Knitted Tea Cosy with Cat Face

A snug, slightly slouchy tea cosy with cute cat face details. Worked mostly in the round for a smooth finish; simple decreases shape the top and small knitted triangles form the ears. Suitable for confident beginner/intermediate knitters. If you prefer crochet ears, a short crochet option is included.

Finished size

Fits a standard teapot approximately 38 cm (15") circumference and 20 cm (8") height. Adjust easily by changing stitch count or length (see Notes).

Materials

• Yarn: Worsted/Aran weight yarn. Imperial: 100 g (3.5 oz) ball; approx 200 yards. Metric: 100 g; approx 183 m. Main color A: ~100 g. Contrast color B for nose/ears/face details: small amounts.
• Needles: US 7 / UK 7 (old) / 4.5 mm circular needle 40 cm (16") OR set of DPNs in same size. Optional smaller needle for tidier edges/ears: US 6 / UK 6 (old) / 4.0 mm.
• Notions: tapestry needle, stitch markers, scrap yarn or safety pin for marker, small amount toy stuffing for ears (optional), blunt sewing needle and embroidery thread (black and pink), scissors, measuring tape.

Gauge

18 sts x 24 rows = 10 cm (4") in stockinette on US 7 / 4.5 mm. Check your gauge and adjust needle size if needed so the cosy sits snugly on your teapot.

Abbreviations (US)

• K = knit
• P = purl

Notes

• The pattern is written for one size. To enlarge, add multiples of 8 sts to the cast-on to keep decrease pattern working evenly.
• You can work the cosy flat in two panels and seam if you prefer not to use circulars.
• For a taller cosy, work more stockinette rounds before beginning crown shaping.

Pattern

Worked in the round from the bottom up.

Cast on 96 sts. Join carefully without twisting. Place marker for beginning of round.
Ribbing: Work K1, P1 around for 10 rounds (about 2.5 cm / 1").
Change to stockinette: Knit every round until piece measures 12 cm (4.75") from CO edge.
Begin crown decreases (maintain marker position):
Round 1: *K22, K2tog* repeat to end. (92 sts)
Round 2: Knit.
Round 3: *K21, K2tog* repeat to end. (88 sts)
Round 4: Knit.
Round 5: *K20, K2tog* repeat to end. (84 sts)
Round 6: Knit.
Round 7: *K19, K2tog* repeat to end. (80 sts)
Round 8: Knit.
Round 9: *K18, K2tog* repeat to end. (76 sts)
Round 10: Knit.
Round 11: *K17, K2tog* repeat to end. (72 sts)
Round 12: Knit.
Round 13: *K16, K2tog* repeat to end. (68 sts)
Round 14: Knit.
Round 15: *K15, K2tog* repeat to end. (64 sts)
Round 16: Knit.
Round 17: *K7, K2tog* twice, *K7, K2tog* twice (work evenly across) — continue decreasing in this way every other round until about 12 sts remain. (Tip: switch to ssk on alternate decrease rounds if you prefer symmetric shaping.)
When 10-14 sts remain, cut yarn leaving a 20 cm tail. Thread tail through remaining sts with tapestry needle, pull tight to close top, secure and weave in end.

Ears (make 2)

Knitted triangle, worked flat.

With smaller needles (US 6 / 4.0 mm) and contrast yarn if desired:
CO 11 sts.
Row 1 (RS): K across.
Row 2: K1, P9, K1.
Repeat Rows 1-2 until piece measures about 4 cm from CO, or you have worked 6 garter ridges.
Begin decrease for point:
Row A (RS): K2tog, knit to last 2 sts, ssk. (decrease 2 sts)
Row B: K across.
Repeat A and B until 3 sts remain. Knit one row, then BO remaining 3 sts. Sew base seam to create triangular ear, leaving a small opening for a bit of stuffing if you like. Position and sew ears to top of cosy. Secure firmly.

Crochet Ear Option (single crochet triangle)

With a G/4.0 mm hook and contrast yarn:
Ch 6.
Row 1: sc in 2nd ch from hook and across (5 sc)
Row 2: ch1, turn, sc2tog, sc across to last 2 sts, sc2tog (decrease 2)
Repeat Row 2 until 1 sc remains. Fasten off, sew seam to shape triangle.

Face Placement and Embroidery

• Place eyes approximately 3.5 cm down from the top center of the body and spaced 4-5 cm apart depending on taste. Use small satin-stitched circles or safety eyes if the cosy will not be used around children.
• Nose: small stitched triangle in pink placed midway between eyes and top of mouth area.
• Whiskers: three straight stitches each side using black embroidery thread, coming out from near the nose area.
• Mouth: small vertical stitch down from nose and two short curved stitches for a smile.

Finishing

• Weave in all ends securely.
• Block gently to shape: steam or wet block lightly, avoiding heavy stretching.
• Sew ears in place so they sit slightly forward for a friendly profile.

Care

Hand-wash cold or gentle machine wash in a mesh bag on delicates, reshape and dry flat. Avoid high heat, remove any embroidered bits before washing if you used delicate threads.

Customization ideas

• Add stripes, a pompom on top, or a contrasting ribband at the base.
• Make a snugger fit by using one size smaller needles for the ribbing round, or enlargen by increasing cast-on stitches in multiples of 8.

Pattern created for PurlJam. Website: https://purljam.verde.uk. Support: team@verde.uk. Socials: #purljam.

Created by purlJam with the help of magic AI dust. Shop Verde for patterns and yarn.

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