How to Crochet a Water Bottle Cozy
Measure the circumference (the distance around) of your water bottle., Measure your stitches., Count the number of stitches in the test piece and measure their length., Do a simple proportion., Create the circular bottom of the bottle cozy (see tips...
Step-by-Step Guide
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Step 1: Measure the circumference (the distance around) of your water bottle.
The key to sizing this cozy is to get the right number of stitches to go that distance.
Because this is a crocheted fabric, it will be a little stretchy, so aim to crochet something that is a bit snug. -
Step 2: Measure your stitches.
Chain until you have about three inches.
Chain two more and double crochet into the third chain from the hook.
Double crochet one stitch per stitch back across the row you created. , Try to count in the middle to avoid figuring in any unevenness at the ends.
Here, there are seven stitches (gauge stitches) in two inches (5cm) (gauge length).
Measure the stitch length in the same units you used to measure the bottle circumference. , gauge stitches / gauge length = total stitches / bottle circumference total stitches = (gauge stitches x bottle diameter) / gauge length here, total stitches = (7 stitches x 9 inches) / two inches = 31 stitches.
For this example, round down to an even 30 stitches for easier math and a slightly tighter fit.
Jot this number down.
Unravel the gauge piece if you wish to recover the yarn. , The idea is to come out with a flat disk, about the same diameter as the water bottle or a bit smaller, and with as many stitches as the "total stitches" number above in the final row. ,, The example shown uses a total 15 double crochet into the ring. ,, Then double crochet into each stitch from the first round.
The example uses 2 stitches per inch to arrive at 30 stitches, the "total stitches" number from above.
Add additional rounds if needed to produce the diameter required.
See the tips below on how to do this. , Chain two and double crochet one stitch into each stitch of the previous round.
You could chain one and single crochet this round instead, but the double crochet produces a sharper-looking "corner" at the bottom of the bottle cozy.
To avoid a spiral effect (optional):
Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round.
Each time you reach it, join with a slip stitch and chain one.
Otherwise, just stitch into the next available stitch.
This is a bit more important (but still not required) if you want to make the ribbon loops.
At one stitch per stitch on a round piece such as this, two things should happen.
First, the edges should curl up (or down) and start to form a cylinder.
Second, you should have the same number of stitches in each subsequent round. , If it's too loose, you'll need fewer stitches in the last row of the round base.
If it's too tight, add a few stitches, either to the round base or to one of the bottom rows of single crochet right near the base.
Either way, it's best to find this out now. , With a good tie at the top, they are mostly decorative, but if you'd like, you can make them line up with a feature on the bottle, such as a narrower section.
If you don't want the optional ribbon loops, continue the entire bottle cozy in a single crochet until you reach the desired height.
Place the loops a bit lower than you think you will need them, remembering that the piece will stretch somewhat when in use. , Finish the round at the bottom of where you want the loop.
Chain three.
Double crochet into the next two stitches from the previous round (total of three double crochet including the chain).
Triple crochet into the next stitch.
The triple crochet is a little too tall for the row of double crochets around it, so it forms a sort of belt loop that will stick out if you tug on it a bit.
Continue the pattern of three double crochet followed by a triple crochet for the rest of the round.
Make a one or two loops with only two double crochet between if you need to to come out even on number of stitches and loops.
Join with a slip stitch, chain 1, and proceed with additional rounds of single crochet as before. , Finish with at least one round of single crochet.
Stop short of the neck of the bottle. , Chain six (or some other number that produces a desired length).
Skip three stitches (or some other number that produces the desired spacing), and slip stitch into the next stitch.
Repeat all the way around. ,, Any ribbon, cord or yarn will do.
This cozy uses six strands of leftover yarn, braided tightly and tied in a simple knot at both ends to tie the bottle in.
Use a cord that doesn't stretch too much for the top closure.
Thread the ribbons through the loops formed by the triple crochet as you would a belt through belt loops.
Tug on the loops gently to open them up, if needed.
You can tie the ends in knots or bows, tuck them in, stitch them together, or leave them hanging loose to create the effect you prefer.
Lace a cord or braided yarn through the loops around the top and tie the bottle into the cozy.
Tie it so that you'll be able to get the bottle out again for cleaning. , You could crochet or braid them from any yarn that's left over, use more of whatever ribbon you're using, or recycle some fabric (perhaps an old necktie?), whatever you prefer. -
Step 3: Count the number of stitches in the test piece and measure their length.
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Step 4: Do a simple proportion.
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Step 5: Create the circular bottom of the bottle cozy (see tips for more information on customizing this).
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Step 6: Tie a slip knot
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Step 7: chain a few stitches (4-6) and join with a slip stitch to form a ring.
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Step 8: Chain 3 to start the first round (counts as first double crochet) and double crochet into the ring.
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Step 9: Slip stitch to join.
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Step 10: Chain two to start the second round (counts as first double crochet).
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Step 11: Form the sides.
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Step 12: Try the base on the water bottle in the first couple of rows.
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Step 13: Decide where you'd like the ribbon loops
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Step 14: and how many you'd like.
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Step 15: Create the ribbon loops.
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Step 16: Continue alternating several rounds of single crochet with a round of loops until you reach the height you desire.
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Step 17: Create the loops for tying the cozy closed.
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Step 18: Tie off and stitch in the ends.
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Step 19: Add ties and laces as desired.
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Step 20: Fashion any handles or straps you want and stitch them to the cozy or use the loops already built in to attach them.
Detailed Guide
The key to sizing this cozy is to get the right number of stitches to go that distance.
Because this is a crocheted fabric, it will be a little stretchy, so aim to crochet something that is a bit snug.
Chain until you have about three inches.
Chain two more and double crochet into the third chain from the hook.
Double crochet one stitch per stitch back across the row you created. , Try to count in the middle to avoid figuring in any unevenness at the ends.
Here, there are seven stitches (gauge stitches) in two inches (5cm) (gauge length).
Measure the stitch length in the same units you used to measure the bottle circumference. , gauge stitches / gauge length = total stitches / bottle circumference total stitches = (gauge stitches x bottle diameter) / gauge length here, total stitches = (7 stitches x 9 inches) / two inches = 31 stitches.
For this example, round down to an even 30 stitches for easier math and a slightly tighter fit.
Jot this number down.
Unravel the gauge piece if you wish to recover the yarn. , The idea is to come out with a flat disk, about the same diameter as the water bottle or a bit smaller, and with as many stitches as the "total stitches" number above in the final row. ,, The example shown uses a total 15 double crochet into the ring. ,, Then double crochet into each stitch from the first round.
The example uses 2 stitches per inch to arrive at 30 stitches, the "total stitches" number from above.
Add additional rounds if needed to produce the diameter required.
See the tips below on how to do this. , Chain two and double crochet one stitch into each stitch of the previous round.
You could chain one and single crochet this round instead, but the double crochet produces a sharper-looking "corner" at the bottom of the bottle cozy.
To avoid a spiral effect (optional):
Place a stitch marker at the beginning of the round.
Each time you reach it, join with a slip stitch and chain one.
Otherwise, just stitch into the next available stitch.
This is a bit more important (but still not required) if you want to make the ribbon loops.
At one stitch per stitch on a round piece such as this, two things should happen.
First, the edges should curl up (or down) and start to form a cylinder.
Second, you should have the same number of stitches in each subsequent round. , If it's too loose, you'll need fewer stitches in the last row of the round base.
If it's too tight, add a few stitches, either to the round base or to one of the bottom rows of single crochet right near the base.
Either way, it's best to find this out now. , With a good tie at the top, they are mostly decorative, but if you'd like, you can make them line up with a feature on the bottle, such as a narrower section.
If you don't want the optional ribbon loops, continue the entire bottle cozy in a single crochet until you reach the desired height.
Place the loops a bit lower than you think you will need them, remembering that the piece will stretch somewhat when in use. , Finish the round at the bottom of where you want the loop.
Chain three.
Double crochet into the next two stitches from the previous round (total of three double crochet including the chain).
Triple crochet into the next stitch.
The triple crochet is a little too tall for the row of double crochets around it, so it forms a sort of belt loop that will stick out if you tug on it a bit.
Continue the pattern of three double crochet followed by a triple crochet for the rest of the round.
Make a one or two loops with only two double crochet between if you need to to come out even on number of stitches and loops.
Join with a slip stitch, chain 1, and proceed with additional rounds of single crochet as before. , Finish with at least one round of single crochet.
Stop short of the neck of the bottle. , Chain six (or some other number that produces a desired length).
Skip three stitches (or some other number that produces the desired spacing), and slip stitch into the next stitch.
Repeat all the way around. ,, Any ribbon, cord or yarn will do.
This cozy uses six strands of leftover yarn, braided tightly and tied in a simple knot at both ends to tie the bottle in.
Use a cord that doesn't stretch too much for the top closure.
Thread the ribbons through the loops formed by the triple crochet as you would a belt through belt loops.
Tug on the loops gently to open them up, if needed.
You can tie the ends in knots or bows, tuck them in, stitch them together, or leave them hanging loose to create the effect you prefer.
Lace a cord or braided yarn through the loops around the top and tie the bottle into the cozy.
Tie it so that you'll be able to get the bottle out again for cleaning. , You could crochet or braid them from any yarn that's left over, use more of whatever ribbon you're using, or recycle some fabric (perhaps an old necktie?), whatever you prefer.
About the Author
Joshua Cole
Specializes in breaking down complex practical skills topics into simple steps.
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