DIY: Mason Jar Cloth Covers

This DIY for Mason Jar Cloth Covers is an excellent easy project for anyone wishing to make a protective cover for jarred foods.

Inspiration for Mason Jar Cloth Covers

This is a long overdue cabbage or stash busting project of mine that will not only help me get rid of some cotton and linen fabric scraps, but also help protect some of my new fermentation projects.

I recently got into kombucha brewing (more on that later), and after a three year hiatus, I started baking sourdough again. I needed something more hygienic and longer lasting than a paper towel and rubber band to protect my ferments.

You might not be looking to ferment anything, but if you are looking for something decorative for your mason jars, these covers are an excellent project. They also double as an excellent project for sewing beginners.

Importance of Cloth Covers

Other than being aesthetically pleasing, mason jar cloth covers do have a purpose:

Preservation of Freshness: Cloth coverings help preserve the freshness of stored goods by providing a breathable yet protective barrier. They allow air circulation while preventing dust and contaminants from entering the jar.
Fermentation and Culturing: Cloth coverings are often used in fermentation and culturing processes, such as making sourdough starters, kombucha, or pickles. The breathable fabric allows gases produced during fermentation to escape while keeping out unwanted debris.
Protection from Pests: In outdoor settings or when storing pantry items, cloth coverings act as a barrier against insects and pests. The fabric helps keep unwanted critters away from the contents of the Mason jar.
Light Protection: For light-sensitive contents, such as oils or herbs, cloth coverings provide a degree of protection against exposure to light. This is important to maintain the quality of certain substances that can be affected by prolonged light exposure.
Reduced Condensation: In certain storage conditions, condensation may occur inside a closed jar. Cloth coverings help mitigate this issue by allowing some moisture to escape, preventing excess humidity inside the container.
Decorative and Aesthetic Appeal: Cloth coverings can add a decorative and aesthetically pleasing touch to Mason jars. They come in various colors and patterns, allowing individuals to personalize and beautify their storage containers.
Reusable and Eco-Friendly: Cloth coverings are often reusable and can be washed, making them an eco-friendly alternative to disposable covers or plastic wrap. This aligns with the growing trend towards sustainable and low-waste living.
Flexibility in Use: Cloth coverings are versatile and can be easily customized to fit various jar sizes. This flexibility makes them suitable for a wide range of containers and purposes.
Breathability for Sprouting: When sprouting seeds or legumes, cloth coverings allow air circulation, helping to create an optimal environment for the sprouting process. The fabric also prevents the accumulation of excess moisture.
Cultivation of Sourdough Starters: For those cultivating sourdough starters, a cloth covering is essential. It allows the natural wild yeasts in the environment to contribute to the fermentation process, helping develop the unique flavor of sourdough.

Design Choice

After doing some much needed decluttering, I magically ended up with a little more free time to get back into cooking. It might be an outdated trend, but I still love mason jars and I use them all of the time for food storage and fermentation from sourdough to pickling to kombucha brewing.

I decided to go with a simple and easy to clean square design. Food grade rubber or silicone rubber bands can be used to secure the cloth covers to any jar or container. I mimicked the cloth cover I received with my Fermentaholics kombucha kit.

Fabric Recommendations

Since these cloth covers are for food production, 100% undyed cotton or linen is recommended. Bonus points if it is organically grown. Many ferments are sensitive to chemicals, dyes, and pesticides in our environment, so try to stick to natural, undyed fabrics.

If you are eager to use synthetic materials such as polyester or nylon, keep in mind that they are not nearly as breathable as cotton and linen and can harbor and hold on to more bacteria and viruses than natural fabrics. If you are making the mason jar covers for decorative or aesthetic appeal, then I would not worry about what kind of material you use since you can wash these covers regularly. However, if they are serving an actual function in cooking, cotton and linen are more hygienic and effective.

The same mindset applies to dyed fabrics. Food safe fabrics are ideal if you are adamant about using color in your project. You want to refrain from any materials that might bleed into your foods. My favorite way to add color into a mason cloth cover, however, is by adding embroidery along the cloth’s border.

10 Reasons to Make Your Own Mason Jar Cloth Covers

Environmentally Friendly: Organic cotton and linen are grown without synthetic pesticides, herbicides, and genetically modified organisms (GMOs). This reduces the environmental impact associated with conventional cotton and linen production.
Chemical-Free Farming: Organic farming practices for cotton and linen involve avoiding synthetic chemicals. This is beneficial for the environment and helps maintain soil health, preventing the contamination of water sources.
Reduced Water Usage: Organic cotton and linen farming typically requires less water compared to conventional methods. By choosing organic materials, you contribute to water conservation efforts and minimize the ecological footprint of the fabric.
Non-GMO: Organic cotton and linen are non-genetically modified. This ensures that the fabric is produced through natural breeding methods, supporting biodiversity and reducing the potential risks associated with GMO cultivation.
Healthier for Farmers: Organic farming practices prioritize the well-being of farmers by minimizing exposure to harmful chemicals. This contributes to better working conditions and the overall health of agricultural communities.
Biodegradability: Both organic cotton and linen are biodegradable materials. After their useful life as Mason jar cloth covers, they can naturally break down, reducing the environmental impact of the end-of-life disposal.
Low Environmental Impact Processing: The processing of organic cotton and linen typically involves eco-friendly methods that use fewer chemicals and energy compared to conventional processing. This further reduces the overall environmental impact.
Hypoallergenic Properties: Organic cotton and linen are known for their hypoallergenic properties. Choosing these materials for Mason jar cloth covers reduces the risk of skin irritation and allergies, making them a safe choice for food-related applications.
Quality and Durability: Organic cotton and linen are known for their durability and longevity. Choosing high-quality materials ensures that your Mason jar cloth covers will withstand repeated use and washing, reducing the need for frequent replacements.
Support for Sustainable Agriculture: By opting for organic cotton and linen, you contribute to the demand for sustainable and environmentally friendly agricultural practices. This, in turn, supports the broader shift toward a more sustainable and regenerative approach to farming.

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Pattern Specifications

Difficulty Level: BEGINNER

Estimated Time: 40 Hours

Finished Dimensions: 7″x7″ (18×18 cm) OR 9”x9” (23×23 cm)

Fabrics and Materials Used

1/4 yard 100% undyed organic cotton or linen. Muslin works really well.
Thread color of your choice
Pins and an iron

Mason Jar Cloth Cover Video Instructions

Mason Jar Cloth Cover Instructions

Step One: Iron and cut the fabric

Wash and dry your fabric first to prevent future shrinking.
Iron out your fabric and cut out a 9×9 inch (23×23 centimeter) square. For larger 1 gallon jars, cut out an 11×11 inch (28×28 centimeter) square.
You may cut out additional squares to make more covers if your fabric allows.

Step Two: Sew the hems

Create a hem by folding one of the edges over by 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch (1 centimeter) TWICE. Iron the hem down and pin it into place. Repeat this step on the opposite edge.
Topstitch the hems.
Fold the remaining edges over by 1/4 inch to 1/2 inch (1 centimeter) TWICE. Iron the hems down and pin them into place. Topstitch the hems.