The Ember & Vine Wine Cozy: A Free Knitting Pattern for a Textured, Heirloom-Quality Bottle Wrap

Wrap Your Gift in Handmade Warmth: The Ember & Vine Wine Cozy

There’s something magical about giving a bottle of wine—and even more so when it’s wrapped in a gift made by your own hands. The Ember & Vine Wine Cozy is a richly textured, heirloom-quality bottle wrap that combines twisted cables with a delicate leaf motif. Knit in a single piece and seamed, this pattern is both quick and satisfying, making it the perfect project for fall gifting, holiday tables, or a cozy evening by the fire. Whether you’re a confident beginner or an experienced knitter, this cozy will elevate any bottle into a treasured keepsake.

Materials Needed

Before you begin, gather the following supplies. The sample shown uses Malabrigo Rios in 'Pocion' (a deep burgundy with subtle variegation), but any worsted weight yarn will work beautifully.

• Yarn: Worsted weight yarn (approx 180–200 yards). Sample shown in Malabrigo Rios in 'Pocion'.
• Needles: US 7 (4.5 mm) knitting needles (straight or circular for working flat).
• Notions: Cable needle, tapestry needle for weaving ends, stitch markers (optional).
• Gauge: 20 stitches and 28 rows = 4 inches in Stockinette stitch, after blocking.
• Finished Dimensions: Fits a standard 750ml wine bottle (approx 12 inches tall, 9 inches circumference at widest point).

Step-by-Step Instructions

Abbreviations

• CO: Cast on
• K: Knit
• P: Purl
• K2tog: Knit two together
• SSK: Slip, slip, knit (decrease)
• YO: Yarn over
• C4F: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in front, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle.
• C4B: Slip 2 stitches to cable needle, hold in back, knit next 2 stitches, then knit 2 from cable needle.
• M1L: Make one left (increase)
• M1R: Make one right (increase)

Bottom Ribbing

CO 48 stitches.
Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 6 rows. This creates a snug, stretchy base that will hug the bottom of the bottle.

Body (worked flat, then seamed)

The body is worked in a repeating 8-row cable pattern. The stitch count remains 48 throughout this section. Pay close attention to the cable crosses—they alternate between front and back to create a beautiful braided effect.

Row 1 (RS): K2, P2, K6, P2, K2, P2, K6, P2, K2, P2, K6, P2, K2, P2, K6, P2, K2. (This sets up 4 cable panels of 6 stitches each, separated by 2 purl stitches, with 2 knit stitches at each edge for the seam.)

Row 2 (WS): P2, K2, P6, K2, P2, K2, P6, K2, P2, K2, P6, K2, P2, K2, P6, K2, P2.

Row 3: K2, P2, C4F, K2, P2, K2, P2, C4B, K2, P2, K2, P2, C4F, K2, P2, K2, P2, C4B, K2, P2, K2.

Row 4: Repeat Row 2.

Row 5: K2, P2, K6, P2, K2, P2, K6, P2, K2, P2, K6, P2, K2, P2, K6, P2, K2.

Row 6: Repeat Row 2.

Row 7: K2, P2, K2, C4B, P2, K2, P2, K2, C4F, P2, K2, P2, K2, C4B, P2, K2, P2, K2, C4F, P2, K2.

Row 8: Repeat Row 2.

Repeat Rows 1–8 until the piece measures approximately 9 inches from the cast-on edge, ending with a WS row. This will give you a cozy that covers most of the bottle body.

Leaf Motif Section (top of cozy)

Now we transition from cables to delicate leaf patterns. The leaf motif is worked over each 6-stitch cable panel. Maintain the 2 purl stitches between panels and the 2 knit edge stitches throughout.

Next Row (RS): K2, P2, K6, P2, K2, P2, K6, P2, K2, P2, K6, P2, K2, P2, K6, P2, K2.

Next Row (WS): P2, K2, P6, K2, P2, K2, P6, K2, P2, K2, P6, K2, P2, K2, P6, K2, P2.

Now work the leaf pattern over each 6-stitch cable panel. For each panel, work the following 8-row repeat. You will have 4 panels total.

Leaf Pattern (over 6 stitches):

Row 1 (RS): K2, YO, K2tog, K2. (Note: This is a decorative decrease, not a true cable. The YO and K2tog create a small eyelet.)

Row 2 (WS): Purl all 6 stitches.

Row 3: K1, YO, K2tog, K1, YO, K2tog. (6 stitches)

Row 4: Purl all 6 stitches.

Row 5: K2tog, YO, K2, YO, SSK. (6 stitches)

Row 6: Purl all 6 stitches.

Row 7: K2tog, YO, K2tog, YO, K1. (5 stitches—note the decrease)

Row 8: Purl all 5 stitches.

After completing the leaf pattern once, repeat it once more (total of 16 rows of leaf pattern). This will create two delicate leaves per panel, adding an elegant, airy touch near the top.

Top Ribbing

After the leaf section, you will have decreased 1 stitch per panel (from 6 to 5 stitches each), so you now have 44 stitches total.

Next Row (RS): K2, P2, K5, P2, K2, P2, K5, P2, K2, P2, K5, P2, K2, P2, K5, P2, K2.

Work in K2, P2 ribbing for 6 rows.
Bind off loosely in pattern. A loose bind-off ensures the top can stretch over the bottle neck easily.

Finishing

Weave in all ends using a tapestry needle. Fold the piece in half with right sides together, matching the cast-on and bind-off edges. Seam the side using a mattress stitch or backstitch, leaving the top open. Turn right side out. Gently block to shape, focusing on opening up the leaf motifs—this will make the eyelets and cables pop. Slide over a wine bottle and enjoy your handmade gift!

This cozy is more than just a cover—it’s a conversation starter, a gift that says “I made this for you,” and a beautiful way to celebrate any occasion. Happy knitting!