I have always loved a warm bowl of soup, especially on chilly days or when I’m feeling under the weather. However, I’ve often found myself struggling to hold onto the hot bowl without burning my hands. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands and make microwave soup bowl holders. These handy little accessories not only keep your hands safe from burns but also help to keep your soup piping hot for longer. In this article, I will walk you through the simple steps to create your own microwave soup bowl holders.
Gathering the Materials
Before we dive into the process of making microwave soup bowl holders, let’s first gather all the materials you’ll need. Don’t worry, these materials are all readily available, and you might even have most of them already at home. Here’s what you’ll need:
Materials:
– Fabric: Choose a heat-resistant fabric such as cotton or linen. Pick a fabric that matches your kitchen decor or something that adds a pop of color.
– Insulated Batting: This is what will provide the insulation to keep your soup hot. You can easily find insulated batting in any craft store or order it online.
– Sewing Machine: While it is possible to sew the soup bowl holders by hand, a sewing machine will make the job much quicker and more precise.
– Thread: Choose a thread color that complements your fabric choice.
– Scissors: A good pair of scissors will be handy for cutting the fabric and insulated batting.
– Pins: These will help secure the fabric and batting together during the sewing process.
– Ruler or Measuring Tape: Essential for taking accurate measurements.
Measuring and Cutting
Once you have all your materials ready, it’s time to measure and cut the fabric and insulated batting.
Step 1: Measure the Bowl
Start by measuring the diameter of the bowl you intend to use for your soup. Add 1 inch to this measurement to allow for seam allowances.
Step 2: Cutting the Fabric and Batting
Using your ruler or measuring tape, mark and cut two circular pieces from your fabric and insulated batting. Make sure the circles have the same diameter as the measurement you took in the previous step.
Sewing the Soup Bowl Holders
Now that you have your fabric and insulated batting cut to size, it’s time to sew them together to create the soup bowl holders.
Step 1: Layering the Materials
Take one piece of fabric and place it right-side up on a flat surface. Then, layer the piece of insulated batting on top of the fabric.
Step 2: Pinning the Layers
Carefully align the edges of the fabric and batting and pin them together at intervals around the edges. This will ensure that the layers don’t shift during the sewing process.
Step 3: Sewing the Layers
Using your sewing machine, sew around the edges of the pinned layers, leaving a ¾ inch seam allowance. Make sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the seam to secure it.
Step 4: Repeating for the Second Holder
Repeat steps 1-3 for the second piece of fabric and insulated batting.
Step 5: Trim the Excess Fabric
Once you’ve completed sewing both soup bowl holders, trim the excess fabric and batting from the seam allowance. This will give your holders a neat and finished appearance.
Using Your Microwave Soup Bowl Holders
Your microwave soup bowl holders are now ready to use! To keep your hands safe and your soup hot, follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Place the Bowl in the Holder
Take your soup bowl and place it in the center of the soup bowl holder. The insulated batting will provide a barrier between the hot bowl and your hands, preventing burns.
Step 2: Heat the Soup
Put the soup and bowl together into the microwave and heat according to the soup’s specific instructions.
Step 3: Remove from the Microwave
Carefully remove the hot bowl from the microwave using the microwave soup bowl holder. The holder will allow you to grip the bowl without burning your hands.
Step 4: Enjoy!
Set the bowl down on a stable surface and savor your delicious, piping hot soup without worrying about burning your hands.
Cleaning and Maintenance
To keep your microwave soup bowl holders in top condition, occasional cleaning is necessary. Here are some tips to help you maintain them:
– Hand wash the holders using mild soap and warm water.
– Rinse thoroughly and air dry.
– Inspect the holders for any signs of wear and tear. If you notice any damaged areas, repair or replace them to ensure continued safety.
In conclusion, making microwave soup bowl holders is a fun and practical project that will help you enjoy your hot soups without the risk of burns. With just a few materials and simple sewing techniques, you can create these handy accessories for yourself or as unique and thoughtful gifts for friends and family. So, why not give it a try? You’ll never have to worry about burning your hands or your soup getting cold again!