Are you ready to dive into a fun and functional sewing project? If you’re someone who loves crafting, quilting, and sewing with fabric, you’re going to love making your very own microwavable bowl cozy! These cozy, cotton creations are perfect for holding bowls of soup, oatmeal, popcorn, or even hot cocoa – all while keeping your hands safe from burns. Keep reading to find out how to make a microwaveable bowl cozy.
With just a few supplies and some basic sewing skills, you can create a beautiful, practical item that makes your kitchen more fun and functional. In this post, we’ll walk you through how to make a simple microwavable bowl cozy using vibrant cotton prints and Wrap n’ Zap batting, along with some helpful ideas for gifting or using your new cozy! And don’t forget – you can follow along with our accompanying YouTube tutorial to make this project even easier. Let’s get started!
What You’ll Need for Your Microwavable Bowl Cozy
Before we start, let’s gather all the supplies you’ll need to create your microwavable bowl cozy. This project is beginner-friendly, and you don’t need a ton of fancy tools or materials. Here’s a simple list to get you going:
- Cotton fabric – Choose two fun, coordinating cotton prints. You’ll need two 9 inch squares of fabric for each cozy. The fabric should be 100% cotton because synthetic fabrics may melt or catch fire when exposed to heat in the microwave. I prefer to use two complimentary prints to make the bowl cozies reversible and more interesting, but you could totally have each side be the same fabric.
- Wrap n’ Zap batting – This is a special batting designed for use in microwave projects. Unlike regular batting, the Wrap n’ Zap does not contain any glues or scrim that may catch fire when heated. The Wrap n’ Zap also helps protect your hands from hot bowls by providing insulation. You’ll need two 9 inch squares of this batting per cozy.
- Thread – Use a cotton thread to match the color of your fabric. Again, cotton will not melt when heated in the microwave.
- Scissors or rotary cutter – To cut your fabric and batting squares.
- Sewing machine – While you can certainly hand-sew the cozy, using a sewing machine makes it faster and easier!
- Pins or fabric clips – To hold the pieces of fabric and batting together while you sew.
- Iron and ironing board – To press your fabric and batting for a neat and crisp finish.
Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Your Microwavable Bowl Cozy
Now that we have everything ready, let’s walk through the steps to create your own microwavable bowl cozy! Don’t worry – this is a simple project that will leave you with a beautiful and useful item that makes a fantastic addition to your kitchen.
Step 1: Cut Your Fabric and Batting
First, cut your fabric and batting into 9 inch squares. You’ll need two fabric squares and two batting squares per cozy. The size of your square may vary depending on the size of the bowl you plan to use, but this 9 inch measurement works well for most standard bowls.
Tip: To make the fabric pieces match perfectly, use a rotary cutter, acrylic ruler and cutting mat for a smooth and accurate cut.
Step 2: Layer the Fabric and Batting
Once your fabric and batting are cut, it’s time to layer them. Take one square of cotton fabric, place it right side down, then place one square of batting on top of the wrong side. Do the same with the other fabric square and batting. Make sure the fabric is centered on the batting and that the edges align as best as possible.
Step 3: Pin or Clip the Layers Together
Now it’s time to hold the fabric and batting layers together. You can either use straight pins or fabric clips for this step. We recommend using clips, especially for thicker batting like Wrap n’ Zap.
Step 4: Quilt through the Fabric and Batting Squares
Sew an “X” from corner to opposite corner on both of the fabric square and batting pieces. The quilting will hold the Wrap n’ Zap in place and provide structure to the bowl cozy
Step 5: Create the Shape of the Bowl Cozy
To give your bowl cozy its signature bowl-holding shape, we need to make some darts. To create the darts, fold the fabric into quarters. You can either pin it or clip it, then sew a line 1/2 inch from the center of the side edges of the fabric, and down about 2 inches from the raw edge on the center line. This will form the small dart folds that allow the cozy to fit snugly around a bowl.
Step 6: Sew Around the Edges
Layer the two sides of the bowl cozy right sides together, lining up the corners and darts on each side. Then sew a 1/4 inche seam around the edges of the fabric and batting, leaving a small gap of about 2-3 inches on one side. This gap will allow you to turn the fabric right-side out after sewing. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and end of the opening to secure your stitching.
Step 7: Trim the Corners
Once you’ve sewn around the edges, trim the corners of the fabric to reduce bulk. This will help your cozy maintain its shape and give it a cleaner finish when you turn it right-side out.
Step 8: Turn the Cozy Right-Side Out
After trimming, carefully turn your fabric right-side out through the small opening you left in the stitching. Use a pencil or turning tool to push out the corners for a crisp finish.
Step 9: Press the Bowl Cozy
Now it’s time to give your microwavable bowl cozy a good press with an iron. Press the edges and seams so that the fabric lies flat, paying special attention to the opening. Make sure to press the opening inwards to create a neat edge.
Step 10: Sew the Opening Closed
Once your fabric is pressed, it’s time to sew up the opening. You can do this by hand with a whip stitch or on your sewing machine with a straight stitch. I prefer to sew a 1/8 inch top seam around the entire perimeter of the cozy. Afterward, give your cozy one last press to ensure everything is nice and neat.
Step 10: Enjoy Your New Microwavable Bowl Cozy!
And that’s it – you’ve created a beautiful microwavable bowl cozy! Not only is it a practical addition to your kitchen, but it’s also a fun and customizable project that you can make in a variety of fabric prints. Whether you use it for yourself or give it as a gift, this cozy is sure to be a hit.
Fun Ways to Gift or Use Your Microwavable Bowl Cozy
Microwavable bowl cozies make the perfect gift, and you can easily personalize them to suit anyone’s taste! Here are three fun ways to gift or use your new cozy:
- Perfect for Gift Giving – Whether it’s for a birthday, holiday, or housewarming, a microwavable bowl cozy is a unique and thoughtful gift. Choose a fabric print that suits the recipient’s personality – from whimsical florals to modern geometrics. You can even make a set with matching mug rugs for a complete gift bundle!
- Make It a Self-Care Staple – Use your cozy to create a self-care kit. Pair it with a bowl of your favorite comfort food, like soup or oatmeal, and a cozy mug of tea or cocoa. Add a few scented candles and a relaxation playlist, and you’ve got the perfect “me time” gift.
- Sell It at Craft Fairs or Online – Microwavable bowl cozies are a popular item at craft fairs, and they make great products for your Etsy shop or online store. Since they’re customizable, you can make a variety of styles and sizes to appeal to different customers. Plus, they’re quick to make – perfect for building up inventory!
Watch the Full Tutorial on YouTube!
If you’re looking for even more detailed guidance, be sure to check out my accompanying YouTube tutorial for this project! In the video, I’ll walk you through the steps in real-time, giving you helpful tips and tricks to make your microwavable bowl cozy even easier to create. It’s the perfect way to follow along while you sew!
Watch the video HERE: https://youtu.be/7LAJ4XQudNE
Final Thoughts on Your New Microwavable Bowl Cozy
Making your own microwavable bowl cozy is a rewarding project that’s perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike. Whether you’re using it in your own kitchen or gifting it to a friend, it’s a practical item that can be customized with any fabric you love. Plus, with Wrap n’ Zap batting, you’re adding an extra layer of safety and comfort to your creations.
So grab your fabric, your sewing machine, and get started! With a little time and creativity, you’ll have a cozy that’s both cute and functional, perfect for holding those hot bowls of food. Happy sewing! Janice
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