Bowl Cozies

Do you ever wish you had something you could put your bowl in before putting it into the microwave so you didn’t burn yourself getting it out? These bowl cozies are the perfect solution. They are like microwavable pot holders. You put your bowl into them, warm up your soup, oatmeal, or even your frozen veggies and the cozy stays cool. There are lots of different versions out there. I’m going to show you two, my original one and then the variation my husband came up with. The original one is like most of the ones out there so if you are looking for something different go with his.
These are super simple to make. Really anyone who can follow a line can do this. It’s the perfect project for those who aren’t sure in their sewing skills and want to get better.

bowl cozy

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To see the updated directions for the octagon bowl cozy check out our newer post with free templates.
NEEDED SUPPLIES – Per Bowl Cozy
2 10 1/2 – 11 inch squares of 100% cotton fabric, this depends on the width of your fabric you want to cut 4 squares from each width of fabric
2 squares of cotton batting the same size of your fabric, I prefer Warm and Natural * See bottom of the post
Basic sewing supplies

CONSTRUCTION DIRECTIONS
Step 1 – We need to draw some lines. Very simple we draw from corner to corner, to make an X. then we draw a cross by drawing a line down the middle and across the middle. I know the lines are hard to see in the photo but they are there.
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Step 2 – Before we head to the sewing machine we need to sandwich our fabric and our batting. We are making open face sandwiches though. You can use a couple of safety pins but I prefer to use hair spray. Just a light spray will hold your fabric and batting together.
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Step 3 – We just need to sew down the lines. All four of them. We do this to both sandwiches. Trim and square as needed.
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Step 4 – We need to cut some notches. The size of the notch is dependent on how much sides you want. The fruit one is 1/2 inch on either side of the line and the black and red is a full inch. To make your notch you measure from the center line out and put a small mark. Then you draw a diagonal line from the mark to the center stitching. For the 1/2 inch your line should be about 1 3/4 inch long, on the 1 inch it’s about 2 1/2 inches. If you are familiar with garment construction we are making a dart.
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Step 5 – Now we have to sew those notches together so that we turn this flat square into something 3D. We sew right sides together with 1/4 inch seam. Follow your cut edge all the way down until you run off the fabric. Repeat this on all notches, 8 total.
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Step 6 – We now have two cozy like items. We have to sew them together. Right sides together of course. DO NOT start sewing on a corner. We have to leave an opening so we can turn it. I usually leave it in the middle. Attempt to line up your stitching lines as best as you can. Sew with 1/4 inch seam.
Step 7 – Clip the corners, just cut a little off don’t cut your stitches. Turn your bowl cozy right side out.
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Step 8 – We need to close of that hole. To do that we just stitch around the edge using a 1/4 inch seam. Be sure that the edges of the opening are tucked in. I suggest making sure you have a good sturdy needle like a denim needle. The “darts” are pretty thick and breaking a needle sucks.
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So that’s the basic cozy. It’s simple and it’s what most people do. My husband actually started making these to improve on his sewing skills. He got bored doing the same thing over and over so he started playing with the design.
Steps 1-3 are the same.
Step 4 – Not only are we going to cut the notches but we are going to cut the corners. Now my husband has made a handy template for this step, I told you he makes a lot of these. Without the template though you measure over 3 1/4 inches from the middle line and make a mark in both directions. Then you cut the corner off.
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Step 5 – This step is optional. Now we get to do some FMQ, free motion quilting, you can do whatever you want.
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Then you finish it in the same way as before. I will admit I do like these just a little bit better than the original. The handles stick out just a little better.

*Warm and Natural has a poly scrim. Meaning it is not 100% cotton, The Warm Company does make a 100% cotton batting called Warm and Plush. Anytime you put something into the microwave you run the risk of it catching on fire. The debate of 100% cotton batting vs. blended batting rages in every sewing group I’ve ever belonged to. Some say any fabric/batting runs the risk of catching on fire and having poly in it doesn’t increase the odds. Other’s swear 100% cotton is the only way to go. I have not had any issues with the Warm and Natural in these, we’ve been using them for over a year now. I do not put them in the microwave for more than 2 minutes at a time. Please, do your own research on this and make an informed decision.

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Before I leave you today I wanted to share a quick story with you about the ratty looking cutting mat. It really needs to be replaced and I have my eye out for one the same size. This mat is on its last leg as you can tell. There’s one part that is almost worn through. This mat was my mom’s mat. I can’t tell you the 100s of quilts that were cut out on this mat. When it’s finally replaced I’ll be cutting out that worn out area and framing it.

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