Have you ever gone hiking or on a long road trip and wished you had an easy way to carry multiple water bottles hands-free? I know I sure have. Juggling bottles and trying to stay hydrated while keeping my hands available for other tasks is no easy feat. That’s why I decided to design a simple, low-cost water bottle holder that can carry up to three standard sized bottles at once.

In this tutorial I’ll walk through the step-by-step process on how to make a water bottle holder I used to create my water bottle carrier out of common household materials. By following along you’ll be able to construct your own durable, lightweight water bottle caddy in less than an hour. Staying hydrated on your next outdoor adventure just got a whole lot easier!
Needed Materials
Given that the main goal of this project is to create an inexpensive water bottle holder, you’ll only need a few common household materials to get started. You may even have some of these items lying around your home already.
- Scissors
- Duct Tape (Preferably in Multiple Colors)
- A Ruler or Measuring Tape
- A Small Amount of Cardboard (an Old Cereal Box Works Great)
- A Hole Puncher
- Velcro Strips or a Shoe Lace
9 Easy Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Make a Water Bottle Holder
Step 1: Cutting the Cardboard
Begin by cutting out two identical rectangles from your cardboard. The sizes can vary depending on how large you want your water bottle holder to be, but a good rule of thumb is to have each rectangle be roughly 8 inches by 12 inches. You can adjust the size as needed to accommodate different sized bottles. This cardboard will serve as the main base of your water bottle holder.

Step 2: Creating a Handle
Next, take one of your rectangles and make two small holes near the top edge using your hole puncher. These holes will serve as the attachment points for your handle. You can use either Velcro strips or a shoe lace to create the handle. If using Velcro, cut two 2-inch strips and attach them to the holes on both sides. If using a shoe lace, simply thread it through the holes and tie a secure knot at each end.
Step 3: Attaching the Two Rectangles
Take your second rectangle and place it directly on top of the first one. Use duct tape to attach the two rectangles together along the edges. Be sure to leave the top opening and handle area open. It’s best to use duct tape in multiple colors for a fun and colorful design, but any type of duct tape will work.
Step 4: Reinforcing the Edges
Once your two rectangles are securely attached, reinforce the edges with more strips of duct tape. This will add extra durability to your water bottle holder and help prevent it from tearing or breaking. You can use a single color for this step or mix and match different colors for a unique look. But be sure to leave the top portion uncovered so that your water bottles can easily slide in and out.
Step 5: Creating Bottle Holders
To create holders for your water bottles, cut a few strips of duct tape and fold them over on themselves so that they are double-sided. Attach these strips to the backside of your holder in evenly spaced rows, leaving enough room for each bottle to fit comfortably. These holders will keep the bottles securely in place while you’re on the move.
Step 6: Adding a Pocket (Optional)
If you want to have extra storage space, you can add a pocket to your water bottle holder. Simply cut out another rectangle from your cardboard and attach it to the back of your holder using duct tape. You can use this pocket to store small items like keys, snacks or even an extra water bottle. This step is optional but can be useful for longer trips or hikes.
Step 7: Decorate!
Now comes the fun part – decorating your water bottle holder! Use different colors of duct tape to create a unique and eye-catching design. You can also add stickers or use stencils to personalize your holder even further. It’s your creation, so let your creativity run wild! But remember to keep the top portion of your holder uncovered for easy access to your water bottles.

Step 8: Test It Out
Once you’ve finished decorating, make sure to test out your water bottle holder. Place three standard size water bottles inside and adjust the holders as needed. Make sure they fit comfortably and are securely held in place. If everything checks out, then you’re ready to take your water bottle holder on your next adventure!
Step 9: Enjoy Your Hands-Free Hydration
Congratulations, you now have a homemade water bottle holder that is both functional and stylish. You can use this holder for hiking, camping, road trips or any other outdoor activity where staying hydrated is important. And the best part? It didn’t cost you a fortune to make. So grab your water bottles and enjoy your hands-free hydration on your next adventure!
Following these easy step-by-step guidelines on how to make a water bottle holder, you can make a water bottle holder that is both functional and stylish. But don’t limit yourself to just using it for outdoor activities. This holder can also be useful in everyday situations like carrying multiple bottles at a sporting event or on a picnic. The possibilities are endless! And if you feel like getting creative, try experimenting with different materials or adding additional features to make your water bottle holder even more unique.

Additional Tips and Tricks
- If you want to make your water bottle holder even sturdier, consider using thicker cardboard or reinforcing the edges with additional layers of duct tape.
- Don’t limit yourself to just three bottles – you can adjust the size and number of holders to fit as many bottles as you need.
- If you don’t have any cardboard on hand, you can also use thick plastic sheets or even sturdy fabric for the base of your holder.
- For a more eco-friendly option, consider using recycled materials like old t-shirts or jeans instead of purchasing new materials.
- If your water bottle holder gets dirty, simply wipe it down with a damp cloth or clean it with some soap and water. Duct tape is durable and easy to clean.
With these additional tips and tricks, you can make your water bottle holder even more versatile and customizable. Have fun creating your own unique design while also staying organized and hydrated on all your adventures!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I Use This Water Bottle Holder for Different Sized Bottles?
A1: Yes, you can adjust the size of your holder to fit various sized bottles. Simply make the holders wider or narrower as needed. You can also use this holder for other items like tumblers or sports bottles.
Q2: How Long Will It Take to Make a Water Bottle Holder?
A2: It can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your speed and level of detail in decorating. But once you have the basic structure down, it becomes quicker and easier to make additional holders.
Q3: What Other Materials Can I Use for This Project?
A3: You can use any sturdy material that can be cut and folded, such as cardboard, plastic sheets, fabric or even old clothing items. Just make sure the material is strong enough to hold your water bottles securely.
Q4: Can I Add Additional Features to My Water Bottle Holder?
A4: Absolutely! Get creative and add features like a shoulder strap or carabiner clip for easy transport. You can also add pockets, loops, or even attach a small speaker for music on the go. The possibilities are endless! So go ahead and make your water bottle holder truly unique to fit your needs.

Conclusion
In conclusion on how to make a water bottle holder, making a water bottle holder may seem like a simple task but there are many different ways to approach it. From using recycled materials to creating a personalized design, the possibilities are endless. The key is to find what works best for your needs and get creative with the process. Whether you’re an experienced crafter or just starting out, this project can be a fun and rewarding experience. So why not give it a try? Not only will you have a practical item that you can use every day, but you’ll also have the satisfaction of knowing that you created it yourself.
Plus, by using reusable bottles and holders, you’ll be reducing your environmental impact and promoting sustainability. So let’s all do our part in taking care of our planet while also expressing our individuality through crafting. Don’t forget to share your creations with others and inspire them to do the same! Happy crafting!
About the Author
Adrien Rowe, an expert in knitting, fiber arts, and bookbinding, promotes sustainability and creativity through workshops and tutorials. Passionate about education and community, he inspires crafters of all levels to learn, share, and grow in a supportive, idea-driven environment.
Professional Focus
Specializes in advanced knitting techniques, fiber manipulation, and textile innovation.
Expert in book arts, including cotton papermaking, handmade paper techniques, and bookbinding.
Dedicated to educating and inspiring crafters of all skill levels through tutorials, workshops, and hands-on learning experiences.
Passionate about creating a supportive community where makers can share ideas, learn, and grow.
Education History
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) – Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Textiles.
University of Iowa Center for the Book – Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Book Arts.
Expertise:
Advanced knitting, fiber manipulation, papermaking, bookbinding, sustainability-focused crafting, educational workshops, creative tutorials, and fostering a supportive maker community.