Summer Water Bottle Holder Tutorial |Keeping it Real

Tuesday, June 2, 2015

Summer Water Bottle Holder Tutorial

Hi everyone! I was missing in action these past few days, too busy to even sit down and try to get some posts together. But I'm back today with the perfect summer project: the water bottle holder!
 
water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects

For several years now we have banned plastic water bottles in our house. The kids have reusable bottles to take to school, and my husband and I have our own reusable bottles too. Carrying four full water bottles in a bag, however, is complicated, but it's exactly what we ended up doing whenever we are out together. Until now. 

The water bottle holder is a mini bag that fits just one bottle and that anyone, especially the kids, can easily carry out while on a stroll, running, riding a bicycle, going to the beach or anywhere else summertime may take us. 

I didn't make a pattern, because every reusable water bottle we have at our house comes in a different size, but I'm going to show you how to make a water bottle fitting whatever reusable or disposable water bottles you use!

First, you need cute fabric. This one was for my son and I used a Robert Kaufman fat quarter that I've had in my stash for years, waiting for the perfect project.

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects

You'll need to cut two rectangles of fabric wide enough to go around the bottle (with seam allowances to spare) and tall enough to cover the bottle plus an extra 3 to 5 centimeters.

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects





Then place the bottle over the rest of the fabric and mark a circle around it. Repeat for a second circle.

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects

Cut around the circles leaving a wide margin. If you are used to sew with a 1/4 seam allowance, use 1/2, if you're used to a wider seam allowance, increase accordingly (otherwise the water bottle holder will be too tight and it will be hard to get the bottle in and out).

Sew the side of the rectangles length wise, right sides together (creating a cylinder)

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects


Then pin one of the circles to the bottom of the cylinder, right sides together again, and sew all around. Now you have created a small round bag. Repeat for the other two pieces. Turn one of the bags inside out and tuck the other inside it (so that the fabric of both bags is wrong sides together)

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects





Leave it for the time being, and let's focus on making the strap. Decide how long and how wide you want the strap to be and cut a strip of fabric accordingly (adding seam allowances).

Now you have two  choices: sew the fabric right sides together, turn inside out and press flat (prettier finish but hard to turn inside out) or fold the fabric as if it were bias tape, press, fold in half again and top stitch (not so prettier finish since the stitches will be visible, but much easier and faster).

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects

With this water bottle holder I used the first method and cut the fabric in a way that allowed me to have a full row of cars on the strap:

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects

The water bottle holder is almost finished! Return to the body of the holder and fold the edges in as shown below: 
 
water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects


Now tuck the tips of the strap in between the two layers of fabric and pin in place. Top stitch all around.
water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects

You're done! One water bottle holder ready for summer!

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects

If you want to add a finishing touch (totally optional), sew a folded piece of elastic (or ribbon) over the back seam of the bottle holder and use it to tie around the top of the bottle.

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects

It's totally optional, but helps to keep the bottles in place, especially if you're using it for sports.

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects




Then of course I had to make one for my daughter too, in a cute owl fabric. It's slightly larger than the other, because her reusable bottle is bigger too...

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects

 And here they are together: 

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects

water bottle holder tutorial, summer projects




It's time to get ready for summer, so go and make your own water bottle holder now!

Enjoy,








42 comments:

  1. This is super cute!

    Thanks for joining Cooking and Crafting with J & J Link Up!

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  2. What a cute project! I have been so tempted to sew again. I just need to find time for it first.
    Thank you so much for joining the #tiptuesday link party.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for stopping by Debbie. This is a very quick project, so it's ideal if you want to start sewing again!

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  3. What a great idea! You wouldn't forget it because it is so colourful and it would be very useful for travelling. Thanks for sharing at #AnythingGoes link up

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  4. You made such nice water bottle holders! Thanks for sharing at the Cooking & Crafting with J&J party!

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  5. These are awesome. Such a geeat idea. I need to make one of these for my friend.

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  6. These are awesome. Such a geeat idea. I need to make one of these for my friend.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Michelle, let me know how it goes!

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  7. Oh my goodness, these are just adorable!
    Thanks so much for sharing at Something to Talk About!
    Karen

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  8. These are adorable! I love the fun fabric prints you chose, too!

    I am co-hosting the Fiber Tuesdays Link Party, and I would like to invite you to stop by and share this link!
    http://www.ouicrochet.com/2015/06/fiber-tuesday-guest-hosting-link-party.html
    Have a wonderful day!
    Susie
    www.ouicrochet.com

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    Replies
    1. Done! Thank you so much for the invitation!

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    2. So happy that you linked up with us! I hope you are able to make it to the party this week! :)

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  9. Those are too cute! I bet it's a great way to keep your kids hydrated. This was a great addition to the #AnythingGoes Link Party. See you next week.

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  10. Very clever Water Bottle Holder, the kids will love it. Thank you for sharing with the Clever Chicks Blog Hop! I hope you’ll join us again next week!

    Cheers,
    Kathy Shea Mormino
    The Chicken Chick
    http://www.The-Chicken-Chick.com

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  11. I have come across this problem, where sometimes it is just a pain in the tush to haul your bottle around with you. Thanks for posting. Hello from Thank Goodness It's Monday.

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    Replies
    1. I'm making one for myself too, that's for sure! Thank you for stopping by and have a great weekend!

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  12. Hi Teresa, I'm stopping by again to thank you for joining #WednesdaysWisdom.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you for the opportunity to share! Have a wonderful weekend!

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  13. I need some of these! I wish I had a sewing machine! I think I could make one.

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    Replies
    1. You can always hand sew, but it will take you a bit longer...anyway, thank you for visiting, have a great week!

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  14. I need some of these! I wish I had a sewing machine! I think I could make one.

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  15. What a great idea! I love this and wish I could sew!
    Thanks for stopping by the Say G'day Party and sharing! Pinned and look forward to seeing you next Saturday!!

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  16. These are SO cute! What a great idea! Thanks so much for taking the time to link up with us over at the #HomeMattersParty - we hope to see you again this Friday!

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Kristen, linked up to this week's party already!

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  17. This is so cute, Teresa! Thanks for sharing this and for stopping by Social Butterfly Sunday! Hope you have a wonderful week :)

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  18. Wow! This is such an adorable water bottle holder. With the lining and handle, it seems like it needs a fancier name :) lol You are much too clever for me :) What talent!

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  19. Super cute!! Thanks for sharing on My 2 Favorite Things on Thursday!! Hope you come back tomorrow!! Pinned!!

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  20. I love your creativity and thank you for sharing with us this week at Celebrate Your Story, and I hope your week is going great.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you Sandra, for hosting and for stopping by!

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  21. Let's help kids stay hydrated with a bright and bold water bottle holder that they can carry on their own. A great option for field trips & summer activities!

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