17. Macrame Water Bottle Sling Carrier
Introduction
An eco-friendly project that kids can use every day. This macrame bottle holder makes carrying stainless steel or reusable water bottles easy on walks, bike rides, and school trips.
[ Long Shoulder Strap Braid ]
\ /
======================= <- Upper Neck Collar
| \ / \ / \ |
| (O) (O) (O) | <- Open Mesh Netting
| / \ / \ / |
======================= <- Base Cradle Gather
/////// <- Bottom Tassel
What This Idea Means
This project teaches kids how to build a flexible 3D sleeve tailored to a specific object. They learn how to measure, adjust knot spacing on a curved surface, and tie a strong shoulder strap.
What You Need
- 6 lengths of 3mm braided cotton cord (2.5 meters each)
- 1 neck anchor cord (50cm long)
- 1 standard reusable water bottle (500ml–750ml)
- Measuring tape and scissors
How to Make It
- Tie the 50cm neck cord loosely around the upper neck of your water bottle with a temporary bow.
- Mount the 6 long cords onto the neck cord using Lark’s Head knots, spacing them evenly around the bottle (12 hanging strands).
- Pair adjacent strands from neighboring knots and tie simple Overhand Knots 3cm below the neck rim.
- Continue down the bottle in 3cm tiers, tying adjacent cords together to create an open diamond net that hugs the bottle sides.
- Once your netting reaches the bottom base edge of the bottle, pull all 12 strands together at the center of the base.
- Secure the base bundle with a tight 3cm Gathering Knot using scrap cord, then trim the bottom fringe to 3cm.
- Untie the temporary neck cord bow and knot it permanently with a secure double knot.
- Take the remaining long side tails at the top and plait them into a sturdy 3-strand shoulder strap (approx. 70cm long). Tie the strap to the opposite side of the neck rim securely.
Tips and Variations
- Tip: Keep the bottle inside the netting while knotting so the sleeve shapes directly to the bottle’s dimensions.
- Variation: Add a sliding wooden bead onto the shoulder strap to make the strap length adjustable.