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    Home » DIY Projects

    How to Make a Jar Opener

    by Patti Estep · Oct 26, 2022

    Jump to How-to Card
    Round rubber jar opener over a hand using the jar opener to open a jar.

    This DIY jar opener project is made from old jeans and a shelf liner. It's so easy and will be a big help the next time you try to open a stuck jar lid.

    DIY jar opener in a circle from jeans and shelf liner.

    As I get older I have a hard time opening jars with tight lids. Even when my grip strength was at its best some jars were difficult to open. Using a rubber jar opener is a big help. Sometimes I would just put a rubber band around the lid and that would give me a good grip but I thought why not make a jar opener?

    Rubber shelf liners in white and black.

    I had some rubber shelf liner that I bought at the dollar store. It comes in both white and black. And if I remember correctly it also comes in a beige color. It's great for any application where you want a good grip or to keep items from slipping on their surface.

    Pickle jar lid traced onto rubber liner.

    How to Make a Jar Opener

    I started with a lid from a jar of pickles. It's pretty large and anything larger than this would be bigger than the palm of my hand.

    Trace around the lid with a pen or pencil onto the rubber shelf liner and then cut it out.

    Rubber circle traced to jeans fabric.

    Next, trace around the shelf liner template onto the piece of fabric of your choice. I chose some denim from my stash of old jeans. However, you can use any fabric. I think cotton would be nice and easy to sew.

    Rubber liner pinned to jean fabric.

    Pin the two pieces together with the wrong sides together. I don't think the rubber piece has a wrong side but the jean fabric does.

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    Rubber liner circle sewn to jeans fabric.

    Then take it to your sewing machine and use a large, tight zigzag stitch to sew around the edge to complete the craft.

    Stick it in the kitchen drawer or use a magnet to attach it to the fridge for easy access.

    TIP: Another trick for opening stubborn jar lids is to tap the side of the lid on the edge of your kitchen counter. This will help break the seal and make it easier to open.

    Jean and rubber jar opener on a jar with a hand.

    It works really well and was so simple to make. I think I'll make a few extra as little gifts. Perfect as a stocking stuffer or just because.

    Patti signature

    More Easy Sewing Projects

    • Fabric Bowl Covers
    • DIY Hand Warmers
    • Crossbody Bag from Jeans
    • DIY Pot Holders
    • Mug Cozys
    Hand using a rubber jar opener on a small jar.
    DIY jar opener in a circle from jeans and shelf liner.
    Print
    4 from 1 vote

    Jar Opener Easy Sewing Project

    This DIY Jar Opener tutorial is super helpful for weak hands, easy, and costs next to nothing to make. They also make wonderful gifts for family and friends.
    Active Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time30 minutes mins
    Course: Sewing
    Yield: 1
    Author: Patti Estep

    Equipment

    • Pen or pencil
    • Scissors
    • Sewing Machine
    • Thread

    Materials

    • Rubber shelf liner
    • Old jean fabric or other cotton fabric scraps

    Instructions

    • Trace the outline of a large jar lid onto the rubber shelf liner and cut it out.
    • Use the circle of the shelf liner to cut out the same shape in your jean fabric or cotton scrap fabric.
    • Pin the two layers together with the wrong sides together.
    • Sew around the edge using a close zigzag stitch.
    • Remove the pins and you are all set.
    Tried this project?Tag @hearthnvine on Instagram
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    About Patti Estep

    Patti is the creator of Hearth and Vine, a home and garden blog filled with projects to inspire your creative side. She loves crafting, gardening, decorating and entertaining at her home in Pennsylvania. When she is not working on a project at home or searching for treasures at nurseries and thrift stores with her girlfriends, you’ll probably find her with family and friends, at a restaurant, or home party enjoying new and different food adventures.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Sue

      October 30, 2022 at 8:11 pm

      This couldn't have come at a better time !!!!
      I'm definitely making some and also extras for stocking stuffers for friends
      many thanks Patti, another great idea!

      Reply
      • Patti Estep

        October 31, 2022 at 8:01 am

        So glad you like it Sue. Thanks for letting me know.

        Reply
    4 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)

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    Hi!

    I'm Patti

    Join me to create lots of fun DIY projects, including crafts, gardening, home decor, and tasty recipes

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