PRO Courses Hot Guides Tech Help Pro Expert Videos About wikiHow Pro Upgrade
QUIZZES All Quizzes Hot Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Trivia Quizzes Taylor Swift Quizzes
EDIT Edit this Article
EXPLORE Tech Help ProAbout UsRandom ArticleQuizzes Request a New ArticleCommunity DashboardTrendingForums Arts and EntertainmentArtworkBooksMoviesComputers and ElectronicsComputersPhone SkillsTechnology HacksHealthMen's HealthMental HealthWomen's HealthRelationshipsDatingLoveRelationship Issues Hobbies and CraftsCraftsDrawingGamesEducation & CommunicationCommunication SkillsPersonal DevelopmentStudyingPersonal Care and StyleFashionHair CarePersonal Hygiene Quizzes Love Quizzes Personality Quizzes Fun Games Arts and EntertainmentFinance and BusinessHome and GardenRelationship Quizzes Cars & Other VehiclesFood and EntertainingPersonal Care and StyleSports and Fitness Computers and ElectronicsHealthPets and AnimalsTravel Education & CommunicationHobbies and CraftsPhilosophy and ReligionWork World Family LifeHolidays and TraditionsRelationshipsYouth
LOG IN
Log in
Social login does not work in incognito and private browsers. Please log in with your username or email to continue. FacebookGooglewikiHow Account No account yet? Create an account
RANDOM
Home
Random
Browse Articles
TrendingNew
Quizzes & Games
All QuizzesHot
Love Quizzes
Personality Quizzes
Fun Games
Dating Simulator
Learn Something New
Forums
Courses
Happiness Hub
Explore More
Support wikiHow
About wikiHow
Log in / Sign up
Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow
Categories
Hobbies and Crafts
Crafts
Glass and Stained Glass Projects
Working with Glass
How to Cut Wine Bottles for Crafts Download Article Co-authored by Bicycle Glass
Last Updated: February 19, 2026 Fact Checked
Download Article
Using a String
|
Scoring and Slicing
|
Video
|
Expert Interview
|
Expert Q&A
|
Warnings
|
Things You'll Need
|Show more|Show less ARTICLE VIDEO X
This article was co-authored by Bicycle Glass. Bicycle Glass Co. was founded in 2016 by David Royce and Michael Boyd, two professional glass experts. Bicycle Glass is primarily a lighting company, committed to quality, sustainability, and affordability. All Bicycle Glass products are made of high-quality, recycled glass and are hand-blown by a dedicated team of artisans. The studio is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by conserving energy in all of its production. Using renewable wind energy to offset all electricity usage, the studio is actively working toward the goal of carbon neutrality. Bicycle Glass believes that high-quality, handmade glass products should be within reach for everyone. This article has been fact-checked, ensuring the accuracy of any cited facts and confirming the authority of its sources. This article has been viewed 801,897 times.
A great way to recycle old wine bottles is to use them for home decorations. However, if you need to change their shape for the craft, you'll find that cutting them takes a lot of practice. Moreover, since you're dealing with glass, it's very important that you learn to cut wine bottles the right way.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 2:
Using a String
Download Article
1 Wrap a string around the bottle several times, then tie it on. You want to wrap it at least 3-4 times tightly around the widest part of the bottle. Then cut off the ends of the knot.
2 Slide the wrapped string off the top of the bottle. Keep it tight, trying to leave the string in a nice ring. Advertisement
3 Soak the string in acetone, which is often used as nail polish remover. The acetone will burn, heating the bottle along your string line to make it break off cleanly. It only needs to soak for a few minutes.[1]X Expert Source Bicycle GlassGlassblowing ExpertsExpert Interview
4 Slip the string back on the bottle, stopping it roughly where it starts to taper up into the neck. You can put the string anywhere, depending on how tall you want your bottle. This is more or less where the bottle will cut.[2]X Expert Source Bicycle GlassGlassblowing ExpertsExpert Interview
5 Light the string on fire over a tub of water, with the bottle held horizontally. The string should catch quickly.[3]XResearch source Always have your bucket of water right there on hand to prevent any mistakes or accidents.
6 Spin the bottle as it heats up to distribute the heat evenly. Use both hands to turn the bottle as if it were a piece of corn. Keep spinning until the acetone stops burning, which is usually when it starts to smoke.
7 Dunk the bottle in cold water to "cut" right at the hot, flaming string. The abrupt change in temperature should sheer the bottle right where the flame was. Take a piece of sandpaper and smooth out the edges to prevent any possible shards or rough spots.[4]XResearch source
Advertisement Method 2 Method 2 of 2:
Scoring and Slicing
Download Article
1 Purchase an industrial bottle cutter or sharp precision knife. These are small machines that are made to evenly slice rounded pieces of glass. You likely won't need one for much else than this, but bottle cutters are helpful, cheap tools if you're doing this a lot. Otherwise, a glass cutting knife or sharp, precision blade will do just fine.[5]XResearch source
2 Snugly wrap an industrial hose clamp around the wine bottle to provide a "tracing" line. Place it wherever you wish to make the cut, ensuring that it is sitting evenly. This clamp will provide your guidance line when scoring the bottle, like using a ruler to draw a straight line. You could also use a roll of masking tape with the bottle shoved in the center to provide a nice, straight line.
3 Using a sharp, precision knife, score the bottle by following your tracing line. Follow the line of the clamp to unsure an even cut. Work slowly and methodically.[6]XResearch source
You may have to trace out this line 3-4 times to get a nice, deep score. Note that you aren't trying to cut through the bottle, just create a nice, even line.
4 Heat the line you scored over a candle. Rotate the bottle so that the whole line gets nice and hot. Heat changes cause glass to weaken, and your already scored mark around the bottle will help speed up the process and ensure and even break.[7]XResearch source
Heat the scored line for about 5-6 seconds.
EXPERT TIP
Douglass Brown
Glassblowing Expert Douglass Brown is a Glassblowing Expert based in Half Moon Bay, California. He has over 25 years of experience as a glass artist, and is the owner and operator of 2 glass blowing studios in the San Francisco Bay Area, Half Moon Bay Art Glass and Mare Island Art Glass. Douglass believes in sharing hot glass experiences with anyone who wants to learn about the processes of blowing and sculpting glass. When not teaching, Douglass creates glass art that is a mix of his takes on nature and functional glassware. He has also created the Glass Troubadours, which is a mobile glass blowing studio that hosts parties, events, and visits craft shows. Douglass Brown Glassblowing Expert
Use the hot popping technique to cut wine bottles that are too thick. To do this, you can score the bottle all the way around and use a small butane torch to heat the edge while turning it. Place the bottle on a record player or Lazy Susan to keep it spinning.
5 Rub an ice cube around the scored line. You will hear a slow breaking sound as you do. Carefully pull apart the two bottle pieces.[8]XResearch source
6 Reheat the bottle and reapply the ice cube if it doesn't work at first. By the second or third application, the bottle will slide away and you'll be left with two distinct pieces.
7 Sand away any rough edges before using. While this method creates a relatively clean break, you can never be too careful. Sand down the rim to get rid of any jagged or rough edges.[9]XResearch source
Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Search Add New Question
Question How do I prepare the bottles if I want to paint on them? Bicycle Glass Glassblowing Experts Bicycle Glass Co. was founded in 2016 by David Royce and Michael Boyd, two professional glass experts. Bicycle Glass is primarily a lighting company, committed to quality, sustainability, and affordability. All Bicycle Glass products are made of high-quality, recycled glass and are hand-blown by a dedicated team of artisans. The studio is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by conserving energy in all of its production. Using renewable wind energy to offset all electricity usage, the studio is actively working toward the goal of carbon neutrality. Bicycle Glass believes that high-quality, handmade glass products should be within reach for everyone. Bicycle Glass Glassblowing Experts Expert Answer To paint glass bottles, begin by cleaning the surface thoroughly using soap and water. This step is crucial to remove any oil, dirt, or dust that might hinder the adhesion of paint to the glass. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 6 Helpful 1
Question What if I want to cut the bottle at an angle? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer If you’re using the string method, wrap the string diagonally around the bottle at the desired angle, so one side is higher than the other. For the scoring method, you can also use a string or wire to create your tracing line instead of using a hose clamp to guide your scoring tool. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 26 Helpful 29
Question How do you make a drinking glass out of a wine bottle? wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Cut the top off the bottle at the desired height using your preferred method, then sand down the edges. The bottom of the bottle will form the base of your glass! Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 33 Helpful 33
See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement
Video
Read Video Transcript
Tips
Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review!
Warnings
Always wear gloves and goggles when cutting glass. Thanks Helpful 39 Not Helpful 25
Be careful not to rush this you; if you cut too quickly, you might end up breaking the glass and getting cut. Thanks Helpful 21 Not Helpful 32
Advertisement
Things You'll Need
Bottle for cutting
Glass cutter
Industrial hose clamp
Candle
Ice cube
You Might Also Like
How to Cut a Glass Bottle in Half with String, a Glass Cutter, a Dremel & MoreHow to Make a Wind Chime Out of a Glass Wine BottleHow to Cut Glass in a Straight Line or On a CurveHow toCut a Plastic BottleHow toCut MirrorHow toCut Thick Glass5 Easy Ways to Cut PlasticHow toMake Wine Bottle Accent LightsHow toCut Glass CirclesHow toCut Tempered GlassHow toMake a Spray BottleHow toRemove Wine Labels for CollectingHow to Make a Hole in a Glass Bottle (With and Without a Drill)How toMake a Wine Bottle Plant Waterer Advertisement
Expert Interview
Thanks for reading our article! If you’d like to learn more about working with glass, check out our in-depth interview with Bicycle Glass.
Co-authored by: Bicycle Glass Glassblowing Experts This article was co-authored by Bicycle Glass. Bicycle Glass Co. was founded in 2016 by David Royce and Michael Boyd, two professional glass experts. Bicycle Glass is primarily a lighting company, committed to quality, sustainability, and affordability. All Bicycle Glass products are made of high-quality, recycled glass and are hand-blown by a dedicated team of artisans. The studio is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by conserving energy in all of its production. Using renewable wind energy to offset all electricity usage, the studio is actively working toward the goal of carbon neutrality. Bicycle Glass believes that high-quality, handmade glass products should be within reach for everyone. This article has been viewed 801,897 times. 9 votes - 100% Co-authors: 15Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 801,897 Categories: Working with Glass | Glass Bottle ProjectsArticle SummaryX
To cut a wine bottle for crafting, first wrap a string around the bottle a few times where you want to cut it and tie it tight. Cut off the excess string. Then, slide the string off of the bottle and soak it in acetone or acetone nail polish remover. Slide the soaked string back onto the bottle where it was before. Put on safety glasses and gloves, and fill a bucket with water. Working outdoors, light the soaked string with a lighter and turn the bottle around until the fire burns through most of the acetone. Finally, submerge the bottle in the bucket of water to make a clean cut where the string is. Make sure the cork is out of the bottle before submerging it. Use sandpaper to smooth the cut edges of the bottle when you’re finished. For more tips, including how to smooth out the sharp edges, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
In other languages Dutch French Spanish Indonesian Korean Russian German Vietnamese Chinese Turkish Japanese
Print
Send fan mail to authors
Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 801,897 times.
Reader Success Stories
Joanne Toohey
Feb 12, 2019
"I didn't even know about wikiHow. This is awesome, thank you."
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story
Did this article help you?
Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Bicycle Glass Glassblowing Experts Co-authors: 15Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 801,897100% of readers found this article helpful. 9 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
Joanne Toohey
Feb 12, 2019
"I didn't even know about wikiHow. This is awesome, thank you."
Ann White
Jun 6, 2019
"The illustrations and directions made it easy to understand." Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories
Quizzes & Games
Finish the Phrase QuizTake QuizWhat Crystal Do I Need QuizTake QuizWhat's Your Red Flag QuizTake QuizHow Good Are My Survival Instincts QuizTake QuizAm I Smart QuizTake QuizSquid Game Sim: Season 1Play
You Might Also Like
How to Cut a Glass Bottle in Half with String, a Glass Cutter, a Dremel & MoreHow to Make a Wind Chime Out of a Glass Wine BottleHow to Cut Glass in a Straight Line or On a CurveHow toCut a Plastic Bottle
Trending Articles
Do You Agree with These Hygiene Hot Takes?How toTell That Your Crush Likes You Back100+ Flirty Things to Say to a Girl & Boost Her Self-EsteemCat Sleeping Positions: 22 Common Poses ExplainedSigns a Woman is Sexually Attracted to YouWhat Emojis Mean Sex?
Watch Articles
How toCalculate the Volume of a PyramidThe Best Way to Exfoliate Your Scalp (Plus, What to Use)How toSave Money as a KidHow toPolish Aluminum2 Easy Renter-Friendly Options to Hang Your Window TreatmentsHow to Insert Slide Numbers in PowerPoint
Trending Articles
Why Can't I Sleep QuizHow toBe PrettyThe Most Attractive Zodiac Signs & What Makes Each Sign Beautiful24 Different Types of Bras ExplainedHow to Play the Concentrate Game (For A Little Scare!)What Does Your Rice Purity Score Really Mean?
Quizzes & Games
Music Notes & Symbols TestTake QuizWhich Frank Ocean Song Am I QuizTake QuizGuess the Lyrics From First Letters QuizTake QuizTaylor Swift Lyric QuizTake QuizLyrical Memory QuizTake QuizHow You Can Discover HappinessTake Quiz
Categories
Hobbies and Crafts
Crafts
Glass and Stained Glass Projects
Working with Glass
wikiHow Newsletter You're all set! Helpful how-tos delivered toyour inbox every week! Sign me up! By signing up you are agreeing to receive emails according to our privacy policy.
Download Article Co-authored by Bicycle Glass 
How to Make a Wind Chime Out of a Glass Wine Bottle 
How toMake a Spray Bottle 
Advertisement 
Co-authored by: Bicycle Glass Glassblowing Experts This article was co-authored by Bicycle Glass. Bicycle Glass Co. was founded in 2016 by David Royce and Michael Boyd, two professional glass experts. Bicycle Glass is primarily a lighting company, committed to quality, sustainability, and affordability. All Bicycle Glass products are made of high-quality, recycled glass and are hand-blown by a dedicated team of artisans. The studio is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by conserving energy in all of its production. Using renewable wind energy to offset all electricity usage, the studio is actively working toward the goal of carbon neutrality. Bicycle Glass believes that high-quality, handmade glass products should be within reach for everyone. This article has been viewed 801,897 times. 9 votes - 100% Co-authors: 15 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 801,897 Categories: Working with Glass | Glass Bottle Projects Article SummaryX
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Play 
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz
Take Quiz 
759 
1 Wrap a string around the bottle several times, then tie it on. You want to wrap it at least 3-4 times tightly around the widest part of the bottle. Then cut off the ends of the knot. 
2 Slide the wrapped string off the top of the bottle. Keep it tight, trying to leave the string in a nice ring. Advertisement 
3 Soak the string in acetone, which is often used as nail polish remover. The acetone will burn, heating the bottle along your string line to make it break off cleanly. It only needs to soak for a few minutes.[1] 
4 Slip the string back on the bottle, stopping it roughly where it starts to taper up into the neck. You can put the string anywhere, depending on how tall you want your bottle. This is more or less where the bottle will cut.[2] 
5 Light the string on fire over a tub of water, with the bottle held horizontally. The string should catch quickly.[3] Always have your bucket of water right there on hand to prevent any mistakes or accidents. 
6 Spin the bottle as it heats up to distribute the heat evenly. Use both hands to turn the bottle as if it were a piece of corn. Keep spinning until the acetone stops burning, which is usually when it starts to smoke. 
7 Dunk the bottle in cold water to "cut" right at the hot, flaming string. The abrupt change in temperature should sheer the bottle right where the flame was. Take a piece of sandpaper and smooth out the edges to prevent any possible shards or rough spots.[4] Advertisement 
1 Purchase an industrial bottle cutter or sharp precision knife. These are small machines that are made to evenly slice rounded pieces of glass. You likely won't need one for much else than this, but bottle cutters are helpful, cheap tools if you're doing this a lot. Otherwise, a glass cutting knife or sharp, precision blade will do just fine.[5] 
2 Snugly wrap an industrial hose clamp around the wine bottle to provide a "tracing" line. Place it wherever you wish to make the cut, ensuring that it is sitting evenly. This clamp will provide your guidance line when scoring the bottle, like using a ruler to draw a straight line. You could also use a roll of masking tape with the bottle shoved in the center to provide a nice, straight line. 
3 Using a sharp, precision knife, score the bottle by following your tracing line. Follow the line of the clamp to unsure an even cut. Work slowly and methodically.[6] 
4 Heat the line you scored over a candle. Rotate the bottle so that the whole line gets nice and hot. Heat changes cause glass to weaken, and your already scored mark around the bottle will help speed up the process and ensure and even break.[7] 
5 Rub an ice cube around the scored line. You will hear a slow breaking sound as you do. Carefully pull apart the two bottle pieces.[8] 
6 Reheat the bottle and reapply the ice cube if it doesn't work at first. By the second or third application, the bottle will slide away and you'll be left with two distinct pieces. 
7 Sand away any rough edges before using. While this method creates a relatively clean break, you can never be too careful. Sand down the rim to get rid of any jagged or rough edges.[9] Advertisement 
Bicycle Glass Glassblowing Experts Bicycle Glass Co. was founded in 2016 by David Royce and Michael Boyd, two professional glass experts. Bicycle Glass is primarily a lighting company, committed to quality, sustainability, and affordability. All Bicycle Glass products are made of high-quality, recycled glass and are hand-blown by a dedicated team of artisans. The studio is committed to reducing its carbon footprint by conserving energy in all of its production. Using renewable wind energy to offset all electricity usage, the studio is actively working toward the goal of carbon neutrality. Bicycle Glass believes that high-quality, handmade glass products should be within reach for everyone. 
wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. 
Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy.