After exploring the clever simplicity of Sequence Textures by Nancy Lekx last week, I’m moving from knit and purl texture to a cozy project that lets colorwork and words take center stage.
The Knitted Hot Water Bottle Cozy by Lorraine Thompson from ANPTmag Issue 57 is practical, playful, and especially inviting as cooler weather settles in. A hot water bottle already promises warmth and comfort, but covering it with hand knitting makes the whole experience feel just a little more special.
Lorraine takes the idea even further by incorporating words naming different kinds of fiber into the stranded design. It’s a project made for knitters by a knitter, and I love that little bit of personality worked right into the fabric.
skill level Intermediate
time A satisfying colorwork project that is small enough to enjoy between larger knits
ideal for Cozy evenings, thoughtful gifts, colorwork practice, home comfort, and knitters who enjoy projects with words and personality
you will practice stranded colorwork, knitting in the round, following colorwork instructions, working letters into knitting, changing colors, maintaining even tension, finishing a knitted cover, creating a drawstring closure
finished size Designed to fit a standard hot water bottle
Side A of the Knitted Hot Water Bottle Cozy by Lorraine Thompson for ANPTmag Issue 57; photo by Carla A. Canonico
The cozy is worked in the round and uses color stranding to create an alphabet of fiber-related words across the fabric. That combination makes it both decorative and practical, while also giving intermediate knitters a manageable way to enjoy detailed colorwork without committing to a full garment.
One of my favorite things about this pattern is that Lorraine also suggests another use for it. With a larger needle, a muslin lining, and a longer drawstring, you can adapt the basic design into a knitting bag. I always enjoy a pattern that encourages us to see beyond the original project and imagine another possibility.
The Knitted Hot Water Bottle Cozy appeared in ANPTmag Issue 57, Inspired by Words. The issue grew from experiences during the pandemic and explores the many ways words can carry comfort, gratitude, encouragement, and meaning through needlework. Designers incorporated words through quilting, sewing, knitting, embroidery, and rug hooking, using techniques such as metallic threads, ribbon embroidery, and stitched lettering.
Get the Knitted Hot Water Bottle Cozy pattern here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/knitted-hot-water-bottle-cozy/
Get ANPTmag Issue 57 print version here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-57/
Get ANPTmag Issue 57 digital version here
https://www.aneedlepullingthread.com/product/issue-57-digital-version/
Side B of the Knitted Hot Water Bottle Cozy by Lorraine Thompson for ANPTmag Issue 57; photo by Carla A. Canonico
The stranded colorwork, knitted lettering, circular construction, and drawstring finishing make this a fun technical project, while the option to adapt it into a knitting bag gives the pattern even more creative potential.
Would you knit this cozy for yourself, make one as a gift, or turn the idea into a knitting bag instead?
Join me next week to find out which inspiring ANPTmag knitting project I’ll share with you!