What’s new? Well, it’s the last Tuesday of the month (already??), which means it’s Reduce, Refashion, REFASHION time. That means I take a discarded item that’s typically used in fashion, home decor, or fabric items within your home. You can see all my previous creations by tapping/clicking on the text above or the graphic below. As for today, I need to make myself some new goodies for my kitchen arsenal as my old ones are disgusting. What are they? Well, what you see is a DIY fabric bowl cover that I made ages ago from vintage bed sheets.
They are officially trash-worthy (yes, I said that), but want you to see what I have had hidden away in my kitchen drawer for far too long. I’m actually embarrassed to show you them, but you know they are LOVED! With that, also look at the underside…
…do you see the extra layer? That’s something you don’t see on most fabric bowl covers. It’s a layer to keep moisture in (or out) by using a layer of PUL. PUL stands for polyurethane laminate that makes it a barrier for retaining moisture. I’ve mentioned it many times before:
- insulated lunch bags from refashioned skirt
- insulated picnic baskets
- refashioned swim trunks turned beach bag
- bandana drawstring bags
Have you ever heard of it? In my home, I’ve used it to make wet bags, snack bags, cloth diapers, feminine hygiene products, shower caps, and more. IT’S SO AWESOME! Here’s a glimpse of my stash as of now.
Further, I find it at a local fabric shop (skip the box stores) or small sellers online.
CUTTING TIME
Have I piqued your interest yet? While today’s project is a sewing project, you can do this is you have a basic sewing machine and can sew a circle…really. Here’s what you’ll need:
- fabric for bowl cover – I’m using a linen bed sheet (consider cotton and natural fibers instead of polyesters, etc)
- PUL fabric for lining – if desired
- ¼” elastic – length will vary depending on bowl size
- coordinating thread
- safety pin
- scissors
- pencil
- sewing machine with heavy duty needle (you can use a 90/40 needle, but heavy duty does better with PUL)
- fabric clips – pins will make holes in your PUL, so if you don’t have clips, consider paper clips or something similar
- iron/ironing board (optional)
STEP 1
First, you want to take the bowl you want a cover for, turn it upside down and trace 2″ wider than the bowl rim. In my example, I’m using my old bowl cover adding about an inch so I can fold and create a casing instead of sewing on elastic as I did before.
Then, take the same bowl and trace another circle on the PUL about ½” wider than the rim. Cut and set aside.
STEP 2
Next, it’s time to assemble our DIY bowl cover. In order to make this easier, I like to use my iron to press down the cover fabric ¼ – ½” to the inside so it makes sewing easier. After that, I place my PUL with fabric side facing up on top of the wrong side of my bowl cover fabric. Fold the pressed edge in to make a casing to accommodate your elastic, and clip in place.
STEP 3
As soon as you have the clips in place, sew down the inside edge about an eighth inch in to make the casing leaving an opening about 2″ wide for inserting elastic. Don’t be surprised if your casing has to be tucked or pleated a bit to make it lay flat – that’s perfectly normal.
Finally, using a safety pin clipped to the elastic end, thread a length through the casing. Note: we’re not cutting the elastic until we get it the right size to fit our bowl.
Last, while you have the elastic threaded into the casing, place it on your bowl and figure out how tight you want the elastic to be. Then, pin and cut it to length to have overlap of 1″. Stitch the elastic down over the 1″ overlap and stitch the casing opening shut.
STORAGE WITH STYLE
With a sigh of relief as I toss my old covers in the trash, I am delighted to share my refashioned DIY fabric bowl covers with farmhouse style.
I have two linen covers from my bedsheet, one from scrap blue ticking, and one I embroidered for pillows for my online store. Aren’t they so cute?
Meanwhile, on the inside, I have the PUL that adds stability as well as a moisture barrier. For laundering, wash on a cool/cold wash cycle and dry. However, with PUL, air-dry brings better longevity.
I used neutral and organic fabrics for my bowl covers, however, you saw my stash of fun PUL designs, so feel free to mix up! They sky’s the limit with these as they can be custom made for any dish you want. Just think…newlywed gift, fill a bowl and make a cover to someone healing, or just for the sake of using up your scrap stash. woot, woot!
SHARE
Before you go, tell me, honestly, if this is something you think you can tackle. Also, feel free to ask questions! Likewise, pin and share this DIY fabric bowl cover tutorial to inspire others to make their own home story.
What is more, be sure to sign up for my FREE newsletter as I’ll be sharing something from the heart – HEAD HERE. Until next time!
Rebecca - NC says
That little kitten can’t help but get better in such a house full of love!!! 💕 So sweet!!
And the bowl covers are so clever and CUTE!!! Honestly, with all you do, do you ever sleep? 🤔😂
Larissa says
honestly, no. haha! Just kidding. He’s doing so good and it’s a matter of time to see if it all improves. I just love these covers instead of plastic wrap – I mean, who loves tearing that stuff? 😀
Kaleria says
Hi! I absolutely think this is doable! In fact, I feel I must add this to my project list and do it! We have lots of glass storage containers, but the tops don’t always last. I feel frustrated trying to look up the company and get the tops replaced, though sometimes that does bring resolution. This project, however, is the exact opposite of frustration! Making something needed using my hands! I have all the supplies except the PUL, but that’s easy enough to source. How do you wash/dry these for longevity?
My heart broke for that little kitten. Our outdoor cats have kittens the same size, and I’m so glad he now has friends to play with – your family!
Larissa says
yes, yes, YES!! Been there. I have used wax covers, but those aren’t as easy to use as these covers. I just came onto my blog because I forgot to tell how to wash up. I’m adding that above, but just launder on a cool/cold wash and dry. However, with PUL, air-dry brings better longevity. We are so happy to have Ivan! What a sweetie.
Sherri says
Ivan is so fortunate to have y’all as a foster family! I will definitely be making these bowl covers; a great way to be environmentally friendly! As always Larissa, you are such an inspiring person; a blessing to all!
Larissa says
Aww…thanks! We’re just happy he’s happy. To see him bound and play is wonderful! I’m also tickled to hear you’ll be giving these a try. They’re so easy (had mine done in an afternoon), then I just toss in the wash.
Niki says
Ivan…..🥰 what a cute little kitty. Praying he heals completely- and quickly.
The bowl covers are cute and sorely needed thing around here. But I’ll have to buy them, because I don’t know what shape I’d end up with if I tried to sew them. My favorite is probably the one made with ticking. I have about 2 yards of it here. Hope I can find a project for it.
Larissa says
He’s a sweetie for sure. Thank you for the prayers, Niki.
Thanks! The way I figure is if I’m making for me, I can practice on junk fabric and it will look good enough for me to use. I hope you’ll try! 😀
Mary says
This project is very doable for me; I appreciate a solution to the wrestling match I have with that plastic wrap dispenser! I vaguely remember way way back in my childhood my aunt having something similar but I think they were plastic (who knows, maybe she improvised with a shower cap – LOL! 🙂 Thank you for sharing this, Larissa, and inspiring us once again. I love a project that takes an afternoon..about all I have time for of late. And my goodness, your kitchen in the background is just SOO farmhouse gorgeous! Wow! I would feel right at home there ❤️
Larissa says
That just made my day, Mary! I think our elders had so many wonderful ideas that modern day folks toss aside for “new and improved”. My pleasure to help! One cover only took me 30 minutes, and the rest were a breeze. I hope you have fun with it. Thanks for loving on my kitchen.