How to Make a Fabric Bottle Bag

Easy Bottle Bag Tutorial – diy pouch and bag. Easy instructions for sewing a bottle bag.

This is a much more complex project than the pacifier holder, but if anyone wants to give it a try, here are a few pointers. As I always say, this might not be the simplest or most suitable method, but the result is what you see here—and if you like it, this is how I did it:

First, I measured the baby bottle I own—since there are various brands and models (I have an Avent one, while my sister has a Chicco)—and combined the measurements to get the following:

- a rectangle measuring 25 cm wide by 26 cm high, plus seam allowances (this includes the 2 cm allowance for the zipper, which is attached inside the rectangle); I cut one piece from the chosen outer fabric and an identical one for the lining;

- a circle with a 25 cm circumference; I cut two for the outer layer and two for the lining, leaving a 1 cm seam allowance (if your bottle is a different size, measure its circumference, as that will determine the width of the rectangle's base);

- thick batting for padding: cut one rectangle (25x26 cm) and two circles (25 cm circumference);

- a 25 cm zipper—though, as usual, I prefer to buy a longer one, so I chose a 30 cm version;

- if you have them, I recommend using a cutting mat, a quilting ruler, and other patchwork tools, as they make the job easier; otherwise, it works just fine without them. Now, let's get started!

To provide more support for the cylinder and help it stand upright, I decided to use my new piping foot for the first time; alternatively, a zipper foot can be used. I prepare two strips of fabric—4 cm wide and about 28 cm long—with a cord placed in the middle, then fold them over and sew close to the cord.

Once sewn, I make a series of small cuts close to the seam—since I need to close it into a circle, this makes sewing it easier.

Here you see a photo with blue tones, but the pink ones were too blurry... so I’m going to sew my lovely corded piping onto the right side of the work, following the mark.

For now, I’m leaving the bottom circle as is, while for the top one, I’ll insert the padding and sew right sides together, leaving a small opening for turning it right side out.

I close the opening I had left with a slip stitch, then prepare a small 6x8 cm rectangle (plus seam allowances); I stuff and sew it, turn it right side out, stitch along the lines, and finally attach it to the small lid.

Now I prepare my rectangle by sewing it to the thick felt backing, with stitching every 2 cm.

Now I measure 3 cm from the top and cut, then do the same with the lining, using the same measurement.

I’m going to position my zipper with the lining, and then topstitch the whole thing—both at the top and the bottom.

If you have a serger, you can finish the top edge; otherwise, a nice zigzag stitch works well.

At this point, I take the lining and attach the small hoop underneath, then sew the side up to the halfway point.

Now I can attach the bottom panel with the piping; it can be machine-sewn, but since it was my first time, I preferred to do it by hand using a catch stitch. Then, I sew up the entire side as far as the zipper.

Starting from the opening I left, I turn everything right side out and secure the lining with hidden stitches.

Now all that’s left is to sew the small section above the zipper; then I’ll prepare two small rectangles measuring 6x4 cm—one for the outside and one for the inside. Since the fabric was striped, I wanted the outer piece to match the fabric underneath, with stitching every 2 cm; so I attached that one first, and then hand-stitched the inner lining piece in place.

 

Now all that remains is to attach the upper part using the usual catch stitch.