How to Sew DIY Reusable Coffee Sleeves
I have a super fun tutorial to share with you today! My husband gets coffee from his favorite place on the way to work every day. At this point they have his order ready to go before he even gets up to the window. But he gets a cold drink and they typically only give him a sleeve with hot drinks. So he saves the sleeves and keeps them in his car for his cold drinks.
Thus the reusable coffee cozy idea was sparked. I've seen a few tutorials for these around, but I wanted to make them to emulate those cardboard sleeves they give you at the coffee shop, so I got to work tracing and perfecting this pattern. I used fun Star Wars and Harry Potter prints, which make them extra fun and personal for him. So today I’m going to teach you how to sew DIY fabric reusable coffee sleeves!
This pattern and tutorial are totally free for you to read here! But, for your convenience, you can choose to purchase a printable PDF version of it in my pattern shop. If you prefer to have a printed version and not have to refer back to the blog post, consider purchasing a copy for just a few dollars. I always appreciate the support!
I hope you enjoy it this idea and if you make some, be sure and show me! Tag me on Instagram @pincutsew, I definitely want to see!
This post may contain affiliate links, which means that while I am not paid to promote certain items, I will earn a small commission should you purchase items through these links. For more info, see my disclosure policy.
This tutorial comes in two formats. First up the video version. If you prefer the written instructions with photos, though, just keep scrolling. Don’t forget to grab your pattern pieces and print them at 100% scale!
First up, the video :)
How to make a reusable coffee sleeve:
What you need:
Scraps of fabric.
Peltex Interfacing. This is a thick, stiff interfacing, sometimes fusible on one side. It acts sort of like cardboard and gives structure to your projects.
Vel-Cro, the sew in kind
The free downloadable pattern. Grab it here or click the button below.
Instructions:
Cut out your pieces, keeping in mind which long side is the top if you have a directional print. (The savviest of you may notice my cactus print is upside down in first several photos! Halfway through, I realized my mistake and started over). Also cut out one piece of Peltex using the interfacing pattern piece. For the Peltex, I trace around my pattern piece with a pencil, then cut it out.
Next, sew your pieces right sides together, along the top and sides, leaving the bottom edge open, using a 1/4" seam. Trim your seams a bit, clip your corners, then turn right side out and press, using a chopstick or turning tool to get those corners looking nice.
Grab your piece of Peltex interfacing and hold it above your ironed coffee cozy. You can see that the more slanted edge lines up with one short side of the coffee cozy piece. You'll want to sandwich the interfacing inside, abutting that diagonal edge, which leaves some space at the opposite short end. This is to reduce bulk when you sew on your Vel-Cro. Continue to fit your interfacing inside so that it's all the way up against the top long edge so that there is 1/4" left at the bottom to turn to the inside. Use your fingers to work it in there, making sure the seam allowance is either on top of or underneath the Peltex for a cleaner finish.
Next, start turning that long open end under to the inside. This is tricky, but just press as you go and place clips to hold it together while you work.
Once you have it all pressed, top stitch around the entire thing, 1/8” from the edge. I love to use contrasting thread for this project! This top stitching closes up the bottom edge too.
Next, place your cozy back on top of your pattern piece to mark the vertical stitching lines. I like to mark with a piece of washi tape. Then top stitch those lines. Fold the sleeve in on itself right on those stitching lines and give it a hearty press to really set those creases.
All that's left is to attach the Vel-Cro! Figure out the proper placement for your Vel-Cro and sew it on to both sides, stitching around all four sides.
That's it! My husband loves these and actually uses them, which makes me super happy. I keep a sleeve in my purse and my kids have all requested their own (frappuchinnos, you know). This is a fast project, so it's really easy to sew up a set and give as gifts too. Gifting one with a reusable cold cup is a great idea , or even just with a straw and cleaner set.
Cheers🙂
