I remember the first time I saw a quilted microwave bowl holder. I was at a craft fair, wandering through the booths, when I stumbled upon a display of beautiful handmade quilts and other fabric items. Among them were these unique and practical bowl holders, made specifically for use in the microwave. I was instantly intrigued, and after purchasing one for myself, I couldn’t wait to learn how to make them on my own. So, I set out on a little crafting adventure, and today, I’m going to share with you my step-by-step guide on how to make quilted microwave bowl holders.
Gathering the Materials
What You’ll Need:
Choosing the Fabric
The first step in making a quilted microwave bowl holder is selecting the fabric. It’s important to choose 100% cotton fabric because it is microwave safe and won’t melt or catch fire. Plus, it comes in a myriad of beautiful prints that can add a touch of personality to your bowl holder. You can either use the same fabric for the outer and inner layers or mix and match them for a more eclectic look.
Cutting the Fabric
Now that you’ve chosen your fabric, it’s time to cut it into the desired shape and size. Using a rotary cutter and mat, cut two 10-inch squares from the outer fabric, two 10-inch squares from the inner fabric, and two 10-inch squares from the cotton batting.
Pro Tip:
If you want to make a larger or smaller bowl holder, you can adjust the size accordingly. Just make sure to keep the squares equal in size for all layers.
Layering the Materials
Once you have all your fabric pieces cut, it’s time to start layering them. Begin by placing one square of the outer fabric right-side up on your work surface. Then, layer one square of cotton batting on top of it, followed by one square of the inner fabric, right-side down. This creates a fabric-batting-fabric sandwich.
Repeat the process for the remaining fabric and batting squares, layering them on top of the first set. At the end, you should have two fabric-batting-fabric sandwiches.
Sewing the Layers Together
Now that you have your fabric layers properly arranged, it’s time to sew them together. Starting at one corner, sew around the edges of each fabric-batting-fabric sandwich, leaving a 4-inch opening for turning.
Once you’ve sewn around the edges, trim the excess fabric and batting, making sure not to cut through the stitches. Next, turn the bowl holder right-side out through the opening. Use a pencil or a chopstick to push out the corners and achieve a smooth shape.
Adding the Final Touches
With the bowl holder turned right-side out, it’s time to add the final touches. First, iron the bowl holder to flatten any wrinkles and create a crisp edge. Then, fold the fabric at the opening inward and press it with the iron. This will help create a nice finished look.
Now, it’s time to close the opening. Thread your sewing machine with a matching thread and sew a straight line close to the edge to close it up. You can also add some decorative stitching along the edges of the bowl holder for an extra touch of flair.
Pro Tip:
If you prefer a more finished and polished look, you can also hand-sew the opening closed using a slip stitch.
Using Your Quilted Microwave Bowl Holder
Congratulations! You’ve successfully made your very own quilted microwave bowl holder. Now, it’s time to put it to good use. To use the bowl holder, simply place your bowl inside, making sure that it fits snugly. The cotton batting provides insulation, preventing your hands from getting too hot while removing the bowl from the microwave.
Pro Tip:
You can also use the quilted microwave bowl holder as a trivet for hot pots and pans. Just make sure to never leave it unattended on a hot surface to prevent any accidents.
Cleaning and Care Instructions
To keep your quilted microwave bowl holder clean, simply toss it in the washing machine using a gentle cycle. Make sure to lay it flat to dry, and iron it afterward to ensure it looks good as new.
Now that you know how to make quilted microwave bowl holders, you can create them for yourself or make beautiful handmade gifts for your friends and family. Not only are they practical and functional, but they also add a touch of charm to your kitchen. Happy crafting!