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Bright handmade fabric bowl covers in cheerful colors — a practical sewing project that replaces plastic wrap while adding charm to your kitchen.
A Reusable Kitchen Sewing Project That Replaces Plastic Wrap
If you sew even a little, fabric bowl covers are one of those projects that quickly become everyday favorites. They’re simple to make, reusable, attractive in the kitchen, and a wonderful alternative to disposable plastic wrap.
I use them for everything from covering rising dough to storing leftovers in the refrigerator. Once you start using fabric bowl covers, you’ll probably wonder how you managed without them.
This project is beginner-friendly, quick to sew, and a great way to use fabric scraps.
Why Sew Fabric Bowl Covers?
Besides looking pretty in your kitchen, they offer real practical benefits:
Reduce plastic wrap waste
Save money over time
Allow food to breathe naturally
Add a handmade touch to food storage
Make thoughtful handmade gifts
They’re also ideal for homesteaders, gardeners, keto cooks, and anyone storing homemade food regularly.
Materials Needed
Outer fabric:
Quilting cotton, calico, or lightweight canvas
Scrap fabric works beautifully
Inner lining options:
Cotton fabric (basic everyday covers)
Muslin or lightweight cotton
Optional: food-safe waterproof lining if desired
Other supplies:
¼" or ½" elastic
Thread
Safety pin or bodkin
Sewing machine
Cutting Your Fabric
Measure the bowl diameter and add:
2 inches for seam allowance
1½ inches for elastic casing
Example:
8" bowl → cut 11½" circle
(You can also use the actual bowls you plan to cover by turning them upside down on Pellon or tissue paper. Trace around the bowl, then add 2½ inches to the circle to get an accurate measurement for your bowl cover.)
Cut:
1 outer fabric circle
1 lining circle
Sewing Instructions
1. Join Outer and Lining
Place fabrics right sides together
Stitch around the edge using ½" seam allowance
Leave a 2" turning opening
Turn the right side out and press.
2. Create Elastic Casing
Stitch a circle about ¾" from the edge
Leave a small opening to insert the elastic
This creates the gathered bowl shape.
3. Insert Elastic
Thread the elastic through the casing
Adjust snugness to fit the bowl comfortably
Stitch the elastic ends together
Close casing opening
Your bowl cover is finished!
Fabric Suggestions That Work Best
From experience:
Calico and quilting cotton hold shape nicely
Muslin lining keeps it lightweight
Natural fibers breathe better for food storage
Avoid heavy synthetics unless specifically food-safe.
Care Instructions
Fabric bowl covers are washable:
Machine wash warm
Air dry or tumble dry low
Reinsert the elastic if needed over time
They hold up beautifully with normal use.
Extra Ideas for Bowl Covers
Once you sew one set, you may want:
Matching kitchen sets
Seasonal fabrics
Gift bundles
Covers for rising bread dough
Larger covers for salad bowls
These also sell well if you offer handmade items.
Simple sewing projects, such as fabric bowl covers, are practical, economical, and satisfying. They reduce waste, keep food protected, and add handmade charm to everyday life.
And honestly… they’re so quick to make, you’ll probably sew a whole stack in one afternoon.
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