Sewing a hot water bottle cover is a cozy DIY idea. Quickly download the free pattern and let's get started!
The most important things at a glance
- A homemade hot water bottle cover is a quick and simple sewing project for beginners
- In this tutorial, I will show you how to sew a cover for a hot water bottle yourself
- You can download the pattern for the hot water bottle cover for free in our freebook section
- It is sewn using wool fleece, cotton fleece, or boiled wool
- Sewing level: easy
- Sewing time: approx. 1 hour
Do you also love those wonderfully relaxing moments when you snuggle up on the sofa with your hot water bottle and a good book? Then you will certainly appreciate this tutorial. Perhaps you are already familiar with my post Sewing a hot water bottle cover and would like to learn a new version? Then let's get started!
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YouTube Video Sewing a hot water bottle cover
Why should I sew a hot water bottle cover?
Hot water bottle covers help keep the hot water bottle warm for longer. At the same time, they also ensure that the heat is nicely distributed and does not come into direct contact with the skin. This can easily lead to burns.
Such a fluffily wrapped hot water bottle is also a cozy companion for children when falling asleep. And if the warm fellow even has such cute little ears, going to bed becomes a real highlight. :)
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Can beginners sew a hot water bottle cover?
Maybe you are unsure whether your sewing skills are sufficient for this project. Perhaps you have already completed my online course "The SewSimple Sewing License" and would now like to really get started.
Then this project is just the thing for you. All you need is the straight stitch of your sewing machine. And, depending on the thickness of your fabric, also the walking foot.
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Which fabrics are suitable for sewing a cover for the hot water bottle?
Thick, fluffy, and slightly stretchy fabrics are ideal. Of course, you can also use scraps of boiled wool, quilted fabrics, or sweatshirt fabric. I find wool fleece unbeatable for this project.
Why wool fleece?
- Because it is completely natural. The fleece consists of virgin wool, the middle layer of cotton. This is sustainable and environmentally friendly.
- Because it handles heat very well
- Because it can also be processed with raw edges: you don't have to finish the fabric edges
- Because it is easy to care for and dries quickly
- Because it feels wonderfully tactile and soft
Particularly beautiful wool fleece* can be found in Simone's Etsy shop.
What does my sewing machine need to be able to do to sew a hot water bottle cover?
All you need is your straight stitch and a long stitch length.
For Simone's wool fleece, a stitch length of 4 - 4.5 millimeters is ideal.
But you can also sew the cover with an overlocker without any problems. In that case, a 4-thread overlock stitch with a slightly increased differential is perfect. This ensures that the seams do not become wavy.
What materials do I need?
- 0.5 m wool fleece* (makes 2 hot water bottle covers)
- Sewing thread*
- Fabric scissors*
- Pins*
- Hot water bottle*
Where can I find the free pattern?
The pattern is exclusive to Nähpost recipients. You can download it by clicking on the link in the freebook section of your customer account (category: Practical).
PDF pattern hot water bottle cover
The seam allowance is not included. Depending on the thickness of the fabric, I recommend adding 1 to 1.5 centimeters.
The pattern fits classic hot water bottles of 1.5 - 2 liters.
Instructions for sewing a hot water bottle cover: Here's how it's done!
Print the pattern at 100% without page scaling and tape the back piece together.
Cut the pattern pieces for the cover on the fabric fold. Add 1 - 1.5 cm seam allowance.
You need:
- 1 back piece
- 1 top front piece
- 1 bottom front piece
- 4 ears
I don't add seam allowance to the ears, I think they are perfect like that.
Transfer the markings from the pattern onto the fabric.
Place two ear pieces on top of each other and sew them together along the curved edge.
Trim the seam allowance slightly with pinking shears, this makes it easier to shape the curve.
Turn the ears right side out and pin them to the top front piece at the markings.
Depending on where you sew the ears on, the hot water bottle cover can always look different.
Sew the ears in place with a straight stitch within the seam allowance.
This way, they won't slip when sewing everything together.
Fold the hems of both front pieces 2 cm and pin them in place.
Topstitch the hems about 1 cm from the edge using a straight stitch.
TIP: If you want to be extra fast, you can simply neaten the hem edges with the overlocker.
I did that for the pink cover. The overlock seam gives the edge extra stability. I didn't trim the hem allowances when doing this. This means the two front pieces overlap a few centimeters more.
Pin the two front pieces onto the back piece with the hems facing upwards, aligning them flush.
Sew around the entire cover once using a straight stitch. At the two hems, you can sew back and forth twice because those seams need to be a bit more durable.
Trim the seam allowance slightly in the curved areas.
Turn the cover inside out and shape the seams well. Finished! :)
TIP: If sewing the double ears is too difficult for your sewing machine, you can also sew the ears using a single layer of fabric with raw edges.
Here, I have attached the ears a bit lower. This corresponds to the marking on the pattern.
This version is made from a scrap of sweatshirt fabric decorated with a wool fleece heart.
Conclusion
A cute hot water bottle cover like this is whipped up in no time. And it makes a gorgeous gift for family and friends. Because we all know: eventually, everyone needs the wonderful combo of delicious tea, a captivating book, and a lovely, warm hot water bottle.
Winter can really just deal with it, right? ;) If you feel like sewing a fluffy cover for your own hot water bottle, feel free to download the pattern template, grab the snuggliest fabric you can find, and get started.
I hope you have fun!
Happy simple sewing, Sabine
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