Ecolovies ~ How to make a no plastic wrap bowl cover
Well for the last year I have been experimenting with my bowl covers and I finally have figured out how to get the best results with different materials. I have made them with one layer of cotton fabric, a layer of PUL and a layer of fabric, and two layers of cotton fabric. All have worked, but for different things. The one layer of fabric was perfect for a picnic wrap. If you want to take a bowl of chips or a plate of veggies to a potluck, this is your best choice. Can be beautiful, costs next to nothing and is extremely easy to make (as you don't need to fight with two circles of fabric at any point).
The two layered fabric ones are great for those of us who don't want to use any plastic at all (PUL is a type of plastic... reusable, washable plastic that is used on baby diapers all the time... but plastic). I use these for leftovers.
However, the one that works the best IMO is the PUL/fabric mix. I have used many different types of covers for my bowls over the years of moving away from plastic wrap. This combination is the best of both worlds... it keeps food beautifully! Salad stays crisp and leftovers stay moist. I use these most often. They are all washable... I throw them in the washer with my kitchen towels and napkins and have never had a problem... although the PUL will last longer if you don't put them through the dryer.
You need:
- Sewing machine and thread
- Scissors
- Prewashed PUL
- Prewashed ironed cotton fabric
- 1/4 or 1/8 inch elastic
1. Cut two circles that are 1 1/2 inches wider on each side than the bowl you want to cover. I just lay my bowl down, and use a ruler to mark 1 1/2 inches wide around the circle. I have also used the next size up bowl to measure. I have a set that is graduated and I use the next bowl up for the next smaller bowl's cover and so on.
2. Pin these circles in several places so they do not slip when sewing.3. Place the two circles right sides facing out and zig zag stitch all the way around the outside of the circles. (You never turn this project.)
5. Sew the elastic (while stretching) very carefully to the very outside edge of the bowl cover, making sure to back stitch or lock stitch where the ends meet.
That's it! These are addicting... just a warning... soon you will be picking fabrics to match you kitchen and covering every bowl in the house!A few notes:
It is the same instructions for the two layers of cotton fabric. Just substitute the fabric for PUL.
Using 1/8 inch elastic is tricky, make sure you place the side with the ridge down and sew in the trench of the elastic (pictured above). Your needle can slip off (numerous times) and annoy the crap out of you if you do not. ;)
If you do use PUL, make sure that you are sewing with the PUL part facing up. If it is facing down it will make your bobbin slip and skip stitches... I don't know why, but every time I have tried, it has made the project a mess due to skipped stitches.
Comments
Found you on one pretty thing today!
Jill
Blessings and hope you are all having a wonderfully green new year!
Val
Blessings,
Val
Have a great night!
Blessings,
Val
Blessings,
Val
Mary
www.lambscrib.blogspot.com
Thanks.
Blessings,
Val
It specifically states "Don't be mislead by other websites' claims that PUL will wear out after 20 or 100 washings. This fabric was designed to be autoclaved, meaning sterilized in a high heat. We recommend drying all your PUL fabric items on high heat. This helps the laminate to keep the best seal to the fabric."
Being put through an autoclave is certainly hotter than a dryer. And the fact that it also helps keep the laminate sealed to the fabric is a very important point that should be reiterated by those reading your post.
I wonder if you could use print PUL on the top and then a plain cotton underneath ie the plain cotton food side... that way no plastic in contact with the food?
Also, do you find much different sewing POLY PUL v Cotton PUL?
Cheers and thanks
Kristy
@SeeMyFootprints
What if you use elastic thread, instead of normal thread with separate elastic? Maybe it'd have to be hand sewn then, and maybe it's too thin and would break (or be weakened in the heated wash). I just wondered what you think.
If I just use 1 ply of PUL(because I don't mind how it looks), do I have to zigzag the edge to prevent fraying?
I am guessing you would not have to use a zig-zag stitch if you were just using the PUL without the cotton over the top.
We have used these for two years now. They are still going strong! :)
Blessings,
Val
Blessings,
Val
I want to let you know that I used a picture from this post with a link back to the picture and another link to this tutorial on my website www.lesbricoles.com
I hope this is ok with you? If not just let me know and I will remove it.
tks
Cleo
But how would these hold up if the bowl is microwaved? The plastic ones sometimes melt some, besides always looking & feeling kinda dirty.
Nica
Robyn from Australia.
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