You’re going to love this happy little cover for your sourdough starter. It makes me smile to see these pretty linen covers on my jars. This pattern makes a great beginner sewing project or quick handmade gift. Gather a few basic sewing supplies and get ready to make this sourdough starter jar cover free sewing pattern.
Sourdough starter thrives with a breathable lid. It can’t be completely airtight because the fermentation process releases gases, and the pressure buildup could potentially break the jar.
This reusable, washable lid made of linen or cotton is a practical and pretty way to help store your starter. All you need are some fabric scraps and elastic to whip out these sourdough starter jar covers for yourself or some friends.
These jar covers are reversible, so you could use a different fabric for each side. You could even pick a fabric for morning/evening feedings to remind yourself when you last fed your starter!
Are you ready to sew? Let’s get to it!
Supplies Needed for Making the Sourdough Starter Jar Cover:
Fabric scraps (linen, cotton, etc.)
Thread
Pins or Sewing Clips
Sewing Machine
Sewing Pen (disappears with steam!)
Jar Cover Template – Print the template on standard 8.5″ by 11″ paper and cut it out.
How to Sew the Jar Cover:
Let’s dive in and start sewing the sourdough starter jar cover!
Step 1. Cut out two circles of fabric
To begin, cut out two circles of linen or cotton fabric using the pattern template.
Step 2. Pin the circles together
With right sides of the fabric facing, pin the circles together. (Note: the fabric I used here does not have a right/wrong side.)
Step 3. Sew the circles together
Sew the two circles together using a 1/4″ seam allowance, leaving a 1-1.5″ gap when you come back around. Be sure to backstitch at the beginning and ending to secure the stitching.
Step 4. Turn Right Side Out
Using the small opening that you left, reach in and turn the fabric right sides out, smoothing out the edges with your fingers.
Step 5. Iron your jar cover flat
Next, use an iron to press the circle smooth, using your fingers to make sure the edges are pushed out all the way.
Step 6. Sew a Channel for the Elastic
Now it is time to sew a channel for the elastic. We are going to topstitch a row of stitching 3/4″ inside the outer edge. You can either draw a circle 3/4″ inside all around with a pen (I like this sewing pen that disappears with steam). Or use the 3/4″ stitching guide on your sewing machine.
You will again leave an opening about 1″ wide for the elastic to be inserted later. Be sure to line up the opening with the outer edge opening.
Shown below is the opening to feed the elastic in. Mine is about 3/4″ wide and lined up with the outer edge opening.
Step 7. Sew a final row to close the elastic channel
Next, sew a final channel 3/8″ inside the other row of stitching. I didn’t have to draw a line for this because the outer edge of my machine foot is 3/8″ from the needle, so I used this as my guide. If your machine foot is a different width, be sure to again mark the line with a washable pen before sewing.
Sew a line of stitching 3/8″ inside the first row of topstitching. This time do not leave an opening, sew all the way around and then backstitch to secure.
Here we have the circles with two rows of topstitching, forming the channel for the elastic.
Step 8. Feed the Elastic through the channel
Slip your 8″ piece of elastic onto a safety pin.
Using the safety pin, push the elastic all the way through the channel, being careful to hold or secure the other end so that it does not slip inside. Once you have fed it all the way through, overlap the edges of the elastic and pin them together with the safety pin.
Step 9. Sew the Elastic Together
Using a needle and thread, stitch the overlapped elastic together using a few hand stitches, and tie it off. Let go of the elastic and let it pop into the jar cover. You’re almost done!
Step 10. Sew the holes closes
Using your sewing machine, close the hole on the first line of topstitching that you made.
Finally, close the outer opening by hand with a needle and thread.
You’re done!
The Finished Sourdough Starter Jar Cover
You did it! Stand back and admire your work! The first time through a pattern always takes a little while, but once you’ve made a couple of these, they are quick to whip out! Be sure to make a few so that you always have a clean one for your sourdough starter and make a few for your baker friends while you’re at it!
I hope you enjoyed this free jar cover pattern!
Looking for some yummy recipes to make with your sourdough starter?
Check out my sourdough discard recipes:
