Yarn: 8ply/DK wool in 5 different colours, one dark, one variegated. Needles: 4mm needles or size needed for a tension of 20sts to 10cm. Needle for sewing up. Fits a 4 cup tea pot

Cast on 45 sts and work 4 rows garter st in dark green

6 rows stocking stitch in bright pink. 2 rows garter st in variegated

6 rows stocking st in light green. 2 rows garter st in variegated

6 rows stocking st in light pink. 2 rows garter st in dark green

6 rows stocking st in variegated. 2 rows stocking st in dark green

6 rows stocking st in bright pink. 2 rows garter st in variegated

4 rows st st in light green

Eyelet row: k4, (yfwd, k2tog, k5) 5 times, yfwd, k2tog, k4. Purl one row

4 rows garter st in dark green. Cast off

Make another piece in the same manner but change the order of the colours, working variegated ridges except next to a variegated band, where dark green should be used instead.

Sew in loose ends, but leave the dark green ends at the cast on and cast off edges. Sew the pieces together for 2cm at the top and bottom using the dark green ends. Make a plaited cord using 6 strands of wool, each about 60cm long. Weave the cord through the eyelets, pull up and tie in a bow. If you think the edges are curling too much, work a row of double crochet (single crochet if you are in the USA or Canada) around the edges.