Although Tea Cosy’s are back in fashion again the first documented tea cosy in Britain was in 1867 and it was probably the Duchess of Bedford, who by establishing the activity of afternoon tea in 1840, increased the popularity of tea cosy.
They then flourished during the late 19th Century and were also starting to be used in North America at the same period.
It is defined by Wikipedia as ‘a cover for a teapot, traditionally made of cloth or wool, which is used to insulate the tea, keeping it warm while it brews’.
Cloth tea cosies often have padded inserts which can be washed separately and many are hand knitted looking just like a woollen hat with a bobble on the top.
You can buy tea cosy’s from most places now including Amazon who sells the hand block printed ones, but you will find really original ones on Etsy like this Maroon and blue bobble style large tea cosy for £4.99, which is lovingly handmade by refugees from the Middle East.
Or this unique and original Succulent Tea Cosy -The only watering needed is to make your pot of tea. The grey wool ‘concrete planter’ cosy is double layered for extra warmth and the succulent leaves are hand cut so every plant is different, and available from Not on the High Street for £29.95
Of course this original design of tea cosy are the ones that I remember most, available from Etsy at £11.99 This tea cosy has been hand knitted in a quality aran yarn, making it soft and cosy, perfect for keeping your fresh brew toasty warm.
