A tea cosy is one of those small, old-fashioned things that earns its place on the table. It keeps the pot warm while you pour a second cup, and it looks cheerful in the kitchen. Making one is a friendly project, whether you knit it or sew it, and it needs very little material. Once it is made, it is worth caring for so that it stays pretty and fresh, and so that it does not pick up stains or the smell of old tea.
Knit it or sew it
To knit a cosy, choose a soft, washable yarn and needles that suit it, and knit two matching pieces that are wide enough to slip over the teapot with a little room to spare. Leave a gap for the spout and the handle. Sew the pieces together with a needle and matching yarn, and add a little loop or bobble on top so that you can lift it easily.
If you prefer to sew, cut two curved pieces of cotton or linen in the shape of a dome, together with two more for the lining. Place a layer of soft wadding or a piece of old blanket between the outer fabric and the lining, and stitch the pieces together, leaving a gap at the bottom. Turn it right side out, and sew the opening closed by hand. The padding is what keeps the heat in.
Keep the cosy clean by taking it off the pot as soon as the tea has been poured, and letting it air. Splashes of tea are easy to treat if you dab them at once with a damp cloth. Never rub hard, and never use a strong stain remover without trying it first on a hidden corner. Do not mix cleaning products, and rinse well afterwards.
Wash a knitted cosy by hand in lukewarm water with a gentle soap, press out the water without wringing, and dry it flat. A sewn cosy can usually go in the washing machine on a gentle programme, but check the fabric first. Iron it on the reverse side when it is slightly damp, and store it in a dry drawer or on a hook near the pot, where it is always ready for the next brew.
