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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.
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cost to you, but I will earn a very small commission. ) i.e. as an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying
purchases. Click here to read my full disclosure policy.
I like the idea of using these to keep out insects in the summer, when dining outdoors or picnics.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 plastic containers
with tight-fitting lids.
I have not tried this but would 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 and the wax application should allow you to press the sides, eliminating the need to
sew elastic into the cover.
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 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.
Learn how to make pretty fabric bowl covers to protect your food as an alternative to plastic
wrap. A great housewarming present or any occasion gift.
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
Tools
sewing machine
scissors
pinking shears
tape measure or ruler
pencil
iron
Instructions
1. 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 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.
5.
6. Finish by hand stitching the opening closed.
Notes
It's always best to wash and iron your fabrics before making and projects with them.
© Patti Estep
Project Type: Sewing / Category: DIY Projects
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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.
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Reader Interactions
Comments
1. 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.
Reply
o Patti Estep
June 01, 2021 at 1:08 pm
Reply
o 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
Reply
2. 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.
Reply
o Patti Estep
Sounds like a great plan Clista. Thanks for sharing your detailed approach.
Reply
o 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
Reply
Patti Estep
What a nice idea Donna. I love making things for gift giving.
3. 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!
Reply
o Patti Estep
Kim, that's another great use for the covers. Thanks for sharing.
Reply
4. 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.
Reply
o Patti Estep
Reply
5. Tammy
Reply
o Patti Estep
Reply
6. 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.
Reply
o Patti Estep
Reply
7. Rachel Griffiths
Reply
o Patti Estep
Perfect Rachel!
Reply
8. Maggie
Reply
o Patti Estep
Thanks Maggie!
Reply
o Fran
Thank you for this easy method!! Some other tutorials made this ridiculously
complicated. Your simple method is very appreciated
Reply
Patti Estep
9. 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.
Reply
o Patti Estep
Reply
Carla
Patti Estep
10. Fátima
I love it, I’ll make it as soon I can go out to buy the material
Reply
o Patti Estep
Reply
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.
Reply
12. Della
Reply
o Patti Estep
I have seen many posts about people making beeswax covered cloth for this type
of use but have not personally done it.
Reply
13. 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
Reply
o Patti Estep
That's exactly what I use them for Sam. I bet your mom will love them.
Reply
14. Claudia
Have you heard of using beeswax to make them eco friendly.?? They are then hand-
washable and odor resistant.
Reply
o Patti Estep
Claudia, yes I have tried the beeswax paper and it's another great alternative.
Reply
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
15. 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.
Reply
o Patti Estep
Reply
16. 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/
Reply
o Patti Estep
Reply
17. Robyn
I love these!!!! I'm going to make a few for xmas... Thank you so much for sharing
Reply
o Patti Estep
So glad you like them Robyn. I think they would make a great Christmas gift.
Reply
18. 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!
Reply
o 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.
Reply
You can buy iron on vinyl for your fabric to make it better for keeping odors out of
fridge.
Reply
o Patti Estep
Reply
o Diane
I’ve use plastic tablecloths from the dollar store to make mine. Works great.
Reply
Patti Estep
Lisa
o 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.
Reply
Patti Estep
20. 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.
Reply
o Patti Estep
Thanks Ramya, I'm so good you like the post and hope it helps.
Reply
21. 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.
Reply
o Patti Estep
December 17, 2018 at 7:15 am
Reply
22. Jessie
These are lovely! Why not dip the covers in beeswax and line dry to use long term to
cover bowls in fridge?
Reply
o Patti Estep
That's a great idea. I wonder if it would be hard to sew with beeswax. I'll have to
try it.
Reply
23. Joyce
Can these be used in place of plastic wrap to cover dough during the rising stages of
making homemade bread?
Reply
o Patti Estep
Though I haven't done it, Joyce, I do believe you can use them for cover dough
bowls.
Reply
Heather
Patti Estep
I've never tried that but I just it would work. Thanks for sharing.
24. Kristy
Thank you for the wonderful tutorial. Is it okay to microwave food with these covers on?
Thanks!
Reply
o 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.
Reply
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.
25. kristin
Reply
o 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.
Reply
o 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.
Reply
Patti Estep
26. 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
Reply
o Patti Estep
Reply
27. 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.
Reply
o Patti Estep
Reply
o 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!
Reply
Patti Estep
28. Anna
Reply
o 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.
Reply
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
Reply
o 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.
Reply
Reply
o 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.
Reply
31. 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.
Reply
o Patti Estep
Hi Marta,
That's a great idea. Thank you for sharing and have fun with your Christmas
exchange.
Reply
o Donnell
Reply
32. Suzie
So could you add a plastic inside or outside so the food wouldn't touch or stain?
Reply
o 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.
Reply
33. Regina
These are cute, but fabric isn't air tight. Doesn't this dry the food out??
Reply
o 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
Reply
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!
Reply
o 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.
Reply
35. 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!
Reply
o Patti Estep
June 30, 2017 at 7:10 am
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
Reply
Cynthia
Sew the covers first and then treat with beeswax. Much easier to sew that
way.
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.
Reply
o 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.
Reply
o Lizabeth
April 02, 2018 at 9:30 am
Reply
Patti Estep
37. 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!!
Reply
o 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
Reply
o Ann
Could you coat them in beeswax to seal them would that work?
Reply
Patti Estep
Thank you Patti for sharing this. I made microwave coziez ,this is a cute project to match
my microwave cozie
Reply
o Patti Estep
Hi Carmencita,
Reply
39. 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
Reply
o Patti Estep
Hi Anne,
I'm so glad you liked them and thank you so much for sharing!
Patti
Reply
40. marcy
March 08, 2017 at 9:06 am
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.
Reply
o Patti Estep
Hi Marcy,
I'm so glad you like the bowl covers. I love your napkin suggestion too.
Thanks for sharing,
Patti
Reply
o 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
Reply
Patti Estep
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.
41. 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!
Reply
o 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
Reply
o Diana Torres
Yes they are beautiful and washable. These make great Christmas mas gift ,im
making these for sure.
Reply
Patti Estep
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.