Just in time for summer! DIY Reusable Dish Covers

How to sew your own reusable dish covers for your next 4th of July party

Summer is here, and for many of us, that means backyard barbecues, pool parties, and family picnics. That’s why summer is my favorite time of the year. We look forward to being outside more and enjoying the “dog days” of summer. We often get together with our neighbors and have pool parties and barbecues. It’s standard to bring your own prepared dish to share. In the South, you have to cover your food or there will be swarms of bugs (EW! I know).

If you’re a food lover who hates wasting single-use plastic wrap or aluminum foil, I’ve got the perfect eco-friendly solution for you! Say hello to DIY reusable dish covers! These fun, practical covers are not only a sustainable choice but also bring a pop of personality to every gathering.

For this tutorial, I'll walk you through how to make your own dish covers using simple materials (think bandanas in festive red, white, and blue!) and a few sewing tools. Perfect for keeping bugs at bay during outdoor parties or safely storing leftovers in your fridge. Are you ready? Let's make something fun, reusable, and easy to sew together.

Here’s what you’ll need to get started

Materials:

• Brother sewing machine (I used the Brother SE1900 for its versatility. Alternatively, you could use the Brother SE2000 sewing machine.)
• Bandanas or fabric of your choice
• Double-fold bias tape or a bias tape maker
• 1/4” Elastic
• Safety pin
• Fabric marker
• Pins
• Thread
• Scissors
• Measuring tape

Here’s your step-by-step tutorial on how to sew reusable dish covers

1. Measure and cut your fabric

Place the bowl you plan to cover on the back side of your fabric with the top of the bowl facing down. Trace around the top of the bowl with a fabric marker. Add a 1” perimeter around the outline. I used measuring tape and just added dashes 1” out and connected them.

2. Cut different sizes of fabric

Cut out your fabric on the outer line. You can easily do this for any size bowl. I like to use these covers for storing leftovers.

3. Attach the bias tape

Pin the double-fold bias tape around the outer edge of the circle so the raw edge is encased in between. Wrap around and ensure a 1” overlap of the bias tape.

Pro tip: Cut the bias tape after sewing to make sure it fits.

Sew the bias tape in place, stitching close to the inner folded edge. Be sure to catch all three layers as you are sewing. Leave a 1” opening for inserting the elastic.

4. Add the elastic

Use a measuring tape to get the circumference of the bowl you plan to use this for. Subtract 3” from that and cut your elastic to that measurement. Attach a safety pin to the end of the elastic and use it to pull it through the casing you created with the bias tape. Once through overlap the elastic ends ½” and sew back and forth with a zigzag stitch to secure.

5. Close the seam

Trim the bias tape if you haven’t done so, fold over the edge ¼”, pin over the start to overlap about ¼”, and finish sewing the opening closed.

6. Admire your work

Your dish cover should now resemble a fun, colorful "shower cap" for your bowls. Repeat for other sizes, and before you know it, you'll have a full set of charming reusable covers! Now go ahead and make them in every color and pattern. Just a heads up—you might get carried away and end up with 20 before you know it!

Now go make them in all the colors and all the sizes. Be careful with this one - you might just have 20 dish covers after the first one.

Create easy summer crafts from bandanas

These DIY reusable dish covers are practical, sustainable, and a charming addition to any summer table. Perfect for picnics, BBQs, or even just adding a splash of color to your fridge. Now it’s your turn! Grab some bandanas, elastic, your sewing machine, and start crafting.

Interested in more summer sewing projects? Learn how to sew this table runner for the 4th of July or this Hello Summer banner DIY project.

FAQs

Q: Can I use any fabric I have at home?
A: Absolutely! Just make sure to choose washable and durable fabric. Bonus points for using upcycled materials like old bandanas, tablecloths, or quilting scraps.

Q: What if I don’t have bias tape on hand?
A: No problem! You can make your own using a bias tape maker or cut fabric strips at a 45-degree angle.

Q: How do I clean the reusable covers?
A: Simply toss them in the washing machine with your regular laundry. Use a gentle cycle and air dry to keep them looking fresh.

Q: Will these fit over oddly shaped dishes?
A: Since the elastic creates a flexible fit, your covers should work on a variety of bowl shapes and sizes! You can even tweak the elastic length for an extra-custom fit.