If you love learning new crochet stitches and trying out different techniques, give this beginner friendly Blackberry Stitch Cup Cozy a try today!
Getting Started with the Blackberry Stitch Cup Cozy Crochet Pattern
This pattern was first published back in 2019 as part of a huge collection I worked on with Danyel Pink and Emily Truman called Crochet in a Day: 42 Fast & Fun Projects.
If you want to see all 42 projects in this collection, you can view them on Ravelry right here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/sources/crochet-in-a-day-42-fast–fun-projects/patterns
The three of us designed projects that didn’t use a lot of yarn, could be created in about a day, and had interesting elements like creative texture and fabric.
Our goal was to share projects that were not only quick to work up, but were also really beautiful and unique.
One of the most interesting and creative pieces is the Blackberry Stitch Cozy designed by Danyel Pink.
This design is written for even a beginner to follow along, but it has lots of elements that are interesting enough for experienced crocheters too.
The cozy is worked in joined rounds from the bottom up, primarily using the half double crochet stitch for the majority of the fabric.
Two colors are used (Snap Pea, Grape) to really contrast and highlight the specialty stitch that pops out on one side of the fabric, giving the illusion of little blackberries that are spotted through a bright green bush!
The pattern says that you don’t have to fasten off when changing colors, so that means you’ll not have too many ends to fasten off and sew down when you’re done.
Instead, you can hold the unused color loosely along the inside of your work to keep it out of the way until you’re ready to pick it up again as the pattern indicates.
While the example shows that only solid colors were used, people who posted their finished projects on Ravelry used self-striping yarns with short and long color repeats.
You can view them all right here for some extra inspiration: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/blackberry-coffee-cozy/people
But what about that Blackberry Stitch?
Well, I already know what you’re thinking…
You’re looking at the fabric and trying to guess how to make the special “blackberry stitch”.
But, you might have trouble guessing how it is made because it’s not a puff, bobble, or a popcorn stitch!
Nope.
This specialty stitch is way simpler to make, and if you can chain you’re already perfectly primed to give it a try.
Other specialty techniques used in this pattern are FLO (front loop only) and BLO (back loop only). These are really simple variations in stitch placement that also help to create a lot of interesting stitch texture.
If you’d like to learn more about stitch placement, we have some tips and pictures that will help you see the different places and spaces stitches can be worked, right here: https://americancrochetassociation.blog/where-to-place-stitches-in-crochet/
Don’t get overwhelmed, because this isn’t just a pattern filled with specialty stitches and techniques!
Remember, beginner crocheters will be able to recognize the basic stitches used throughout, like: chain, single, and half double.
These basic stitches are also used when working the specialty stitches and techniques, so it really can be a fun learning exercise for more advanced crocheters too.
One thing you should know about the yarn this project was made with is that it was discontinued.
Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton was a worsted weight #4 yarn, made with 100% cotton, and came in a skein with about 99 yards. It was a perfect cotton yarn for this little cup cozy!
Unfortunately, yarns do tend to come and go quickly in the fiber world and Danyel Pink understood that… that’s why she chose a yarn weight, type, and fiber that could be easily replaced!
If you would like to see other worsted weight #4 cotton yarns from Lion Brand Yarn, click here for the latest search in that category.
Because this project uses very little yarn, these cup cozies are great stash-busters if you want to use up yarn you already have on hand.
I suggest choosing yarns that are in the worsted weight 4 category first, but mostly because it will help to meet the stitch gauge (remember, this should fit a cup like a sleeve)!
Then, a plant fiber like cotton (or a blend with cotton) is great for this type of project because it is absorbent and washable.
For example, some of the finished projects on ravelry used yarns like:
- Knit Picks Dishie,
- Hobby Lobby I Love This Cotton,
- Lily Sugar-n Cream Twists,
- Hobby Lobby Crafter’s Secret,
- Premier Yarns Just Cotton, and more!
To learn more about yarn weights and fibers, including how to substitute yarns, check out this article (it has helpful charts you can save for later): https://americancrochetassociation.blog/understanding-yarn-substitution-an-easy-reference-for-crocheters/
Key Takeaways of the Blackberry Cup Cozy Crochet Pattern:
- You can use yarn you already have on hand – I absolutely recommend trying two yarn colors as suggested in the pattern, however this design can also be worked in yarns that are multicolored!
- A cup cozy is a one-size-fits all design, so they make great gifts!
- Each one will use very little yarn, so this can be a great stash-buster!
- Beginners can build their skills with simple stitch variations and techniques, and those who are more advanced will have fun trying something new!
- You’ll get to practice a lot of crochet skills: Yarn and color choice, meeting stitch gauge, working in joined rounds (tubes), simple stitch and round repeats, color changing techniques, new specialty stitches, finishing techniques & more!
Helpful resources when making the Blackberry Cup Cozy Crochet Pattern:
Need some inspiration? Check out other finished projects, here:
Want to substitute yarn for this project? Here are some tips to help you make the best choices:
Not sure how to work in tubes? This tutorial shares all my best tips for a professional look:
If you’re looking for tips on how to change color in joined rounds, we have a video tutorial you can watch right here:
This Pattern Is Copyright Protected: Policy for Individual Use
This crochet pattern was created by Danyel Pink Designs for the American Crochet Association. These pattern instructions are protected by copyright laws. Users must acknowledge and respect the intellectual property rights of pattern creators and designers as follows:
- This pattern is for personal use only. Pattern instructions may be accessed and used by individuals for personal, non-commercial purposes only. Users may create finished products based on the pattern instructions for personal use or gifting.
- Users may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works of pattern instructions without explicit permission from the copyright holder.
- Selling or commercially exploiting products made from pattern instructions will require additional permissions or licensing from the copyright holder.
- It is unlawful to share or distribute pattern instructions in any way, including but not limited to: print, digital, video.
- It is unlawful to create derivative works based on pattern instructions, including but not limited to translations, adaptations, or variations.
- Users should provide proper attribution when sharing or displaying finished products made using these pattern instructions, giving credit to the original pattern creator and source.
- Users are expected to conduct themselves in an ethical and respectful manner when using pattern instructions. Users should not engage in plagiarism, claim others’ work as their own, or misrepresent the origin of pattern instructions.
By accessing and using pattern instructions, individuals agree to abide by the usage policy herein. Users may be held responsible for any damages or legal liabilities resulting from their non-compliance with this policy.
Click Here to purchase a downloadable PDF version of this pattern!
Everything you need to make the Blackberry Cup Cozy Crochet Pattern:
YARN
Lion Brand Kitchen Cotton, worsted weight #4 yarn (100% cotton; 99 yds/90 m per 2 oz/57 g skein).
- Color A: Snap Pea 130, 1 skein
- Color B: Grape 147, 1 skein
- Check for yarn substitutes!
MATERIALS
- US Size G/6 (4mm) Crochet Hook
- Yarn Needle
GAUGE
- 14 Sc = 4” (10 cm)
- Stitch height is not critical. Adjust hook size if necessary to obtain gauge.
SIZES/FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
- 9.5” around x 3.25” tall
- Fits most to-go cups or pint glasses
STITCH KEY
- Ch(s) = chain(s)
- Sc = single crochet
- HDc = half double crochet
- St(s) = stitch(es)
- Sl St = slip stitch
SPECIALTY STITCHES & TECHNIQUES
- BB (Blackberry Stitch) = Insert hook into next St, draw up a loop, Ch 3. Yarn over, draw through both loops on hook (keeping Ch-3 on the right side of fabric).
- BLO = Back Loop Only
- FLO = Front Loop Only
NOTE
- Ch-1 at beginning of a round does not count as a St.
- Do not fasten off when changing colors; hold unused color loosely along inside of work.
- Cozy may seem snug at first. Use caution if placing on a hot cup. Warmth and/or moisture will allow cozy to expand slightly for a better fit.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Blackberry Cup Cozy Pattern:
With Color A, Ch 34, sl st in 1st ch to form a circle.
Round 1 (Right Side): Ch 1, work 1 Sc into each Ch around. With Color B, Sl St to 1st St to join – 34 SC
Round 2: Ch 1, [Sc in BLO of next St, BB in next St] around. With Color A, Sl St to 1st St to join – 34 Sts; 17 SC + 17 BB
Round 3: Ch 1, [Sc in FLO of Sc 2 rows below, Sc in BB] around, Sl St to 1st St to join – 34 Sc
Round 4: Ch 1, Sc in each Sc around. With Color B Sl St to 1st St to join – 34 Sc
Round 5: Ch 1, [BB in next St, Sc in BLO of next st] around. With Color A, Sl St to 1st St to join – 34 Sts; 17 SC + 17 BB
Round 6: Ch 1, [Sc in BB, Sc in FLO of Sc 2 rows below] around, Sl St to 1st St to join – 34 Sc
Round 7: Ch 1, Sc in each Sc around, with Color B Sl St to 1st St to join – 34 Sc
Round 8: Ch 1, [Sc in BLO of next St, BB in next St] around. With Color A, Sl St to 1st St to join – 34 Sts; 17 SC + 17 BB
Round 9: Ch 1, [Sc in FLO of Sc 2 rows below, Sc in BB] around, Sl St to 1st St to join – 34 Sc
Round 10: Ch 1, Sc in each Sc around. Fasten off Color A. With Color B, Sl St to 1st St to join – 34 Sc
Round 11: Ch 1, Hdc in each Sc around, Sl St to 1st St to join – 34 Hdc
Repeat round 11 until 14 rounds are complete, fasten off after last round worked.
FINISHING
Sew in all ends, trim excess.
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