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Hot Cup Thermal Sleeve Tutorial


No one likes to burn their hands.  This is why t'go hot drinks (ie: coffee, lattes, brewed teas, etc) have a cardboard sleeve.  Today's version is much more eco-aware than previous models: they are made with thinner corrugated paper board.  Let's be real, paper is still paper.  It comes from trees, which are a precious resource, and in my opinion we need to be frugal with their use.  This includes the t'go cups as well.  Rather than go home with another cardboard cup, Starbucks offers a plastic travel cup for the bargain price of $2.  While I could give you a list of why metal is better than plastic, that's not what this post is about.  Rather, it's about creating your own sleeve for your hot cup of java.  



Materials:
Cardboard Sleeve, opened
100% Cotton Fabric
Felt
Thread and Needle
Pins
Permanent Marker (chalk, fabric marker)
Scissors



Start with a (recycled because it's already been used for coffee, and now putting it to use as a pattern) paper coffee sleeve.  Open at the seam and lay flat.
Choose your materials.  I prefer to use felt for one side and fabric for the other.  It is also possible to use just felt, or just cotton fabric.  If using two pieces of cotton fabric, I recommend adding a layer of batting between for added thermal protection.
Note: I chose felt that is made from recycled plastic bottles (another eco boost!).
Lay your materials on top of each other.


Trace around the cardboard sleeve pattern, adding an extra 1/4-1/2" around all edges (this will become your seam allowance).


Cut out your fabric.


Lay right sides together.


Pin all the way around to prevent shifting during the stitching process.


Be sure to back sew your opening for added durability when you turn this right-side-out.  I prefer to use a 1/4" seam allowance for this project, but a 1/2" inch would work fine as well.


*DO NOT SEW THROUGH YOUR PINS!*  
Sewing through pins can damage or break your needle.  
Remove pins as they approach your presser foot.


For turning your piece right-side-out, it's best to leave a 1" opening.


Here's a view from the backside before turning.  


Pull your fabric through the 1" opening.  Be careful not to rip out your stitches.  If you back stitched, this is less likely to occur.  Be sure to push your corners out.  A chopstick may be helpful if they do not push out on their own.  If necessary, you may also find it helpful to snip the corners before turning, just be careful not to cut through your stitches.


Pin your opening.  To stitch around the sleeve, I chose a 1/8" seam allowance.  
Be sure to remove your pins as they approach your presser foot.


Now it's time to stitch the two ends together.


Pin the two ends together (you can refer to your paper form for guidance).  While pinned, check to see if your sleeve is too tight, or too loose for your travel mug.  Adjust as needed.


I removed the utility box from the front of my machine.  I like the option to get as close as possible with my hands.  You'll see why in the next photo.


Stitch with a 1/8" seam allowance, going right over the previous 1/8" seam allowance.  
It's kind of a tight squeeze, but I assure you, if you go slow, it will work out.  
Be patient with the stitching.


As always, do not stitch over your pins.  


Your finished product should look something like this!



This gorgeous purple and magenta coffee cup sleeve was made by my seven year old daughter.  She appliquéd a heart on to the purple felt, then stitched together two layers of felt to act as the thermal sleeve.  She did not turn her piece right-side-out since she stitched it this way.  Thanks to her inspiration, I have created this lovely tutorial for you.  No pressure, but if a seven year old can do it, I know you can too.  

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If you like this tutorial, it would be an honor to hear about it in the comments below!




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