Peppermint Mug Hug and Jar Hug Gift Set

Hi, I’m Kristen Mangus, the knitting video host and designer from the Good Knit Kisses YouTube channel. I love teaching and being the knitting host for Yarnspirations this year. I’m excited to add some of my own designs to the fabulous patterns offered by Yarnspirations.

I know it seems like Christmas is a long way off, but it’s right around the corner. If you’re like me you love to give handmade gifts to those you love and are always searching for new ideas. I’ve got you covered this year!

My Peppermint Mug Hug and Jar Hug Gift Set will take care of all the coworkers, teachers, coaches and neighbors on your list. The pattern includes both the mug hug that slides onto your favorite travel cup and the jar hug that buttons onto a jar of goodies. I love the idea of a jar of cocoa and marshmallows with a mug hug tied around the rim. I mean who wouldn’t want chocolate wrapped in yarn?

These hugs feature Bernat Handicrafter Holidays cotton yarn. It’s a medium weight cotton with a silver strand that gives it a festive touch. It’s easy to knit, easy to care for and the colors are vibrant and fun.

Peppermint Jar Hug

The Pattern

Peppermint Mug Hug and Jar Hug Gift Set

The Yarn

1. Contrast A Bernat Handicrafter Holidays Red Sparkle (1 ball)
2. Contrast B Bernat Handicrafter Holidays White Sparkle (1 ball)

Note: 1 ball of each color will make 5 hugs (either mug or jar)

Needles & Supplies

• Size U.S. 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles
• tape measure
• scissors
• tapestry needle
• 2 buttons

Skill Level

Easy

Size

Mug Hug: Approx 4½” [11.5 cm] diameter x 2½” [6 cm] long.
Jar Hug: Approx 4″ [10 cm] x 9½”[24 cm].
(Fits standard pint size jar)

Gauge

14 sts and 32 rows = 4″ [10 cm] in Tweed Pat.

Skills demonstrated in tutorial

• Long tail cast-on
• Knit stitch
• K1below – knit into the stitch below
• Bind off (cast off)
• Weaving in ends

Let’s get jolly!

Start with the long tail cast on and then we jump right into our stitch pattern. The main stitch pattern is a Shaker Tweed. It’s a four row repeat using two colors that gives a beautifully textured stripe. The colors are carried up the side so there are no extra ends to weave in.

If you’ve never worked the K1below, or knit one into the stitch below, I’ll walk you through the steps. At first it can be a little tricky seeing which stitch to knit into, but it will become as natural as a knit stitch.

The real beauty of this pattern lies in the fact that it is easy to memorize. You’ll find yourself automatically following the pattern before you know it. Since the right side and wrong side look completely different you’ll be able to easily see what row you are on.

Button It Up!

Once your jar hug is long enough to wrap around your jar it’s time to add the buttonholes and buttons. The buttonholes are worked over 2 rows using both colors held together. This gives the buttonholes a little more bulk and stability. Once they’re knit you just bind off, weave in the ends and sew on the buttons. It’s just that easy. You even have time to enjoy a cup of cocoa yourself! (And I think you’ve earned it.)

I hope this Peppermint Mug Hug and Jar Hug Gift Set helps get you into the holiday spirit of gift giving!

Happy Knitting!

Kristen Mangus @ GoodKnit Kisses

Are you ready to create this project with me? We’d love to see your photos! If you post on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Pinterest also use the hashtag #Yarnspirations and #GoodKnitKisses as much as you like.