Car Tea Cosy - Free Knitting Pattern

Our cosies are designed with care for you to knit yourself.

This pattern is provided for you to knit your chosen tea cosy. This pattern should not be reproduced or sold and the design remains the property of its creator.

To make the Car Tea Cosy you will need...
5.5 mm, UK size 5 or US size 9 knitting needles.
3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles.
50g Red Double knitting wool, (or the main colour of the car)
25g grey or silver double knitting wool,
and scraps of black, yellow, white and orange double knitting wool and some stuffing.

Divide the Red ball of wool into two balls so that the yarn can be used as double thickness but knitted up as a single strand.

The Back
Using size 5.5mm knitting needles and double thickness Main car colour yarn cast on 28 stitches and work 2 rows in straight garter stitch (Knit each row).

Work a further 22 rows of Stocking Stitch (one row knit, one row purl) **

Leave the stitches on a spare needle until later. The Front
Work as given for the back to **

Shaping the top...
Using the main car colour wool as a double yarn proceed to knit across the tea cosy front and then tea cosy back as Follows...

Shaping the top Row 1: *K5, K2 tog* repeat to end

Next and every alternate row Purl.

Row 3: *K4, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 5: *K3, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 7: *K2, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 9: *K1, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 11: *K2 tog* repeat to end.

Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and Finnish off.

With the front and back right sides together, sew approximately 9.5cm from the finishing off point, down the side seam towards the cast on edge.

At the bottom of each side seam, sew about 3cm upwards. The holes are left for the teapot handle and spout.

Car Bonnet or Hood

With 5.0 mm, UK size 6 or US size 8 Knitting needles and Double thickness knitting wool in the main car colour cast on 40 stitches.

Work two rows of Stocking stitch and then as follows

Row 1: K9, Inc in next 2 stitches, K18, Inc in next 2 stitches, K9.

Next and every alternate row Purl.

Row 3: K10, Inc in next 2 stitches, K20, Inc in next 2 stitches, K10.
Row 5: K11, Inc in next 2 stitches, K22, Inc in next 2 stitches, K11.
Row 7: K12, Inc in next 2 stitches, K24, Inc in next 2 stitches, K12.
Row 9: K13, Inc in next 2 stitches, K26, Inc in next 2 stitches, K13.
Row 11: K14, Inc in next 2 stitches, K28, Inc in next 2 stitches, K14.
Row 13: K15, Inc in next 2 stitches, K30, Inc in next 2 stitches, K15.

Purl a row and cast off.

Sew the row ends together flat so that the seam lies in the centre at the bottom. Sew the cast on edges to complete the car bonnet or hood shape. Sew into place at the centre front of the main tea cosy and lightly stuff.

Headlights (make 4)
With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and white (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 12 stitches.

Knit 1 row
Next row: *P2 tog* to end

Break the wool and thread the wool through the remaining stitches and draw up. Sew the row ends together so that it forms a circle.

Sew the headlights in place on the bonnet with 2 headlights on each side.

Radiator Grill
With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and pail grey (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 12 stitches.

Knit 2 rows.

Row 3 and 4: *K1, P1* to end

Knit 2 rows
Cast off.

Sew the radiator grill in place on the front of the bonnet between the headlights.

Car Boot or Trunk

With 5.0 mm, UK size 6 or US size 8 Knitting needles and Double thickness knitting wool in the main car colour cast on 40 stitches.

Row 1: K9, Inc in next 2 stitches, K18, Inc in next 2 stitches, K9.

Next and every alternate row Purl.

Row 3: K10, Inc in next 2 stitches, K20, Inc in next 2 stitches, K10.
Row 5: K11, Inc in next 2 stitches, K22, Inc in next 2 stitches, K11.
Row 7: K12, Inc in next 2 stitches, K24, Inc in next 2 stitches, K12.

Purl a row and cast off.

Sew the row ends together flat so that the seam lies in the centre at the bottom. Sew the cast on edges to complete the car boot shape. Sew into place at the centre back of the main tea cosy and lightly stuff.

Car Registration Plate.

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and yellow (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 12 stitches and knit 4 rows and cast off. Embroider on the numbers with black wool. 'T42' makes a great registration plate. Sew into place on the middle of the car boot.

Exhaust Pipe

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and black (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 14 stitches

Work 10 rows of stocking stitch and cast off.

Roll up the knitting (short ways) and over sew the row ends on to the roll. Sew into place on the left, underside of the car boot. Allow a little of the exhaust pipe to stick out from the boot.

Windows (make 2)

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and grey (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 30 stitches and stocking stitch 10 rows.

Shape the top of the window

Row 1: K2 tog, K8, K2 tog, K6, K2 tog, K8, K2 tog
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: K2 tog, Knit to last 2 stitches K2 tog.
Cast off.

Sew the front window to the middle front of the main tea cosy so that the bottom of the window rests on the top of the bonnet. Similarly sew the back window in the middle back of the tea cosy so that the bottom of the window rests on the boot of the car.

Wheels (make 4)

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and black (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 6 stitches.

Row 1: *Inc in next stitch* to end

Next and every following alternate row Purl

Row 3: *K1, Inc in next stitch* to end
Row 5: *K2, Inc in next stitch* to end
Row 7: *K3, Inc in next stitch* to end

Row 8: Knit
Knit 3 more rows
Row 12: Purl

Row 13: *K3, K2 tog* to end
Row 14: Purl
Row 15: *K2, K2 tog* to end

Change to grey wool and continue
Row 16: Purl
Row 17: *K1, K2 tog* to end
Row 18: Purl
Row 19: * K2 tog* to end

Break the wool and tread it through the remaining stitches and draw it up. Sew the row ends together and flatten so that if forms a circle with a black backside and a black front with a grey wheel trim at the centre. Sew the 4 wheels in place on the 'car' where the bonnet or the boot joins the main tea cosy.

This knitting pattern was designed by TeaCosyFolk.co.uk for www.MotorParks.co.uk

The tea cosy is a common every day object that probably doesn't seem very interesting. But it comes from Nobel origins, and was not only brought about to keep the teapot and its contents hot, but to also extend social activities. Pretty hard to believe isn't it, of a small knitted item that resembles a woolly hat?

The history of the tea cosy begins when tea was first introduced to Britain in the 1660's, when King Charles II married Catherine of Braganza. Catherine brought to court the pleasure of tea taking. Of course the importing of such a luxury item was very costly and a pleasure only the aristocracy could afford until 1750 when tea became Britain's National drink. Colonialism and the ever-increasing empire meant that more exotic goods were being brought to Britain more often and more cheaply. But it is probably the Duchess of Bedford who brought about the popularity of the tea cosy.

In 1840 the Duchess of Bedford established the activity of 'Afternoon Tea', an event that became so British that we still refer to four o'clock as 'Tea time'. During this era 'well to do' ladies didn't work, so the introduction of afternoon tea was a welcomed occupation. Unlike today, afternoon tea was a rather posh affair; the best china (usually fine China tea services imported from China) would be used and fancy cakes and pastries would accompany the tea. Usually invited guests or unexpected visitors would join in taking afternoon tea.

The tea party would be served at a table, often in the garden during the summer months. The matriarchal figure would pour everyone's tea and in her absence another would step in which is where the term 'Shall I be Mother' originated.

Afternoon tea was not only a happy pastime and a mini social event, but it was also a time for networking and keeping up to date with aristocracy gossip and topical news. Of course with all the chatter at teatime the teapot would get cold. This, at times, would have cut short some tea parties, giving reluctant guests an excuse to leave instead or sending for a fresh pot of tea. And so, the tea cosy came about. A warm little jacket to keep the tea pot piping hot and so extending teatime.

Visit TeaCosyFolk.co.uk for quality, hand knitted, woollen, character tea cosies. Tea Cosy Folk tea cosy designs are exclusive to TeaCosyFolk.co.uk and not only look charming but also keep the tea piping hot ready for the second cup of tea.

Not Content with Knitting just a Car Tea Cosy?

Well why not try knitting the a traditional looking Police Car Tea Cosy - When the siren and lights are on its because the Police crew inside the car are dashing back to the station for a lovely cuppa. Jam sandwiches and tea are smashing together.

Our cosies are designed with care for you to knit yourself.

This pattern is provided for you to knit your chosen tea cosy. This pattern should not be reproduced or sold and the design remains the property of its creator.

To make the Police Car Tea Cosy you will need...
5.5 mm, UK size 5 or US size 9 knitting needles.
3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles.
50g White Double knitting wool, (or the main colour of the car)
25g grey or silver double knitting wool,
and scraps of black, yellow, white and orange double knitting wool and some stuffing.

Divide the White and some of the Orange balls of wool into two balls so that the yarn can be used as double thickness but knitted up as a single strand.

The Back
Using size 5.5mm knitting needles and double thickness Main car colour yarn cast on 28 stitches and work 2 rows in straight garter stitch (Knit each row).

Work a further 6 rows of Stocking Stitch (one row knit, one row purl) ** in this colour and them work 2 rows of stocking stitch in Orange. Re-join white and continue in white for the rest of the main car.

Leave the stitches on a spare needle until later. The Front
Work as given for the back to **

Shaping the top...
Using the main car colour wool as a double yarn proceed to knit across the tea cosy front and then tea cosy back as Follows...

Shaping the top Row 1: *K5, K2 tog* repeat to end

Next and every alternate row Purl.

Row 3: *K4, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 5: *K3, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 7: *K2, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 9: *K1, K2 tog* repeat to end.
Row 11: *K2 tog* repeat to end.

Thread the end of the yarn through the remaining stitches and through the loop of the yarn itself and draw up the knitting tightly and Finnish off.

With the front and back right sides together, sew approximately 9.5cm from the finishing off point, down the side seam towards the cast on edge.

At the bottom of each side seam, sew about 3cm upwards. The holes are left for the teapot handle and spout.

Car Bonnet or Hood

With 5.0 mm, UK size 6 or US size 8 Knitting needles and Double thickness knitting wool in the main car colour cast on 40 stitches.

Work two rows of Stocking stitch and then as follows

Row 1: K9, Inc in next 2 stitches, K18, Inc in next 2 stitches, K9.

Next and every alternate row Purl.

Row 3: K10, Inc in next 2 stitches, K20, Inc in next 2 stitches, K10.
Row 5: K11, Inc in next 2 stitches, K22, Inc in next 2 stitches, K11.
Row 7: K12, Inc in next 2 stitches, K24, Inc in next 2 stitches, K12.
Row 9: K13, Inc in next 2 stitches, K26, Inc in next 2 stitches, K13.
Row 11: K14, Inc in next 2 stitches, K28, Inc in next 2 stitches, K14.
Row 13: K15, Inc in next 2 stitches, K30, Inc in next 2 stitches, K15.

Purl a row and cast off.

Sew the row ends together flat so that the seam lies in the centre at the bottom. Sew the cast on edges to complete the car bonnet or hood shape. Sew into place at the centre front of the main tea cosy and lightly stuff.

Stripes for the Bonnet (make 2 alike)

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and orange (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 4 stitches. And work 26 rows in stocking stitch and cast off.

Sew the stripes to the bonnet along the shaping lines on the sides so that they match up with the orange stripe of the main tea cosy.

Headlights (make 2)
With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and white (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 12 stitches.

Knit 1 row
Next row: *P2 tog* to end

Break the wool and thread the wool through the remaining stitches and draw up. Sew the row ends together so that it forms a circle.

Sew the headlights in place on the bonnet with 2 headlights on each side.

Radiator Grill
With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and pail grey (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 12 stitches.

Knit 2 rows.

Row 3 and 4: *K1, P1* to end

Knit 2 rows
Cast off.

Sew the radiator grill in place on the front of the bonnet between the headlights.

Car Boot or Trunk

With 5.0 mm, UK size 6 or US size 8 Knitting needles and Double thickness knitting wool in the main car colour cast on 40 stitches.

Row 1: K9, Inc in next 2 stitches, K18, Inc in next 2 stitches, K9.

Next and every alternate row Purl.

Row 3: K10, Inc in next 2 stitches, K20, Inc in next 2 stitches, K10.
Row 5: K11, Inc in next 2 stitches, K22, Inc in next 2 stitches, K11.
Row 7: K12, Inc in next 2 stitches, K24, Inc in next 2 stitches, K12.

Purl a row and cast off.

Sew the row ends together flat so that the seam lies in the centre at the bottom. Sew the cast on edges to complete the car boot shape. Sew into place at the centre back of the main tea cosy and lightly stuff.

Stripes for the Boot (make 2 alike)

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and orange (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 4 stitches. And work 16 rows in stocking stitch and cast off.

Sew the stripes to the boot along the shaping lines on the sides so that they match up with the orange stripe of the main tea cosy.

Car Registration Plate.

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and yellow (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 12 stitches and knit 4 rows and cast off. Embroider on the numbers with black wool. 'COP' makes a great registration plate. Sew into place on the middle of the car boot.

Exhaust Pipe

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and black (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 14 stitches

Work 10 rows of stocking stitch and cast off.

Roll up the knitting (short ways) and over sew the row ends on to the roll. Sew into place on the left, underside of the car boot. Allow a little of the exhaust pipe to stick out from the boot.

Windows (make 2)

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and grey (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 30 stitches and stocking stitch 10 rows.

Shape the top of the window

Row 1: K2 tog, K8, K2 tog, K6, K2 tog, K8, K2 tog
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: K2 tog, Knit to last 2 stitches K2 tog.
Cast off.

Sew the front window to the middle front of the main tea cosy so that the bottom of the window rests on the top of the bonnet. Similarly sew the back window in the middle back of the tea cosy so that the bottom of the window rests on the boot of the car.

Wheels (make 4)

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and black (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 6 stitches.

Row 1: *Inc in next stitch* to end

Next and every following alternate row Purl

Row 3: *K1, Inc in next stitch* to end
Row 5: *K2, Inc in next stitch* to end
Row 7: *K3, Inc in next stitch* to end

Row 8: Knit
Knit 3 more rows
Row 12: Purl

Row 13: *K3, K2 tog* to end
Row 14: Purl
Row 15: *K2, K2 tog* to end

Change to grey wool and continue
Row 16: Purl
Row 17: *K1, K2 tog* to end
Row 18: Purl
Row 19: * K2 tog* to end

Break the wool and tread it through the remaining stitches and draw it up. Sew the row ends together and flatten so that if forms a circle with a black backside and a black front with a grey wheel trim at the centre. Sew the 4 wheels in place on the 'car' where the bonnet or the boot joins the main tea cosy.

The Blue Light for the top of the Police Car

With 3.25 mm, UK size 10 or US size 3 Knitting needles and Blue (single strand of double knitting wool) cast on 30 stitches.

Row 1: Knit
Row 2: Purl
Row 3: Knit
Row 4: Knit

Repeat these 4 rows three more times.

Cast off.

With the right side of the work facing you, pick up and knit four stitches on and between two of the ridges on the row ends. Work 3 rows in sticking stitch beginning with a Purl row and cast off.

Work another small square flap at the other end of the strip light, in the same way as you knitted the last flap.

Roll the light over so that the cast on and cast off edges meet (wrong sides together) and over sew the edges together.

Fold one of the light flaps up so that it forms the end and neatly over sew into place. Lightly stuff the light and then fold up the last flap, and over sew. Sew the light to the centre top of the tea cosy so that the ends of the light protrude slightly off the tea cosy.

This knitting pattern was designed by TeaCosyFolk.co.uk for www.MotorParks.co.uk

Knitting provides a hobby that's fun, requires self-discipline and steadfastness, and allows you to feel a sense of achievement when your knitting project is complete.

Knitting Defined

Knitting is a craft in which two needles along with thread or yarn are used to create fabric pieces or garments by creating loops in the yarn. It can be used to create many types of fabric, from framed knitting artwork to sweaters, afghan quilts, throws, blankets, mittens, or even bedroom slippers.

The most basic type of knitting is called the knit stitch. With the knit stitch, you'll slip the needle through the loop from front to back. Then, loop the yarn around the needle and put the stitch through onto the second needle. Another common type of knitting is the purl stitch, which is handled in an opposite manner than the knit stitch. When learning how to knit through paid or free knitting lessons for beginners, you'll learn these basics first.

Why Learn How to Knit?

Knitting has been around for thousands of years, and probably always will be. So, why learn how to knit when you can easily buy finished fabrics in the marketplace?

One, knitting gives you a sense of accomplishment. When you complete a beautiful piece that can be framed as a home decor piece, you'll be proud to hang it on your wall. When you complete a lovely, warm sweater made with your own hands, you can proudly wear it and explain that you knitted it yourself.

Two, learning how to knit requires self-discipline and steadfastness. You must work on it consistently to complete a project. When children learn to knit, they also learn to set goals, stick with something until the end, and accomplish something special.

Three, knitted items make excellent gifts. When your friend or loved one becomes an expectant mother, you can immediately begin knitting a blanket for the baby. Or, knit slippers for your family members as Christmas gifts. Giving something you made with your own hands makes a very special gift from the heart.

Where to Learn

Learning how to knit is easy today with so many online resources. There are online paid or free knitting lessons for beginners as well as advanced instructions. You can opt to learn from an individual locally, but this can cost quite a bit of time and money. Learning how to knit online enables you to learn from your own home during your spare time. It's also very affordable.

Through online lessons, you'll learn what tools and supplies are needed, how to cast on, how to know knits from purls, how to create patterns and designs, how to block and sew your work together, how to care for knitted garments, and other valuable skills.

With free knitting lessons for beginners or advanced knitting instructions, you might also benefit and save money with the free patterns provided at some websites. Learning how to knit will give you a skill that can be enjoyed for a lifetime.

Chris Robertson is an author of Majon International, one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing companies on the web. Learn more about Learn How to Knit - for Beginners or Majon's Crafts and Hobbies directory.

TeaCosyFolk.co.uk

Since the rise of the humble teabag which was introduced to the UK by Tetley Tea in 1953, the art of making a real cup of English tea has been on the decline, with many 'tea drinkers' choosing to mash their tea in a mug. Of course back in the Victorian times, taking tea was more of an event; with the 'tea maker' even mixing a blend of tea leaves them selves. Interestingly, the first tea bag recorded was in around 1908. Introduced by a gentleman called Thomas Sullivan, from the USA. The Victorian connoisseurs of tea must have rejected the idea. After all, the Victorians enjoyed the whole event of tea drinking and chattering - why would they want to speed up the process?

To make a real cup of tea you will need...

A quality blend of tea leaves. Loose tea is best, however a good brand of tea bags will suffice. (Remember if the tealeaves were cheap - the tea will taste accordingly) If you choose to use leaves you will also need a tea strainer.

You will also need a kettle full of boiling water, a teapot, a teaspoon, a china mug or cup and saucer, milk and sugar to taste.

First pour around a quarter of a pint of the boiling water into the teapot. Put the lid on the teapot and swill the hot water around inside the teapot before pouring the water out of the spout and down the sink. This is called 'Warming the Pot'.

Warming the teapot ensures that when the teapot is filled with water for making tea, that the water will remain hot and wont loose any heat tot he teapot. Keeping the tea water hot not only keeps the finished tea at an optimum temperature for drinking, but also helps with the tea brewing itself. Piping hot water aids the tealeaves to effuse.

One the teapot is hot, you should add the tealeaves. The general rule is to add a teaspoon of loose tea or a teabag for every person who will be taking tea, plus 'One for the Pot'. Therefore, if five people are taking tea, you should add six teaspoons of tealeaves or six teabags to the teapot.

Now pour on the boiling water. You should add enough water to fill everyone's teacup. Put the lid on the teapot to retain the heat. Leave the teapot to stand for two minutes.

Then remove the teapot lid and stir the tea with a spoon. Replace the lid and again leave it to stand two more minutes. The tea is now ready for pouring.

China cups are best for drinking tea from, which is why the Victorians chose to drink from beautiful china tea sets. It just makes the tea taste better.

Controversy has arisen as to when the milk should be added to tea. Some people saying that the milk should be poured in first and others saying that the tea is poured first. Obviously as a nation we have got used to brewing tea in a mug. This way the tea is always added first. However, to make a real cup of English tea the milk is always added to the cup first, followed by the tea.

Sugar is than added last to taste. A sugar bowl is necessary because it largely depends on the size of the cup as to how much sugar you will take in your tea. The larger the cup or mug the more sugar you may need. Of course with just a small china cup you need far less sugar.

When the tea has been poured, the teapot should be again filled with boiling water in readiness for a second serving. Stir the tea and replace the lid and cover the teapot with a tea cosy to keep the tea piping hot. By the time you have drunk your first cup of tea, the second batch of tea will be ready for pouring.

We should bring back the art of tea making. It's a relaxing social event that everyone young and old can enjoy. Funny isn't it how we buy little girls pretty little tea sets to make imaginary tea for their dollies, and yet as adults we have removed the fun and we just sling a teabag in a mug. Join the campaign and dig out your teapot and treat yourself and your friends and family to a real English cup of tea and a chat, today.

Visit TeaCosyFolk.co.uk for quality, hand knitted, woolen, character tea cosies. Tea Cosy Folk tea cosy designs are exclusive to TeaCosyFolk.co.uk and not only look charming but also keep the tea piping hot ready for the second cup of tea.

If you really don't want to knit your own tea cosy you can buy one! This of course has speedier results!

Visit TeaCosyFolk to browse the Petrol Head range of Tea Cosies