Checkerboard Coffee Cozy

This is a very quick and easy (good for beginners) knitting project.  I like to use soft, organic & somewhat bulky yarn for a natural appeal.  I just received an order from a local coffee shop for 3 dozen of these...

Materials Needed:

Size 7 needles
2 strands of cotton yarn held together

Directions:
CO 12 sts

Checkerboard Pattern:
Row1: K4, P4, K4
Row 2: P4, K4, P4
Repeat Rows 1 and 2 two more times

Row 7: P4, K4, P4
Row 8: K4, P4, K4
Repeat rows 7 and 8 two more times

Continue pattern until the piece measures 9 inches, BO.

I-Cord:

CO 4 sts with 2 strands of yarn on size 7 double pointed needle.
Knit
Without turning needle, slide sts to the other end of needle and knit.
Continue working in this manner until desired I-cord length is reached (approximately 2.5").

BO

Sew each end of I-cord onto edge of checkerboard strip to form a loop.

Sew button onto opposite side lined up with I-cord loop for closure.  Be sure to measure around actual cup for accurate placement of button.