These knitted book cozy’s are super cute and very practical. They are the ultimate geeky bookworms project to make. When I travel I like to keep my books or even my kindle safe and this book cozy is the best way to make this possible.
Do you like to read? I do, especially when I travel. My books always get a bit rough looking when I do, now don’t get me wrong I love it when a book looks used and loved but I don’t want to accelerate that process.
Table of contents
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The stitch
The pattern uses a bee stitch. It looks like it is difficult to do but it isn’t it is very easy, so beginner knitters can do this pattern with relative ease too.
It is classed as brioche knitting. This is a type of rib that creates a textured effect that can feel a bit thicker and fluffier. It apparently comes from 18th century England and the brioche baked goods we all love, because of its resemblance.
The stitch needs to be on an odd number of stitches and is based on 4 rows that are repeated from start to finish.
Tools for the book cozy
- 5mm Needles. I like to use circular needles because they are not as bulky. Short needles like these are really nice too
- 1 ball of DK weight or worsted weight yarn of your choice. I love stylecraft life yarn it is hard wearing, soft and reasonably priced, click here.
- Stitch markers.
- Embroidery needle.
- Needle and thread. The thread can be any cotton or polyester all purpose thread in a colour that can match your button or a contrasting colour of your choice.
- Button. one of your choice. Any that are around 1 inch in size work great. I am a sucker for wooden buttons like these ones.
- 4.5 mm Crochet hook. This is an optional step but one I recommend doing if you can. I love these comfort grip hooks.
- Scissors
How to make the book cozy
Knit body of book cozy
Begin by casting on 25 stitches using the long tail method. If you would like to see how to do this check out this video.
We will be working on a 4 row rotation, these 4 rows form the base of the pattern.
The Bee Stitch
Row one. We just knit this row across
Row two. Knit one, knit one below. Here is a video to show you how to do this stitch. Repeat these 2 stitches across the row finishing on a knit stitch
Row three. We just Knit.
Row Four. Knit 2, *knit one below, knit*. Repeat from *to* to the end again you want to end with a knit stitch. This means knit 2 at the end.
Now we want to repeat these four rows for 135 rows. You should end a row 2 going onto a row 3.
I would highly recommend placing two stitch on either end. This will help you when you come to sew up the sides. Otherwise it is hard to see where your decrease rows begin.
For row 136 we are going to begin the decreases. Going forward we will be decreasing on this row 3 until the end.
To decrease Knit one, slip slip knit (video how to ssk), knit to 3 stitches before the end. Knit two together(video how to) , Knit 1.
Knit the row one, two and four as normal and the decrease row three.
Keep knitting until there is 7 stitches remaining.
Now we are going to bind off (Video how to bind off). To do this knit two together, knit two together, bind off, repeat again, knit the last stitch and bind this one off too. Tie off and cut leaving a tail long enough to weave in.
If you choose to you can block your work now. This can make it easier when it comes to sewing up the sides.
Sew up seams
Now to sew up the sides. The best way to do this is to use a mattress stitch. With this method you don’t hold it inside out you actually have it the right way out. See this video to see and easy way to do this. I love using a mattress stitch it gives a great finished result. Fold up your work lining up the bottom edge with the stitch markers. Sew up both sides.
Crochet
Now this is an optional step. If you can crochet I would recommend doing it, the edges look at lot tidier. Starting at right edge of the flap Attach with a slip stitch then continue with a single crochet along the edge, around 13 stitches to the top point. Chain 4 stitches, this will be your button hole. Continue with the single crochets down the other side and across he top lip to the point where you began. Tie off cut tail.
Finishes
If you choose not to do this then you can use a piece of elastic and tie is in a loop on the point. This will be your button hole.
Weave in any tails you may have.
Line up where you would like the button, this will be around half way down the front. Sew on the button.
You have a completed book cozy.
Knitted Book Cozy
Materials
- 1 ball DK yarn, Stylecraft life is my favourite
- Cotton or polyester all purpose thread in the colour of button or yarn
- 2-2.5 cm button of your choice.
- Elastic cord (optional)
Tools
- 5mm (size 8) Knitting needles
- Embroidery needle
- Sewing needle
- Scissors
- 4.5mm Crochet hook (optional)
Instructions
- Casting on 25 stitches using the long tail method.
- We will be working on a 4 row rotation, these 4 rows form the base of the pattern.
- Knit
- Knit 1, knit 1 below. Repeat these 2 stitches across the row finishing on a knit stitch
- Knit.
- Knit 2, *knit 1 below, knit*. Repeat from *to*. End with a knit stitch. This means knit 2 at the end.
- Repeat these four rows for 135 rows. You should end on a row 2.
- I would highly recommend placing two stitch on either end. This will help you when you come to sew up the sides.
- For row 136 (row 3) begin the decreases. To decrease Knit one, slip slip knit, knit to 3 stitches before the end. Knit two together, Knit 1.
- Knit the row one, two and four as normal, the decreases will be on row three.
- Keep knitting until there is 7 stitches remaining.
- Bind off. Knit two together, knit two together, bind off first stitch, repeat, knit the single last stitch and bind off.
- Tie off and cut leaving a tail long enough to weave in.
- If you choose to you can block your work now. This can make it easier when it comes to sewing up the sides.
- Sew up the sides using a mattress stitch. Fold up your work, lining up the bottom edge with the stitch markers. Sew up both sides.
Crochet
- This is an optional step. If you can crochet I would recommend doing it, the edges look at lot tidier. Starting at right edge of the flap Attach with a slip stitch then continue with a single crochet along the edge, around 13 stitches to the top point. Chain 4 stitches, this will be your button hole. Continue with the single crochets down the other side and across he top lip to the point where you began. Tie off cut tail.
- If you choose not to do this then you can use a piece of elastic and tie is in a loop on the point. This will be your button hole.
- Weave in any tails you may have.
- Line up where you would like the button, this will be around half way down the front. Sew on the button.
You have a completed book cozy.
Notes
For a more detailed breakdown of the pattern along with any how to videos showing exactly how to do these stitches then see the blog post above.
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