Years ago when knitting patterns were first created in the 1800's and on. Knitters had family members who taught them to knit usually it was Grandma that had more time to be patient and available to go to when you were stuck on a project. Obviously seeing knitting first hand made knitting so much easier. So I realize after posting the pattern of the tea cosy it is written very matter of fact and can be confusing to try to imagine how to create the "pleats". So I thought I would show you the inside of the cosy with the pleats. Not very pretty but totally practical in that these pleats create the thickness of texture that retains the heat in the tea pot.
The pattern writes, "Pleats are formed by each colour being drawn across
back of colour just used and keeping all strands at wrong side
throughout." The key is this pattern is knitted in "garter stitch" which is knit
every row. The pattern is "** 1st row: K1M, *6C, 6M; repeat from * to
last 7 sts, 6C, 1M." and repeat . If you would like a checkered look then follow the pattern if not just repeat this row until desired depth before shaping the top.
When changing colours literaly drop the used colour and pick up the new colour, don't pull to make the pleat, the pleat will just happen after several rows. If you pull the yarn it will be too tight and the cosy will not stretch to go over the pot when completed. Keep the loops on one side of the work and you may like to pick up the new colour and pass the old colour over the top on the new colour which will create a natural twist that creates a tidy finish, and stops "holes" developing on the back. Be patient on the first few rows, your work will look odd, but this is one of those patterns that the "look" develops. I hope this helps? Please email me if you have any questions. Happy Knitting!!!
