It didn’t last long, but the spring-like weather that warmed us up for a few days of late reminded us that brighter days are ahead.
When we saw some eager bicyclists hitting the road for the first time after a soggy winter, we were inspired to take crochet hook in hand and get creative. Our goal – at first – was to make a sporty scarf, but as the piece took shape we changed course and it became a bottle carrier.
Go figure, but sometimes it turns out that way when crafting.
The instructions for making our bottle carriers are simple and we’ll provide them below, but first a few words about materials.
You can use yarn, knitting/crocheting ribbon, twine, thin macrame cord or any other material you feel comfortable working with.
Keep in mind that yarns and ribbons will give you more elasticity when finished, while twines, ropes and cords will be stiffer and tighter, and you’ll need to adjust the size of your carrier accordingly.
| WHAT YOU’LL NEED
* Crochet hook * 1 skein of yarn or knitting ribbon * Braid, rope or cord (optional) |
We used yarn and knitting/crocheting ribbon for our samples, and both gave quite a bit of stretch to the piece so that we were able to fit a 12- or 16-ounce bottle into each carrier. The 16-ounce bottle took a bit more “coaxing” than the 12-ounce, but both sizes ended up fitting nicely and snugly inside the carrier.
Though we didn’t try it, we suspect that you’ll need to be a bit more precise if using the stiffer ropes or cords.
To make our samples, we used a size J crochet, but you can go up or down a size and still come pretty close to our finished product – up for a looser carrier, down for a tighter fit.
That said, here are the instructions:
Begin by chaining 8 and joining with a slip stitch in the first chain to form ring.
Round 1: Chain 3 and make 14 double crochets in the ring, join in beginning chain 3 space with slip stitch.
Round 2: Chain 3, then double crochet in each double crochet space around (15 double crochets).
The remaining rounds will consist of double crocheting in each double crochet space until the carrier is the height you desire. Be sure to mark your beginning double crochet for each round so that you don’t exceed 15 double crochets per round.
When the carrier reaches the desired height, you have a decision to make: If you decide to crochet the strap, do not end off; but if you decide to add a different kind of strap, end off and weave in loose end.
To crochet the strap, slip stitch into the next double crochet space when you reach the end of the last round and chain enough stitches to make the strap the length you desire.
When you reach the end of your chain, join the chain to the opposite side of the carrier from the beginning of the chain with a slip stitch, slip stitch over one space, then single crochet in each chain back to the beginning.
After final single crochet, join strap to carrier with a slip stitch next to beginning of chain. Slip stitch over one space, then slip stitch in top of each single crochet back across strap and attach to carrier on opposite side with another slip stitch; end off and weave in end.
You may want to reinforce the spots where the strap and carrier are joined with a sewing needle and thread to make them stronger and avoid the ends from working loose with use.
Finish the bottom of the carrier by adding some fringe to close the opening.
Cut several lengths of yarn or ribbon and loop them through the spaces formed by double crochets. Four or five groups should be sufficient to secure the bottom.
To add a different kind of strap, cut a piece of rope or cord to the length you desire, plus twice the length of the carrier.
Fray each end of the rope or cord and tie an extra piece about 2 inches from each end to keep it from unraveling further.
Attach the rope or cord to the carrier by sewing one end (leaving the 2 inches of fray below the bottom of the carrier) to one side of the carrier and the other end to the opposite side (again leaving the 2 inches of fray on the end below the bottom of the carrier.
If you use this kind of strap, you may want to simply sew up the bottom opening of the carrier and forget the fringe.
Looking ahead…
Next week’s Craft Corner will focus on Brushstrokes Art Supply in Smokey Point, a locally-owned shop that offers classes in watercolor, oil and pastel.
If you’ve ever thought about creating your own works of art, Brushstrokes classes and workshops may be just what you’re looking for.
And don’t forget to send us your Readers’ Recommendations about craft or hobby classes you’ve enjoyed and want to share with other Craft Corner readers.
Send ideas to Jonetta Coffin, C/O Herald Features, P.O. Box 930, Everett, WA, 98206; via e-mail to jrocoffin@aol.com; or call 425-238-4985 and leave a message. Please include a phone number or e-mail address where we can contact you.
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