How to Knit a Tea Cosy
What you will need...
Total time - 6 Hours 30 Minutes (Cosy only)
(2 parts at 2 Hours 50 minutes each, 50 minutes sewing up)
5mm knitting needles (UK 6, US 8)
Size 31cm
Double knitting yarn - any desired colour
Sewing up needle
Scissors
Before You Start...
*This cosy is created as more of a dome (hat) shape as opposed to a more flat cosy - this creates the ridges on make-up to allow accessories to settle in.
Abbreviations
K = Knit P = Purl St = Stitch Sts = Stitches
St-st = stocking stitch. Alternating a row of knit stitches (right side), with a row of purl stitches (wrong side).
K2tog = Decrease by knitting two stitches together, making one stitch from two.
Cast On - I use the thumb method
B&t tightly - Break off yarn and thread yarn through the remaining stitches on needle, pull up tightly and fasten off.
TOP TIP
Choose your top Accessory - This basic cosy can be topped with many different removable accessories.
Consider a Removable Liner - I have not added this but lining the cosy with a cotton removable insert, would allow easier cleaning as well as increasing the longevity of the knitted cosy.
How to Make it...
This design is made up of 2 knitted pieces oversewn together, with an optional removable accessory of your choice.
Main Piece
Make 2 for Each Tea Cosy
Time - 2 Hours 50 Minutes Each
Size 31 cm
Needles 5mm
Yarn Purple - doubled up or chunky
Cast on 48sts
For the next 4 rows (K2P2) to end to form ribbed pattern
Next row P
Beginning with a P row, continue in st-st a further 33rows
Continue to shape top of cozy
Next row (K4,K2tog) to end (40sts)
Next row P
Next row (K3,K2tog) to end (32sts)
Next row P
Next row (K1,K2tog) to end (16sts)
Next row P
Next row (K2tog) to end (8sts)
B&t tightly
Piece it Altogether
With wrong side of stocking together oversew the row ends of the two main pieces.
Attach you accessory by threading a long end of yarn through the top centre of the cosy and tie with a bow.
Make it Different!
Add you own imagination to your design - I like the thought of the bottom edging done in green, with the rest in pale blue to form a 'grass and sky' background. Perfect backdrop for some added knitted flowers or embroidered design.
Knitting and purling stitches can be varied to your own design - such as extending the edging pattern to make the whole cosy in a ridge pattern.
Try a few different colours and vary the accessory (see options below!) to match the colour scheme of your room or kitchen, or even according to the occasion or time of year.
Behind the Scenes!
These patterns are all made up as I go along, learning from mistakes along the way. Every time I create a new pattern, I record it in the Updates part of this site (effectively my blog…) There is a story behind each creation, and this can help give you some more ideas and encouragement.
All done?
Feel free to share your successes or any other tips or suggestions by emailing me. If it's all gone swimmingly and you're ready for you next challenge, have a look at what to try next!