I’m not a coffee drinker but I’d have to be totally oblivious to have not noticed that most of the world does drink coffee. A couple of months ago I picked up a cute pink sweater on clearance at the thrift store (there’s not a big demand for sweaters in July). I wasn’t sure what I wanted to make with the sweater until a recent trip past a local coffee shop and then I knew. I made this adorable, and embarrassingly easy, DIY upcycled cup sleeve that would be perfect for a gift idea any coffee lover. It’s also the perfect gift this month in honor of breast cancer awareness.
DIY Upcycled Cup Sleeve
The perfect gift idea for:
- Teacher
- Neighbor
- Coworker
- Friend
- Random Act of Kindness Gift
- Stocking Stuffer
- Any coffee lover
It all started with this clearance sweater at a local thrift store. Since no one was looking for girls’ sweaters in July, I didn’t feel guilty buying it to repurpose. I particularly liked the cable pattern on the sweater and on the sleeves.
As soon as I realized I wanted to make DIY cup sleeves from this sweater, it took me about 3 minutes to make each sleeve (really!). I wanted the cuff folded down, so I started by doing that. Then I simply laid a cup on top of the sleeve and cut the sleeve about an inch longer than the cup. 
I choose to just tuck the cut edge of the sweater under. If you’re going to give these as a gift, you’d want to take an extra 5 minutes and use fabric glue to glue this edge in place.
You could embellish the cup sleeve with buttons, ribbon, rhinestones or whatever you like. Me, I’m a simple girl, so I let the cable pattern on the sleeve do the embellishing.
This DIY cup sleeve almost makes me want to start drinking coffee. Nah, but I’m still charmed by them. Pair this cozy DIY upcycled cup sleeve with a coffee gift card or a fancy bag of coffee, and voila, a great gift idea.
I’m a mom of 3, a veteran and military spouse. I’ve moved into 20+ homes all around the world. My passion is helping busy people make the space and time for what’s really important to them.
Holly @ Coconutheadsurvivalguide says
Hi Susan – I have some left over pieces of sweater. No sewing… I could totally make this. Thanks for keeping it simple! And thanks for supporting the cause! Hugs, Holly
Annesley Helmstetter says
Susan_
Thank you so much for sharing this fabulously easy way to repurpose any old/worn-out/etc. sweaters and other types of clothing for that matter! Also could be made available for supporting good causes! π I will definitely be making @ least one of these…if not many more for holiday gifts, more. I will b sure to post a picture of it when I am done!
susan says
Annesley, I’d love to see your spin on this project when you’re done. Think of how many old sweaters we can repurpose together! π
Shelly says
Great idea! I will definitely have to make some of these for my hot drinks this fall! I found you at the Creativity Unleashed party.
susan says
Shelly, thanks. They’re super easy to make. I’m going to be looking for more sweaters so I can make more, too.
Leone says
too cute, thank you. I don’t drink coffee either but how great a gift to give with a package of hot cocoa.
susan says
Thanks. I’m with you, hot cocoa would be a great accompaniment. Who doesn’t love hot cocoa? π
Karen says
I always enjoy finding easy to make gift and decorating ideas on the internet. I love these two suggestions.
susan says
I hope you enjoy crafting gifts and decorating ideas this year, Karen. Thanks for dropping by.