.

DIY Cup Cozy Gift Idea on table

Oh the weather outside is frightful...well, ok, maybe not quite frightful yet, but it has become quite chilly in the past few days.

Looks like our extended summer has finally come to an end and fall is here to stay.

That's ok, fall leads to Christmas and I love that time of year.

It's one of my favorite seasons to craft.

I get to whip up home decor accessories, ornaments and every now and then, gifts.

You see, I love making things, and I truly do believe that there's nothing quite like a handmade present, but I'm not the most confident homemade gift giver. 

Wrapping them up is easy, creating, not so much.

I'm not a perfectionist when it comes to my DIYs, and that's fine, because I keep them all.

I embrace the...um...charm. However, if I were going to give something away, I wouldn't want it to be anything less than perfect.

Double standard, I know.

Well, this year, I decided to give it a go and use up some of the old skinny jeans my kids have recently discarded.

Apparently skinny jeans are out, which is fine with me, I get to upcycle the denim into other fashion and home decor accessories.

Since one pair had already been cut up for a denim ring, I decided to use the rest of it to make some accessories.

We also used a pair of wide leg jeans to make a vintage boho style tote bag.

Apparently denim is all the rage.

Although, isn't it always?

Jean Cup Cozy Pattern 


Upcycling Old Jeans

The chilly weather has us craving all sorts of hot beverages, so I decided to create my own DIY drink koozie.

It was super simple to make and functional.

I tested it out while sipping my hot water...

Step 1: Cut Your Jeans


I started by cutting off the bottom of one of the legs on a pair of skinny jeans.

They worked well, because they were narrow at the ankle and had some stretch. That helped it grip the cup.

Stretching Denim Over Cup

Step 2: Fit The Jeans To The Cup


Jeans get wider as you go up the leg, so I needed to taper the cozy just a bit for a snug cup fit.

I did that the exact same way I would alter a dress on a model...just like I did during my theater costuming days.

I dressed my cup and located the parts that did not fit properly.

Making denim pant leg fit on cup

Then I folded the excess fabric over...

Moving denim fabric into place for pins

...and pinned it in place.

Pinning jeans around cup

Step 3: Sew It Up


I was going to use the machine to sew it up, but sometimes that's more trouble than it's worth, so I used a whip stitch by hand.

If you don't sew, you could use fusible web tape (like I used on my kitchen chair) or fabric glue.

Whip stitch sewing jeans into place on cup

Step 4: Finish The Edge


Rather than hem the bottom, I decided to fray it instead.

I used this same technique when I shortened my daughter's jeans.

I folded the fabric over and ran the scissors over the edge several times, until I had a look I liked.

Fraying denim fabric with scissors

Step 5: Embellish


Lastly, I pulled a silver snowflake out of my craft closet and glued it on to the front of the cup cozy. Of course you could use any kind of gem, sticker, patch or button you like.

To fit the holiday, event or personalize. 

And voila!

Snowflake Stickers to add to Cup Cozy

A fabulously fashionable (free!) denim cup cozy made from an old pair of jeans that's actually a pretty perfect gift.

Winter, spring, summer of fall...

Coupled with a mug from the discount store and a $5 gift card, I now have a great gift for someone special (or me) for about ten bucks.

Think Mother's Day gift, teacher gift, hostess gift, birthday present, stocking stuffer...or party favor. And imagine how cute this would be if you made it from colored skinny jeans!

Pink, purple, yellow, blue...

Fabulous!!
DIY Denim Cup Cozy completed with snowflake sticker on front


Christmas Gift Idea Denim Cup Cozy DIY Text Over Cup Cozy Photo


denim cup cozy, jean tumbler, jean cup
Author: Kim @ Exquisitely Unremarkable

Denim Cup Cozy DIY

Make a coffee or tea cup cozy from an old pair of jeans with this simple DIY pattern.

materials:

  • Old pair of jean
  • Thread or Fabric Glue
  • Embellishment- patch, sticker, gem, button

tools:

  • Needle
  • Scissors

steps:

  1. Cut bottom of jean pant leg off
  2. Fit the pant leg snuggly around the cup
  3. Pin it in place
  4. Sew or glue the the fabric in place
  5. Glue, sew or iron your detail embellishment on to cozy

NOTES:

This can be customized for any season or event or personalized.
Colorful jeans would look great in spring or summer.
https://www.exquisitelyunremarkable.com/2017/11/diy-cup-cozy.html
Copyright © Exquisitely Unremarkable 2023. All rights reserved.
Created using Craft Card Maker


Happy Crafting!!
Kim Signature


Post a Comment | 66 Comments

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  1. Tammy Patina and PaintNovember 10, 2017 at 7:28 AM

    How cute! I love how you recycled and it is pretty as well as functional. Thanks so much for sharing!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 10, 2017 at 2:35 PM

      Thanks so much, Tammy! And yes I hate throwing anything away. I either donate or recycle...free craft supplies! Woo hoo!

      Delete
  2. StaceyNovember 10, 2017 at 7:31 AM

    Absolutely adorable! You come up with the cutest ideas!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 10, 2017 at 2:37 PM

      Thanks Stacey! You're the sweetest. 😊

      Delete
  3. Mom2347November 10, 2017 at 7:57 AM

    Good morning, Kim! Lovely little denim cup cozy you have there. You are totall right! Sometimes getting out the sewing machine is more trouble than it's worth. So that's the costume secrrt is it? Just tuck and tack? I'll have to try it on a cup cozy - if I find a pair of skinny jeans! (None of mine could qualify...πŸ˜‰)
    Happy fall! It has finally here, too.)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 10, 2017 at 2:38 PM

      Thanks Nancy...and yes, skinny jeans about over here, but not in my closet! Well, maybe one pair, but they're only skinny at the ankles! Ha! πŸ˜‰

      Delete
  4. Pepper MedleyNovember 10, 2017 at 8:10 AM

    Love the fringe on the bottom! What a great idea!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 10, 2017 at 2:39 PM

      Thanks so much, Pepper! Much easier than hemming it too...win win!

      Delete
  5. Deanna Rabe - Creekside Cottage BlogNovember 10, 2017 at 8:17 AM

    Really cute idea! It would make a great stocking gift!

    ReplyDelete
  6. taylorlisaNovember 10, 2017 at 10:11 AM

    I CAN"T EVEN HANDLE THE CUTENESS!!!! Yes, I am shouting about this. Kim!!!! I love this. You are a genius!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 10, 2017 at 2:47 PM

      Lisa, you are the cutest!! I love your shouting! I am smiling and smiling...😊😊

      Delete
  7. Debbie - Mountain MamaNovember 10, 2017 at 12:47 PM

    Once again you wow me with your creativity, my friend!! You are truly the crafting queen!!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 10, 2017 at 2:45 PM

      Thanks Debbie!! You always make my day with your heartfelt comments!! ❤️

      Delete
  8. DebbieNovember 10, 2017 at 1:10 PM

    I love this idea!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 10, 2017 at 2:44 PM

      Thanks so much, Debbie!! I really appreciate the comment. 😊

      Delete
  9. Julie's Creative LifestyleNovember 10, 2017 at 3:19 PM

    Hi Kim, oh this is just the cutes idea. I love it and I will have to make this for gift giving.
    Keep warm.
    Julie xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 10, 2017 at 3:30 PM

      Julie, it’s my take on the sweet crocheted ones…yet another reason for me to learn!

      Delete
  10. Brenda PruittNovember 10, 2017 at 3:28 PM

    Looks great! You are one busy crafter.
    Brenda

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 10, 2017 at 3:32 PM

      It's my therapy, Brenda. Helps to keep me sane! πŸ˜‰

      Delete
  11. Deb @ Frugal Little BungalowNovember 10, 2017 at 6:11 PM

    THIS is SUPER Cute and reading it today made me smile. Why? Well, we had a HIGH of 32 degrees with wind and.............snow flurries ! Yep our first snow here. Around 2:30 or so we had snow coming down enough to excite the grands ( off school and I was watching them ) to immediately bundle up and run outside. Later on around 4:30 enough to coat the ground here and there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 10, 2017 at 7:20 PM

      Deb, thanks so much!! I love your capitals!! As we speak I am typing with gloves on. It's suddenly so cold outside,I almost can't take it. We are expecting snow this weekend, too. From flip flops to rock salt in the same week. Ugh.

      Delete
  12. AnnMarie aka Vintage Junkie aka NaNaNovember 10, 2017 at 6:13 PM

    Cute idea and inexpensive! Every year I say I'm not going to make any gifts but then I usually do and regret it later. I made one so far and since it is not up to my standards for gifts, I am keeping it. Hey, that worked out pretty good!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 10, 2017 at 7:17 PM

      Haha! I might end with this one myself, AnnMarie. It looks pretty good, but I actually really like it! Stay warm. It’s COLD outside tonight.

      Delete
  13. Eilis@MyHeartLivesHereNovember 10, 2017 at 7:37 PM

    Adorable! Love this original twist on a cup cozy.

    ReplyDelete
  14. susanNovember 10, 2017 at 9:49 PM

    What a clever way to use jeans that no longer fit! And, with a gift card to a favorite coffee shop, you have the
    perfect holiday gift. You never run out of great ideas, Kim!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 21, 2017 at 9:03 PM

      Thanks so much, Susan! I have fun making things, it's my meditation.

      Delete
  15. UnknownNovember 11, 2017 at 12:43 AM

    So cute & simple Kim! I love it!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 21, 2017 at 9:04 PM

      Thanks Florence. I like this one, too. Maybe too much....shhh!

      Delete
  16. ScribblerNovember 11, 2017 at 5:50 PM

    I lost you when I quit blogging, but so happy to have found you again. You always have such great ideas and a wonderful perspective on life.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 21, 2017 at 9:05 PM

      You are just the sweetest! I loved your blog and your own perspective. I also remember your beautifully bright patio set and checkered floor. Fabulous! Glad you're back in the comments and thank you for the kind words!! Happy Thanksgiving!

      Delete
  17. Lowcarb team memberNovember 11, 2017 at 7:14 PM

    What a super idea, you are very creative ... and I think the fringe on the bottom just perfect.
    Have a lovely weekend.

    All the best Jan

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 21, 2017 at 9:07 PM

      Thanks so much, Jan! This one was easy and even my kids like it. That's success! πŸ˜‰

      Delete
  18. Jane@Cottage at the CrossroadsNovember 11, 2017 at 7:59 PM

    I am loving this idea! I am always suggesting handmade gift ideas to my granddaughters as an economical way to remember their friends at Christmas. Who wouldn't love this?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 21, 2017 at 9:08 PM

      Thanks Jane! This was a fun one to make and everyone seems to love it. I doubt it will be given away...and we don't even drink coffee! Ha!

      Delete
  19. Doreen@foxdenrdNovember 12, 2017 at 12:05 AM

    Cute, adirabke, precious (and the cozy ain’t bad either). ;)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 21, 2017 at 9:10 PM

      Why thank you, ma'am!! You're not so bad yourself. Happy Thanksgiving down south! ❤️

      Delete
  20. Sum of their StoriesNovember 12, 2017 at 5:46 PM

    I love anything that recycles denim. Thisi is a lovely gift idea.

    ReplyDelete
  21. MiaismineNovember 12, 2017 at 11:02 PM

    Cute idea! Right now, my local Starbucks has some of their cups on sale for $2.00! Perfect gift idea! Thank you for sharing!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 22, 2017 at 7:38 PM

      Wow...that would be perfect to tuck inside a denim cozy. Two bucks? I want one! Thanks so much for the visit and the kind comment!

      Delete
  22. ClaireNovember 13, 2017 at 5:07 PM

    I love a good denim upcycle! This really cute especially with the snowflake embellishment. Pinning to my denim board.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 22, 2017 at 7:42 PM

      Thanks so much, Claire! I love getting pinned. πŸ˜‰

      Delete
  23. Lynn at Nourish and NestleNovember 13, 2017 at 7:18 PM

    I can think of so many people who would love this! Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  24. MiaNovember 14, 2017 at 9:02 AM

    What a great idea, Kim! I love your cozy! It is really beautiful with the snowflake. Kisses, my friend.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 22, 2017 at 7:43 PM

      Thanks so much, Mia! I love that snowflake, too.

      Delete
  25. A Joyful CottageNovember 14, 2017 at 9:11 AM

    What a great idea, Kim. I love this. You're so clever. Hugs.

    ReplyDelete
  26. VanessaNovember 14, 2017 at 11:17 AM

    Fantastic idea and is a great gift idea as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 22, 2017 at 7:44 PM

      Thanks Vanessa. I was determined to use those old jeans for something. Glad you like it!

      Delete
  27. handmade by amaliaNovember 15, 2017 at 9:59 AM

    Another great idea. I also craft more now that the evenings are longer and chilly, it is a nice cozy season we're having.
    Amalia
    xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 22, 2017 at 7:46 PM

      Crafting a cozy while I'm getting cozy! πŸ˜‰Great idea!! xo

      Delete
  28. Sam - Raggedy BitsNovember 15, 2017 at 6:00 PM

    This has to be the cutest cup cozy I have ever seen!! These would make such wonderful gifts for all of my coffee loving friends!! Thank you for the inspiration!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim November 22, 2017 at 8:05 PM

      Thanks for the super sweet comment, Sam. I really like it and am finding it hard to giveaway. Going to have to make more for sure!

      Delete
  29. Carla from The RiverNovember 15, 2017 at 6:21 PM

    CUTE!! What a fun idea. Love the snowflake. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  30. Katie MansfieldNovember 16, 2017 at 10:53 AM

    So cute. Great upcycle.

    ReplyDelete
  31. Linda at Mixed KreationsDecember 30, 2018 at 5:22 PM

    What a cute idea! I need to make me some of these. I'm always wrapping a napkin around my drink. This would me better!

    ReplyDelete
  32. A Crafty MixDecember 26, 2019 at 12:13 AM

    That's so cute Kim and I have a pair of skinny jeans that this not so skinny ass of mine will never fit into again, that would be perfect for something like this.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim January 10, 2020 at 10:35 AM

      Yeah...I have those too, Michelle...too many holiday treats, for sure!

      Delete
  33. UnknownDecember 1, 2020 at 11:42 AM

    On my way to the Good Will to purchase skinny jeans. This is too cute!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Kim December 16, 2020 at 1:34 PM

      Oh yay!! I love it when someone is inspired!!

      Delete