Harvest Hearth Wide Mouth Jar Cozy Free Pattern – Chunky Cable Knit Insulator

Wrap your favorite wide-mouth canning jar in this richly textured cable knit cozy, perfect for sipping warm cider or storing dry goods in rustic style. The chunky yarn and intricate cable panel create a tactile, heirloom-quality accessory that elevates any kitchen or table setting. This free knitting pattern is designed for beginners who want to tackle their first cable project—the structured ribbing and simple cable twists are forgiving and rewarding, and the finished piece is both functional and beautiful.

Whether you're crafting a gift for a harvest hostess or adding a cozy touch to your own autumn décor, this jar cozy is a quick, satisfying project that uses less than 200 yards of worsted weight yarn. The two-tone design—burnt orange with creamy oat ribbing—evokes the warmth of fall, and the optional drawstring lets you customize the fit for a snug, polished look.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. All items are readily available at craft stores or online.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn in two colors:
  • Main Color (MC) – Spiced Pumpkin (burnt orange): approximately 120 yards
  • Contrast Color (CC) – Creamy Oat (off-white): approximately 60 yards
• Needles: US Size 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles (straight or circular, as you prefer)
• Cable needle (or a double-pointed needle as a substitute)
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends and seaming
• Scissors
• Optional: Crochet hook (any size) or extra needles for making a drawstring (I-cord)

Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in stockinette stitch. The cable panel (16 stitches) measures 2.5 inches wide. Gauge is important for a proper fit—if your gauge is off, adjust needle size accordingly.

Step-by-Step Instructions

This cozy is knitted flat and seamed, designed to fit a standard wide-mouth canning jar (3.5 inches diameter, 5.5 inches circumference). It covers the jar from base to just below the neck, leaving the top open for easy access. Follow the steps carefully, and you'll have a beautiful, functional cozy in no time.

Abbreviations

• CO: cast on
• K: knit
• P: purl
• C4F: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• C4B: slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle
• K2tog: knit 2 together (decrease)
• SSK: slip slip knit (decrease)
• BO: bind off

Base Ribbing (worked in CC)

Using your Contrast Color (Creamy Oat), cast on 44 stitches.

Row 1: *K2, P2* repeat to end of row.

Repeat Row 1 for 6 more rows (for a total of 7 rows of ribbing). This creates a stretchy, sturdy base that will grip the bottom of the jar.

Body (switch to MC)

Now switch to your Main Color (Spiced Pumpkin). You'll work the cable pattern in the center 16 stitches, with stockinette stitch on either side. Follow the row-by-row instructions below. Remember to keep your tension even, especially when working the cables.

Row 1 (RS): K14, P2, C4F, C4B, P2, K14 (44 stitches total)

Explanation: Knit 14 stitches, purl 2, then work the first cable (C4F: slip 2 to cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle), then the second cable (C4B: slip 2 to cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle), purl 2, knit 14.

Row 2 (WS): P14, K2, P8, K2, P14

Explanation: Purl 14, knit 2, purl 8 (the cable stitches), knit 2, purl 14.

Row 3: K14, P2, K8, P2, K14

Explanation: Knit 14, purl 2, knit 8 (plain knit across the cable stitches), purl 2, knit 14.

Row 4: P14, K2, P8, K2, P14

Explanation: Same as Row 2—purl 14, knit 2, purl 8, knit 2, purl 14.

Row 5: K14, P2, C4B, C4F, P2, K14

Explanation: Knit 14, purl 2, then work the cables in reverse order: first C4B (slip 2 to cable needle, hold in back, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle), then C4F (slip 2 to cable needle, hold in front, knit 2, knit 2 from cable needle). This creates the braided twist. Purl 2, knit 14.

Row 6: P14, K2, P8, K2, P14

Explanation: Same as Row 2.

Row 7: K14, P2, K8, P2, K14

Explanation: Same as Row 3.

Row 8: P14, K2, P8, K2, P14

Explanation: Same as Row 2.

Repeat Rows 1-8 until the piece measures 5 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a wrong-side row (Row 2, 4, 6, or 8). This ensures you're ready to start the top ribbing on a right-side row.

Top Ribbing (switch to CC)

Switch back to your Contrast Color (Creamy Oat).

Row 1 (RS): *K2, P2* repeat to end of row.

Repeat Row 1 for 5 more rows (for a total of 6 rows of ribbing). This top ribbing will create a neat, finished edge that sits just below the jar's neck.

Bind off all stitches in pattern—knit the knit stitches and purl the purl stitches as you bind off. This keeps the edge stretchy and professional-looking.

Finishing

Fold the piece in half with right sides together, matching the ribbing edges. The cable panel should be centered on the front. Sew the side seam using mattress stitch or whip stitch, leaving the top and bottom open. Take care to match the rows so the seam is invisible.

Turn the cozy right side out. Slip it over your wide-mouth jar, adjusting so the ribbing sits at the base and top. The cable panel will be centered on the front, creating a beautiful braided wheat sheaf effect.

Optional Drawstring (for a snug fit at the top)

If you'd like the cozy to hug the jar neck more tightly, add a drawstring. Using CC, crochet a chain 12 inches long (or knit an I-cord of the same length). Thread it through the top ribbing, about 1 inch below the edge, and tie a neat bow. This not only improves the fit but adds a charming, finished detail.

Your Harvest Hearth Wide Mouth Jar Cozy is complete! Fill the jar with warm apple cider, dried herbs, or autumn treats, and enjoy the rustic, handcrafted charm it brings to your home. This pattern is also a wonderful gift—make a set in different colors to match every season.