Cashmere hot water bottle cover pattern

As promised, here is my own pattern which I used for this quick knit below. It’s simple (because I am!!) so has no fiddly button holes or other closures. I decided a plain old rib at top and bottom would work for me. In order to keep it within two balls of yarn I needed to  do the rib at the bottom and the neck in two different colours but you could avoid this by  doing horizontal stripes of both colours in each of these rib areas. The colours are what I literally had to hand. You could go for the subtle approach and use two similar shades. The yarn is of course my own DK cashmere from my goats but another “fat” DK would do.  Tension is 24sts over 28 rows in 10cms.

This is a free pattern. In the spirit in which it is offered to you, please don’t abuse my trust and use it for commercial gain. Also, if you make the pattern I would love to see a photo of the finished cover.

Cashmere hottie cover1

Using 3.75mm circular  needle or set of 4, cast on 96 sts using colour A. Join carefully, place marker for beginning of row and work in the round as follows:

Work K2P2 rib for 5cms. Change to 4mm needles. Use col A or B as directed and work these 12 pattern rows until work measures 27cms.

Row1: Use B sl2, k4 to end

Row2: Use B sl2, k4 to end

Row 3: Use A k4, sl2 to end

Row 4: Use A k4, sl2 to end

Row 5: Use B k2, *sl2, k4* to last 2, k2 [ repeat between * and *]

Row 6: Use B k2, *sl2, k4* to last 2, k2 [ repeat between * and *]

Row 7: Use A sl2,k4 to end

Row 8: Use A sl2,k4 to end

Row 9: Use B k4,sl2 to end

Row 10: Use B k4,sl2 to end

Row 11: Use A k2, * sl2,k4* to last 2, k2

Row 12: Use A k2, *sl2,k4* to last 2, k2

After 27cms, divide work.  Leave 48 sts  on a st holder and work on the other 48 using 2 normal 4mm needles.* Keeping in pattern and remembering to use KNIT on right side and PURL on reverse, cast off 4 sts at beginning of each of next two rows. Cast off 2 sts at beginning of next 2 rows. Continue to cast off 2 at start of every row until 26 sts remain. *

Repeat from * to * using the sts from the holder.

When you have 26 sts on each section, rejoin and continue in the round with k2p2 ribbing until neck measures 6cms. Cast off. Sew up shoulder seams. Weave in ends.

I hope this is clear. My notes are a little rough!! If you are stuck or want clearer instruction then let me know!!