Materials Needed & Measurements:
- Suggested Yarn: Red Heart Super Saver Stripes in Parrot Stripe or Cool Stripe
- Yarn Measurements: Approximately 1-2 skeins depending on the size and yarn thickness).
- Yarn Weight: Aran (8 wpi)
- Yardage: 150 – 200 yards (137 – 183 meters)
- Hook Size: 5.0mm H Crochet Hook
- Yarn needle for weaving in ends.
- Scissors
- Gauge: 10 stitches and 10 rows = 5 cm
Abbreviations:
- ch = chain
- hdc = half double crochet
- sc = single crochet
- sl st = slip stitch
- dc = double crochet
- mr = magic ring
- st = stitch
- sk = skip
- sp = space
Special Stitches:
- V-Stitch: Involves working a (dc, ch 1, dc) in the same stitch.
- Shell: Involves working 5 dc into the same space.
Stitching Strategies for Mermaid Inspired Water Bottle Holder Pattern:
Mermaid Fin (Tail)
The fin is the base of your water bottle holder and adds a mermaid-like tail effect.
Foundation Chain:
- Ch 15.
- In the 3rd chain from the hook, work hdc (half double crochet).
- Continue working hdc in each chain across the row until you reach the end. (You should have 13 hdc stitches.)
Building the Fin:
- Row 2-10: Ch 1 (this does not count as a stitch). Turn your work and hdc in each st across the row (13 hdc).
- Repeat this for 9 more rows until your fin reaches the desired height.
Shaping the Tail:
- To create a tapered effect at the top, we will decrease. Starting at Row 11:
- Ch 1, turn, skip the first stitch, and work hdc in each stitch until you reach the last stitch, then skip the last stitch. This decreases one stitch at both ends.
- Repeat this decrease for 3 rows to taper the tail end.
Finish Off:
- Once you’ve reached the desired height and tapering, fasten off your yarn and set the fin aside. This will be sewn onto the top part of your bottle holder.
Mermaid Scales (Body of the Holder)
Now it’s time to create the body of the bottle holder, with scale-like textures.
- Round 1 – Starting the Body:
- Join the yarn to the top of the fin, where you’d like the body to begin (at the widest point). Ch 1.
- Work sc (single crochet) evenly around the top edge of the fin, making sure the stitches are spaced consistently. Join with a sl st to the first sc to complete the round.
- Round 2 – V-Stitches for Scales:
- Ch 3 (this counts as your first dc, double crochet), then work a v-stitch (dc, ch 1, dc) into the next stitch.
- Repeat the v-stitch in each stitch around the body.
- Join the round with a sl st to the top of the ch-3. This forms the first layer of scales.
- Round 3 – Shells for Larger Scales:
- Ch 3 (counts as your first dc). In the next v-stitch space, work a shell (5 dc) into that same space.
- Continue working a shell into each v-stitch space around the body.
- When you reach the end of the round, join with a sl st to the top of the ch-3.
- Rounds 4-5 – Alternating Between V-Stitches and Shells:
- Round 4: Ch 3, then work a v-stitch (dc, ch 1, dc) into each shell space from the previous round.
- Round 5: Ch 3, work a shell (5 dc) in each v-stitch space from the previous round.
- Repeat Rounds 2-5 until the body reaches the desired height to fit your water bottle. You can adjust the height depending on the size of the bottle you’re using.
Strap
The strap will allow you to carry your water bottle conveniently.
- Foundation Chain:
- Ch 5.
- In the 2nd chain from the hook, work sc. Continue working sc across the chain until you have 4 sc stitches.
- Length of the Strap:
- Row 2-70 (or desired length): Ch 1, turn your work, and continue working sc in each stitch across. Repeat this for as many rows as you like, depending on how long you want the strap to be.
- Finish Off:
- Once the strap reaches your desired length, fasten off the yarn, leaving a long tail for sewing the strap to the bottle holder.
Assembly
Now, we will attach the strap and finalize the water bottle holder.
- Attaching the Strap: Using a yarn needle, sew the ends of the strap to the top edge of the bottle holder, ensuring it is securely fastened to both sides.
- Finishing Touches: Weave in any loose ends using the yarn needle.
Optional Edge Detailing
To add a decorative touch, you can finish the top edge of the holder with a round of sc or a decorative stitch like crab stitch (reverse sc). This will give your holder a polished look.
Final Notes:
- Customization: Feel free to experiment with colors to reflect different aspects of a mermaid theme. Use metallic or sparkly yarn for an extra magical touch.
- Sizing Adjustments: If your water bottle is larger or smaller, simply adjust the number of rows in the body section and strap length.
