Crochet Teapot Cozy Tutorial

Crochet is not an exact science.

At least its not for me.

Yes, there are times when you need to have your count just right, but as my niece (and crochet extraordinaire) says: Crochet is very forgiving.

It's true.

With that said, this is the first time I have ever come up with a pattern... and shared it.

Of course, this wasn't my idea at all...I was inspired by this post (which is a knit pattern) on Crochet With Raymond.

Its the story of my life really: I'm not a visionary, just a copy-cat with skillz.

So here we go.

Base Rows

I used a worsted weight acrylic (and a little bit of 100% cotton on flowers, also worsted) for the entire project.

I also used a size H (5.0mm) hook for the Teapot cozy.

Hooks for the flowers vary according to the patterns (links below). When not specified I used an F.

Beginning the Cozy:

With the color you want for the cozy, chain as many chains as needed (in multiples of two) for the base circumference - this measurement should be generous (meaning not snug.) You don't want it too tight.

For my pot I used 62 chains.

Add two more chains.

This is where the exact science comes in....

It doesn't matter how many chains your circumference is as long as it is an even number. So if you have an odd number of chains round up to the next even number, then (+2).

At this point you can, ever so carefully, joins your ends together (being careful not to twist it) with a slip stitch. Thus begins crocheting in the round.

OR, you can do what I did : Chain 62 + 2 more. Turn.
Chain one, *single crochet in the next stitch* Repeat * to end.

You should have your original number of stitches (i.e., 62 stitches + 2 stitches)

Then I go ahead and join the ends together using a slip stitch (in the first chain) as you would crocheting in the round.

All right. Are you with me?

First Rounds: 

At this point you should have your starting chain (row 1), and a row of single crochet (row 2) with enough stitches to circle (loosely) the bottom of your pot; in a chain number divisible by two! And you've brought them together in a happy little circle.

Round 3 - chain 1, sc in the same stitch, sc in every stitch, sl to join.

Round 4 - ? - continue Round 3 until you're rounds reach the height of the bottom of your spout and handle... unfortunately I didn't photo this part but you can sorta see it in the next picture down and the bottom!

For my pot this was about 4 rounds. (Also my spout and handle were at about the same same hight...if yours isn't, go out quick and get another pot!)

When you get your rounds to the correct hight, then you are ready for the start of rows again.

Cozy Side Rows:

This is when you need to remember what your original chain set was!

Mine was original chain 62 + 2 (i promise that +2 is important!) When you do this row you are only going to do half of the original chain)

Row 1 - chain 1, sc in to the same stitch, sc in next (i.e., 31) stitches across, chain 1, turn.

Row 2 - (?) *sc in next 31 stitches, ch 1, turn*, Repeat * until the height reaches the top of your spout and handle.

For my pot this was about 12 rows.

Once you are satisfied with the hight, you need to get the other side done. I just did a slip stitch  down the side, like this:

I wish is could tell you how many. I don't know. Just enough to get down to the base of my cozy.

This is where one of those extra stitches (+2) comes in...

Slip stitch into the next chain on the base row. (this will create a little space for the handle and spout to peek through)


Sc crochet in the next 31 stitches.

Repeat Row 1 and Row 2 for 2nd side.


Once you you are happy that both side are of the same hight and it fits your pot the way you like, its time to join 'em up and head to the next....

Second (decreasing) Rounds (top of Cozy)

Round 1 - slip stitch sides together, sc in the same stitch, sc all the way around, closing the other side up with a sc, and continue on.

(next rounds all decrease)

Round 2 - - ch 1, *single crochet in the next 6 chains, single decrease in the next two*. Repeat between * til end.

Round 3 - ch 1, Single crochet in the next 4 chains, * single decrease in the next two*. Repeat * til end.

Round 4 - (?) Keep on keeping on...this is really when I was just ready to be finished and began decreasing about every two stitches, and then every other stitch and then every stitch until the end. Because teapots will vary, you will have to decide how much decrease needs to be done and when...no worries if this part looks a little wonky, because flowers cover a multitude of sins.

Finish off. And weave in ends.

I did do a simple edge on the bottom of the cozy for whimsical looks and fun...

Edge:
Attach to any stitch in base with a chain one, single crochet into next stitch, *3 sc crochet into the next stitch, sl into to next chain*. Repeat * til end. Finish off. ad Weave in ends.

Make your flowers (my FAVORITE!):

Here are the link to these flowers starting with the middle and then going clockwise:

Middle: Daffodil

Dark Blue Flower/ yellow middle - I made this one up as I went along, but here is a great tutorial on a flower like this one.

Orange/red middle - supposed to be a daisy, but I made a mistake and had to improvise...here's what it's supposed to look like.

Purple Orchid

Red rose

Strawberry Blossoms

Zinnias (Blue and purple) - purple didn't make the cut...

Not pictured, but so very important... Lily of the Valley

Leaves

My leaves were all a variation on this tutorial I found nearly a year ago...once you get the the basic done you can go WILD and make leaves of all sizes and width!


Leave a long finishing tail on all flowers and leaves.

Once I had all flowers and leaves finished, I pinned the leaves where they told me they should go:

Then I sort of placed the flowers on top to see if the leaves fit.

Then I used the long finishing tails to sew all the leaves and flowers into place with a darning needle.

And soon it looked like this....

And the other side....

And her she is with her sister...

I'm no professional...it's taken me nearly 3 hours to write this thing out...so I am sure its got some holes in it.

If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments and i'll do my best to clarify...

Until then, go forth, and make your teapots beautiful!

Hooker of the Crochet Kind

Its been a full week here at the La Vida house, but last night I was finally able to sit for a minute.

After the kids were in bed and the dishes were done I had two options: 

      1. Log on and catch up on a weeks worth of unread blogs in my reader.

      2. Sit on the couch and catch up on two episodes of Glee while working on crochet.

I chose number 2.

Back in the day I used to babysit a little girl who had to have like 354 random things with her when she went to bed at night.

I sort of felt that way as I gathered supplies last night.

I had to have my bottle of water, my good scissors, my latest crochet book from the library, a plethora of hooks (minus the ones that were left sitting by the computer table and on my bedside table...I have a little problem with starting many projects at once), and a sampling of yarns from my office. (I had to bring what I wanted into the T.V. room because I don't have a DVR in my office.)

You might say, You know Kellie, they sell bags to carry around your yarn and supplies.

That would be true, but if it's in a bag, then I can't see it. 

I have a tendency to forget what I have if I can't see them all laid out.

Its a sickness, I know.

Today I thought I would give you a pictorial of my crafting compulsiveness when it comes to crafting and vegging all at the same time.

As a side note, the red and white roses I made on accident last weekend. The Mister and I were watching TV and I was just practicing, you know - single crochet here, double crochet, there - when all of a sudden I looked down and it was a rose!

I was thrilled!  I thought I might be a crochet savant! 

Unfortunately I have been unable to make it happen again.  Which is such a drag.

I'm hoping to get some more done this weekend...it should be a nice easy one, before we gear up for another wild and crazy week!

What are you up to this week?

Happy Friday!