Pattern For Crochet Water Bottle Holders

I know there are several patterns around on the internet for crocheted water bottle holders. But when I was looking for one back in December, I couldn't find one I liked...so I made my own. I have done several variations, for several different sized bottles, all using the same basic pattern.

Crochet Water Bottle Holders

Cotton Yarn - Lily Sugar 'n Cream 2.5 oz ball
Hook Size H

Strap:
Note - This strap can be made to whatever length you choose. The directions below are for the length I made. If you want it longer, chain more in the first step. If you want the strap shorter, chain fewer. With this length, I am able to carry my water bottle with the strap across my body and the water bottle hanging at my hip. (I am 5' 6" tall)

1. Chain 182 leaving about a 12 inch yarn tail
2. SC in 2nd chain from hook then SC across
3. Chain 1, turn, SC across
4. Repeat row 3 until your strap is as wide as you want it (I usually do 2 more rows)
FO leaving bout 12 yarn tail

Base:
Note - if you are making this water bottle holder for the 16.9 oz bottles from the store, move from round 5 to round 7 skipping round 6. Please remember all stitch counts shown at the end of each round's directions are for the larger diameter size.

MR, chain 1
1. 6 SC in ring
2. 2SC in each SC (12)
3. (2st, SC) 6 times (18)
4. (SC, SC, 2st) 6 times (24)
5. (SC, 2st, SC, SC) 6 times (30)
6. (2st, SC, SC, SC, SC) 6 times (36)
7. in BL only, SC in each stitch (36)
8. in both loops, SC in each stitch (36)

at this point, you can continue to SC around until your water bottle holder base is as tall as you would like it then slip stitch around the top, FO then sew your strap to each side using the extra long yarn tails. This basic SC pattern works for yarns that are multi-colored as shown below on the left.

The water bottle on the left is a basic SC pattern with no stitch variations done. It used every bit of a 1.75oz ball of cotton yarn. The water bottle holder on the left has one row of triangular chain stitching around the base (see pattern below)

If you would like to add some stitch variations to your water bottle holder, here are a couple options:

After the base instructions, this water bottle holder follows the Double Crochet pattern (below) repeated 6 times.

Double Crochet (start at the beginning of whatever round you want for the look you want):

This pattern variation is for a water bottle holder with a base 36 stitches around

- Chain 3, skip next stitch (DC, chain 1, skip next stitch) 17 times, SL to connect to beginning of row (36)
- Chain 1, SC in each stitch (36) Some of the available stitches are pretty tight. I find it easier with some of these stitches to SC through the front loops only but when I can, I SC through both loops.
- SC in each stitch (36)

Triangular Chain Stitching (start at the beginning of whatever round you want for the look you want):

This pattern variation is for a water bottle holder with a base 36 stitches around

- (SC, Chain 5, skip 3) 9 times, SL
- SL, SL, SC (this SC should be in the middle of the chain made in the previous round) (Chain 3, Skip 5, SC) 9 times
- In front loops, SC around
- In both loops, SC around

I try to attach the straps 1/2 inch to 1 inch down from the top of the holder and I stitch them all the way around on the open sides. This makes it stronger. If I am working with solid colors, I place the strap on the outside. If you are working with a multi-color yarn, you may wish to attach the strap to the inside.

Slip stitch around the top edge of your bottle holder (stitching through the strap when you get to it). This makes the top edge stronger and adds some strength to the place where your strap connects. Some of my water bottles are pretty big and can be VERY heavy when they are full. I want to make sure the strap will hold the weight. I also learned that a wider strap makes the holder much more comfortable when you have a  larger water bottle to carry.

Close-up of the strap attachment and the slip stitches across the top