Helios Phone Cosy

Helios Phone Cosy by Louise Zass-Bangham

What Is Being Made

The Helios Phone Cosy is a compact knitted phone sleeve designed to protect and brighten everyday devices. Created by designer Louise Zass-Bangham, this cosy is specifically pictured with an iPhone 4 inside but will accommodate most phones measuring 11-14cm (4-5½") in circumference and 12cm (5") in height. The finished cosy measures approximately 12cm (5") in circumference when unstretched and 13cm (5½") in height, with adjustable sizing instructions provided to customize the fit for different phone dimensions. This is an ideal quick-knit project suitable for completing in a single evening, making it an excellent gift option.

Techniques and Construction

The Helios Phone Cosy employs several key knitting techniques to achieve both visual interest and structural integrity. The garment features an eyelet-rib border, which creates a decorative textured edge that is notably simpler and quicker to execute than mini-cables while maintaining a complex, intricate appearance. The main body is worked in reverse stocking stitch, a fundamental knitting stitch that creates a smooth, polished surface. The pattern includes instructions for a three-needle bind off option, an advanced finishing technique that creates a seamless join by binding off stitches from two needles simultaneously. Construction begins with a cable cast on or other stretchy cast-on method to ensure adequate elasticity for pulling the cosy over a phone.

Stitches Used

• Reverse Stocking Stitch: Forms the primary fabric of the cosy, creating a smooth, refined surface ideal for a protective phone sleeve
• Eyelet-Rib Border: Combines eyelets (small decorative holes created by yarn-overs and decreases) with ribbing to create the textured, visually complex edge detail
• Cable Cast On: A stretchy cast-on method recommended for this project to ensure the opening accommodates phone insertion
• Three-Needle Bind Off: An optional finishing technique for creating a seamless closure

Materials and Specifications

The Helios Phone Cosy is designed to be an economical project requiring minimal yarn. The sample shown uses approximately ¼ ball or 32 meters of MillaMia Naturally Soft Merino in the Peacock colorway, a sport-weight yarn (4ply) supplied in 125-meter, 50-gram balls. The pattern calls for a pair of 3mm needles and 3.25mm needles to achieve the specified tension of 25 stitches by 34 rows over a 10cm (4") square in reverse stocking stitch using 3.25mm needles. An optional additional 3.25mm or 3.75mm needle may be used if working the three-needle bind off finish. A darning needle is required for seaming. The pattern is presented as a downloadable PDF format, making it accessible for immediate use.

Difficulty Level

Rated as an intermediate knitting project, the Helios Phone Cosy is suitable for knitters with foundational skills who are ready to tackle stitch variations and finishing techniques. While the eyelet-rib border creates a sophisticated visual effect, the straightforward construction and quick completion time make this an achievable project for developing knitters seeking to expand their technical repertoire without committing to a lengthy undertaking.