Let’s face it, when you buy a new hot water bottle they always come with a really dreadful, itchy, pills-as-soon-as-you-wash-it cover, right? It’s a shame, because you can get some really cute ones (I remember one I had as a kid that was a Matryoshka), but they really don’t stand the test of time. So, what’s the solution? Luckily us knitters and crocheters have the superpowers to make our own, and I’m so thrilled to share this pattern with you.
So, how was the Happy Hottie born? Believe it or not, another hot water bottle I designed caused a bit of a stir on Threads a few months ago. As a gigantic fan, I posted about how much I love them (shout out to my fellow period-havers and chronic pain sufferers – hotties can be a lifesaver for us) and unfortunately a very angry lady loudly and confidently told me that NOBODY uses hot water bottles anymore anmd making a cover was a TOTAL waste of time, etc, etc. I’m sure you know the type… Unfortunately for her, thousands of people tunred up to set her straight and showed her that YES, loads of people use hopt water bottles and they are, well, fabulous.
As I am petty and obsessed with turning negatives into positives I decided to feed all that hate into a brand new design for you, and say thanks for all the support, likes, comments and views you guys gave me. It just shows what an amazing community we have, and above all, just how much we all love hot water bottles! I mean, why wouldn’t we? They’re amazing.
ASs gfar as the design, the Happy Hottie is not only soft and chunky, but it has really gorgeous texture that provides comfort, padding and insulation when you need it most. It’s totally customisable, ideal for using up scraps and can be made using any yarn weight you choose. I recommend sticking to natural fibres where possible, but budget yarns work well, and if you’re as into scrap cakes as I am, you can play around with them and create a really jazzy-looking cover. This design has two options for a knitted and crocheted cuff, so if you’re a bistitchual you can combine both mediums if you like – instructions are given for both. Stay cosy!
PATTERN:
Sizes:
As gauge is not important in this pattern, sizes are approximate. Size is adjusted to your preference.
Designed to fit a standard hot water bottle measuring approximately:
- Length: 33–35 cm (13–14 in)
- Width: 19–20 cm (7.5–8 in)
- Circumference at widest point: 38–40 cm (15–16 in)
Construction:
worked in the round, seamed at the bottom and either side of the top of your work, followed by a neck section in either crochet or knitted ribbing.
Tools:
Crochet hook: Size appropriate for your chosen yarn (use the hook size recommended on the yarn ball band).
Standard hot water bottle (regular size).
Stitch marker
Tapestry needle
Scissors
If you choose to make a knitted cuff you will need a knitting needle long enough to work the magic loop method.
Approximate Make Time: 2-4 hours, depending on yarn weight used.
Yarn:
Yarn of your choice.
Yardage will vary depending on yarn weight and neck length.
For this design I used a bespoke bulky-weight yarn cake that I created myself using scrap yarn that weighed 120 g.
Skills & Abbreviations:
US TERMS USED THROUGHOUT
CROCHET:
ch – chain
hdc – half double crochet
hdc-bp – half double crochet worked between the posts
rnd(s) – round(s)
sl st – slip stitch
st(s) – stitch(es)
yo – yarn over
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
KNITTING:
k – knit
p – purl
st(s) – stitch(es)
rnd(s) – round(s)
RS – right side
WS – wrong side
CO – cast on
BO – bind off
You will also need to know how to work the magic loop method for working in the round.
Special Stitch:
HDC-BP or Wide Half Double Crochet:
This stitch is worked between the vertical posts of the stitches from the previous round rather than into the top loops.
- Yo.
- Insert hook between the posts of the next two stitches from the previous round.
- Yo, pull up a loop (3 loops on hook).
- Yo, pull through all 3 loops.
This stitch creates a smooth, stretchy fabric with a subtle vertical texture.
Designer Notes:
→ The cover is worked seamlessly in continuous rounds.
→ No foundation chain is used, resulting in a clean, even edge with no visible seam.
→ A removable stitch marker marks the beginning of each round and should be moved up as work progresses.
→ Stitch count is not fixed; fit is adjusted directly to the hot water bottle.
Copyright: © Emmaknitty, 2025. You can sell items made from this pattern, just give design credit to Emmaknitty. Please don’t copy or share the pattern itself; instead, direct others to the original source so they can support the maker too. Thanks for helping keep creative work alive! Do not feed this pattern into any LLM or AI model to make adjustments. This is treated as breach of copyright.
Pattern:
Setup:
Using your chosen yarn and hook, chain enough stitches to wrap snugly (but not too tightly) around the widest part of the hot water1 bottle.
Join with a sl st to the first ch, being careful not to twist.
Place a removable stitch marker in the first ch of the round to indicate the beginning.
Round 1:
Join with a sl st to the first ch, being careful not to twist.
Round 1 begins in the same stitch as the join.
Place a removable stitch marker in the first hdc to mark the beginning of the round.
Work 1 hdc in each ch around.
Round 2 onwards:
Do not chain two. Instead, mark the beginning of the round with your stitch marker and move it up to the new rounds as you come to them.
Work 1 hdc-bp in each st around.
Check t1he fit around the bottle at this point as it m1ay have loosened up and got a bit looser after working this round. If so, rip back and decrease the amount of chains you make.
Continue until the work reaches the shoulder of the hot water bottle, where it begins to narrow toward the neck.
Break yarn, bind off and secure.
Closing the Bottom:
With the wrong side facing, align the bottom edges.
Slip stitch through both layers evenly across to seam closed.
Fasten off securely.
Shaping the Neck Opening:
Lay the cover flat and locate the shoulder section where the bottle narrows.
Using a yarn needle and matching yarn, sew the sides together as follows:
Measure vertically down from the top opening edge along each side edge.
Sew the front and back layers together for the desired length.
- Sew approximately 4 cm (1.5 in) down from the top edge on each side.
- Secure stitches firmly but without pulling too tight.
Turn the cover right side out.
Fit Options:
- 2 in (5 cm) sewn on each side:
Creates a tighter neck opening for a snug, secure fit. - 1.5 in (4 cm) sewn on each side (recommended):
Balanced fit that holds the bottle well while allowing easy insertion. - 1 in (2.5 cm) sewn on each side:
Looser opening, ideal if you prefer easier access when inserting the bottle.
Fasten off securely and weave in all ends.
Neck Section:
Once all seaming is complete and the neck opening has been formed, choose one of the following finishing options:
Knitted cuff opening:
This option creates a relaxed, stretchy, ribbed roll-neck finish to be folded down. This method is the most recommended as it uses less yarn than crochet ribbing and – in my opinion – looks a lot prettier!
Materials
- Knitting needles suitable for your yarn
(Optional: use needles ½–1 size larger for a looser, more flexible neck)
Instructions
With the cover right side out:
- Beginning at one side seam, pick up and knit stitches evenly around the neck opening.
- Pick up as many stitches as possible without puckering.
- Ensure the total stitch count is an even number.
- If necessary, either:
- Pick up one additional stitch, or
- Skip one stitch to achieve an even count.
- Pick up one additional stitch, or
- Pick up as many stitches as possible without puckering.
- Join to work in the round.
- Work K1, P1 rib evenly around for 15–16.5 cm (6.5-7.5 in), or to desired length.
- Bind off loosely in pattern to maintain stretch.
Crocheted cuff opening (not pictured):
(Single Crochet Back Loop Ribbing, Worked Directly Onto Neck)
This option creates a highly stretchy ribbed neck by working single crochet ribbing attached directly to the neck opening. The ribbing may be worn upright or folded down.
Materials
Crochet hook suitable for your yarn
(Optional: use a hook ½–1 size larger for increased stretch).
Cuff
Worked in rows and joined to the neck opening as you go.
With the cover right side out, attach yarn at any point along the neck opening.
Foundation
Ch any number, depending on desired neck height, allowing for it to be folded over as a roll neck. I chained 20 on my sample.
Row 1
- Sc in the second ch from hook.
- Sc in each remaining ch through the back loop only.
- Sl st into the next stitch on the neck opening.
- Ch 1 and turn.
Row 2: sc blo across, ch 1, turn
Row 3: sc blo across, sl st to neck, ch 1, turn
Repeat Rows 2–3 around the entire neck opening, ensuring each rib section is evenly spaced and not stretched as it is attached.
When the ribbing reaches the starting point:
- Join the first and last rib rows together using sl st or mattress stitch, working through back loops for consistency.
- Fasten off.
- Weave in all ends securely.
To insert the hot water bottle, fold it in half vertically and slip it through the cuffed neck opening. Reshape the cover with the bottle inside, fold down the cuff, fill and enjoy!
If you loved this free pattern, consider donating to me on Ko-Fi or purchasing one of my patterns on Ravelry – thank you so much for your support! Don’t forget to share your makes on Instagram by tagging me – I’d love to share your gorgeous work.
Happy knitting!
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