Heart Warming Mug Hug

Have you ever noticed the similarity between apples and hearts? Maybe it’s the shape, maybe it’s the color, or maybe it’s the way a mug of apple cider warms the heart 🙂. This project is worked in the round using stranded colorwork knitting, and explores color shading and steeking (for the mug hug). The low value contrast between Foxglove & Sunset gives a slight shimmer effect. It also means you may want to knit up this project in good lighting.

The extended pdf version also includes directions for the coffee cozy.

Click here to download the pdf version!

Or just follow along on this page. Video tutorials are down below to get you started.

Finished Dimensions

Height: 3”
Mug Hug Circumference: approximately 10.5”.
Coffee Cozy Circumference: approximately 9".

Blocked Gauge: 7 sts and 9 rows = 4in.

Supplies - Included in Box

Yardage Estimates

MC: Sunset (30 yds)
CC1: Foxglove (10 yds)
CC2: Coral (4 yds)
CC3: Crimson (3 yds)
CC4: Scotch Broom (1 yd)

Two Buttons
Crochet hook

Supplies - Not Included

Needles: 3mm (32” long) circular needles for magic loop
Tapestry needle
Sharp Scissors for cutting steek
Thread for sewing buttons

Special techniques

Watch the tutorial video below for the Italian 2-color cast on, and steeking tips. Alice Starmore's cross-stitch technique is used for sewing a steeked facing.

An excellent tutorial for the Italian sewn bindoff is from Interweave press: https://youtu.be/IONO59wK1Og?si=egc7B9bJCdYUUouA

Abbreviations

beg - begin(s/ning)

BO - bind off

BOR - beg of rnd

CO - cast on

cont - continue

k2tog - knit two together

LL1 - left lifted increase

pm - place marker

rep - repeat

rnd(s) - round(s)

st(s) - stitch(es)

Colorwork Chart

Directions

Beginning with CC1, CO 72 sts using the Italian 2-color cast on, and colors CC1 & MC. Place half of the sts on one side of circular needles and half on the other. Join to work in the rnd using Judy’s magic loop technique.

Beg working in corrugated ribbing as follows (or see chart):

Rnds 1-5: *P1 in CC1, k1 in MC; rep from * to end of rnd.
CO 3 sts for steek using cable cast on, carrying CC1 along with MC. Break CC1. CO 3 more sts with MC using cable cast on - 78 sts.
Rnd 6 (MC): K29, LL1, k23, join to cont working in the rnd, k3, pm for BOR - 79 sts.

Rnds 7 - 29: Follow chart for color work, changing colors at BOR.

Rnd 30 (MC): K4, k2tog, work following chart to 3 sts before BOR, BO 6 - 72 sts. Pm for new BOR.

Beg working in corrugated ribbing as follows (or see chart):

Rnds 31 - 35: *P1 in CC1, k1 in MC; rep from * to end of rnd.
BO all sts using Italian sewn bind off. Block, then steek and secure to WS using cross stitch technique. Crochet loops and sew on buttons - see video for placement. Weave in rem yarn tails.
Enjoy a cup of hot cider with your new mug hug!