purlJam

# CLASSIC TEA COZY

A charming traditional tea cozy worked in seed stitch for excellent insulation and a beautiful textured appearance. This cozy features a rounded dome shape to perfectly fit standard teapots, with an optional pompom for a delightful finishing touch.

## MATERIALS
- **Yarn:** Worsted weight yarn, approximately 200 yards
  - Main Color (MC): 180 yards
  - Contrast Color for pompom (optional): 20 yards
- **Needles:** US 7 (4.5 mm) circular needle, 16" length, plus double-pointed needles for crown decreases
- **Notions:** 
  - Stitch markers
  - Tapestry needle
  - Pompom maker (optional)
  - Measuring tape

## GAUGE
18 stitches and 24 rounds = 4" (10 cm) in seed stitch, worked in the round
*Take time to check gauge - proper gauge ensures a well-fitting cozy*

## FINISHED SIZE
- **Circumference at base:** 20" (51 cm)
- **Height:** 6" (15 cm)
- **Fits:** Standard 4-6 cup teapots

## ABBREVIATIONS
- **k** - knit
- **p** - purl
- **k2tog** - knit 2 stitches together (right-leaning decrease)
- **ssk** - slip, slip, knit (left-leaning decrease)
- **pm** - place marker
- **rm** - remove marker
- **st(s)** - stitch(es)
- **rnd(s)** - round(s)

## PATTERN

### Setup
Using circular needle, cast on 90 sts. Join to work in the round, being careful not to twist. Place marker for beginning of round.

### Body
**Seed Stitch Pattern (worked in the round):**
- **Rnd 1:** *K1, p1; repeat from * to end
- **Rnd 2:** *P1, k1; repeat from * to end
- Repeat these 2 rounds for seed stitch pattern

**Rnds 1-36:** Work in seed stitch pattern as established (approximately 6" from cast-on edge).

### Crown Shaping
*Note: Change to double-pointed needles when stitches become too few for circular needle*

**Rnd 37:** *K1, p1, k1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (75 sts)
**Rnd 38:** *P1, k1, p1, k1, p1; repeat from * to end.
**Rnd 39:** *K1, p1, k2tog, p1; repeat from * to end. (60 sts)
**Rnd 40:** *P1, k1, p1, k1; repeat from * to end.
**Rnd 41:** *K1, p1, k2tog; repeat from * to end. (45 sts)
**Rnd 42:** *P1, k1, p1; repeat from * to end.
**Rnd 43:** *K1, ssk; repeat from * to end. (30 sts)
**Rnd 44:** *P1, k1; repeat from * to end.
**Rnd 45:** *K2tog; repeat from * to end. (15 sts)
**Rnd 46:** *K1; repeat from * to end.
**Rnd 47:** *K2tog; repeat from * to last st, k1. (8 sts)

Cut yarn, leaving a 6" tail. Thread tail through remaining stitches and pull tight to close.

### Spout and Handle Openings
**Spout Opening:**
With right side facing, locate center front of cozy. Using tapestry needle and matching yarn, create a 2.5" wide opening by carefully cutting through 3-4 rounds of fabric, then reinforce edges with blanket stitch or single crochet.

**Handle Opening:**
Repeat on opposite side for handle opening, making it slightly larger (3" wide) to accommodate handle.

## FINISHING

1. **Weave in all ends** securely on the wrong side of work.

2. **Block lightly** by steaming gently or laying flat while damp, shaping to measurements.

3. **Reinforce openings** by working single crochet or blanket stitch around the cut edges for both spout and handle openings.

4. **Optional Pompom:** Make a 3" pompom using contrast color and attach securely to top of cozy.

### Care Instructions
Hand wash in cool water with wool wash. Lay flat to dry, reshaping as needed.

### Designer Notes
- The seed stitch provides excellent insulation while creating a lovely textured surface that doesn't curl
- For a more fitted cozy, work on US 6 (4 mm) needles
- For a looser, more relaxed fit, work on US 8 (5 mm) needles
- Consider making the cozy in your favorite tea-inspired colors: Earl Grey, Chamomile, or English Breakfast!

**Pattern difficulty:** Intermediate - requires knowledge of decreasing, working in the round, and basic finishing techniques.