How to Sew Reversible Fabric Jar Covers

There is something so comforting about jars lined up in the kitchen. They're filled with bubbling kombucha or kefir, others hold sourdough starter quietly rising, and many simply keep tea or water close at hand. Whatever their purpose, they all benefit from a simple cover to keep dust and insects away while still letting air move freely.

I first stitched these cloth jar covers out of necessity, needing something quick and washable for my own fermenting projects. Over time I began to enjoy making them just as much for the small satisfaction of putting scraps of fabric to use. They take only a short time to sew, yet they add a thoughtful, handmade touch to the everyday rhythm of kitchen life.

In this tutorial I will show you how to sew reversible fabric jar covers that fit both wide mouth and small mouth jars, with an easy option to resize them for any vessel you use most. It is a beginner-friendly project, perfect for turning bits of fabric into something useful and long-lasting. You will also find a printable pattern template linked at the bottom of this post, ready to download and use.

Supplies and Materials

  • Fabric scraps, at least two pieces 8 x 8 inches
    Good choices include lightweight linen, cotton gauze, or muslin

  • 8 inches of 1/4 inch elastic

  • Matching thread

  • Safety pin

  • Iron (for pressing)

  • Printable pattern template (linked at the bottom of this post)

Instructions

  1. Cut your fabric
    Trace the jar cover template onto your fabric and cut out two circles.

  2. Sew the circles together
    Place the fabric circles right sides together. Stitch around the edge with a 1/2 inch seam allowance, leaving a 1 inch opening.

  3. Trim and turn
    Trim the seam allowance down to 1/4 inch. Turn the cover right side out, using your finger or a blunt tool like a Point Turner or popsicle stick to push out the edges. Press flat with an iron.

  4. Make the elastic casing
    Stitch around the circle again, 1/4 inch (1 cm) in from the edge, to form a channel for the elastic. Do not leave an opening.

  5. Insert the elastic
    Attach a safety pin to one end of the elastic and guide it all the way through the channel. Secure elastic end with clip or another safety pin to hold in place.

  6. Join the elastic
    Overlap the ends of the elastic by about 1/2 inch and stitch them securely together.

  7. Finish the cover
    Close the 1 inch opening with a row of edge stitching or a few hand stitches.

Your reversible jar cover is ready to use! Slip it onto any jar to keep dust and insects away while letting air move as it should.

You can download the printable pattern template here, which will give you everything you need to get started. If you’d like to sew along with me, I’ve also made a step-by-step video tutorial on my YouTube channel where I walk through the whole process. You’ll find the link just below. Between the printable pattern and the video, you’ll have all the guidance you need to make your own set of reversible fabric jar covers.

Reversible Jar Cover Video Tutorial

If you enjoy this project, be sure to subscribe to my YouTube channel for more tutorials and join my mailing list for new patterns, tips, and handmade inspiration delivered right to your inbox

Back to blog