Crochet Ghost Mug Cozy with Scalloped Hem – Free Pattern

The little surprised face belongs to a mug, not a stuffed toy. This crochet ghost mug cozy is a removable white cotton wrap with seven soft scallops along its lower edge. A single button and loop close the wrap beside the handle while leaving the drinking rim clear.

Crochet a 43-stitch by 10-row rectangle, then work seven shells into the unused foundation loops. Embroider two short eyes and an oval mouth before fitting the rear closure to your own straight-sided mug. The lower edge stays above the table so the mug stands on its ceramic base.

Pattern Details

• Hook Size: 4 mm, adjusted to gauge
• Finished Size: Main wrap target 10.75 inches long by 2 inches high, plus approximately 0.5-inch scallops; sized around an example 11.5-inch-circumference mug with a 0.75-inch handle gap
• Gauge: Target 16 sc and 20 rows = 4 inches, washed
• Estimated Time: 2-3 hours
• Construction: Flat sc wrap, foundation-edge shells, embroidery and fitted button loop
• Skill level: Easy

Why You’ll Love This Project

A small amount of white cotton creates an immediately recognizable Halloween gift. The decoration is embroidered rather than glued on, and the flat wrap can be removed for cleaning. Adjustments are based on a measured mug and a six-stitch scallop repeat, not an assumed universal mug size.

Materials

• Estimated 65 yards white worsted cotton and 3 yards black cotton for embroidery
• 4 mm hook; tapestry needle; scissors; tape measure; markers
• One securely sewable 5/8-inch button and matching strong sewing thread; a straight-sided ceramic mug measured before starting

Gauge, Measurements, and Planning

Measure circumference at the height where the band will sit and the vertical clear space between the handle attachments. For the example, 11.5 inches minus a 0.75-inch gap gives 10.75 inches; at 4 stitches per inch this is 43 sc. For another mug, choose the nearest count of the form 6k+1 that leaves a handle gap of 0.5-1 inch without stretching the wet fabric. Chain one more than that count. The border will have k shells. The top must stay at least 0.5 inch below the drinking rim and the scallops must clear the table. Work fewer or more plain rows only if those clearances allow it; record your actual row total.

Make and wash a gauge swatch before beginning. Measure only after the swatch is completely dry. If the stitch width differs, change hook size rather than pulling the working yarn tighter. Keep a written count at the end of every section so the finished edges remain balanced and the assembly points line up.

Abbreviations and Special Stitches

• ch: chain
• sc: single crochet
• hdc: half double crochet
• dc: double crochet
• sl st: slip stitch
• st(s): stitch(es)
• rnd: round
• BLO: back loop only
• inc: 2 stitches in one stitch
• sc2tog: single crochet two stitches together

Special stitch guidance: Shell = 5 dc into one foundation loop. The lower-edge repeat skips two loops, works a shell in the next, skips two loops and works sc in the next. Each repeat consumes six base positions and makes six border stitches. Beginning and turning ch 1 never counts. Work sc through both top loops in all body rows.

Important Notes

• Pattern development note: stitch arithmetic and written construction have been reviewed computationally; this design has not been physically sample-tested. Gauge, yardage and finished measurements are planning targets, not a tested guarantee. Swatch and check fit before making a gift.
• Beginning ch 1 or ch 2 and joining slip stitches never count as stitches. Mark the first counted stitch of each round and move the marker after completing the round.
• On flat rows, turn after each row and work the first stitch into the last stitch of the previous row. On joined rounds, join to the first counted stitch and do not turn unless specifically instructed.
• Change color on the final yarn-over of the stitch before the new color is needed. Leave a 6-inch tail and weave it back and forth through same-color stitches after construction.
• Use the written stitch counts for structure and your washed gauge for dimensions. Do not silently add shaping increases to correct a measurement; make a fresh swatch with a different hook first.
• Images are AI-generated visual illustrations, not stitch charts or photographs of a physically tested sample. Follow the written counts and the supplied chart where provided.

Complete Instructions for Crochet Ghost Mug Cozy with Scalloped Hem

Make the Rectangular Wrap

1. With white, ch 44. Row 1: sc in second chain and each remaining chain. Ch 1 and turn. (43 sts)
2. Rows 2-10: sc in every stitch, ch 1 and turn after Rows 2-9. Fasten off after Row 10. (43 sts)
3. Place the unfastened rectangle on your empty mug. It should lie flat with a 0.75-inch gap at the handle in the example size. Check rim and base clearance before adding the hem.

Add Seven Lower Scallops

1. Turn the panel so the unused foundation loops form its upper working edge. Attach white at the first loop. Ch 1, sc in that loop; [skip next two loops, 5 dc in next loop, skip next two loops, sc in next loop] seven times. Fasten off. (43 sts)
2. The final sc lands in the last foundation loop: one initial anchor plus seven repeats of six positions consumes all 43 loops. There are seven five-dc shells and eight sc anchors. Do not join the short ends or crochet across the handle gap.

Embroider the Surprised Ghost Face

1. With the right side facing you, center the face over body stitches 18-26. Stitch a small vertical black eye over column 19 and another over column 25, spanning Rows 6-8. Use two short satin stitches per eye, not beads or safety eyes.
2. Outline a narrow oval mouth centered on column 22 over Rows 2-5 with six short backstitches. Keep the center white. Secure every black tail on the reverse under white stitches without drawing the fabric inward.

Fit the Loop and Button

1. Attach white at the row-end edge halfway up one short end (between Rows 5 and 6 for ten rows). Ch 16, then sl st into the same attachment point to make a loop. Fasten off and weave in both tails.
2. Wrap around the empty cool mug, route the loop through the handle opening and mark the opposite button position two stitches inward from the edge. Sew the button through the band at least six times with doubled sewing thread, knot and bury ends.
3. Button the loop without pulling the band tight. If the loop cannot reach or slips off, remake it with two more or two fewer chains and retest on the empty mug. The correct loop fits this button and mug together; sixteen chains is the starting value, not a universal size.
4. Remove the cover before microwave heating or washing the mug. Grip the ceramic handle, never lift by the cozy or loop. Crochet is not tested heat protection. Keep the button away from young children and discontinue use if it loosens.

Assembly and Shaping

Place the dry band around an empty cool mug with both short ends beside the handle. Keep the gap between the handle attachments. Fit the loop through the open handle space without covering the grip; sew the button on the opposite end about two stitches inward from its short edge, clear of the hard handle attachment. The closure is behind the face. If the chosen mug provides no clear route or the button presses against the handle, use a different mug rather than stretching or forcing the fit.

Lay every component on a flat surface before joining. Match the marked centers first, then divide each remaining edge into equal sections. Work through both layers with consistent tension and pause after each section to check that the fabric lies flat. This measured approach prevents twisting and keeps decorative details facing the intended direction.

Finishing

1. Fasten off with a 6-inch tail; weave through three separate groups of stitches, changing direction twice.
2. Damp-block gently according to the fiber label, check the intended shape, and dry fully before assembly or use.
3. Inspect both sides, all joins, and every decorative attachment; resecure a loose stitch before gifting.
4. Include the fiber content and washing instructions with the finished item. Keep the item away from candles and other heat sources.

For a polished result, weave each tail through several same-color stitches, reverse direction once, and trim only after the fabric has been gently stretched. Block to the listed dimensions without flattening textured stitches. Inspect joins, borders, straps, and decorative pieces before the project is used or gifted.

Helpful Tips

• Count in small marked sections instead of counting an entire dark-colored edge repeatedly.
• Use a pale working surface behind black yarn so both loops of the stitch remain visible.
• Keep a row tally and record your swatch measurements beside the size you selected.
• If shaping ripples or pulls, stop at that checkpoint and compare counts and gauge before progressing.

Good lighting and a contrasting stitch marker make counting much easier. If a section looks uneven, compare the current count with the previous checkpoint before continuing. Fixing one missed stitch early is faster than compensating later, and it preserves the measurements used by the assembly instructions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I change the colors?

Yes. Keep the yarn weight and fiber behavior consistent and use enough contrast for the decorative detail. Make a washed swatch with every major yarn substitution.

Is this pattern physically tested?

No physical sample test is claimed. The stitch counts are computationally checked and the written construction is reviewed. Make a gauge swatch, use the measurement checkpoints, and test fit or assembly before gifting.

Will this protect my hand from a hot mug?

No thermal protection is tested or promised. Lift the mug by its normal handle. Remove the cover before microwaving or washing and let the cotton dry fully before reuse.

Conclusion

Keep the completed measurements and your yarn details with your pattern notes. The finished piece should match the described construction before it is styled or gifted. If a checkpoint does not match, correct the underlying count or gauge instead of concealing the difference during finishing.

BabyYarnie Printable Crochet Pattern Card

BabyYarnie — easy-to-follow crochet for everyday makers.

Project: Crochet Ghost Mug Cozy with Scalloped Hem

Skill level: Easy   Hook: 4 mm, adjusted to gauge   Yarn: Worsted

Finished size: Main wrap target 10.75 inches long by 2 inches high, plus approximately 0.5-inch scallops; sized around an example 11.5-inch-circumference mug with a 0.75-inch handle gap

Card Materials

• Estimated 65 yards white worsted cotton and 3 yards black cotton for embroidery
• 4 mm hook; tapestry needle; scissors; tape measure; markers
• One securely sewable 5/8-inch button and matching strong sewing thread; a straight-sided ceramic mug measured before starting

Card Instructions

1. Make the Rectangular Wrap: 43 sc for 10 rows; keep handle, rim and base clear.
2. Add Seven Lower Scallops: Seven 5-dc shells, separated by sc anchors, on the foundation edge.
3. Embroider the Surprised Ghost Face: Embroider two short eyes and a narrow open oval mouth; keep stitches on the rectangle.
4. Fit the Loop and Button: Fit a 16-chain starting loop and a securely sewn button beside the handle; remove for heating and washing.

Finish: Check every count, weave in all ends, block to measurement, and inspect each join.