Beginner's Crochet :: Canister Cozy

I'm so pleased to have another crochet tutorial to share with you!  This canister cozy is a great project for beginning crocheters since it is worked flat and uses just one type of stitch. The cozy is easy to customize to any size for your container, too, so you can use it grow plants, hold art supplies, store tea, or whatever you like.

For this project you will need an empty can (I used a metal coffee can), a small amount of yarn (mine is from here), a crochet hook that is appropriate size for your chosen yarn, scissors, and a yarn needle.

Begin by chaining enough stitches to fit snugly around the circumference of your canister.  You want the fit to be tight so that the finished cozy will not slide off easily, so don't be afraid to pull a little and test the stretch of your yarn.

Begin your first row by working in double crochet.  If you need a refresher on how to double crochet here is how it works:
- Yarn over hook.
- Insert hook in the next stitch to be worked.
- Yarn over hook.
-Pull yarn through stitch.
-Yarn over hook.
- Pull yarn through 2 loops on hook.
- Yarn over hook.
- Pull yarn through last 2 loops on hook (one double crochet made).

Continue working rows in double crochet until your work is about the same height as your canister.  Then, knot off your yarn and weave in the loose ends.

Next, overlap the short ends of your crochet work a little bit and thread a long piece of yarn on your  yarn needle.  Sew a straight line of stitches up the short edges of your crochet work to sew them together.

Make one stitch over, then sew a second line of stitches back up.  Cut your yarn, leaving two long tails.

Tie the yarn tails into a bow.

Voila!  Your cozy is finished and ready to slip onto your canister.