My love for quilting has always been a source of joy and relaxation. There’s just something so satisfying about taking some fabric and turning it into a beautiful work of art. Recently, I discovered a new quilting project that not only helps to keep my food warm but also adds a touch of style to my kitchen. Today, I’m going to share with you how to make microwave bowl huggers, step by step.
Gathering the Materials
What you’ll need:
The first step in making microwave bowl huggers is gathering all the necessary materials. Check your fabric stash for scraps or head to your local craft store to find a variety of colors and patterns that suit your style. Remember, this project is a fantastic opportunity to use up those leftover fabric pieces! Also, make sure you have enough cotton batting to provide insulation for your bowl huggers.
Measuring and Cutting
Step 1: Measure your bowl
Before cutting your fabric and batting, measure the diameter of your bowls. Keep in mind that the bowl huggers need to be slightly larger to accommodate the thickness of the batting. As a general rule, add 1 inch to the diameter of your bowl.
Step 2: Cut the fabric and batting
Using a quilting ruler and a cutting mat, cut two fabric circles and one batting circle for each bowl hugger. The fabric circles should be the diameter of your bowl plus one inch, and the batting circles should match the diameter of your bowl.
Layering and Pinning
Step 1: Layer the fabric and batting
Place one fabric circle right side down on your work surface. Then, place the batting circle on top of it. Finally, place the second fabric circle right side up on top of the batting.
Step 2: Pin the layers together
To secure the layers in place, use straight pins around the outer edge of the circles. Make sure to place the pins about 1 inch apart to prevent shifting while sewing.
Stitching and Finishing
Step 1: Sew around the edges
Using your sewing machine, stitch around the edge of the circle, leaving a 3-inch opening for turning the bowl hugger right side out. Use a 1/4-inch seam allowance and reinforce the stitches at the beginning and the end.
Step 2: Trim the excess fabric
Trim the excess fabric and batting close to the seam, taking care not to cut through the stitches. This will reduce bulk and help the bowl hugger lay flat.
Step 3: Turn the bowl hugger right side out
Reach inside the opening and carefully pull the fabric and batting through. Use a blunt tool, such as a chopstick or the back of a spoon, to push out the edges and create a smooth, rounded shape.
Step 4: Close the opening
Fold the raw edges of the opening inside and press with an iron to create a clean edge. Use a needle and thread to hand stitch the opening closed using small, neat stitches.
Voila! Your Microwave Bowl Huggers are Ready!
Now that you’ve completed all the steps, it’s time to enjoy your brand-new microwave bowl huggers! These handy kitchen accessories will keep your food warm while adding a touch of color and personality to your space.
Feel free to experiment with different fabric combinations and patterns to match your kitchen decor or create a personalized gift for a loved one. Once you get the hang of making these bowl huggers, you’ll find yourself making them for everyone you know!
As a quilter, I’m always on the lookout for creative and practical projects, and making microwave bowl huggers checks both boxes. It’s a fun and straightforward project that allows me to indulge in my passion for fabric and quilting while making everyday life a little bit cozier. So, grab your fabric scraps and get ready to sew your way to some super cute and functional microwave bowl huggers!