This Mother’s Day I made my momma a French Press Cozy. If you don’t know, French Press is the most pure way to make coffee. You boil the water and pour it over the grounds in the press. Then you let it steep for 4 minutes, and then press the grounds to the bottom of the pot. The only problem is that it does not stay hot very long. Mom is always wrapping a dish towel around hers to keep it warm. So…I made this French Press cozy- taking the idea of a tea pot cozy and stretching it to fit this size pot. Here is the tutorial for you to make your own!
Step 1: (These measurements are for a 4 cup french press-if yours is larger or smaller, simply measure the height and circumference (including the handle) of your press).
Cut out six rectangles. Two for the outer fabric – 9 1/2″ x 11″. Two for the lining fabric – 9 1/2″x 13″. Two for the insulation fabric – I used terry cloth (which would be a great repurpose for an old towel), but you could also use batting. The insulation should be 9 1/2″ x 12″.
Step 2: Now is the time to do any embroidery or decoration that you would like on the outside of the fabric. I embroidered the word, “Energize”. If you are insecure about your handwriting, you can go http://www.dafont.com/ and find some great free fonts – print out the word you want to use and trace it onto the fabric.
Step 3: Stitch the outer fabric to the lining fabric, right sides together, along the bottom edge.
Step 4: Press the lining so that an inch of it shows below the outer fabric- to create the band at the bottom of the cozy. The top edge of the lining and outer fabric should now be aligned.
Step 5: Insert the insulation material between the lining and outer fabric. Pin it well.
Step 6: Pin the front and back pieces together along one side, right sides together. Wrap it around your press, and pin it to fit the shape of the press. You will create a dome shape with the pins. When you are satisfied with the shape, slip it off the press and lay it flat. Trim 1/2″ larger than where your pins are. This will allow for a 1/2″ seam.
Step 7: In order to keep the insulation material from sliding, I hand-quilted the front piece, and tacked the back piece (because I was getting lazy…). You may choose any quilting pattern you like – I followed the diamond pattern that was in my fabric (which comes from Anna Maria’s Good Folks collection).
Step 8: You’re almost done! Put front and back pieces right sides together. Stitch together, using a 1/2″ seam. Turn it right sides out.
Step 9: I ran some thin ribbon through a needle and created the loop on the top of the cozy. You could also make a loop out of your fabric, and stitch it in when you stitch the seam.
Now make a lovely pot of coffee, get a cookie or two. Sit back, relax, and admire your work. Well done!
