Give an old baseball a second life by turning it into a handle for your DIY tumbler koozie. This simple upcycling project blends nostalgia with function, perfect for baseball fans who love to craft. With just a few tools, you can transform a well-loved ball into a one-of-a-kind handle that adds character and comfort to your favorite tumbler.
Supply List:
· Cotton Fabric
· Baseball (cut apart)
· Scissors
· Tape Measure
· Ruler
Other supplies not pictured:
· Fusible Fleece
· Corner Tuner
· Curved needle
· Red Embroidery Thread
· Heat & Bond Hem Tape
· Disappearing Ink Marking Pen
STEP-BY-STEP TUTORIAL
Step 1: Cut Fabric
Choose your style:
- Solid Color Koozie – Cut 1 piece of fabric to 8" × 25.5”. (If using a directional print, make sure the pattern faces the right way.)
- Double-Sided Koozie – Cut 1 outer fabric piece to 8" × 12.5" and 1 lining fabric piece to 6" × 8" and 1 lining fabric 7.5” ×8”.
Step 2: Prep Fabric
- Solid Color Koozie – Press one short edge to the wrong side by ½". With the right side facing up, fold the raw edge 6” toward the center and press. Fold the opposite edge to overlap slightly 7” at the center and press. The piece should measure 12” × 8”
- Double Sided Koozie - Press one short edge of the lining piece ½" to the wrong side. With right sides together, align the short sides of the outer and lining fabrics, overlapping the pressed edge. The raw edge of the lining fabric should be placed below the folded edge and overlap.
Step 3: Sew
- Double Sided Koozie: Stitch around all edges with a ¼" seam allowance.
- Solid Color Koozie: Stitch along the two long edges with a ¼" seam allowance.
- Press seam open and trim corners.
Step 4: Turn & Add Interfacing
(Optional) Fuse fleece to the inside of the stitched piece for extra stability.
Turn the koozie right side out through the overlapping opening. Use a corner turner for crisp edges, then press well.
Step 5: Topstitch
*note -once the project is turned the steps are the same for the Solid Color Koozie or Double Sided Koozie
Topstitch around all four edges to give the koozie a finished look and secure the layers.
Step 6: Close the Opening
- Use Heat & Bond Hem Tape to press the opening closed
- Hand stitch the opening with needle and thread for a seamless finish.
Step 7: Upcycle the Baseball Handle
Disassemble the baseball if you haven’t already. Take one leather flap and restitch the iconic red seams using a curved needle and embroidery thread.
Make a template for snap placement by tracing the flap and marking the center of each rounded end.
Step 8: Attaching the Baseball Handle
- Use the Prym Vario Tool to punch snap holes in the baseball flap at your template marks.
- Wrap the koozie around your tumbler and mark where the handle will sit. Punch holes in the fabric with the Vario Tool.
- Mark snap placement on the underlapping side of the koozie with a disappearing ink pen. Punch holes.
- Align all snaps and set them securely with the Prym Vario Tool.