Want to learn how to knit a tea cosy? We think that is a great idea! Start each day off on the right foot with this cute chick tea cosy by Ann Franklin. Its vibrant colours make the perfect gift for Easter and beyond! Have a root around in your stash for Yarns B and C – you only need small amounts of each.
This cosy uses a traditional filbert (or hazelnut) pattern for the main body of the chick. This is a simple but effective stitch pattern, which imitates the feathers of the chick!
If you like this project, why not try your hand at some of our other knitted Easter favourites? We love the idea of knitted Easter eggs, or how about knitting these adorable Easter pompom hats for your eggs? If you’ve knitted this project, don’t forget to share it on Facebook or post them on Instagram, we love to see what you make!
How to knit a tea cosy: materials
- Paintbox Yarns, Simply DK (100% acrylic; 100g/276m) 1 ball of Yarn A, Buttercup Yellow (122) (you will need 50g) 1 ball of Yarn B, Blood Orange (119) (you will need 5g) Oddment of Yarn C, Soft Fudge (109)
- A pair of 3¼mm needles
- A pair of 4mm needles
- A stitch holder
- 10g of toy stuffing
How to knit a tea cosy: pattern
Tension
Yarn used knits as DK to this tension: 22 sts and 30 rows to measure 10 x 10cm (4 x 4in) over stocking stitch using 4mm needles
Measurements
Width 19cm (7½in) Height 29cm (11½in) to top of chick’s head To fit an average six cup teapot
Abbreviations
You’ll find our standard knitting abbreviations in this pattern. This pattern is written in UK metrics but it’s really easy to convert, just check out our yarn weight conversion chart.
MAIN BODY (Make 2 the same)
Cast on 51 sts using 3¼mm needles and Yarn A. Row 1 K1, (P1, K1) to the end of the row. Row 2 P1, (K1, P1) to the end of the row. These 2 rows form single rib. Work a further 4 rows in single rib. Change to 4mm needles.
Row 7 Knit. Row 8 (RS) K1, k2tog, yo, K3, *yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, K3; rep from * to last 3 sts, yo, k2togtbl, K1. Row 9 K2, k1tbl, *P3, k1tbl, K1, k1tbl; rep from * to last 6 sts, P3, k1tbl, K2. Row 10 P3, *K3, P3; rep from * to the end of the row. Row 11 K3, *P3, K3; rep from * to the end of the row. Row 12 P3, *K3, P3; rep from * to the end of the row. Row 13 K3, *P3, K3; rep from * to the end of the row. Row 14 K3, *yo, sl 1, k2tog, psso, yo, K3; rep from * to the end of the row. Row 15 P3, *k1tbl, K1, k1tbl, P3; rep from * to the end of the row. Row 16 K3, *P3, K3; rep from * to the end of the row. Row 17 P3, *K3, P3; rep from * to the end of the row. Row 18 K3, *P3, K3; rep from * to the end of the row. Row 19 P3, *K3, P3; rep from * to the end of the row. Rep Rows 8–19, 3 times. Next row Sl 1, k2tog, psso, *P3tog, sl 1, k2tog, psso; rep from * to the end of the row. [17 sts] Purl 1 row. Next row (K1, k2tog) to the last 2 sts, K2. [12 sts] For first side, leave these sts on a stitch holder, then make a second side to match.
HEAD
Next row Purl across the 12 sts on the main body piece, then across the stitches left on a holder. [24 sts]
Change to 3¼mm needles. Next row (K2tog) to the end of the row. [12 sts] Next row Purl. Next row (Kfb) to the end of the row. [24 sts] Next row Purl. Next row *K1, kfb; rep from * to the end of the row. [36 sts] Next row Purl. Next row *K2, kfb; rep from * to the end of the row. [48 sts] Beg purl, st st 13 rows. Next row *K2tog, K2; rep from * to the end of the row. [36 sts] Next row Purl. Next row *K2tog, K1; rep from * to the end of the row. [24 sts] Next row Purl. Next row (K2tog) to the end of the row. [12 sts] Break yarn and thread the ends through the stitches left on the needle. Pull the end of the yarn to tighten the stitches together.
BEAK
Cast on 6 sts using 3¼mm needles and Yarn B. Beg with a K row, work in st st for 2 rows.
Row 3 (RS) (K2tog, K1) twice. [4 sts] Row 4 Purl. Row 5 (K2tog) twice. [2 sts] Row 6 Purl. Row 7 (Kfb) twice. [4 sts] Row 8 Purl. Row 9 (Kfb, K1) twice. [6 sts] Beg purl, st st 2 rows. Cast off purlwise.
TO MAKE UP
With RS together, join the head seam. Sew the front and back together for approximately 6cm on either side of the neck. Turn to the right side and stuff the head lightly. Sew a running thread around the base of the neck, and pull up tightly to close the gap at the bottom of the neck, enclosing all of the stuffing. With RS together, sew the ribbed portions and an equal length (to the rib) above the ribbing. Turn the rib to the inside, and tack the cast on edge lightly to the body.
With RS together, sew the side seams of the beak together, leaving the cast on and cast off edges open. Turn to the right side and stuff.
Sew the beak to the front of the head, about halfway up the head. Using Yarn C, work a few back stitches for eyes 2 rows above the beak, and 8 stitches apart.
Download the tea cosy pattern
Get a PDF version of this pattern here: Knitted tea cosy - PDF download
Errata for PDF: Row 8 should read: (RS) K1, k2tog, yo, K3, *yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, K3; rep from * to last 3 sts, yo, k2togtbl, K1.
