Problem Solved - Mobile Phone Cosy

Problem Solved - Mobile Phone Cosy

What is Being Made

The Problem Solved - Mobile Phone Cosy is a practical knitted accessory designed to safely carry a mobile phone when pockets or bags are unavailable. Created by designer Jan Cullen, this cosy serves dual purposes: it protects smartphones during daily use and can also hold small items like coins, making it particularly useful for children on special occasions such as school discos. The finished garment is compact and portable, addressing the everyday need for secure phone storage.

Knitting Techniques Used

This intermediate-level knitting project employs several essential techniques suitable for knitters with foundational skills. The cosy begins with a provisional figure-of-8 cast-on method, which allows for seamless finishing at the project's completion. The pattern utilizes in-the-round knitting construction, worked on double-pointed needles or a circular needle to create a tubular fabric without seams. Cable twists are incorporated into the design using a cable needle, adding textural interest and visual appeal to the finished piece.

Stitches Used

• Knit stitch (k) – the fundamental stitch forming the main fabric structure
• Purl stitch (p) – creating textured ribbed sections and pattern variation
• Yarn over (YO) – creating decorative loops within the pattern
• Cable twist (C1B) – placing stitches on a cable needle, holding at the back of work, then knitting to create twisted cable effects
• Purl 2 together (p2tog) – a decrease stitch reducing stitch count by one

Pattern Structure

The pattern works across five rounds that repeat until the cosy reaches the desired length when slightly stretched. Rounds 1 through 4 establish a ribbed texture alternating purl and knit stitches in a (p1, k2, p2) sequence. Round 5 introduces cable twists using the C1B technique combined with purl stitches, creating visual interest and structural definition. This rhythmic repeat produces an elasticated, fitted fabric suitable for securely holding a mobile phone.

Materials and Yarn Requirements

The project requires 50 meters or yards of fingering weight yarn, making it an economical use of yarn stash materials. Fingering weight yarn, also known as 4-ply weight, produces a fine, durable fabric ideal for a fitted phone accessory. The pattern calls for 3.5mm (US size 4) double-pointed needles or a circular needle appropriate for fingering weight yarn, along with a cable needle for executing the cable twist stitches. A small crochet hook is listed among the notions, likely for securing yarn ends or finishing details upon completion.

Skill Level and Accessibility

Rated as intermediate difficulty, this pattern suits knitters who have mastered basic stitches and are ready to explore cable techniques and in-the-round construction. The straightforward five-round repeat makes the pattern easy to memorize and work without constantly referencing instructions, while the cable twist element provides skill-building opportunity. The compact yardage requirement makes this an ideal project for practicing new techniques without committing extensive time or materials.