Starsky and Hutch Tea Cosy

Starsky and Hutch Tea Cosy by Fyberspates

What is Being Made

The Starsky and Hutch Tea Cosy is a knitted tea cosy jacket designed by Jeni Hewlett through Fyberspates. This is a quick knit project perfect for gift-giving, created to fit a teapot approximately 40cm (16 inches) in circumference and 15cm (6 inches) in height. The tea cosy provides both functional insulation for teapots and decorative appeal.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several essential techniques to create its finished structure. The pattern incorporates cable stitches, which are central to the design's visual interest and texture. Knitters will also use increases and decreases to shape the garment, as well as picking up stitches to construct different sections. The tea cosy is worked in separate pieces—the left front, right front, and back are knitted individually before being sewn together. This modular construction approach is common in tea cosy patterns and allows for more precise shaping.

Stitches and Stitch Patterns

The pattern begins with a ribbed cuff worked in alternating knit and purl stitches (K1, P1 ribbing), which provides elasticity and a neat edge. The main body features cable stitches including C5B (cable 5 back), C4F (cable 4 front), and C4B (cable 4 back), which create the distinctive textured pattern characteristic of this design. The ribbing and cable work combine to produce both structural integrity and visual appeal.

Materials and Yarn Specifications

The Starsky and Hutch Tea Cosy requires 100g of chunky weight yarn, with approximately 100 meters (82 yards) per 100g. Two sizes of knitting needles are used: 7mm (UK size 2 / US size 10.5) and 8mm (UK size 0 / US size 11). The pattern also calls for a cable needle to work the cable stitches, a stitch holder for managing stitches during construction, and a removable stitch marker for tracking pattern rows. Finishing materials include 2 buttons and a small amount of sewing thread to complete the tea cosy.

Construction Overview

• Cast on 56 stitches using 7mm needles
• Work ribbed cuff in K1, P1 pattern
• Change to 8mm needles for main body
• Introduce cable stitch patterns across the width
• Knit left front, right front, and back sections individually
• Sew pieces together with sewing thread
• Attach buttons for finishing

This downloadable PDF pattern from Fyberspates is ideal for intermediate knitters seeking a relatively quick project with interesting stitch work and practical application.