How To Make a Microwave Potato Bag
Pam and I have seen these at craft shows and I have tested the concept with a cotton towel and indeed they do work. After seeing patterns in the quilt stores that we visit for 9 or 10 dollars I decided I could figure this out on my own. This is prototype #2.
To make this you will need the following (Really enough to make four)
2 colorful 100% cotton fat quarters (These are sold in most fabric stores and are pieces of fabric 18"x21")
1 contrasting 100% cotton fat quarter for top.
2/3 yard of 100% cotton muslin
1 craft size package of warm and natural batting (100% cotton)
1 spool of 100% cotton thread
It is important that all parts of this project are 100% cotton. Using other types of material could result in a fire in your microwave or a shrink wrapped fabric potato. Most polyester fabrics and threads will melt in the microwave. Directions for use will be given at the end of this tutorial. If you make these as gifts you should be sure to include the directions.
Start by cutting your 2 fat quarters into two pieces each measuring 10 1/2" by 21". There will be no waste. I use a rotary cutter and a cutting mat but scissors will work fine. Then cut your contrasting fat quarter into four pieces that are 7" x10 1/2" consider the direction you want the pattern to run if there is a design to this fabric. Next cut you Muslin into into pieces that are 10 1/2" x 24 inches. Finally cut your batting into four pieces that are 10 1/2 inches by 24 inches.
Your pieces for one bag should look like this.
Iron the fabric. Place the colorful fabric and the contrasting fabric good side to good side and set up for a seam. Pin and sew with a 1/2" seam
Press seam open. Then sew seam open. I have found the easiest way to do this is to place the seam at the middle of the foot and move the needle to the right. Using the center of the seam as a guide it is easier to sew a straight stitch down the fabric. When you reach one end turn fabric as sew other side of seam open.
Needle moved right and foot set at center of seam.
When one side is done turn material and do next side of seam.
With seam completed place muslin and front together good side to good side.
Now add batting on top of Muslin.
Next pin and sew. Use a 1/4" seam leaving about 4" unseamed so you can turn the sandwiched fabric right side out once you are done.
Trim corner before you turn fabric.
Turn fabric right side out through un-seamed opening. You can use a chop stick to point the corners.
I then switch to another sewing machine that has a walking foot on it to quilt the bag before final assembly. I use a straight across pattern for the bottom of the bag and a diagonal pattern on the contrasting fabric. I like to use the machine with the walking foot as it is heavier duty and the foot has an adjustable gauge on it that makes keeping the lines straight as you sew. These feet are inexpensive and can be added to most machines. I ordered mine from Sewing Machines Plus on the internet and got free shipping and no tax. You just need to know what type of shank your sewing machine has. You can also do this with a normal foot and a careful eye.
I think you can see the diagonal pattern on the top. Clicking on the pictures should give you a larger image.
Now we are ready for the final assembly. Once again working good side to good side. fold down the top and then fold up the bottom.
Pin and sew down each side. using a 1/2" seam>
Turn the bag right side out.
Use your chopstick to point the corners (fully turn). Your bag is complete.
Instructions for use.
Scrub Potato dab excess water off with paper towel. Wrap potato(es) with same paper towel and insert into bag. Do not pierce potato. This bag will hold two large or four small potatoes. Works will with carrots, sweet potatoes and tortillas as well. Just adjust your time based on what you are cooking.
Place bag in microwave and cook for 4-6 minutes. This will depend on your microwave so some experimentation will be necessary. It takes 6 minutes in ours for 2 medium size potatoes. I also find it works best to cook for three minutes let it set a minute or so and cook for three minutes then let it set for a couple of minutes before removing potatoes from bag. Potatoes will be hot. Open with fork and season to taste.
Bag can be washed on normal cycle and dried on cotton setting to keep it clean and sanitary. In other words throw it in with your towels.
By the way it also makes a good pot holder in a pinch. You can use the scrap batting and fabric to make a pot holder as well. But that would be another story for another day.
The materials for this project should cost you about 10 dollars for enough to make four. The batting will be the biggest expense. We buy when it is on sale at Jo Ann's or Hancock. Both post coupons all the time. Sign up for their loyalty program and you will always have a coupon to use for 40% off. You can also cruise the sale table. There is nothing that says the lining has to be muslin you can use the same fabric as the exterior if you wish or make the exterior one pattern and the interior another. Just be sure that all fabric is 100% Cotton. With a little careful shopping you could spend as little as 5 dollars for the materials for four.
The first bag took me about an hour and a half. That included a lot of playing around deciding exactly how I wanted to put these together. The second took about an hour ( I had to check on dinner several times messed with the flow). Set up to make several at a time it will probably take about 30-40 minutes per bag. From start to finish. But then you have your very own ecologically sound Potato steamer bag for your microwave. And three to give as gifts.
Happy Crafting
Bruce and Pam
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