How to Make a Koozie

If you wanted to work on a sewing project, then making a koozie is probably the best way to start your sewing career. It is probably the easiest sewing project that someone can do. Plus, you would not need any special tool or material to finish the job. All you have to have is some cloth (can be scrap or new, it depends upon you) or a foam, a needle, and a thread. See, you can even start making koozies right now while reading.

                First off, let us define what a koozie is. A koozie (sometimes cozy, coosie, huggie, or hugger, depending on the location and the culture) is a device that is used to keep a drinking can or a beverage can cold. Many people refer to it as “beer koozie”, but that is completely wrong. It is a misnomer since a koozie is not always used for keeping a beer can or bottle cold, it can be used for any kind of beverage, hard liquor or not. While a koozie is trying to keep a bottle or can cold, it also tries to keep the hand of a person warm while holding the can.

                Companies who sell beverages (beer, sodas, wines, juice drinks, energy drinks, chocolate drinks, and even milk in can) have been using koozies as promotional items. They have been using a koozie to distinguish their products from their competitors by dressing their cans with “uniquely designed koozies” that wears the company or product logo. Moreover, beverage companies have been taking advantage of koozies as giveaways to promote their products. You see, koozies are inexpensive and companies can easily produce them and then attach them in their drink products for giveaway.

                There are many koozies available in a department store for you to buy, but, you do not need to go through all that hassle. You can make one on your way. A koozie can be made from neoprene, polyester, open cell foam, or just plain old fabric cloth. Plus, it is extremely easy and fast. So, let us start.

Materials that you will need:                                             

·         Fabric or foam

·         Needles

·         Threads

Instructions:

Step 1: Find a good fabric or koozie material. It would be better to use a fabric that is colorful and attractive to the eyes. But, if you prefer to be more reserved, neutral, and or just want to be plain and simple, pick a one colored cloth. What is important is that the cloth is of your liking; after all, you are the one who will probably use the koozie. Make sure that it is at least 9.5 inches wide and 7.5 inches long. If the fabric that you will use has a pattern, make sure that the demanded position of the pattern is taken into consideration before you cut the fabric. Note: the fabric should be quite thick for it to be an effective koozie.

Step 2: Once you got eh fabric measured and cut in the right size, it is time to move on to another step. Fold the fabric. Make sure that the ends really do align with each other before you take out your pins and pin them. Once they are correctly aligned, use some pins to hold them together. Once done, sew them together making sure to add at least half an inch allowance from the edge of the fabric. You can use a running stitch on this one or any other sewing technique you thought would be effective. Sew effectively and correctly for a better quality koozie. Once you are done sewing the edge, use a hot iron set to around average heat and then iron your fabric. Do this quickly. If you did it properly, you will have a tube. Repeat this process for the other side of the seam and the upper part of the fabric. It is important to leave at least half an inch on each side before you sew them together. The bottom part will serve as the open end of the tube for the bottle or can to enter.

Step 3: Decorate the koozie. You can decide on decorating it further with brads or stickers or you can just let it be as it is. However, if you used plain fabric, it is better to add one or two brads or a few stickers on appropriate places to give the koozie a bit of a kick. Once you are done with the decoration, you are now ready to show off your personalized koozie and your first sewing project ever.