A year ago, I ditched my plastic water bottle for a stainless steel one. I couldn’t be happier with my decision to reduce waste. Of course, there’s always the possibility of getting a dent in my bottle. To avoid this, I made a bottle sleeve.
In this blog post, I’ll show you how to make a simple Sashiko bottle sleeve with just a few supplies.
What you’ll need
For this project, I used denim fabric for the Sashiko stitching and quilting cotton for the lining. If you have any fabric scraps from previous projects, this is a perfect way to use them.
Step 1
Make sure to measure the diameter of the bottle of your choice. Add a seam allowance to your measurement. To determine the width of the fabric, you’ll need for the circumference or width, multiply the diameter by π (3.14).
Cut fabric
Cut one piece each for the outer fabric and the lining. If you have a serger, you can sew around the edges of the denim to stop it from fraying while embroidering.
Step 2
With your preferred fabric marker, trace the design on the denim. Create a 1-inch grid. Draw a diagonal line on each square, as shown in the picture below.
Zigzag design
Step 3
Start stitching all horizontal lines first using the Running Stitch.
Stitch horizontal lines first.
Step 4
Stitch all diagonal lines with the Running Stitch.
Stitch diagonal lines.
Side note
If you want to add a strap to the bottle sleeve, cut a piece of denim, 1½” x 3″. Fold it in half and make a crease mark. Fold it, so the outer sides meet in the center, then fold it again. With a ¼” Presser Foot Topstitch along the edge. Fold the finished strap in half and place it between the facing right sides of the Sashiko embroidered fabric.
Fold fabric and topstitch to create a strap.
Step 5
Fold denim right sides together and sew along the edge. Place the bottom of the cover inside the tube you just created and pin or clip together. Do this for the lining as well.
Sew pieces together.
Step 6
Turn your lining piece right side out. Place it inside the denim piece. Make sure to align the seams. Mark a 2″ opening at the top. Sew along the edge.
Align fabric pieces together.
Step 7
Turn the cover inside out through the opening. Push the lining back in. Iron. Topstitch along the border is optional.
Turn cover inside out.
Step 8
Using the Ladder Stitch close the opening.
Close using the ladder stitch.
You’re done!
Your bottle cover is finished!
If you want a sturdier sleeve to keep your bottle safe from dents and falls, add fusible fleece.
If you liked this project or if you have any questions, reach out to me in the comments!
Stay weird!
