Make it: Victoria's Hot Water Bottle Cover

Emma recently shared how to ‘stay bright’ during the darker months and now, Victoria of Found & Sewn has the perfect project to keep you cosy. Our top tip is to use an old sweater if you don't want to buy fabric. Here she is… "Now that the nights are drawing in, it’s tempting to stay indoors and keep cosy with a good film or book. So to keep out the chill I’ve made this soft woollen hot water bottle cover, which is simply finished with a decorative trim and blanket-stitched edge. I bought my fabrics from the Cloth House in London. They have a beautiful range of materials and vintage trims to choose from." - Victoria

DIY Hot Water Bottle Cover Tutorial

Wool fabric (or a big enough old sweater) Cotton thread Scissors Pins Sewing machine Embroidery thread/needle Trim Paper Iron

Step 1: Make the template

Make a paper template by tracing around your hot water bottle, adding an extra 6cm (approx) all the way round, this allows room for filling your cover with the hot water bottle and seam allowance. Make three copies of this same template. The first (A) will be the front. The second (B) cut off the bottom by 12cm to create the back top template. The third (C) cut off the top by 17cms to create the back bottom template. These two pieces will make up the back opening of the cover.  

Step 2: Cut out your patterns

Lay and pin your templates onto your wool – I've used this lovely aubergine brown wool. Cut out all three pieces.

Step 3: Sew

Press and pin a 1 cm fold along the straight edges of pieces B and C. Sew down these folds. On the front edge of piece b sew on your trim.

Step 4: Sew together

Place piece (A) front side facing up, then lay (B) on top and then lay piece (C) on top of (B) facing down with right sides together and all outer edges aligned. Pieces (B) and (C) should overlap by about 3/4cms. This will become the opening of the cover. Pin all the edges together. Sew the layers together around the pinned edges with a ½ cm seam allowance. Out of the curved sections cut little notches and snip off the corners for a neat edge when turned out. Turn the entire piece inside out by using the opening. Press the piece flat.

Step 5: Blanket Stitch

I've used a contrasting pink embroidery thread, which looks great with the wool I've chosen. Using the embroidery thread sew around the edge of the cover using a blanket stitch. Make sure you sew through all the layers. Don't worry if this isn't perfect, it all adds to the handmade charm. Your hot water bottle cover is now ready to use. Simply fill your hot water bottle and insert it into the opening on the back. Thanks Victoria! Share your pictures with us if you give this project a go. Tag them with #BThoughtful_Makes, @btreeclothing and @foundandsewn so we can see them.