Cosy nosey

Cosy Nosey by Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren

What Is Being Made

The Cosy Nosey is a small, practical knitted accessory designed to keep your nose warm during chilly weather. This fun gift item combines novelty with genuine functionality, making it an ideal project for knitters seeking a quick, creative make with a humorous purpose.

Yarn and Materials

This project requires minimal yarn—just 10 grams of DK weight yarn in two colours. The small yardage makes it an excellent stash-busting project or a gift that doesn't require a large investment in materials. You will also need a tapestry needle for weaving in ends and finishing, as well as stitch markers to track your rounds during construction.

Needles and Tools

The pattern calls for 3.0mm needles, with the option to use either double pointed needles or circular needles for working in the round. The designer notes that going down a size or two from the recommended needle size will create a warmer, more snug nose cosy. Gauge is not critical for this project, allowing for flexibility in your tension and needle choice.

Knitting Techniques and Stitches

The Cosy Nosey employs several fundamental knitting techniques suitable for intermediate beginners and beyond:

• Cast on: The pattern begins with casting on 48 stitches using any preferred cast-on method
• Knitting in the round: Stitches are joined to work circularly, requiring careful attention to avoid twisting at the join
• Stitch markers: Used to mark the beginning of each round and decrease points throughout the pattern
• Knit stitch: The primary stitch used in the edging and body sections
• Decreasing stitches: The pattern employs decreases worked at four points in two pairs to shape the nose cosy; techniques include k2tog (knit two stitches together) and ssk (slip, slip, knit)
• Grafting stitches: Used to seamlessly close the final opening
• Pompoms or tassels: Optional embellishments for finishing
• Weaving in ends: Standard finishing technique to secure yarn tails

Pattern Structure

The pattern begins with an edging section worked over multiple rounds. The first round establishes two stitch markers at the 24-stitch points, dividing the work into sections. Subsequent rounds of knit stitches are repeated to create the initial depth before decreases are introduced at four strategic points in two pairs, shaping the cosy to fit comfortably over the nose.

Skill Level and Suitability

This free downloadable pattern from independent designer Fiona Hamilton-MacLaren is suitable for knitters with experience in working in the round and basic shaping techniques. The project serves as an excellent introduction to circular knitting and decrease techniques while remaining quick enough for experienced knitters seeking a novelty gift project.