This clever tea cozy uses stranded colorwork in an unusual way: by intentionally pulling the alternate shade too tight, you create pleats! Top off any one of the three suggested shade combinations with a fun pom-pom. (Patons Yarns)

MATERIALS
Sizes 2 cup (4/6 cup-6/8 cup)
Patons® Classic Wool (100 g/3.5 oz; 192 m/210 yds)
2 colors, 1 ball each for all sizes

Contrast A (77222 Cloverleaf)
Contrast B (77605 Pumpkin)
or
Contrast A (77219 Seafoam)
Contrast B (77435 Water Chestnut)
or
Contrast A (00226 Black)
Contrast B (00201 Winter White)

Size 4.5 mm (U.S. 7) knitting needles or size needed to obtain tension.

Make two pieces alike. Sew side and top seams, leaving openings for handle and spout. Sew pom-pom to top of Tea Cozy to finish.

Pom-pom diagram is included in pdf download (December 2011).

French version (November 2011):
Couvre Théière Classique à Pli (Au Tricot)

Patons #115, Bazaar Novelties and Gifts by Beehive pg 7

Description: The classic tea cosy: garter stitch, knit with two alternating balls of yarn, using the carried yarn to created a pleated effect for extra insulation. Knit in two halves, then sewn together to accommodate the tea-pot’s handle and spout.

Ed. note: The Original (vintage) pattern calls for either Patons Canadiana Superwash Wool or Canadiana Sayelle. Neither are available any longer, but any washable yarn in a worsted-to-bulky range should work.