Sew Your Way to Sustainable Living: DIY Bowl Covers

How to Sew Your Own Bowl Covers | A Sewing Tutorial by Nollie Bean

  

Sew Your Way to Sustainable Living: DIY Bowl Covers

Looking to bring a little sustainability into your kitchen? Picture this: covering your bowls with handmade creations that not only cut down on waste but also let your creativity shine. In this tutorial, we’ll show you how to sew your own DIY bowl covers that are both super practical and eco-friendly. I'll walk you through why making your own is such a great idea, what materials and tools you’ll need, and give you a simple step-by-step guide to get started. Ready to add a personal, sustainable touch to your kitchen or give a thoughtful and useful gift? Let’s dive in and start sewing your way to a greener home today!

Did you follow last month’s tutorial by guest writer Jess Gattone of Second Nature Studio and hand dye some fabrics?  If so, this tutorial is the perfect complement - a great way to use your beautiful hand dyed fabrics!   

  

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Why sew your own bowl covers?

One compelling reason to sew your own bowl covers is the freedom to customize them to fit your specific needs and style. By choosing your own fabrics, colors, and patterns, you can create bowl covers that not only match your kitchen décor but also reflect your personality. Additionally, sewing your own bowl covers allows you to control the quality of materials used, ensuring that they are durable, washable, and long-lasting. Plus, they are so much easier to use than plastic wrap!  I don’t know about you, but the plastic always clings to itself rather than the bowl and its pretty comical to watch me try to use it!

How to Sew Your Own Bowl Covers | A Sewing Tutorial by Nollie Bean

The ability to sew your own bowl covers also gives you the opportunity to reduce your environmental footprint. By making covers that can be used over and over again, you are contributing to a more sustainable lifestyle by minimizing single-use plastics and waste. Each time you reach for your handmade bowl cover instead of a disposable option, you are making a small but significant impact on the planet.

Materials and Tools Needed

To start sewing your own bowl covers, you will need a few materials and tools to get started. You'll need:

  • Fabric of your choice (approximately 1/2” yard or two fat quarters), preferably a cotton or linen material that is washable and durable.
  • 1/4” Elastic
  • Safety pin
  • Marking Tool, like a pencil or fabric pen
  • Scissors
  • Sewing machine, thread and pins

Step-by-step Guide to Sew a Bowl Cover

Measure and Cut:

Once you have gathered all your materials and tools, it's time to start sewing your own bowl covers.  Start by placing your bowl upside down on the wrong side of your fabric, then measures two inches out from the side of the bowl and mark with your marking tool.  Continue to do this all the way around the edge of the bowl, so you have a dotted circle around your bowl this bigger by two inches.

How to Sew Your Own Bowl Covers | A Sewing Tutorial by Nollie Bean

Then, using your fabric scissors, cut out two circles from your chosen fabric according to the measured size. 

How to Sew Your Own Bowl Covers | A Sewing Tutorial by Nollie Bean

Next, wrap your elastic around the bowl, being careful not to stretch it out when doing so.  Cut enough elastic to fit snugly around your bowl with about a 1/2” extra for sewing.

Create the channel for the elastic:

Pin both pieces of fabric (right sides together) and sew together using a 1/4″ seam. Make sure to leave about an 1 1/2″ open.  Next, turn your bowl cover right side out through the open space you left when sewing.  You may need to use a blunt object like your marking tool or crochet hook to help turn your bowl cover.

How to Sew Your Own Bowl Covers | A Sewing Tutorial by Nollie Bean

Next, sew all the way around the bowl using a 1/2” seam allowance - do not leave a gap when sewing this part.  This will create the channel for your elastic.

How to Sew Your Own Bowl Covers | A Sewing Tutorial by Nollie Bean

Thread a safety pin into the end of your elastic piece and feed the elastic through the channel you created.  When you make it all the way around, overlap the ends of your elastic and hand sew or machine sew together, ensuring a sturdy connection.

How to Sew Your Own Bowl Covers | A Sewing Tutorial by Nollie Bean

Finish Your Bowl Cover:

Finally, sew the opening closed as close to the edge as possible to finish off your reusable fabric bowl cover.

How to Sew Your Own Bowl Covers | A Sewing Tutorial by Nollie Bean

Maintaining and Reusing your Bowl Covers

Wash your bowl cover before using and after each use to keep it fresh and clean!  Wash it with all of your other kitchen towel and tumble dry. When not in use, simply fold your bowl cover neatly and store it away in a handy place for future use. By taking good care of your DIY bowl covers, you can reduce waste and contribute to a more sustainable lifestyle.

How to Sew Your Own Bowl Covers | A Sewing Tutorial by Nollie Bean

Ideas for How to Use Your Fabric Bowl Covers

  • Place it over a bowl of fruit for easy access in the refrigerator.
  • Having a picnic?  Keep those flies off your food.
  • Place it over a plate of treats when visiting friends or neighbors.
  • Give it away as a handmade gift.  It makes the perfect hostess gift!
  • It’s prettier than plastic wrap!
  • Place over a bread bowl when baking.

Sewing your own DIY bowl covers is such a fun, simple way to cut down on waste while adding a personal touch to your kitchen! With this tutorial, you’ll be joining the sustainable living movement and taking a step toward a greener lifestyle. And remember, every stitch gets you closer to a more eco-friendly future. So, grab your materials, dive in, and let your creativity shine! Who knew something so practical could feel so rewarding? After all, small changes can make a big difference. Happy sewing! 

How to Sew Your Own Bowl Covers | A Sewing Tutorial from Nollie Bean
I’d love to see what you make!  If you share your work on Instagram, please tag me or use the #nolliebeanpatterns!
Until next time, happy sewing!!
xoxo. ~Jenni

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