We created these pretty fabric food covers as a way to keep picnic foods covered, in a non-plastic-wrap way. We remembered the shower cap-looking food covers that were common in the 1970s and decided that we could update them to fit our style. A bonus is that if they get dirty, they’re washable.

To begin, choose any lightweight cotton or cotton blend fabric you like.

1. Spread the fabric wrong side up on your worktable. Invert your bowl on the fabric.

2. Measure out from the rim 1 1/2 inches and mark a circle all the way around the bowl. Remove the bowl and cut out the fabric circle.

3. If you wish, bind the edge of the circle with bias tape. (Bias tape is not necessary, it just gives the covers a more finished look). Then place the circle wrong side up in your sewing machine, with the edge under the presser foot. Lay a narrow piece of elastic on top of the edge and sew a few zigzag stitches over it. Stretch the elastic and continue to  zigzag it to the edge, adjust the elastic and your hands as needed until you’ve sewn all the way around.

Image: John Granen, from my book: The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen. To purchase, click here.