How to Make Your Own Reusable Bowl Covers
Looking for a simple way to make your kitchen more eco-friendly? Reusable bowl covers are one of the easiest beginner sewing projects that help reduce plastic waste while adding charm to your home. Instead of reaching for plastic wrap or aluminum foil, you can cover your leftovers with washable, reusable fabric bowl covers.
This project is beginner-friendly, budget-conscious, and perfect for anyone interested in sustainable living and practical handmade items.
Why Switch to Reusable Bowl Covers?
Single-use plastic wrap creates a lot of unnecessary waste. Reusable bowl covers are a sustainable alternative that:
✔ Reduce plastic waste
✔ Save money over time
✔ Are washable and long-lasting
✔ Add a handmade touch to your kitchen
✔ Make thoughtful, eco-friendly gifts
It’s a small change that makes a big environmental difference.
Skill Level
Beginner Friendly
You only need to know:
- How to sew a straight stitch
- How to create a simple casing for elastic
Even if you’re new to sewing, this is a great first functional project.
Materials You’ll Need
- Cotton fabric (outer layer)
- Food-safe lining fabric (like PUL, laminated cotton, or tightly woven cotton)
- Elastic (¼” width works well)
- Sewing machine
- Scissors or rotary cutter
- Pins or clips
- Safety pin (for threading elastic)
- Bowl (to use as a size guide)
Fabric Tip
Choose breathable cotton for the outside and a wipeable or washable lining inside. Avoid fabrics with glitter, loose fibers, or heavy dyes for food-contact safety.
Step 1: Measure Your Bowl
Turn your bowl upside down.
Measure from one side of the rim, over the top, to the other side. Add 2 inches (5 cm) to this measurement.
This gives you the diameter for your fabric circles.
Step 2: Cut Your Fabric
Using your measurement, cut:
- 1 circle from cotton fabric
- 1 circle from lining fabric
You can trace around a plate, large lid, or draw a circle using a ruler.
Step 3: Sew the Layers Together
Place the two fabric circles right sides together.
Sew around the edge using a ¼” seam allowance, leaving a 2-inch gap for turning.
Clip small notches around the curve (don’t cut through stitching) to help the circle lay flat.
Turn the fabric right side out and press.
Step 4: Create the Elastic Casing
Sew a topstitch around the edge about ½ inch from the edge. This creates a casing for the elastic.
Leave a 1-inch opening in this stitching so you can insert the elastic.
Step 5: Insert the Elastic
Cut a piece of elastic:
- Small bowl: 12–14 inches
- Medium bowl: 16–18 inches
- Large bowl: 20–24 inches
Attach a safety pin to one end and thread it through the casing.
Overlap the elastic ends by ½ inch and sew them together securely.
Pull the elastic into the casing and close the opening with a few stitches.
Step 6: Test the Fit
Place your cover over the bowl.
It should stretch easily over the rim and hold snugly underneath. If it’s too loose or too tight, adjust the elastic length.
Washing & Care
Reusable bowl covers are easy to maintain:
🧼 Machine wash cold or warm
🌬 Air dry or tumble dry low
🚫 Avoid high heat if using laminated or PUL lining
They can be reused hundreds of times, replacing countless pieces of plastic wrap.
Eco-Friendly Fabric Ideas
Make your project even more sustainable by using:
🌿 Fabric scraps from other sewing projects
🌿 Old cotton shirts
🌿 Leftover quilting cotton
🌿 Repurposed tablecloths
This reduces textile waste and gives new life to fabric you already have.
Great for Gifts and Market Sales
Reusable bowl covers are:
✔ Popular at craft fairs
✔ Easy to batch sew
✔ Affordable gift ideas
✔ Perfect for eco-conscious shoppers
Bundle a few sizes together for a practical, sustainable kitchen gift set.
Tips for a Professional Finish
✨ Use coordinating thread colors
✨ Press seams neatly before topstitching
✨ Use fun prints for the outside and neutral lining inside
✨ Make multiple sizes to fit different bowls
A clean finish makes these simple covers look store-bought.
Final Thoughts
Sewing your own reusable bowl covers is a small project with a big impact. It helps reduce waste, saves money, and brings handmade sustainability into everyday life. Plus, it’s a quick and satisfying sewing project you can complete in an afternoon.
With just a little fabric and elastic, you can create practical kitchen essentials that are good for both your home and the planet.
Happy sewing 🌱🧵
