Mickey Mouse Coffee Sleeve

I had some red and black yarn left over from a blanket I made years ago, and I was trying to think of a little project I could do to use some of it up.  I never learned how to knit . . . I only know how to crochet.  I decided to try and make a coffee cozy/coffee sleeve.  Now, this whole project was kind of trial and error . . . I was making this up as I went along.

I started off with a chain of red yarn that measured about 8 1/2" long.  If I were to make this project again, I would go a little smaller.  I have a feeling my coffee sleeve will stretch out over time and become too loose.

Then I did a single crochet stitch into each chain, starting in the second chain from the hook.  

Since a coffee sleeve tapers slightly, I would alternate between rows either doing a single crochet in every stitch, or starting one stitch in from the hook.  Below you can see how there is gradual increase in the rows.  Looking back I think if I would have kept the rows all the same the sleeve would have had a snugger fit.

After I had done enough rows that the piece was about 1 1/4" in height, I changed to black yarn.  Here again is where I would make an adjustment . . . I would probably make the red portion 1 1/2" so that the overall sleeve is a little longer.

I stitched the black in the same manner as the red, until the overall sleeve measured 2 1/2" in height.  (I think that 3" might be a better height next time . . . that will allow for more sleeve to hold onto)

Then I folded the piece in half and slip stitched the ends together.  Yes, I could have made this in a circle and then I would not have to stitch the ends together, but since this was my first attempt at this project (and it has been a LONG time since I have crocheted) I wanted to do the project this way.  Next time I might try just forming a circle from the start.

Next I sewed two white buttons on to the front of the sleeve.  I used embroidery floss to do this.  I felt like this would be stronger and more secure than thread.

And there it is . . . my Mickey Mouse coffee sleeve! 

And of course I had to go and get a coffee to officially test the sleeve out.  Morning coffee is more magical with a Mickey Mouse coffee sleeve on it.

You could alter this idea for your favorite Disney character.  Just pick out the main colors that are associated with that character and give it a try!