Manly Mug Huggers

Valentine's Day is upon us! If you are still searching for a crochet project to fit the bill in time, maybe this is the answer. Quick to work up and beginner friendly, these mug huggers will bring warmth to his heart (or at least his stomach)!

Help the heat stay locked in so your man can keep his cool!

Skill level: beginner

Stitches Used: chain stitch (ch), single crochet (sc)

Materials used:

Yarn used:

For Grey: Size 4 (medium) Aran weight (Wool and Acrylic Blend) works well.

For Green: Size 5 Lion Brand Yarn Wool-Ease® Chunky Acrylic(80%; Wool 20%) Willow

For Grey and Navy: Size 4 Stitch Nation Bamboo Ewe® (Viscose 55%; Wool 45%) Mercury & Size 4 I Love This Yarn® (Acrylic 100%) Navy

Hook size: 5mm

Other: Yarn needle, eyes, scraps of wool for faces.

Note: To change colour in this project, work the specified stitch until only 2 loops remain on the hook. Drop original colour and with the new colour, yarn over and draw through both loops on the hook. Always leave about 6” of yarn of both colours to weave in later.

Pattern:



Base: Ch 29 join with a sl st to beginning ch. Be careful not to twist the chain as you join. (28 sts)

Row 1: Ch 1. Sc around and join with a sl st to beginning sc. (28 sts)

Row 2 - 4: Repeat Row 1

Row 5: Ch 1. sc in first 6 sts, *2sc next sc, sc next 6 sts repeat from * times 4 join with a slp st in beginning sc. (32 sts)

Row 6 - 10: Repeat Row 1

Fasten off and weave in tails.

Embroidery: Using embroidery thread or sport weight yarn and your yarn needle, straight stitch lines for nose and mouth. You can also use wiggle/googly eyes instead of embroidery eyes or consider a heart shape in keeping with this time of year.

Alternative Pattern:

Base: Ch 35

Row 1: Sc in 2nd ch from hook. Sc accross. Turn. (34 sts)

Row 2: Ch 1. Sc in each sc across. Turn. (34 sts)

Row 3: Ch1. Sc in next 30 sts, ch 1, sk 1 sc, sc next 3 sts. First button hole made. (34 sts)

Row 4 - 7: Repeat Row 2

Row 8: Repeat Row 3. Second buttonhole made.

Row 9-10: Repeat Row 2.

Fasten off and weave in ends. With right side facing attach button at opposite end to buttonhole. Wrap around mug and fasten closed.

Note: For larger buttons ch 2 for each buttonhole. 

Making this project your own:

Consider the following suggestions

• Using two colours and creating a stripy pattern by alternating between them.
• Crocheting Row 10 or Rows 9 and 10 in an alternate colour.
• Using a multi-coloured variegated yarn for a funky look.
• Using a chunky yarn for extra insulation.
• Adding silly eyes and faces or even a bow.
• Using his favourite colour.
• Crocheting in hdc or in your own favourite stitch.
• If you have a particular mug in mind, customise this mug hugger pattern by making an initial chain to fit around it.