Top
Subscribe for free and never miss a post

DIY Hot Water Bottle Cover

When in winter, we pull out the sweaters. That’s also a time to sort out what we want and what we no longer need. That’s when I can find the best potential for upcycling them into felted goodness. While not just any sweater will do for most felted wool projects, this time around we have wiggle room. It’s Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION Tuesday and I’m here to share a self-care gift for you or those you love. This fun sweater will become a DIY hot water bottle cover. Stress relief, anyone?

Felted Wool Sweater Before DIY Hot Water Bottle Cover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION series hosted by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | Come learn to create for you and your home | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Isn’t that sweater above totally cute? I have no idea what the “F.” is for, but it caught my eye. In addition, I’ve already felted this 100% wool sweater so it’s ready to go. Likewise, when I find a moth-eaten sweater, like my pink cashmere sweater turned sloth, I bring them home. Then, when I accumulate a few, I felt them all at the same time. You can see how I made dryer balls from a damaged wool sweater or see how I felt and upholster with sweaters HERE or in the video demo below.

DIY Felted Wool Footstools Video Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #diy #home #furniture #homedecor

REFASHION TIME

However, if you want to give this DIY a try, here’s a list of tools and supplies you’ll need to get started:

Tools & Supplies
  • 70% (or more) wool sweater felted OR any natural fabric sweater.
  • sewing scissors
  • hot water bottle
  • pencil
  • scrap paper
  • sewing machine or needle and thread
  • sewing pins or clips

Let’s get started with this refashion! First, let’s take a look at these hot water bottles.

Hot Water Bottle for DIY Bottle Cover from Refashioned Sweaters | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Not only are they pretty basic, but that also means they’re easy to work with.

STEP 1

Next, trace the bottle onto a piece of scrap paper allowing about a half inch or so for seam allowance. If you’re hand-sewing, you don’t need as much leeway.

Tracing DIY Hot Water Bottle | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

After that, cut out the pattern and get your sweater ready for the next step.

STEP 2

Now that we have our pattern, we’re going to cut three pieces out of our sweater. However, before we continue, I want to point out that you do not have to use a wool sweater that’s felted. You can use any natural fabric sweater (cotton, cashmere, etc.) and cut it as-is. The idea is to make this a comfy self-care gift.

Keep in mind that you want the largest portion of the sweater to be the front of your DIY hot water bottle cover. For my sweater, I’m saving the “F.” section for my needs. Then, that leaves me with the back side of the sweater. Don’t be afraid to make use of sides where there are seams too. Just make note of placement of the pattern. I open up the sweater by cutting up one side seam.

Cutting Felted Wool Sweater for Hot Water Bottle Cover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

With that in mind, let’s cut the top back of the cover. First, lightly fold the pattern in the middle so you can use that for reference. Then, place the pattern at the sweater bottom cuff as shown.

Cutting DIY Hot Water Bottle Cover from Wool Sweater | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

STEP 3

Next, flip your pattern upside down and place the center line about 1-2″ higher. This so that when we make our bottle cover, the back edges overlap to make a pillowcase-style cover.

Cutting DIY Hot Water Bottle Cover Bottom | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

STEP 4

Finally, it’s time to assemble. Here are the three pieces we are putting together…

DIY Hot Water Bottle Pieces from Felted Wool Sweater | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Grab the top and bottom back pieces and place them right sides facing the “F.” (or front panel). Pin making sure your overlaps are sandwiched together properly.

Pinned Hot Water Bottle Cover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Last, stitch around the entire perimeter leaving a quarter inch seam allowance. You can either sew with a sewing machine as I’ve done, or you could place the pieces wrong side together and use a blanket stitch to assemble. Not only would that create a decorative element, but also leave out the sewing machine if those make you nervous. {{wink, wink}}

A WARM HUG

Here is my complete DIY hot water bottle cover handmade with love. I don’t know about you, but I have fond memories of hot water bottles. I think puppies, I think warm hug for newborns, and even the comfort care we all appreciate when being taken care of.

DIY Felted Wool Hot Water Bottle Cover from Felted Wool Sweater by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #handmade #refashioned #thrifted

Handmade Felted Wool Hot Water Bottle Cover from Thrifted Sweater by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #selfcare #giftidea #handmade

Okay…let’s have some fun…what does the “F.” stand for? I’m thinking maybe “Finished” or “Freezing” or maybe “Friend”? Even better is that I whipped up two of these in less than an hour for a few special people.

Two DIY Hot Water Bottle Covers from Felted Sweaters by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #felted #selfcare #giftidea #upcycled

 

Handmade DIY Hot Water Bottle Cover with F. by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #refashion #selfcare #diy

SHARE

As with all my creative adventures, I aim to inspire YOU. Just think how lovely it would be to get a DIY hot water bottle cover made from a loved one’s sweater. It not only makes a great gift but serves as comfort as well. Let’s inspire others to create! Pin and share to spread the inspiration.

Create a wonderful self-care gift by using a felted wool sweater to make a DIY hot water bottle cover. Tutorial by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #giftidea #handmade #upcycled #selfcare

  • Magic Linen Beige Waffle Blanket available at Prodigal Pieces | shop.prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #bedding
    Magic Linen Waffle Blanket ~ $130

Also, take a minute to sign up for my FREE newsletter so you can see what becomes of this vintage washboard-ish art. hmmm…any ideas?

Vintage Washboard Before Makeover | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces

Until next time!
blog signature

Likewise, here’s more refashion fun like my DIY hot water bottle cover:

Absolutely adorable refashioned tea towel bag by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces for Reduce, Reuse, REFASHION fun | See more at prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #refashion #fashion #bag #handmade #style #ladiesAdorable DIY Dog Coat made from Upcycled Sweaters by Larissa of Prodigal Pieces | prodigalpieces.com #prodigalpieces #dogs #pets #sewing #refashion #upcycled

Comments

  1. Rebecca - NC says

    Hope you had a wonderful holiday!!! As always, you’ve not only made something adorable, but you are also going to give a warm hug to friends!!! You are as thoughtful as you are talented. I know!! I can’t tell you how much you helped my grieving process after my husband died and have shown me how to find joy again in God’s plan for me. I now try to do the same for others in the same way you lifted me. Thank you and Bless you!!! 🥰

    • Larissa says

      I did and would love to do less and less each year. You have meant so much to me, Rebecca. You are a strong woman! Sending hugs and wishes for a blessed new year.

  2. Niki says

    Hot water bottles-
    Now that’s a blast from the past. We used them for ear aches and stye’s on our eyes. My dad used them to warm up after being outside in the cold. However I get itchy just at the mention of wool (aren’t allergies a pain)…..I would use a cotton sweater to make these though! Very cute!! I don’t think you really want to know what the F stands for. 😵 My guess would be if it’s not a statement in and of itself it was meant to be like a monogram. Glad your family is on the mend.

    • Larissa says

      They sure are.
      I don’t think it’s swear word if that’s what you’re referring to as I’ve seen others like it in other letters and it’s a very vintage item…back when people had a brain and didn’t wear stuff like that. I don’t think like that anyway. 😉

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Client Love

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

~ Laurel

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:34:13-04:00

~ Laurel

I love it! Larissa is amazing. She listened to what I wanted and then she took care of the rest! This is my second piece I've bought from her and I'm in love! I highly recommend her.

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

~ Stephanie

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:39:34-04:00

~ Stephanie

I love this cart, it's exquisite. The item was received in extremely secure packaging, no damage to the item. The delivery person was very professional and courteous. Larissa of Prodigal Pieces is so very amazing. A rating of 10 is deserved. Thank you, Larissa.

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

~ Mikki

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:43:16-04:00

~ Mikki

I should have left this review MONTHS ago! I absolute love this lunch bag. I honestly carry this 5 days a week. It is the perfect size! Not only can you put your lunch in it, it can also hold your book. I enjoy reading at lunch, so I have all I need in one cute bag. Thank you so much Larissa!

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

~ Sharon

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:45:37-04:00

~ Sharon

Awww…I love this sweet Cat with an attitude!! SO SO adorable! Well worth the money, and he will become a priceless treasure in my home! Thanks Larissa for always making your ideas turn into true treasures!

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!

~ Deanna

Prodigal Pieces
2020-03-21T21:52:00-04:00

~ Deanna

Perfect purchase from start to finish! Absolutely adorable piece so creatively thought out. Packed with the greatest of care with lightening fast delivery. Very customer-oriented and friendly crafter. Could not ask for more! Thank you!
0
0
Prodigal Pieces