Learn how to make pretty fabric bowl covers to protect your food as an alternative to plastic wrap. Washable reusable pretty cotton prints that would make a great housewarming present or any occasion gift.
While shopping with my sister and friend in the strip district, I stopped in at Loom, a beautiful textile store full of high-end fabrics, notions, and vintage pieces. In the front, they have a section of fat-quarters for $3.50.
If you are into collecting beautiful fabric patterns, you may have found yourself with a few fat quarters. These are perfect for creating reusable bowl covers for your serving bowls and baskets that you can use outdoors, and in the fridge, to protect your food.
It's also great for all you bread makers for when you're letting your dough rise.
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What's a Fat Quarter?
In case you haven't heard of the term "fat-quarter," it just means a sample of fabric measuring 18" x 22." Just like charm packs, you can buy these in collections for quilting and crafts. Some places such as Loom, simply have an assortment for you to choose from, to make any project, or to add to your collection.
I like the idea of using these to keep out insects in the summer when dining outdoors or having picnics.
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Can you use them in the microwave?
I would not use them in the microwave, simply because I'm not sure what chemicals from the fabric might leach into the food.
Does the smell of other foods make its way through the fabric or vice versa, do strong odors permeate the refrigerator through the fabric?
I haven't noticed this to be a problem in the short term. However, if I'm placing something in the refrigerator for a long period I do not use these covers, Instead, I use reusable airtight plastic containers with tight-fitting lids.
Can you use oilcloth or stronger material for more protection?
I have not tried this but I assume it would work. My only concern would be the washability of the oilcloth. Some people also ask about using waxed fabric. I believe that would be hard to sew through. However, the wax application should allow you to press the sides, eliminating the need to sew elastic into the cover.
Can I wash the bowl covers?
Yes, you can spot-clean them or wash them in the washing machine in cold water. Consider using a mesh bag if you have one for the washer to keep them protected. I would then hang the covers to dry and use a light iron to press out any wrinkles if desired.
They look a lot prettier than foil or plastic wrap and can be made in a variety of sizes and different fabrics patterns and colors to coordinate with your kitchen or any theme you'd like.
Wouldn't they make a nice housewarming gift? You could make something delicious, and bring it to the new homeowners, complete with the bowl and cover as part of the gift.
See all the details of how to make these beauties in the step-by-step printable tutorial below.
More Beginner Fabric Crafts
Fabric Bowl Covers Tutorial
Equipment
- Sewing Machine
- Scissors
- pinking shears
- tape measure or ruler
- pencil
- Iron
Materials
- Cotton fabric - I used three fat quarters but depending on the size of your bowls you may not even need that much.
- 1/4 inch elastic cord
- Coordinating thread
- small safety pin
Instructions
- Place your bowl upside down on the wrong side of the fabric. Trace 2 inches out from the bowl with a pencil.
- Cut with pinking shears to prevent the edges from fraying. Another option is to use an overcast stitch, or a serger, instead of pinking shears.
- Fold over the finished edge 1/2 inch and sew, leaving a 2-inch opening at the end.
- Cut a piece of elastic cord about 5 inches smaller than the circumference of your bowl. Then attach a small safety pin to one end of the elastic.
- Thread the elastic through the fabric, using the safety pin to help you push it through. Once it is all the way through, remove the safety pin, and sew the ends of the elastic together on the machine, or by hand.
- Finish by hand stitching the opening closed.
Notes
Jayne
Good morning Patti,
I have tried the bowl covers and they are amazing at home for the different bowl sizes that I have.
I also gifted one as a sample for my sister in-law and she loves it.
Patti Estep
That's great to hear Jayne. Thanks for sharing.
Glenda
Thank you for the tutorial! I am planning to use your pattern but before sewing I will use bees wax and place it in the oven to absorb the wax and then add the elastic so that it will be waterproof and hold in the smells of whatever food is in it.
Patti Estep
Sounds like a good idea Glenda. Thanks for sharing
Carol
I've made these covers out of 2 different types of oil cloth, one has a fleecy backing so I use it inside out. the other is smooth. I wash them after use with a cloth and soap and water...I've had them for 5 yrs. I don't do a channel but direct sew the elastic to the oilcloth. I'm going to make several of yours with cotton for gifts. I may try doubling the cotton to block odors spreading.
I like the idea of picnics and out door dining.
Patti Estep
All great ideas Carol. Thanks for sharing.
Glenda b
I have made and used this pattern. I use them in the fridge to cover food. what I do is lay a piece of parchment paper over the food then place my bowl.cover no leached out food smell and no plastic wrap.. win win...
Patti Estep
Good idea Glenda. I have become a big fan of parchment paper. Thanks for sharing.
Carolyn
Oh that sounds so good, please send details. How much wax? How do you apply the wax? What temperature do you put it in the oven?
Thank-you
Pauline
Did you try this? If so how did you do it?
Bea
Hello
Did you used one piece of fabric to make the fabric bowl cover tutorial ??
Thank you B.
Patti Estep
Yes, I used a fat quarter measuring 18" x 22" of each pattern in a single layer.
Clista O'Dell
I plan to make some out of a medium gauge plastic (a plastic drop cloth is a great option, very inexpensive, come in several sizes, and will yield a ton of bowl covers). They'll keep food fresh in the fridge, but wouldn't leave them on to microwave. They can be tossed into the washer and air dried. I'm thinking of using a basting stitch to sew the casing; I may even either use a stretch glue on the stitching or dot glue on the needle holes to help prevent tearing the plastic. The plastic will allow you to see what's in the bowl even if the bowl itself is opaque. Thank you for the pattern how-to. Have a blessed day.
Patti Estep
Sounds like a great plan Clista. Thanks for sharing your detailed approach.
Donna
I am going to try making a few these fir a birthday gift I have been meaning to try to make them for awhile now they are so pretty. Thank you
Patti Estep
What a nice idea Donna. I love making things for gift giving.
Kim Gibson
I modified your directions a bit and made a bread proofing bowl liner....I needed one in a hurry to replace one mangled inadvertently under the car. Don't ask! At any rate, it worked beautifully, though I will further adjust to get the bottom flat in the basket...but this certainly saved my sourdough loaf this time! Thank you!
Patti Estep
Kim, that's another great use for the covers. Thanks for sharing.
Liz McNally
100% quilting cotton and 100% cotton thread ( no scrim ) are safe in the microwave. I don't think the elastic would not be safe. In that case you could use a cotton drawstring. Not as easy but depends on your purpose.
Patti Estep
Good point. Thanks for sharing Liz.
Tammy
I made a set of 4 sizes for my 5 girls. I added a small holder to the top for holding serving spoons. The instructions were very helpful for their gifts, thank you.
Patti Estep
Tammy, that's a great idea. Thanks for sharing.
Trudy
I love my bowl covers. I use PLU as a second layer and it is wonderful. Use in the refrigerator and or just setting on the counter top. Washes up nicely just don’t put in dryer.
Patti Estep
That's a great idea Trudy. Thanks for sharing.
Sharon
What is PLU not sure what it stands for. I bought something from Joanns that they recommended to put on the back of he fabric but haven't tried it yet.
Patti Estep
Sharon, I'm not sure but perhaps she means PUL or polyurethane laminated fabric
Rachel Griffiths
This is a perfect solution for covering my proofing bowl! Thank you!
Patti Estep
Perfect Rachel!
Maggie
I love your style thank you 🤗
Patti Estep
Thanks Maggie!
Fran
Thank you for this easy method!! Some other tutorials made this ridiculously complicated. Your simple method is very appreciated
Patti Estep
So glad you like it, Fran.
Caroline Giles
Hi I have been making wax wraps by putting bees wax beads on cotton material and heating, very simple and use able. Wondered if this would work with them? It would keep food fresher in the fridge and stops spillage if tipped.
Patti Estep
Caroline, I would guess that it might be difficult to sew through the beeswax but not impossible. Let me know how it worked if you try it.
Carla
you can sew it first and then apply the wax
Patti Estep
Good idea Carla. That's worth a try. Thanks for sharing.
Fátima
I love it, I’ll make it as soon I can go out to buy the material
Patti Estep
That's great Fatima. Enjoy!
Earth Bunny
Fabric Bowl Cover Sew elastic along the hem of the fabric bowl cover. Line up one end of the elastic right next to the edge of the hemline.
Della
Could these be dipped in wax to help them be more air tight, if so how
Patti Estep
I have seen many posts about people making beeswax covered cloth for this type of use but have not personally done it.
Leilani Ross-Bush
Dipping the fabric in the wax typically creates a wax coating that is too thick and will flake or break off of the fabric as it is manipulated. Using a thin layer of bees wax and rolling/pressing it into the fibers would be a better solution. With bees wax infused fabric, elastic is not needed.
You simply press the fabric around the bowl and allow the heat of your hands to warm up the fabric enough so that it sticks to itself slightly. I've heard of folks using shower caps and shower curtain liners but those plastics are not typically food safe and can leach chemicals into food. If needing a more air tight option, I would definitely opt for a bees wax infused cloth or even using a piece of parchment paper under the cover when needed.
Sam
I make beeswax food wraps for food storage and transport but I'll be making some of these for my mom who loves eating on her patio. Great for keeping the bugs off the salad bowl etc
Patti Estep
That's exactly what I use them for Sam. I bet your mom will love them.
Claudia
Have you heard of using beeswax to make them eco friendly.?? They are then hand-washable and odor resistant.
Patti Estep
Claudia, yes I have tried the beeswax paper and it's another great alternative.
Beth Ammons
Patti
Unless you make this Oilcloth as it was originally made, with linseed oil, the vinyl now used may very well be toxic as a food container. I really like the idea, and plan to make my own linseed oil oilcloth and use this idea. I also think the bees wax idea is great.
Beth
Patti Estep
Beth, that's good to know. Thanks for sharing.
April
Thanks for the tutorial. This is a great idea. I make bowls and I'm thinking of having some of these available for purchase with bowl sets. I will also make a few for myself, as I use a lot of my own bowls at home.
Patti Estep
April, that's a great idea!
linda
Oilcloth should not be used for any item used in conjunction with food due to chemicals. Laminated cotton does not contain pvc and comes in many beautiful fabrics. https://www.why-architecture.com/facts-about-oilcloth-fabrics/
Patti Estep
That's good to know. Thanks for sharing Linda.
Robyn
I love these!!!! I'm going to make a few for xmas... Thank you so much for sharing
Patti Estep
So glad you like them Robyn. I think they would make a great Christmas gift.
Laurel
Hi, Patti!
The directions didn't specify how much larger you cut your fabric compared to the bowl. Do you have a suggestion for how many inches to add on each side?
Thanks!
Patti Estep
Laurel, I would give yourself 2 inches out from the bowl. This will give you enough room to fold 1/2 inch over for the elastic and still have plenty of room for covering the bowl. Thanks for pointing this out.I've updated the instructions to reflect the issue.
Stella Napier
You can buy iron on vinyl for your fabric to make it better for keeping odors out of fridge.
Patti Estep
Thanks for sharing Stella.
Diane
I’ve use plastic tablecloths from the dollar store to make mine. Works great.
Patti Estep
That's good to know Diane. Thanks for sharing.
Lisa
That is a cool idea with the dollar store tablecloths. thanks
Pat McDonald
I've made many of these, just using a slightly different method. I cut two circles of the proper size, one from cotton and one from rip-stop nylon. I sew the two circles together, right sides together, of course --- leaving a small opening for turning, then turn them inside-out and topstitch around the circle about half an inch inside the perimeter. I then take a piece of 1/4" elastic that is slightly smaller than the circumference of the bowl and stitch it around the topstitching, stretching it slightly as I sew. Backstitch at the end to secure it, and you have a perfectly lines bowl cover that is washable I would not microwave it -- simply put a plate over your bowl while it is in the microwave and that will suffice. Making about three sizes of these will produce a set of bowl covers that sell very well at craft fairs.
Patti Estep
That's a great idea Pat. Thanks for sharing.
Ramya
Hi, Patti, Thank you very much for the idea. Most of the bowls do not have lids. To protect the food from insects and any other foreign particles this is a very good idea. Thanks for your creative ideas.
Patti Estep
Thanks Ramya, I'm so good you like the post and hope it helps.
Patsy
I haven't made any yet, but I suggest using wax paper to cover the bowl, then putting the bowl cover over the bowl and wax paper. If using outdoors , just use the bowl cover. I do have a hint about the elastic. Put a safety pin on each end of the elastic. Then if the end gets pulled into the casing, you can push it through the other end.
Patti Estep
Great ideas Patsy. Thanks for sharing them here.
Jessie
These are lovely! Why not dip the covers in beeswax and line dry to use long term to cover bowls in fridge?
Patti Estep
That's a great idea. I wonder if it would be hard to sew with beeswax. I'll have to try it.
Joyce
Can these be used in place of plastic wrap to cover dough during the rising stages of making homemade bread?
Patti Estep
Though I haven't done it, Joyce, I do believe you can use them for cover dough bowls.
Heather
My Mom uses a damp dish towel, so I imagine dampening one of these and using it would work.
Patti Estep
I've never tried that but I just it would work. Thanks for sharing.
Kristy
Thank you for the wonderful tutorial. Is it okay to microwave food with these covers on? Thanks!
Patti Estep
I can't say for sure. I don't because I'm don't know what's in the fabric and the ink that is used to make it.
debbie f young
Patti if you wash your fabric before using and use 100% cotton, it can be used in the microwave. But instead of elastic, put in a 100% cotton string and use like a drawstring in sweat pants, etc...
Patti Estep
Thanks Debbie. That's good to know. I'll try it with the next batch.
kristin
question... do you find scents/flavors from other things in the fridge "leak" into the flavors of the food your covering??
Patti Estep
Not really. I guess it would depend on just how strong some of the items in the refrigerator are, the length of time, and what is in the bowl. I try not to use them for long-term items. Mostly for left-overs or to cover food at picnics and parties.
debbie f young
Use Beeswax after it is sewn and you can hand wash and hang dry. Beeswax can be reapplied as needed but will last a long time. You can put and towel rack or one of the wire cooling racks from dollar store inside you cabinet/pantry to hang dry and store.
Patti Estep
Great info Debbie. Thanks for sharing.
Patricia
Pat says.
Absolutely love this simple and attractive idea. Ready to make whole batch tomorrow. Have loads of curtain netting and lace to make for cake plates . Thanks for your simple easy project
Patti Estep
Thanks Pat. I'm so glad you like it!
Pat
I have not made any yet, but plan too. I do have a hint about the elastic. I always put a safety pin on each end of the elastic. Then if it gets pulled in too far, you just use the safety pin on the other end to get it back out. You can use this trick for any elastic going thru a casing.
Patti Estep
That's a great tip. Thanks Pat.
Patricia Hancock
Pat, I don't know if you pin the second safety pin to the fabric (where you are starting to run the elastic through the casing) but if you do this, there won't be a chance of it getting pulled through the casing. If you don't have a second safety pin, simply pin the elastic to the fabric with a straight pin to prevent it from being pulled through the casing. I've done this for years!
Patti Estep
Good tip Patricia. Thanks for sharing.
Anna
What about using oilcloth for these? Thinking it would do better at keeping food protected.
Patti Estep
Hi Anna,
Using oil cloth is an interesting idea and probably worth a try. I can't really say as I have never tried it. My concerns would be the sewing of such a heavy cloth. You may need a special needle for it. Also I'm not sure if it is machine washable. I'd love to know how it works if you try it.
Chrissy Leiberan-Titus
Hi Patti!
Thanks for this great post. I want to make a bunch of these for my bowls!
I was wondering what brand your bowls are? They have such lovely colors!
~chrissy
Patti Estep
Hi Chrissy,
I bought them several years ago at Fioriware in Ohio. It was a beautiful pottery store and made items for different brands as well as their own. These were made for Martha Stewart I think. Unfortunately they are no longer in business.
Suzanne Wetor
Do you have a pattern for the microwave bowls?
Thank You,
Suzanne
Patti Estep
Hi Suzanne,
No, I'm sorry, I don't have a pattern. I just traced around the bowls I have leaving a little extra as mentioned in the article.
Marta
Thank you for these instructions! I have a Christmas gift exchange with a few friends, and this will be something they haven't seen before. I notice several people commenting about making something more air tight, and thought I would share that I am going to line mine with white cloth diaper lining. It's machine washable, and holds up well, and while it is a plasticky fabric, in bowl covers it won't be touching the food. I know it comes in all kinds of cute patterns, but I'm just using white so so I can use top fabric that matches my friends' kitchens.
Patti Estep
Hi Marta,
That's a great idea. Thank you for sharing and have fun with your Christmas exchange.
Donnell
Could you mention more specific what the white diaper lining is? And thank you 🙂
Suzie
So could you add a plastic inside or outside so the food wouldn't touch or stain?
Patti Estep
Hi Suzie,
These were designed more to act like a napkin which you could wash. You may want to look into using a fabric that can be wiped clean. Maybe an oilcloth?? I have not worked with them but could imagine that they would be similar to what you are looking for.
Hope that helps.
Regina
These are cute, but fabric isn't air tight. Doesn't this dry the food out??
Patti Estep
Hi Regina,
If you make the elastic smaller than the circumference of the bowl it will be nice and tight and should keep you food covered well. On the other hand, this is cotton, so there will be some airflow. Also, sometimes you just want something to keep the bowls covered. For example at an outdoor party or picnic to keep the bugs out.
Hope that helps and thanks for stopping by,
Patti
Jackson M. Watkins
Hi Patti,
First, Thanks for your post. I plan to Pin this to my Pinterest Page and hopefully share it with many of my friends. I have seen the grocery store version and just knew that same savyvy genius would come up with a great pattern. (hint, hint) I, btw, am a quilter, and have zero experience as a seamtress or a sewer, but because of your great tutorial and photos, you have given me the confidence to make one of these for my Kitch Aid Mixers. Thanks so much!
Patti Estep
Hi Jackson,
I'm so glad you like this project. No pattern or great skill is needed. Just use your mixing bowl as a guide and give yourself enough extra room to be able to turn over the fabric to sew and hold your elastic. You can do it. It's an easy one.
Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!
Patti
Megan
I would love to make this out of a beeswax wrap! or make this into a beeswax wrap! **for those who dont know what a beeswax wrap is, your missing out! google it! they replace plastic wrap and are so easy to make!
Patti Estep
Hi Megan,
I have seen the beeswax wrap and it looks great. I'm not sure if you could sew it but it might be worth a try.
Thanks for sharing,
Patti
Cynthia
Sew the covers first and then treat with beeswax. Much easier to sew that way.
Annette Thornton
I would like to line it with a type of vinyl or plastic. Would this be possible or can you recommend something else. Some foods have a tendency to splash the cover.
Patti Estep
Hi Annette,
I have not tried using plastic. There may be a concern with using it in a microwave and any fumes it may emit. Still, you could investigate an oil cloth fabric that would wipe clean. You would probably need a special needle for this heavier fabric. Also, I would give it a larger fold so that you had more fabric to work with when making the casing for the elastic.
Good luck and let me know how it goes,
Patti
Lizabeth
You could use food safe PUL to line them with.
Patti Estep
Good to know. Thanks Lizabeth!
Sarah
This might be a really silly question, but how do you fold over 1/2" on a circle to make the elastic casing without creasing the fabric? I've tried without success. Thanks!!
Patti Estep
Hi Sara,
It's not a stupid question. The fabric will crease on the wrong side of the cover. However, when you place the elastic inside it all gathers up (because the elastic is shorter than the circumference), and you can no longer see the creases.
Hope that helps,
Patti
Ann
Could you coat them in beeswax to seal them would that work?
Patti Estep
That's an interesting idea but I honestly have no idea.
Carmencita Delfin Dollete
Thank you Patti for sharing this. I made microwave coziez ,this is a cute project to match my microwave cozie
Patti Estep
Hi Carmencita,
I'm so glad you like the project.
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti
Anne
Love these!! So much smarter than plastic wrap! And prettier, too. I've got a Craft Gossip post scheduled for tomorrow morning that features your tutorial: http://sewing.craftgossip.com/?p=91993 --Anne
Patti Estep
Hi Anne,
I'm so glad you liked them and thank you so much for sharing!
Patti
marcy
Thank you so much for posting this! We are are going "paper/plastic-less" in our kitchen and this will be a huge help, And pretty to look at too! I got rid of all ceramic as well because of manufacturers not firing the glaze properly and it slowly leaching toxins into our food and beverages. So no plastic and now no ceramics. Everything I use is wooden or glass now. From cups to serving ware. My mother was tickled when I asked her to be on the look out for vintage corelle. The same I detested, mind you, growing up as a kid. Oh by the way, one can use these same squares to make cloth napkins too. Just sew two coordinating squares together and voila! Very easy.
Patti Estep
Hi Marcy,
I'm so glad you like the bowl covers. I love your napkin suggestion too.
Thanks for sharing,
Patti
Mom of Many
Hi Marcy,
Thanks for the info about ceramics. I totally had not read that. I try to stick with stainless steel, glass, or ceramic...so I was happy to see your info. I would like to buy some wooden bowls, too. That would be helpful. They just tend to be so costly. I remember Corelle, too. My mother-in-law bought me some at the beginning of my marriage, but (unbelievably) my children have broken them all over the many years... and it’s supposed to be unbreakable, lol! 😀
Blessings,
Schere
Patti Estep
Hi Schere,
That's so funny about Corelle. My husband's aunt used to buy it for us and we still have it. Mind you my girls don't spend a lot of time in the kitchen cooking or cleaning so maybe that's why they lasted so long. Glad you liked the post.
Karen
Hi Patti,
These are so pretty and yes, so much nicer (and safer) than foil or plastic wrap. I love your idea for using them as a housewarming gift and just in time - our son and daughter-in-law are moving from their first apartment to a house next weekend! Now I don't have to wonder what I'll do for them!
Patti Estep
Hi Karen,
What an exciting time for you son and daughter in-law. That first home is so precious. I hope that they love the bowl covers. I had so much fun making them.
Thanks for stopping by,
Patti
Diana Torres
Yes they are beautiful and washable. These make great Christmas mas gift ,im making these for sure.
Patti Estep
Hi Diana,
I'm so glad you like them. I think they will make wonderful Christmas gifts.
Thanks for your lovely comment and have a great weekend!
Patti
Kim
If you make for Christmas presents, what size circles do you cut?
Patti Estep
Hi Kim,
That's a good question. Ideally you need to have the bowl(s) to trace. However, you could try making one for the average size bowl and try it on a few different size bowls. Obviously it would not fit a bowl that is larger, but it should be a little flexible with bowls that are close in size and maybe even a little smaller. Of course if you are making it for someone you know you could be a little sneaky and trace the bowls on paper when they were not around, or ask a family member to do it for you.
Good luck and let me know what you decide.