Got a singleton ball of sock yarn? 4-ply odds and ends lying around the place? Sick of making socks but your feet are still cold? Have a go at this hot-water bottle cover instead. It uses around 65g of sock yarn, and it’s perfect TV or pub knitting too, especially if you go for the striped version. For a wee bit more of a challenge, try the zig zags. Or you can always mix it up and alternate!

I made the zig zag hot-water bottle cover for my Knitmas recipient, Sinéad, who hates being cold. The Knitmas gift exchange is an annual event for Irish knitters, and it’s a joy to behold. Read all about the hi-jinks and shenanigans on twitter by following @knitmas.

Sizes
To fit a hot-water bottle 20 x 26.5 cm (8 x 10½ in) not including spout.
Note: the hot-water bottle used for this pattern is the “Doubled Ribbed Hot-Water Bottle” available from Argos
Needles and Accessories
1 set 2.75mm (UK 12/US 2) circular needles, 80 cm long
1 set 3.25mm (UK 10/US 3) circular needles, 80 cm long

2 stitch markers

Yarn
Choosing two variegated yarns, as I did for the zig-zag version, will soften the edges of the colour changes. If you want a crisper colour change, choose solid colours, or a solid and variegated mix, as shown on the striped cover.

Drops Fabel Superwash (4-ply; 75% superwash wool, 25% polyamide; 205 m/50g ball)
Zig Zag Cover
MC Red Chili (159) 1 x 50g ball
CC Guacamole (151b) 15g scraps

Striped Cover
MC Blue (107) 1 x 50g ball (approx 40g used)
CC1 Red Chili (159) 15g scraps
CC2 Guacamole (151b) 10g scraps
Tension
29 sts and 43 rows to 10 cm (4 in) over stocking stitch, relaxed after blocking.