Stash-busting iPod Cozies

Here's a few felted iPod cozies I made recently. While they are fun (and quick) to knit, think I enjoyed most choosing the right button for each one. The buttons came from a bag of assorted buttons from Michael's.

I've been asked to share the pattern, so here it is.

Felted iPod/Cell Phone Cozies

Yarn: any feltable worsted weight yarn, such as Cascade 220 or Knit Picks Wool of the Andes. One cozy takes about 50 yards (or less).

Needles: US 10.5 dpns or size needed to obtain gauge

Gauge: 4 stitches/inch

Dimensions before felting:
Large cozy: circumference 8 1/2”, base to start of flap 7”, flap 4 1/2”
Small cozy: circumference 8”, base to start of flap 6 1/4”, flap 4”

Dimensions after felting:
Large cozy: circumference 8”, base to start of flap 4 1/2”, flap 3 3/4”
Small cozy: circumference 7 1/2”, base to start of flap 3 3/4”, flap 3 1/2”

Directions for the large size follow the small size.

Using a single strand of yarn, cast on 32 (34) stitches and distribute over 3 needles. Being careful not to twist, join and knit in the round in stockinette stitch until cozy measure 6 1/4” (7”). Bind off 16 (17) stitches.

For the flap, knit flat in stockinette stitch until the flap measures 4” (4 1/2”). Bind off.

Sew seam at the base and weave in ends.

To felt: Place in a zippered pillow case (I use a regular pillow case and tie it closed with twine) and place in the washer for 2-3 hot wash cycles, removing before the spin cycle and checking how the felting is going. My cozies required 3 cycles.

Shaping: To “fill out” the cozy, put something slightly bulky inside while it dries. I cut a length of bubble wrap the approximate height of the inside of the cozy, and rolled it until it fit inside snugly. A folded dinner napkin could also work.

Pull/stretch the flaps into the shape and length you desire. I made the “turn” of the flap rounded by slipping the handle of a wooden spoon underneath and pulling up.

Finishing: When the cozy is dry on the outside, remove the shaping material and allow the inside to dry completely. Lastly, attach a button and, using an Xacto knife or single-edge razorblade, cut a small vertical slit in the flap, aligned with the button. Small, sharp scissors can be used to adjust the size and shape of the buttonhole, as well as to trim excess fuzz from the cozy.