Pot holder and teapot cosy

A teapot cosy’s purpose is to keep brewed tea hot at the table. It can be sewn in different fabrics, shapes and methods; the cosy and its mat can be of one colour or of striped or checked fabric. The doll-shape set has two parts: a round mat (two layers of fabric and batting) and the cosy cover (four-piece outer, lining and batting between). The batting is cut into four pieces like the outer fabric, and the pieces are joined edge to edge by hand. One piece carries a doll sewn in appliqué and embroidery; the lower edge is decorated with a ruffle. For the pumpkin-shaped cosy, matching rectangles of outer fabric, lining and batting are cut about 10 cm larger than the teapot; the three layers (lining – batting – outer fabric) are stacked and quilted on the machine. A paper pattern is then laid on the quilted layer and the pumpkin pieces are cut out, their edges are sewn to secure them, and the appliqué is first tacked by hand, then stitched down with zigzag. The lower edge is bound with piping (bias tape), the pieces are joined at the top, piping is run over that seam too and a hanging loop is sewn in the middle; finally threads are trimmed and it is pressed. Safety: do not use a real boiling teapot or tea while sewing – take a cold, empty teapot for measuring; follow machine and iron rules; sew handles and threads firmly and keep small pieces (beads, buttons) away from the mouth; count needles. An adult helps when the cosy is put on a hot pot.