This tea cosy has the feeling of a small, purposeful object—simple lines, light structure, and a touch of sparkle from the beads worked across the surface. It’s designed for any smooth 4-ply yarn, which gives the fabric a clean, delicate look while still holding enough warmth to keep a small teapot at the right temperature. The beads add gentle points of light, spaced in a steady rhythm across the stitching so the surface feels refined rather than decorative. Everything begins with threading the beads onto the yarn, setting up the sequence before a single row is worked, so the making process flows without interruption.

YARN

• Would suit any 4 ply yarn
• 1 x 50g ball 

NEEDLES
3.25 and 4mm needles

MATERIALS

• 126 size 6 beads

MEASUREMENTS
To fit a small teapot

The cosy is built from two identical side panels. You start with a short band of garter stitch that lays a firm, tidy foundation. From there, the pattern shifts into a repeating structure of purl ribs and slipped-stitch beads, forming a balanced grid that sits smoothly and doesn’t distort the fabric. Each fourth row brings another line of beads, creating a quiet pattern that feels consistent and intentional. The stitches look orderly, almost architectural, giving the cosy a crisp, handmade precision.

SPECIAL ABBREVIATIONS
B1 = place bead by bringing yarn to front of work, slip the next st purlwise, slide a bead down yarn to sit against the slipped st, take yarn to the back of the work.

PATTERN NOTE
Start by threading 63 beads onto the yarn

COSY
SIDES (MAKE 2)
Using 3.25mm needles, cast on 45 sts and K 6 rows.
Change to 4mm needles.
Row 1 (RS): *P1, k1, p4; rep from * to last 3 sts, k1, p1, k1.
Row 2: K1, p1, k1,*p3, k1, p1, k1; rep from * to end.
Row 3: *P3, k1, b1, k1; rep from * to last 3 sts, p3.
Row 4: as Row 2.
Repeat last 4 rows, 8 more times and then row 1 once more.
Next row (WS): Purl.
Shape top
Row 1 (RS): [K7, k2tog] to end of row. (40 sts).
Row 2 and every WS row: Purl.
Row 3: Knit.
Row 5: [K6, k2tog] to end of row. (35 sts).
Row 7: [K5, K2tog] to end of row. (30 sts).
Row 9: [K4, K2tog] to end of row. (25 sts).
Row 11: [K3, K2tog] to end of row. (20 sts).
Row 13 (eyelets): K1, [yfwd, k2tog] 9 times, k1.
Row 14: Purl.
Knit 3 rows. Cast off on WS off work.

FINISHING
Weave in any loose ends and sew up side seams leaving a sufficient gap for handle and spout. Make a twisted cord or crochet a chain, (yarn should be used double), long enough to slot through eyelets and tie up in a bow.

Shaping at the top is clean and incremental. The decreases move in steady steps, drawing the fabric inward without bunching, so the top curves naturally. A row of eyelets appears near the crown—these allow a cord to be threaded through, gathering the cosy with a gentle pull. The fastening is practical, letting you adjust the fit to match your teapot, but it also gives the piece its finishing touch. A twisted cord or a doubled-yarn crochet chain works perfectly, tying the top into a neat bow and bringing the form together.

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Assembly is straightforward. The two sides are seamed around the pot’s shape, leaving open gaps for the handle and spout. This gives the cosy a jacket-like fit so it can slide on and off easily while still insulating the pot. Once the ends are woven in and the cord is in place, the cosy settles into its final shape—light, structured, and dotted with subtle beadwork. A functional little design that looks as good as it works.
Then all that’s left is to boil the water.