You will need the following materials for the hot water bottle cover:

Simply download my template and start cutting right away.

• Fabric (depending on the size of the hot water bottle, ideally in a cuddly quality such as cotton, fleece or linen, which conducts heat well)
• Paper + pens
• sewing machine
• Measuring tape and fabric scissors
• fabric clips or pins
• Sewing thread (matching the fabric color)
• Iron for preparing the seams
• Optional : Small labels or appliqués for a personal touch
• Embroidery files to personalize your hot water bottle
  

Cozy fabrics like flannel and fleece are the perfect partners for warm, breathable DIY projects!

These fabrics possess special properties that make them ideal for hot water bottle covers and other comfort accessories.

• Flannel is usually made of cotton and has a brushed surface that makes it incredibly soft. It retains heat well while remaining breathable , making it comfortable against the skin and perfect for even temperature regulation.
• Fleece is often made from recycled synthetic fibers and retains heat even more effectively without being heavy. It's heat-retaining and moisture-wicking – ideal for clothing and accessories that keep you warm without causing you to sweat excessively.

If you don't want to use the supplied template , you can easily determine the dimensions of your hot water bottle yourself:

1. Measure the circumference : Place the measuring tape around the widest part of the hot water bottle and note the circumference. Divide this value by two and add approximately 2 cm for seam allowance.
2. Measure the length : Measure from the bottom edge to the top edge of the hot water bottle and also add 2 cm seam allowance.
3. Calculation for back pieces with hotel opening : The back piece is sewn from two overlapping pieces. Divide the measured length in half and add an additional 4-5 cm to each piece for the hem and 2 cm seam allowance.

You can now transfer these measurements to the fabric and cut it out.

Alternatively, you can simply place your hot water bottle on paper, trace around it, and add a seam allowance.
In this case, the opening at the top edge is simply folded over and sewn.

In my template, this is sewn directly to the inside, resulting in an even nicer finish.

If you don't feel like measuring, two common sizes of 33x19 cm and 25x15 cm are available for you in my file.

Now it's time to cut it to size:

• Cut out the front piece once.
• Cut the two back pieces according to the dimensions calculated above, so that they overlap in the middle later.

To give your hot water bottle cover a very special and personal touch, you can also embroider it or decorate it with a plotter design.

Especially for plotter enthusiasts, this is a great way to personalize the cover. In my shop you'll find a selection of plotter files that are perfect for small projects like this cover and give it that special touch.

Special offer: This Sunday, you can get the plotter files for just €1. Take this opportunity to personalize your cover with a unique design!

Before sewing the pieces together, it's helpful to finish the edges. This will make your hot water bottle cover last longer and prevent fraying.

1. Finishing : Use a zigzag stitch or an overlock machine to finish the edges of the front and back pieces.
   
2. Hem for the hotel opening : Fold the inner edges of both back pieces (which will later overlap) over by about 2 cm, iron the edge, and topstitch it with a straight stitch. This ensures a neat finish at the hotel opening.
   
3. The area of ​​the inward-facing opening is also finished. Even though the opening becomes very clean after folding it over, the edge for the inside must also be neatly finished.

Now it's time to assemble the cover:

1. Arrange the back pieces : Place the two back pieces on the front piece so that the folded edges overlap in the middle. The fabrics should be right sides together.
   
2. Sewing together : Pin the pieces together at the edges and sew all the way around to the opening, which you will leave open. Make sure to keep the seam allowances even so that the fit remains good.
   
3. Shape the corners : Cut the seam allowances at the corners diagonally so that they can be easily shaped when turning.
   
   Optionally, you can attach small labels or appliqués to the edge before sewing the pieces together. Labels give your cover a personal touch and make it look like a real designer piece.
   
   After sewing the pieces together, turn the cover right side out through the hotel opening.
   
   Now fold the opening in half and secure it with a few hand stitches along the seam allowance on the inside. Your bottle neck will now look perfect!
   
   Next, carefully push out the corners and iron the cover to smooth the seams. Now you can easily insert the hot water bottle through the hotel-style opening – and your homemade hot water bottle cover is ready to use!

A homemade hot water bottle cover is not only practical, but also a great way to use up fabric scraps and sustainable materials. Here are a few tips:

• Use up fabric scraps : If you have any fabric scraps from previous projects, you can use them for your hot water bottle cover. Fabric scraps that might not be enough for larger projects can often be wonderfully used for small sewing projects like this cover.
  
• Sustainable fabric choices : Opt for fabrics that are particularly heat-retaining, such as fleece or wool blends. These materials retain heat longer and are pleasantly soft. Organic cotton is another sustainable option that is also breathable.
  
• Eco-friendly labels : If you want to use small labels, consider using sustainable options made from cotton or recycled material.