Get crafting for colder weather by learning how to sew a hot water bottle cover

This quick-sew DIY hot water bottle project can be whipped in just an evening and is a great project for using those precious fat quarters you've been holding onto. Perfect your piping skills with this sweet and simple hot water bottle cover by Jennie Jones.

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Making a hot water bottle cover will not only make your bottle look prettier and give you an extra layer of protection, but it should help keep it warmer for longer too. If you're a confident sewist you might also like our how to make a quilted hot water bottle cover tutorial, giving you a thicker, more cuddly cover.

You will need

• 1 fat quarter of fabric
• Lining fabric, fat quarter
• Piping cord, 2m (80in)
• Bias binding, 2m (80in)
• Vintage button
• Basic sewing kit

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How to make a hot water bottle cover

Step 1

Make a template by drawing around your hot water bottle and adding 2.5cm (1in) extra around the edges.

Pin the template to your fabric and cut out the front panel. To cut out the bottom back panel, use the same template, but cut straight across two-thirds of the way up.

To create the top back panel, again use the front panel template, and ensure it will overlap the bottom back panel by around 5cm (2in).

Use these pieces as templates to cut the lining to the same sizes.

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Step 2

You will need around 1.5m (60in) of piping and binding for the outside edges and the opening on the back. Open your bias binding, wrap it around the piping and sew, not too close to the cord.

With the remaining binding, make a loop for the button and a bow.

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Step 3

Place the top back panel right side (RS) up. Pin the covered piping along the bottom edge. Place the loop at centre of the bottom edge, pin the lining on top and sew into place close to the cord.

Sew the top back panel to the lining with wrong sides (WS) facing using a zigzag stitch around the edges. Repeat with the bottom back panel and lining, turning the top edges under to hem. Place the two back pieces RS up with the top back panel overlapping the bottom back panel, in preparation for sewing them to the front panel.

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Step 4

Zigzag stitch the front panel and front lining WS together. Pin the piping around the RS of the front panel and sew close to the cord. At one end, cut the cord inside and fold the bias in, then sew the other end of the piping inside.

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Step 5

Clip the curves.

Stitch the front panel to the back panels RS together, close to the piping. Turn RS out. Sew on the bow and button.

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Give the gift of handmade

This simple hot water bottle cover would make a great gift for friends and family. If you're on the lookout for more ideas, check out our list of 40 easy sewing projects for gifts.