Pleated Tea Cosy

Size:  This cosy is adaptable to any size teapot

Materials:  Any type of yarn, but thicker is quicker! You can use yarn double for interesting colour effects. Choose needles suitable for the thickness of yarn - eg. 4mm for dk, 4.5mm for aran or 2 strands 4ply knitted together, 5mm for chunky or 2 strands dk knitted together

Tension:  Make a sample by casting on 24 stitches in main colour.

Row 1: Knit 4 main, Knit 4 contrast; Now pull the strand of main tightly (unlike doing fair-isle where you want it the same tension as the rest of the knitting) before knitting 4 again; then pull the strand of contrast tightly and knit 4 in that. Repeat to end of row.

Row 2: Knit 4 contrast, knit 4 main; again pulling the strand before knitting the next colour, continue to end of row.

Repeat these 2 rows for stripes.

For checks, change the contrast and main colours round on row 5 and then after every 4 rows.

If you are using up oddments you can even use 3 colours for stripes, remembering to pull the stitches up firmly before each colour change.  Or try making each row of checks in different colours for a bright result.

The science bit:  Work about 12 rows and measure your knitting. Work out your tension.

Measure the widest circumference of your teapot. Divide by 2 to get the size you need to knit.

Work out the number of stitches that will divide by 4 and be the right size to match the measurement you arrived at for half the teapot circumference. This does not have to be exact, the knitting does stretch a bit, so just use the nearest number of stitches that divides by 4.

Get started:  Cast on the number of stitches you calculated. Knit in your chosen pattern until it is long enough to cover the tea pot.

Change to main and knit for 4 rows. (garter stitch)

How will it all end?  Choose the top you prefer from the two choices below.

Traditional ruffled top:  Next row: K1, *yo, k2tog, rep from * to last stitch, K1.

Work in plain knitting as before for 6 rows. Cast off. 

Make another piece the same.

Sew the 2 pieces together, leaving openings for the spout and handle.

Make a twisted cord, a braid of 18 strands of yarn, or a crochet cord about 10 inches long. Thread this through the holes, draw up and tie in a bow. A short length of ribbon looks good as an alternative.

Cute pompom top:  Break yarn, leaving about a 18 inch length and thread it through the stitches with a blunt needle.  Keep it until the second piece is made and thread through the stitches of that as well, draw up tightly and secure with a few stitches.

Join the two sides together leaving holes for the handle and spout.

Make a pompom and sew to top!

For all styles of cosy - now have a nice cup of tea!

(c) Sheena McKinnon 2007

You are welcome to sell anything you make from this pattern - it is great for fundraising!

You may not sell this pattern.