Knit Free Pattern: Tree Mug Hug in Basketweave
Introduction
This Tree Mug Hug is the perfect quick knit for anyone who loves a cozy, farmhouse-style Christmas touch. It's a short, straight tube worked in charcoal worsted weight yarn with a classic basketweave texture, so it looks like a checkerboard of raised and recessed squares wrapped around your favorite mug. A single oatmeal triangle tree is sewn on the front, and two rustic buttons close it at the side. It's a satisfying project for an intermediate beginner who's comfortable with knit and purl stitches, and it works up in an evening or two. Slip it on a mug of cocoa and it feels warm, textured, and wonderfully handmade.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Worsted weight acrylic, approximately 50 yards charcoal (MC) and 10 yards oatmeal (CC)
- Needles: 4.5 mm (US 7) knitting needles
- Notions: Tapestry needle for seaming and weaving in ends, two rustic buttons, scissors
- Finished size: Approximately 3.5 inches wide (7-inch circumference) and 3 inches tall, to fit a standard mug
Abbreviations
- MC: Main Color (charcoal)
- CC: Contrast Color (oatmeal)
- k: knit
- p: purl
- kfb: knit into the front and back of the same stitch (makes 2 stitches from 1)
- m1: make one stitch by lifting the bar between stitches and knitting it
- sts: stitches
- R: row
Gauge
18 stitches and 24 rows = 4 inches in basketweave pattern. Knit a small swatch in the basketweave pattern and measure a 4-inch section to check that your stitch and row counts match before you begin.
Tips Before You Start
- The basketweave pattern is built from 4-stitch blocks, so keep an eye on your stitch count as you work — each row should always total 32 stitches.
- Because the tube is worked flat and seamed, don't pull your edge stitches too tight or the seam will pucker.
- Leave the spaces between stitches at the side edge loose enough to act as buttonholes when you sew on the buttons.
- Block the tree lightly before sewing it on so the triangle lies flat and even.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Mug Hug (MC)
Cast on: Cast on 32 sts.
R1-4: [k4, p4] to end (32 sts).
R5-8: [p4, k4] to end (32 sts).
R9-16: Repeat R1-8 once more (32 sts).
Bind off: Bind off in pattern.
Tree (CC)
Cast on: Cast on 1 st.
R1: kfb (2 sts).
R2: p2 (2 sts).
R3: k1, m1, k1 (3 sts).
R4: p3 (3 sts).
R5: k1, m1, k1, m1, k1 (5 sts).
R6: p5 (5 sts).
R7: k2, m1, k1, m1, k2 (7 sts).
R8: p7 (7 sts).
R9: k3, m1, k1, m1, k3 (9 sts).
R10: p9 (9 sts).
R11: k4, m1, k1, m1, k4 (11 sts).
R12: p11 (11 sts).
R13: k5, m1, k1, m1, k5 (13 sts).
R14: p13 (13 sts).
R15: k6, m1, k1, m1, k6 (15 sts).
R16: p15 (15 sts).
Bind off: Bind off all stitches.
Assembly and Finishing
Fold the mug hug in half with right sides together and seam the short side edges to form a tube, leaving the top and bottom open. Turn right side out. Sew the tree to the center front of the mug hug, positioning it so the point faces up. Sew two buttons at one side edge, opposite the spaces between stitches that serve as buttonholes. Weave in all ends. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping flat, then let dry completely.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the charcoal for deep green and the oatmeal for cream for a classic Christmas colorway.
- Add a tiny star or a few French knots in CC at the top of the tree for extra detail.
- Make a set in different colors to give as gifts — each one uses only about 60 yards total.
