Sometimes you need a little extra traction to open a tight fitting lid on a jar. This jar opener easy sewing project is the solution. I find myself reaching for it almost daily. Plus it can be made with a fabric to match your kitchen and hang on the refrigerator for quick access.
This is a great project for beginners, and they make wonderful gifts.
Printable PDF Version of how to sew a Jar Opener - This PDF version has been optimized for printing and you won’t need to access the internet every time you want to make it. If you would like to purchase an ad free printable version of this sewing pattern & tutorial, please visit our Etsy Shop listing for Jar Opener - PDF Download & you can purchase a PDF downloadable version of this Jar Lid Opener sewing pattern & tutorial or you can keep reading for the free version of this tutorial.
Supplies for a Jar Opener Easy Sewing Project
Choose a rubber shelf liner and fabric in coordinating colors. Both squares of fabric can be the same pattern or different. You will be able to see it fully on one side and peeking through the rubber shelf liner on the other. Quilting cotton works well, and this is a great project for using up scraps or pretty fat quarters you have laying around.
The magnet shown is round and covered in plastic, but any size and shape magnet will work. It cannot be seen when enclosed between the fabric squares. Think function over form when choosing a magnet, or you may choose not to include the magnet at all. It is handy for hanging the jar opener on the refrigerator, but you may want to keep yours in a kitchen drawer.
How to Make a Jar Opener Easy Sewing Project
Cut the rubber shelf liner and coordinating fabric into 7″ x 7″ squares. Don’t use your fabric scissors to cut the rubber shelf liner. (It’s not fabric.) A rotary tool like this and cutting mat are handy for this step, especially if you are making multiples. You may need to replace the blade after cutting quite a few. This rotating cutting mat makes it go even faster!
Layer the rubber shelf liner between the two squares of fabric with right sides together.
Pin or clip the layers together to hold them in place. I highly recommend these clips. They get a lot of use!
Update: Some folks suggested adding a loop at this point for hanging the jar opener. I thought that was a great idea, so I made a few myself using a four-inch length of ribbon.
Twist the ribbon to make a loop and pin it between the fabric and shelf liner.
The continue with the remaining steps.
Sew around the perimeter of the square leaving a 5″ gap on one side.
Trim the corners so the lay as flat as possible after turning the jar opener inside out. Again, don’t use your fabric scissors. Cut through both fabric layers and the rubber shelf liner. I suppose a rotary cutter will work here too. I just had non-fabric scissors handy.
Pull the fabric and rubber shelf liner through the opening to turn it right side out. You should see the rubber shelf liner on one side…
and the right side of your fabric on the other. Use a turning tool or chopstick to push the corners out and shape them. Then finger press the entire square. Do not use an iron. It will melt the rubber.
Slip your magnet between the fabric layers, and move it to the center of the square to keep it out of the way while sewing.
Turn the opening under and hold it in place with pins or clips.
Top stitch around the perimeter of the jar opener. Surprisingly, I did not have any issues with the rubber sliding through my sewing machine.
Update: Some readers commented that they had trouble getting the rubber shelf liner to slide through their sewing machine. You can add a piece of paper and sew through it.
Then tear away the paper. It works perfectly!
The tricky part was preventing the magnet from sticking to the metal sewing machine plate. You might have to hold it away from the plate slightly, or move it to the side as you sew around the square.
For the final step, move the magnet to a corner, and stitch an X in the center of the jar opener. This prevents the layers from moving around when you use it to open a jar.
That’s all there is to it!
You should see fabric on one side and rubber shelf liner on the opposite. They are fun to make in any color that matches your kitchen.
Upate: Here is the second set I made where some have the loops added for hanging.
Hang the jar opener easy sewing project on the fridge for easy access whenever you need a little extra traction to open a stubborn jar.
Since I made several, I put them all on the fridge low enough for my toddler to reach them. He thought it was fun to pull them off, use them as frisbees, and eventually put them back in different patterns.
This jar opener easy sewing project is perfect for gift giving. I’m thinking hostess gifts for the holidays. You could add it to a bag or basket of kitchen items for a house warming gift or wedding gift too.
They are also great sellers at craft fairs and bazaars and quick to whip up in large quantities.
Jar Opener Easy Sewing Project
Easy to follow photos and instructions to sew a jar opener
Materials
- Rubber Shelf Liner
- 7″ Square of Fabric (2)
- Magnet
Tools
- Sewing Machine
- Thread
- Scissors
- Rotary Cutter
- Cutting Mat
Instructions
- Cut the rubber shelf liner into a 7" x 7" square with the rotary cutter and cutting mat.
- Layer the rubber shelf liner between two squares of fabric with right sides together.
- Pin or clip to hold the layers in place.
- Sew around the perimeter leaving a 5" gap on one side.
- Trim the corners.
- Pull the fabric and rubber shelf liner through the opening to turn it right side out.
- Turn the corners out completely and finger press.
- Slide the magnet between the fabric layers, and move it to the center.
- Turn the opening under and clip or pin.
- Top stitch around the perimeter.
- Move the magnet to a corner, and stitch and X in the center.
Notes
- Do not use fabric scissors to cut rubber shelf liner.
- Do not iron rubber shelf liner.
- If you have trouble getting the shelf liner through your sewing machine, add a piece of paper and sew through it. Then tear away the paper.
Recommended Products
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RayLineDo 5X Different Pattern Green 100% Cotton Poplin Fabric Fat Quarter Bundle 46 x 56cm (Appox 18" x 22") Patchwork Quilting Fabric -
Gorilla Grip Original Drawer and Shelf Liner, Non Adhesive Roll (12" x 20' Size) Durable and Strong, for Drawers, Shelves, Cabinets, Storage, Kitchen and Desks (Beige) -
Creative Hobbies Industrial Ceramic Circle Magnets 11/16 Inch Flat - 18mm Round Disc - 3/16" Thick - Ferrite Magnets Bulk for Crafts, Science & Hobbies, Refrigerator or Whiteboard - 100 pcs/Box!
