Easy Patterns for Knitted Easter Egg Cosy

 

I have designed and knitted these egg cosies a year ago as an example of an easy project for beginner knitter and to promote Yarn Over Coffee. Over the year they have become very popular and this is possibly my favourite photo for Yarn Over Coffee. This year I have been a bit more organised and finally written down the pattern.

There are 3 versions of the pattern. The first is for complete beginners and only uses the knit stitch. The second one uses knit and purl stitches. And the third one is for those who are happy to decrease and use knit, purl and knit 2 together stitches.

Experienced knitters please be warned, the pattern is written for those who are not familiar and confident with reading knitting patterns and might be too simplified and , shall we say, long winded for you.

So here goes… Please don’t hesitate to message me if you have any questions. And don’t forget to send photos of your makes. Happy knitting!

Yarn
Drops Nepal (Aran weight)

I have used Drops Nepal for this project. It is an aran weight yarn, mix of wool and Alpaca. However, any aran yarn will be suitable.
The actual cosy does not require much yarn, but the pompoms do. You will probably get 3 or 4 cosies with pompoms per 50g ball of yarn. There are lots of colours to choose from, so be as creative as you like.

Tension
17 stitches and 22 rows to 10cm x 10cm (4”x4”) square

This is the tension of the yarn I used. However, the tension is not critical for this project and difference of 1 or 2 stitches or rows should be ok. However, if you are using aran yarn and the egg cosies are too large, use smaller needles (4.5 mm should be OK).

Needles
5mm

Easy Beginners Pattern (only knit stitch required)

Using any cast on method, cast on 21 stitches, leaving a long tail (25cm). This will be referred to as tail 1 and used to sew up the cosy at the end.

Knit 13 rows.

Don’t cast off, but cut the yarn leaving a long tail (20cm). This will be tail 2.

Weave tail 2 trough the stitches.

Sew up the sides using tail 1, using either mattress stitch or backstitch.

Pull tail 2 tight and secure.

Weave in the tails to secure and cut off.

Make a pompom if required. Sew on.

Enjoy!

Beginners Pattern (knit and purl stitches required)

Using any cast on method, cast on 21 stitches, leaving a long tail (25cm). This will be referred to as tail 1 and used to sew up the cosy at the end.

Row 1 – Knit
Row 2 – Knit
Row 3 – Knit
Row 4 – Knit
Row 5 – Knit
Row 6 – Purl
Row 7 – Knit
Row 8 – Purl
Row 9 – Knit
Row 10 – Purl
Row 11 – Knit
Row 12 – Purl
Row 13 – Knit

Or in short, once you get used to reading patterns
Row 1 to 4 – Knit
Row 5 – Knit
Row 6 – Purl
Repeat rows 5 and 6 three more times
Row 13 – Knit (13 rows in total).

Don’t cast off, but cut the yarn leaving a long tail (20cm). Referred to as tail 2.

Weave tail 2 trough the stitches.

Sew up the side using tail 1 and either mattress stitch or backstitch.

 

Pull tail 2 tight and secure.

Weave in the tails to secure and cut off.

Make a pompom if required. Sew on.

Intermediate Pattern (knit, purl and decreasing stitches required)

Using any cast on method, cast on 24 stitches, leaving a long tail (25cm). This will be tail 1.

Row 1 – 4 Knit
Row 5 – Knit
Row 6 – Purl
Row 7 – Knit
Row 8 – Purl
Row 9 – Knit
Row 10 – Purl
Row 11 – Knit 2 together (k2tg), knit 4, k2tg, knit 4, k2tg, knit 4 , k2tg, knit 4
Row 12 – Purl
Row 13 – k2tg, knit 3, k2g, knit 3, k2tg, knit 3, k2tg, knit 3
Row 14 – Purl

Or in short, once you get used to reading patterns
Row 1 to 4 – Knit
Row 5 – Knit
Row 6 – Purl
Repeat rows 5 and 6 two more times (10 row in total).
Row 11 – (k2tg, k4) 4 times
Row 12 – Purl
Row 13 – (k2tg, k3) 4 times
Row 14 – Purl

Don’t cast off, but cut the yarn leaving a long tail (20cm). This is tail 2.

Weave tail 2 trough the stitches.

Sew up the side using tail 1 and either mattress stitch or backstitch.

Pull tail 2 tight and secure.

Weave in the tails to secure and cut off.

Make a pompom if required. Sew on.

Enjoy!

PS: We all have to start somewhere. This might be your first knitted project. It is my first written pattern. So please bear that in mind … and let me know your comments. Thank you.