Spice Market Waffle Bottle Sling: Free Crochet Pattern
Introduction
The Spice Market Waffle Bottle Sling is a quick, satisfying crochet project for anyone who wants a handmade home for their water bottle. Worked in natural raffia with a raised waffle-stitch grid, it has a lovely rustic texture and a firm, structured feel that holds its shape around a standard 500ml bottle. A narrow strap and a layered folk-flower appliqué in paprika, saffron and rust give it a warm, market-stall charm with a little Y2K flair. It is beginner-friendly, uses only basic stitches, and comes together in an afternoon.
Materials Needed
- Yarn: Raffia, sport weight, 100% cellulose rayon, approx. 150g total: Color A (natural) 100g, Color B (paprika) 10g, Color C (saffron) 10g, Color D (rust) 10g
- Hook: 4.0 mm (US G-6)
- Notions: Tapestry needle, scissors, stitch marker (optional)
- Finished size: Height 7" (18 cm), circumference 9" (23 cm) flat; fits a standard 500ml bottle
Abbreviations
- ch – chain
- sl st – slip stitch
- sc – single crochet
- dc – double crochet
- fpdc – front post double crochet (work the dc around the post of the stitch below, from the front, instead of into the top)
- MR – magic ring
- sp(s) – space(s)
- st(s) – stitch(es)
- [ ] – repeat the instructions inside the brackets the number of times stated
Gauge
16 sts x 16 rows = 4" (10 cm) in waffle stitch. Work a small swatch in the round and measure a flat section; if you have more stitches than 16 per 4", go up a hook size, and if fewer, go down.
Tips Before You Start
- Raffia can split, so keep a relaxed tension and let the hook do the work rather than tugging.
- Mark the first stitch of each round so you never lose your place in the waffle repeat.
- Keep your fpdc posts loose enough to sit proudly on the surface; tight posts flatten the waffle texture.
- Check the fit on your bottle after Round 10; the sling should slide on snugly but not strain.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Sling (Color A)
Setup: Ch 36, join with sl st to form a ring, being careful not to twist.
Rnd 1: Ch 2 (counts as first dc), dc in each ch around, join with sl st to top of ch-2 (36 dc).
Rnd 2: Ch 2, [fpdc, dc] x18, join (36 sts).
Rnd 3: Ch 2, [dc, fpdc] x18, join (36 sts).
Rnds 4-20: Repeat Rnds 2-3 (36 sts). Fasten off.
Strap (Color A)
Setup: Ch 4, sc in 2nd ch from hook and in each ch across (3 sc).
Rows 1-40: Ch 1, turn, sc in each sc across (3 sc). Fasten off, leaving a long tail for sewing.
Flower Appliqué
Center (Color B): MR, 6 sc, join (6 sc).
Rnd 1 (Color B): Ch 1, [sc, ch 2, sc] in each sc around, join (12 sc, 6 ch-2 sps). Fasten off.
Rnd 2 (Color C): Join C in any ch-2 sp, [sc, ch 3, sc] in each ch-2 sp around, join (12 sc, 6 ch-3 sps). Fasten off.
Rnd 3 (Color D): Join D in any ch-3 sp, [sc, ch 4, sc] in each ch-3 sp around, join (12 sc, 6 ch-4 sps). Fasten off, leaving a tail for sewing.
Assembly and Finishing
Sew the short ends of the strap to opposite sides of the sling at the top edge, using the long tail and a tapestry needle. Sew the flower appliqué to the front center of the sling, catching the center and the base of the petals so it lies flat. Weave in all ends on the wrong side. Block lightly by misting with water and shaping the sling over a bottle or jar to dry, so the waffle texture and cylinder shape set neatly.
Pro Tips and Variations
- Swap the flower colors for cool tones (sage, sky, denim) for a different seasonal look.
- Make the strap longer or shorter by adding or removing rows in multiples of two to suit a crossbody or wrist carry.
- Add a second round of sc in Color A around the top edge for a tidier, sturdier rim.
