Last weekend the clan and I headed off to Brookfield Zoo, one of the best zoos in the Midwest. While packing, I realized I was looking at hauling five stainless steel water bottles around for 6+ hours. Not to mention lunch, snacks, sunscreen, etc etc. Oof! It was time for a redistribution of weight – and at 10pm with a 5:30am wake up call, I wasn’t going to be running to the store. One big ball of yarn and hook to the rescue!
I made the first Stainless Steel Water Bottle Sling that night, and two more in the car on the way to the zoo (don’t worry, I didn’t drive). The pattern is easy to memorize, and fit all three kid’s water bottles we brought, even though they were all different sizes and manufacturers. The only alterations I made between them were to make two different “heights” to accommodate a shorter and taller bottle – seen above on my two handsome models. If you have a particularly wide bottle, you can just add a couple rounds to the bottom using standard increases, as in the pattern.
The kids carried their bottles all day long without a single complaint – and these are kids who occasionally moan about carrying their own towels to the pool. Breathable cotton yarn and wide straps that weren’t too long made them comfortable and easy to use – and washable to boot! We’ll be using these on all our outings from now on – hiking, park trips, zoo visits, you name it!
Stainless Steel Water Bottle Sling
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- US – I, 5.5mm hook
- 100-200 yards worsted weight kitchen cotton yarn (Recommended: Red Heart Smoothie Scrubby)
- Start with a Magic Circle, working 6 sc into the ring. Join to first sc with a sl st, and ch1. Pull starting end to tighten circle.
- Sc twice into each st around. (12 sc) Join to first sc with a sl st, and ch1.
- *Sc in next st, then work 2sc into next st. Repeat from * to end. (18 sc) Join to first sc with a sl st, and ch1.
- *Sc in next 2 sts, then work 2sc into next st. Repeat from * to end. (24 sc) Join to first sc with a sl st, and ch1.
- *Sc in next 3 sts, then work 2sc into next st. Repeat from * to end. (30 sc) Join to first sc with a sl st, and ch1.
- Working in BLO, sc evenly around. (30 sc). Join to first sc with a sl st, and ch1.
- Sc evenly around. (30 sc) Join to first sc with a sl st.
- Ch 4 (counts as first dc and ch), sk first 2 sts, and dc in the next st.
*Ch 1, sk next st, dc in next st. Repeat from * until 1 st remains. Ch 1 and join with a sl st in the ch 4 sp. (15 dc and 15 ch) 
- Ch 4. *Skip next dc and dc in next ch sp, then ch 1. Repeat to end. Join with sl st in the ch 4 sp. (15 dc and 15 ch)
- Repeat Row 9.
- Ch 1 and sc twice in each ch sp around. (30 sc) Join with sl st to first sc.
- Ch 1 and sc evenly around. (30 sc). Join with sl st to first sc.
- Repeat Row 8.
- Repeat Row 9.
- Repeat Row 10.
- Repeat Row 11.
- Repeat Row 12.
- If your water bottle is the shorter type, approximately 6-8 inches tall, then move to the Strap directions below. If your water bottle is taller, approximately 8-10 inches, repeat Rows 8-12 once more moving on to the Strap.
Make the Strap:
- Ch 2 and dc in the same st. Dc in the next 5 sts. Turn.
- Repeat Row 1 until desired length is reached.
Remember that the strap will stretch a few inches, especially with a full water bottle inside, so make it a bit shorter than you want it to hang. For reference, I made about 40 rows for my 5 year old, 42 rows for my 6 year old, and 50 rows for my 10 year old. - Break the yarn, leaving 6-12″ inches for sewing, and finish off. Use this tail to whip stitch the strap tightly to the opposite side of the opening. The strap is 6 sts wide and the opening is 30 sts around, so you should have 9 sts between the strap ends on each side.
- In the middle of one side of the opening, away from the handles, join the yarn with a sl st and ch 1. Sc evenly around the opening and along the side of the handle, working a sc2tog over each corner, as shown below – this gives nice tight angles for the handle and adds a little sturdiness.
Come back around to the first sc and use the seamless join to finish off. Repeat on other side of the sling and handle. Weave in ends.
And that’s all there is to it! It took me about an hour and to make each sling, and the payoff was well worth it. The kids carried their own water, no whining occurred (well, not about that at least), and we have the perfect accessory for our next summer outing. I’m sure they’ll get a ton of use next week with the 4th of July holiday. Enjoy your summer vacation and drink your water!
Pattern and photos copyright Tamara Kelly 2012. Be sure to Like the moogly Facebook page for the latest updates and have some fun with us! You can email me at [email protected] Please do not reprint this pattern, but please feel free to link to this page to share this pattern with others. For seller info, see the About page.
Joan C. Monahan
June 29, 2012 at 11:37 amI was reading the pattern on how to make this water bottle cozy and got an idea. How about making the strap say the 50 row length and put button holes an inch apart or so at the end of the strap. Then put a button on the inside of the top of the cozy so you could adjust the length, making it a one-size-fits-all? I haven’t tried making it yet. It was just a thought that came to me. What do you think?
Joan Monahan
moogly
June 29, 2012 at 11:41 amJoan I think that’s a great idea! 😀
Jenna Carodiskey-Wiebe
June 29, 2012 at 7:08 pmI love making these…I have sent my kids to camp with them, and they make GREAT dance teacher gifts!
moogly
June 29, 2012 at 7:32 pmGreat idea Jenna!
Stacy
October 26, 2016 at 7:26 pmCan 4 ply. Yarn hold a 1 liter bottle of water?
Tamara Kelly
October 27, 2016 at 9:31 amIt all depends on the strength of the fibers – I’d say if it’s easy to break with your hands, it wouldn’t be a good fit.
Gerry Terry
July 9, 2012 at 7:25 pmI just finished my 1st one,I used Sugar n Cream in an ombre color,it looks great,will be making alot more for my active family,especially since we are in our 4th heat wave.Your directions were easy to follow ,Thank you GT
moogly
July 9, 2012 at 7:51 pmYay, I’m so glad it worked out for you Gerry! Thanks for posting!
Angelina A Larocque
July 28, 2012 at 9:08 amThis idea is so brilliant. I’m going to crochet some for my family & friends. Thank you for a great idea.
Leslie Roussel
August 2, 2012 at 2:19 pmEach of my nieces and nephews, grown kids and grand-kids will bet getting these! Great idea, and good way to use up leftover yarn.
I have ideas for an adjustable strap, and will let you know how they turn out.
moogly
August 2, 2012 at 8:14 pmSo glad you like it! And I can’t wait to see that adjustable strap – great modification idea!
Myra
August 14, 2012 at 12:36 pmJust finished one in red cotton, great idea also for adults. This one is for me:) I wanted to post a photo, but didn’t find out how:)
moogly
August 14, 2012 at 2:52 pmGlad you like it Myra! If you like, you can post a picture over on the facebook page! I’d love to see it!
Jenn L
August 24, 2012 at 9:02 pmI grew up in Brookfield! We used to joke around that my sister was born on Goat Island and my brother in Tropic World. I probably came from the snake house 😀
moogly
August 24, 2012 at 10:27 pmLOL! We love it there! Well, the zoo part anyway. 😛
myra
August 26, 2012 at 4:22 amJust discovered your answer:) thanks, I shall post the picture on your facebook page.
janie
September 24, 2012 at 10:38 amI’m going to make one of these to use when riding as a passenger on our motorcycle. I don’t have anywhere to attach a cupholder. This will work for my coffee mug, water bottle or soda.
Thanks!
moogly
September 24, 2012 at 11:31 amYou’re welcome janie! 😀 Enjoy your Fall rides!
Elizabeth
September 30, 2012 at 11:53 amI just completed one of these and am looking forward to using it to go to the gym! Thanks for posting such great, simple, useful patterns for we excited beginners.
moogly
September 30, 2012 at 1:30 pmYou are very welcome Elizabeth! 😀
Christine
April 2, 2013 at 8:44 pmI love this idea! I found it on Ravelry while searching for things to make out of a big pile of cotton I have. I am specifically looking for things to make that I can sell for a fundraiser. Do you mind if I use your pattern for that purpose?
Tamara Kelly
April 2, 2013 at 9:42 pmThank you, and please do Christine! You can read the full sellers policy here: https://www.mooglyblog.com/about-moogly/
Christine
April 3, 2013 at 5:05 amWonderful – thank you!
Sharon A. Moles
May 3, 2013 at 2:19 pmI want the pattern for crocheted sandles for the toes?
Tamara Kelly
May 3, 2013 at 4:20 pmHi Sharon! I think this is the roundup you’re looking for: https://www.mooglyblog.com/barefoot-sandals/
Patricia Seaton
July 12, 2013 at 10:48 amThanks for a great pattern. This worked up so nicely and pattern was clear,easy to follow. I had white and two shades of blue cotton that I used for my husband’s. He uses the stainless steel water bottles – the sling can absorb the “sweat”. Now I want to make them for everyone, myself included.
Tamara Kelly
July 12, 2013 at 11:15 am😀 So glad you both enjoy the pattern! My boys use there’s every day for their summer day camp, and the originals are still going strong!
juliw
January 11, 2014 at 3:28 pmlove this…easy and nice…now I wont have to carry the bottles
maria
June 8, 2014 at 3:09 amJust wondering, since I don’t live in the US, why are you particular about using stainless steel water bottles and not plastic?
Tamara Kelly
June 9, 2014 at 9:07 amPersonally we don’t use them because until recently it was difficult to find plastic bottles without BPA. And the stainless steel ones just stood up to kid abuse better! And for the pattern, because stainless steel bottles are usually the same diameter, as opposed to plastic which tends to come in all different sizes. But of course you can put any bottle type you like in there! 🙂
JenB
June 8, 2014 at 11:57 amI LOVE this pattern (I love all your stuff!).
I would like to try making one with plarn!
Tamara Kelly
June 9, 2014 at 9:04 am😀 Thanks Jen! Great idea!
Cayty
July 18, 2014 at 9:03 pmI tweaked the pattern adding two more initial circle rounds for a total of 42 stitches and then lengthened the repeating pattern to make a new yoga mat bag. It worked beautifully! (And I’ve made quite a few bottle holders per pattern:) ) You have an amazing ability to create and translate your creativity to others. Thanks!
Tamara Kelly
July 19, 2014 at 9:36 am😀 That’s awesome! Thank you Cayty!
Pamela
August 25, 2014 at 4:13 pmI loved your tutorial, it was clear and easy to follow. The pictures were great. Share your page on my blog (http://crochetwithpassion.wordpress.com/2014/08/25/water-bottle-sling/). Was just letting you know, thanks again for the great post.
Tamara Kelly
August 25, 2014 at 5:18 pm😀 Thank you Pamela!
lubna
September 10, 2014 at 1:04 pmWonderful bottle cozy when I look it I started to make it for my son
Tamara Kelly
September 10, 2014 at 4:33 pm😀 Thank you!
Jamie
December 25, 2014 at 4:02 amLove this pattern so much. Thank you for sharing!! I have been making them for about a year – and I have probably created 40 of them. I have given them as gifts and people love them!! People are always coming up to me and asking if I made it – (often crocheters – who are then sent to your blog). I tend to give them away so fast I never have any in my stash. If someone likes the one I’m using and don’t know how to crochet – I often give it away – and go home and grab another for me.
Thanks again for sharing this wonderful idea!
Tamara Kelly
December 27, 2014 at 2:02 pm😀 That’s so fantastic Jamie! Thank you so much!!
Hannah
February 12, 2015 at 9:08 pmI made one of these, using 52 rows in the strap, and it stretched so it falls to my knees! So I was wondering, how many rows should I use for an adult size? Thanks.
Tamara Kelly
February 13, 2015 at 10:36 amAdults come in so very many different sizes I can’t give an exact row count. If stretching is a problem, lining the strap with some ribbon can be a big help!
Rosie
February 22, 2015 at 2:24 pmI noticed this pattern when you first posted it, but never got round to making any. Then just recently my husband deployed with the Army so my girls started taking their Daddy Dolls EVERYWHERE. The dolls are an odd size/shape and don’t fit most doll carriers… But with a little adjustment, (increasing the height slightly, making an oval base instead of round) your water bottle carrier works great! Now they have their hands free again for playing! Thanks!
Tamara Kelly
February 23, 2015 at 10:20 am♥ How great! Thank you Rosie.
Michelle
September 18, 2015 at 1:28 pmThank you, Moogly! Decided to whip one up and came across this pattern. Just right! Once again, your site comes in to save the day!
Tamara Kelly
September 18, 2015 at 2:26 pm😀 Thank you! I’m so glad you found it at the right moment!
Pong
January 31, 2016 at 1:08 pmBeen following you a while. Love all your work and blogs. I will make a couple of these slings and send to my friend and her troops who station oversea. Again, thanks for sharing! 😀
Tamara Kelly
February 1, 2016 at 8:53 amThank you so much Pong! ♥
Kathleen ashman
May 30, 2016 at 9:01 amI love this pattern, Tamara. I whipped it up easily in the morning for my stainless steel water bottle to use the same day. It came out super cute! Thank you, Tamara for this wonderful pattern! I shall use it again to make them for family members as I already have several requests.
Tamara Kelly
May 31, 2016 at 8:22 am😀 I’m so glad to hear it! Thank you Kathleen!
Kathi
June 9, 2016 at 8:19 amWould love to add a cell phone pocket. Any ideas how?
Tamara Kelly
June 9, 2016 at 10:25 amI would crochet the pouch sized for your phone (they are all so different now!) with a little extra space to account for the curve, and then sew it to the top and bottom “solid” sections! 🙂
Lindsey
June 26, 2016 at 3:24 pmhi tamara, I am starting a new blog and this crochet pattern is one of my favorites. It is SO functional! Can i share this on my blog with a link back to your page and credits?
thanks,
lindsey
Tamara Kelly
June 26, 2016 at 4:03 pmHi Lindsey! You are welcome to share the link and one photo, but of course not the written pattern itself. Thanks so much, and best of luck!
Ashley
July 27, 2016 at 10:27 amI need to make 2 more rows for the bottom circle. Can you tell me how to do it please? This is the first pattern I have even done. Usually I just make blankets from some stitches I know. Thanks in advance 🙂
Tamara Kelly
July 27, 2016 at 3:35 pmHi Ashley! I’m honored you picked this as your first pattern, thank you! 😀
This pattern uses the standard formula for circles, so it’s a great way to learn it!
So to squeeze in 2 more rounds to make the circle bigger, we’re going to continue the pattern you might have spotted in the previous rounds.
New Round “6”: *Sc in next 4 sts, then work 2sc into next st. Repeat from * to end. (36 sc) Join to first sc with a sl st, and ch1.
New Round “7”: *Sc in next 5 sts, then work 2sc into next st. Repeat from * to end. (42 sc) Join to first sc with a sl st, and ch1.
You can see what has changed in each round – the number of stitches worked between the increases (the increases are where we work 2 sts in 1 st), and the final st count for each round. So there are 6 increases in each round, and the number of stitches in between grows to keep it even.
Does that make sense?
Ashley
July 27, 2016 at 3:57 pmYes it does! Thanks love! 🙂
Karen King
June 3, 2017 at 2:18 pmLove you idea. I volunteer at Brookfield Zoo 2 days a week & will be making one for my bottle & my employee cup.
Tamara Kelly
June 5, 2017 at 10:39 amThat’s so awesome Karen! 😀 Thank you!
Karen king
June 5, 2017 at 12:42 pmYour welcome
Kelsey
March 22, 2018 at 1:39 pmI just found this pattern and I love it! I was just wondering why all the patterns for water bottle holders call for cotton yarn? I don’t have any on hand right now but I do have tons of acrylic yarn. Would it make much difference?
Tamara Kelly
March 23, 2018 at 10:24 amI think cotton is just the “go-to” for foodie type stuff – and it absorbs condensation. But you can absolutely use acrylic if you like!
Toni
June 3, 2018 at 6:30 pmHow many rows should I make the strap for an adult?
Tamara Kelly
June 4, 2018 at 9:40 amHi Toni! Adults come in lots of sizes – you could take your measurements from right shoulder across to left hip, or about 55-60″ for a “one size fits most.”
Liana Kowalzik
September 5, 2018 at 1:57 pmI love this! No plastic bottles left in hot cars! We sometimes use glass bottles with ceramic and wire bale flip tops as water bottles. (There’s a brand of fizzy french lemonade you can buy and keep the bottles.) The lovely crocheted bag will protect the bottles from a chip or crack if it accidentally bangs up against something. Plenty of time to make stocking stuffers in everyone’s favorite color, too.
Tamara Kelly
September 6, 2018 at 9:48 amHi Liana! I’m so glad you like it, thank you!
Crystalyn
September 27, 2018 at 10:51 pmIm a little late to this party, lol. But I just found this pattern, and whipped this up super quick and it is so cute! Thank you!!! this will make lugging water around Disneyland MUCH easier!!
Tamara Kelly
September 28, 2018 at 9:16 am😀 Thank you! And have fun!!
Karen
September 28, 2018 at 1:32 pmCrystalyn,
Great pattern, I volunteer at Brookfield zoo and carry my Klein Kanteen for liquid refreshments. I’m going to be making this holder for ease in carrying my bottle. So happy to hear you & your family had a great time at our zoo.
Tamara Kelly
September 29, 2018 at 10:32 pm😀 I’m so glad you like it Karen!
Karen king
September 29, 2018 at 11:09 pmThanks Tamara. If your ever at the zoo on a Tuesday or Thursday look me up. I work in the animals habitat my name tag says Karen K.