Sew a curvy seam teapot cosy.

Curvy Seams are Easier than you think!

Curvy Seams are Easier than you think!

Curvy seams are a lot of fun to play with.

You may watch the entire how-to video below.

In this sewing blogpost, I discuss how to create a unique teapot cosy featuring curved seams. This project includes quilting but it isn't necessary strictly speaking. I just enjoy quilting and especially free motion quilting. This project also assumes you will be using fabric from your own stash, but you can certainly acquire new fabric if you'd prefer. You will need fabric for the outer, batting (I use InsulBright insulated batting by The Warm Company,) and lining and binding fabric. These do not have to be the same, but if they are, the finished look will be more upscale and less scrappy. It's all a matter of personal choice. The technique requires measuring a teapot that you already have at hand. Start by taking its measurements as described in the video. Next create a rectangular template based on those measurements.

The brief video below demonstrates a quick tip for how to measure the girth of the teapot using painters or masking tape.

Measure the circumference of your teapot at the widest spot (usually spout to handle). Painter’s or masking tape makes this part of the project very easy. Add 2” to that measurement. This is the width of the rectangular template you will create. Measure from the countertop to the top of the teapot. Add 1” to that measurement. This is the height of the rectangular template. You can always err on the side of wider for the template and trim back later. Don’t worry about making the template too high as we will be adding a binding to the bottom later on.

Shop your own stash to find complementary pieces of fabric that are at least as wide as the rectangle and of varying heights. I recommend starting with wider strips at the bottom and gradually adding thinner strips. Remember you will always lose 1/4' seam allowance when you sew the strips together, therefore err on the side of larger, rather than smaller. You can always trim the fabric block smaller.

Modern or improvisational quilting features plain fabrics and bold colours. Dive into your stash and have fun!

After you have sewn together and quilted your rectangular block, cut it in half on the short sides. Place right sides together and mark a template with a curved top and a straight edge bottom onto the fabric. Remember to allow for 1/4 - 1/2' seam allowance. Don't worry if it's a little short because you will be adding a binding all around the bottom edge. To be sure the cosy fits properly, baste the seams first then try the cosy onto your tea pot. Make adjustments as necessary. You want it to fit snugly, but not so tight you cannot get it on the teapot. After confirming the finished size, trim off any excess fabric being careful not to cut through the stitches. Turn the cosy right sides out and push out all the seams. Trim the bottom so it is even all around. Remove any excess batting and/or lining fabric. I have another video available you can watch for detailed instructions about adding a binding to your project.

Prepare binding by cutting strips of 2 - 3" widths on the bias. Sew the strips together by placing squared ends right sides together perpendicular to one another. Sew a seam from the top left corner down to the bottom right corner. Check you have fabric running correctly after each addition. In other words all right sides of fabric in one long continuous strip. Trim the excess corners off at 1/4". Fold the binding in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press. Sew binding onto the bottom of the tea cosy. Hand stitch or top stitch the turned under edge to the inside of the cosy. It's easier to do this if you turn the cosy inside out again. Turn it all right sides out, give it a good pressing, then boil the kettle! Tea time will be so much more delightful when you sit down and admire your clever handiwork.

Creating one’s own unique homestyle products is deeply satisfying. They are always one-of-a-kind, a pleasure to figure out and work on, and a joy to admire and use time after time.

I will be teaching a complete class on how to make this and other homestyle quilted projects starting in May.

Please leave me a message in the comments if you would like to learn more about this.

I hope you have enjoyed this blogpost and will consider making your own unique teapot cosy. These useful and charming objects are easy to make and a great way to use up your fabric stash. They make a lovely gift too!