Time for tea?

by Cast On Cast Off

I had a request some time ago to make a simple knitted tea cosy and have only just got around to it. I used an old Copley knitting pattern I picked up recently in a charity shop. Copley-Smith and sons were from Darlington but it was the first I had heard of them and the pattern was dated 1983. It’s unusual to find patterns dated like this, so it’s not technically vintage yet!

It does look quite over-the-top keeping my green Denby Energy teapot warm. I think it’s going to be living with a white or stainless pot from memory.... Hope that serves me correctly.

Shamrock Tea Cosy

Rowanspun DK knit double

1 ball of each

4.5mm needles

I have modified my own pattern to share with you. Use two colours of DK yarn and held double throughout the pattern or aran weight yarn. You can use two colours or plain yarn, whatever takes your fancy.

Cast on 53 stitches with 4.5 or 5mm needles.

K2, P2, repeat from to last stitch, K1

Repeat this row until work measures 18cm or desired length.

Begin shaping as follows:-

K2, (P3tog, K1)12 times, P2, K1 (29 sts.)

K2, P2, (K1,P1) 12 times, K1

K1, (SSK) 12 times, K2tog (16 sts.)

K1, P to last stitch, K1

K2tog 8 times across row (8 sts.)

Break yarn and thread through remaining stitches pulling tightly.

Work another piece exactly the same.

To make up, pin pieces together at the sides and roughly measure where you need your spout hole and your handle hole. Sew together using mattress stitch and add a pom pom or pieces of i-cord. Whatever you fancy. Then boil the kettle, make a lovely cuppa and enjoy.

SSK = Slip, slip, knit or alternatively you can knit 2 together through the back of the loop