Hot Water Bottle Cover Knitting Pattern Project for Cozy Nights!

Hello, fiber art lovers! Today, I’m excited to share a delightful knitting project that’s perfect for those chilly nights when you just want to cozy up. Inspired by the ever-changing seasons and the cool evenings ahead, I decided to knit something both practical and adorable: the Maxine Hot Water Bottle Cover. It’s like a little sweater for your hot water bottle, and it’s here to keep your toes toasty and your bed warm.

Why Knit a Hot Water Bottle Cover?

Let’s be real—cold feet are the worst. As fall settles in and we gear up for winter, nothing sounds better than slipping into a bed that’s already warmed by a hot water bottle. If you’re like me and perpetually cold, this project is a game changer. It’s not just about the warmth, though. There’s something undeniably satisfying about wrapping your hot water bottle in a cute, hand-knit cover that you made yourself. Plus, it’s a great way to accessorize an otherwise mundane object!

Starting the Maxine Project

I’m using the Maxine Hot Water Bottle Cover pattern by Laura Penrose, which is super versatile. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/maxine-hot-water-bottle-cover. You can choose between two versions—one using six different colors or another using just three. She also added a small size to the pattern! I decided to go bold with the six-color version, because why not? More color means more fun!

I use a handy tool that has really helped me stay on track with this project: the Knit Companion app. If you haven’t tried it, it’s a great way to keep all your patterns organized, mark your progress, and easily refer to instructions. I’ve already loaded the Maxine pattern into the app, and it’s been a lifesaver! Do you have an app you love for keeping up with your patterns?

The pattern starts with Judy’s Magic Cast On, which is perfect for knitting in the round from the bottom up. For this project, I’m using US size 6 needles (4mm) and knitting in the round, switching to a 16-inch circular needle after casting on. Working in the round ensures a smooth and seamless knit.

Choosing the Perfect Yarn

For the yarn, I’m thrilled to be working with some lovely skeins gifted from Ruby and Roses Yarn. I’ve got four colors on their Rustic Rose DK base, which is 100% non-superwash merino wool. https://rubyandrosesyarn.com/YOUNGFOLK. Let me tell you, this yarn is the softest thing ever! There’s no itch at all—just pure, plump wooly goodness. Here are the colors I’m using:

Sangria – a rich, wine-like tone that’s so luxurious.
Typewriter – possibly from a Taylor Swift collection (don’t quote me on that!), but it’s a beautiful neutral.
Candlewick – a soft, mauve hue that adds a nice touch of pink.
Writer’s Block – a light, moody color that rounds out the palette perfectly.
But that’s not all! I also found some extra DK yarn in my stash, Craft Me Knot’s Olive Juice (a beautiful green) for a little pop of color. Stash diving is always a fun surprise!

Working Through Colorwork

I love knitting colorwork—it’s such a fun and rewarding challenge. For this project, I opted to use five colors, instead of the six originally called for. I found a random scrap yarn in my stash that added a nice little pop, so I threw it in. It was a spontaneous decision, but it worked out beautifully.

Colorwork can be tricky, but it’s worth the effort. The texture it creates is so unique, and watching the pattern emerge as you knit is such a thrill. My goal is to finish the colorwork section quickly, so I can move on to the simple ribbing at the top—kind of like the neck of a sweater, but for the hot water bottle.

Bind Off & Finishing Touches

As I neared the end of this cozy project, I debated which bind-off method to use. Since the cover needs to stretch over the hot water bottle, a tubular bind-off seems like the best option. It’s stretchy and has a neat, polished finish, which is exactly what I need for this project. Here is a tutorial for a 2×2 rib tubular bind off. https://youtu.be/wgfQ5dWi6hc

Once the knitting is complete, I’ll steam block it to help the stitches relax and even out the colorwork. Blocking is essential for projects like this—it really helps bring out the beauty in your knitting.

TV Shows and Knitting: A Perfect Pair

Knitting and a good TV show are the perfect match, right? While working on this project, I’ve been binge-watching Rosemary and Thyme—a delightfully campy British mystery show from the early 2000s.

It’s about two friends who run a gardening business but somehow end up solving crimes at every garden they visit. It’s light, fun, and just the right amount of silly to keep me entertained while I work through colorwork rows.

Special Offers and Giveaways

Before I wrap things up, I’ve got a little something special for you. Ruby and Roses Yarn is launching some amazing new colors soon, and you can get $5 off your order with the code YOUNGFOLK. The yarn release happens on October 12, so don’t miss out!

Wrapping It All Up

And there you have it! My Maxine Hot Water Bottle Cover is complete, and I’m absolutely in love with it. The combination of rich colors and soft yarn makes it both practical and beautiful. It’s going to be a game-changer for those cold nights when all I want to do is snuggle up in bed with warm toes.

If you’re looking for a fun, quick project that’s perfect for the cooler months, I highly recommend giving this one a try. Plus, you can customize it with your favorite colors and yarns—get creative!

Thanks for following along on this little knitting journey. I hope you feel inspired to pick up your needles and knit something cozy this fall. Happy knitting, everyone!

Before I go I want to mention the latest happenings with some of my dear friends in North Carolina after Hurricane Helene.

Black Mountain Yarn Shop has been a beloved not-so-local store for all my fiber and fabric needs. Along the way I’ve come to adore the sweet Owners, Danni and Jason, along with their amazing employees Renee and Aime.

They have been absolutely devastated by the destruction caused by Helene. Including loss of power, water and basic needs. If you would like to help keep this family of fiber suppliers up and running you can find a link to their go fund me here:

• Danni has also said that purchasing gift cards from their website is a great way to help them keep their business open and employees receiving much needed financial support: https://www.blackmountainyarnshop.com/products/gift-card?_pos=1&_sid=2b2b40205&_ss=r&variant=31900094824527

Our thoughts are with all of those who have been affected by the events following Hurricane Helene and I’m so thankful for this amazingly supportive community!