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.
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)
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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!
Hi Heather!!! I love your idea. I am going to give this a try. I have a small portable sewing machine that I mostly use for repairing seams and such. This looks pretty easy though and I will give this a try. Love your blog!!!
It is definitely easy! Will yours be blue? Just a guess. Haha! Thanks for reading!
What a great idea. Just the thing for slipping into Christmas Cards for friends
Your friends are going to love that!
I love these ! A clever idea! I lengthened my stitch a little and used some stabilizer on top of the shelf liner as mine was a little heavier than yours appeared. It worked great.
I bet they turned out great with the stabilizer. Thank you for sharing!
These are great, going to make some for gifts and myself. My only question is are these washable and dryable?
They are washable, but I would air dry. The dryer may melt the shelf liner.
What a great idea for using up scraps of material. I am going to give it a try.
I love this idea! I’m already thinking ahead of Christmas presents for next year!
P.S.-I saw you live in SW VA…so do I. ????
Yay for SWVA!
I’m new to sewing and think this would be a great beginner project to do! I’m wondering though what kind of needle you used since you are sewing through rubber shelf liner,? Can you just use a regular needle that you would use with the lighter weight cotton or would you want to use a needle that is made for heavier material like denim ?
Hi Cassie! This is a great beginner project. I used a size 12 needle, which is pretty universal. You don’t need anything special. Good luck with your jar opener!
I have made a few of these with cotton fabric and find that the fabric slips in my hand while trying to open a jar. Any suggestions to help prevent this?
Hi Pam. Did you stitch the center of the square as a very last step? On a couple of mine I stitched all the way across the square in a few places to keep everything in place. At the time I was experimenting with how it looked, but it really helps the cotton stay in place when opening jars too.
Hi. My machine will not see with the rubber liner. Not when face up or down. Any suggestions? TIA
Hi Joanne! You might try placing a piece of wax paper on top of the shelf liner to help it slide through the machine. Then pull the paper off. Let me know if that works please.
I found the jar openers at a quilt show with the edges pinked–very easy and even quicker I think. They are wonderful, especially for the cheaper water bottles. They are also a way to use leftover smaller quilt blocks, then you can stitch on the piecing lines.
Took a few minutes and made one just see if I could. It came out really cute. I am thinking for Christmas later this year.
So glad you tried it! They would be great Christmas gifts!
dp you take the sticky back off of the magnet
Mine did not have a sticky back, but I would leave it on if yours does. You don’t want it to stick to the fabric.
I love this idea….but, how do you get it to NOT pucker when doing the ‘x’?????
A walking foot can help. I don’t mind a bit of pucker though.
Great idea. Thanks.
Thank you!
I love this!! It’s something I could use all the time and don’t actually have a proper gripper. It’s a perfect project for us new sewer’s. Thank you!
Janet Verisotosky.
I’m so glad you like it, Janet!
Such a great idea! Can’t wait to try this!!
Thank you!
I’ve made 3 already and really love them! I had a hard jar lid to open and it worked perfectly:)
Thank you for your quick & easy idea.
Yay! I’m so glad!
What kind of shelf paper are you using. Seems more open weaved than what I have seen
It is rubber shelf liner that does have an open weave. You can get more details about it at this link:
https://www.amazon.com/Gorilla-Grip-Original-Non-Adhesive-Cabinets/dp/B07773PQG7/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&qid=1540823849&sr=8-18&keywords=rubber+shelf+liner&linkCode=ll1&tag=ahappyfav-20&linkId=f4f789b7f72be29c78bd3e544e9d3f3e&language=en_US
What size roll do you get? How much waste do you have?
My roll was 12″ x 20″. I wouldn’t say I had any waste because I used the shelf liner in my kitchen, bathrooms, office, etc. Every little piece gets used somewhere. The dollar store sells 12″ x 6″ rolls if you want something smaller.
Thank you for this little idea. My 10yr old grandaughter is learning to sew and has made many of these for her family. Thank you so much she just loves sewing.
I love this comment so much. Thank you for sharing!
what is the purpose of having the magnet coated.
There is no purpose of the coating. It was part of the supplies I had on hand. Any magnet will work.
Great project. I had trouble topstitching the self lining so I just put wax paper on top and it sewed nicely, Wax paper tore away perfectly.
Awesome! Nice tip!
How much would you sell these for? I would like to make these for a non profit to sell as a fundraiser. Thank you in advance
I would probably bundle them with a wooden spoon and spatula for $10. If selling alone, maybe $5? People are usually willing to pay more at a fundraiser though.
Great project. one of my coworkers was looking for a jar opener. Remembered seeing something on line. Yours was the first to pop up and so easy. All the ladies in my office are getting one. Takes no time at all. Thank you again for the easy directions.
I have a question about selling these, could you please email me?
Thanks!
Thanks so much for posting this easy project! It was so quick and easy to make! I got the shelf liner from a Dollar Tree and made two within minutes! This will be a gift, for sure!
I have a couple of questions: First, is the purpose of the magnet only for storage, or does the magnet help with opening the jar? Second, how do you launder these? With the magnet, do they need to be hand washed?
magnet is optional for hanging on the refrigerator. for laundering, I just use light cycle and air dry.
I made two stacks of these using the 5″ squares you get. I live in a Retirement center and each year try to make something inexpensive and fast to hand out to staff and residents for a nice Christmas treat. Last year I made Christmas trees out of material, sewed a hanging cord with it and some put pin backs on them. Everyone was walking around with a tree on them, staff and residents alike and loved them. By making the jar/bottle openers they are getting something very useful this year.
Wonderful idea I was just having trouble with a jar of sauce I could not get open no matter what I did. I will be making a couple of these. Thank you so much for sharing your idea and instructions.
I’ve made lots of these, thanks to you and your pics and instructions. To keep the cloth from slipping I sew an X from corner to corner rather than the small one in the center, but that’s just me, lol. Several other of your items I’ve done for gifts and craft shows that are very popular.
I have made, given away and sold many at fund raisers and craft shows. I cut the fabric and shelf liner into 6” square as the shelf liner usually comes in 12, 18, or 24” widths….then there is no waste. If you are having a problem with sticking on the foot when the liner is on the top, try putting a little pieces of scotch tape or painters tape on the bottom of the feet and it should slide without any difficulty.
I just sewed one of these and am absolutely amazed by how much easier it was to open jars and bottles! Sealed jars can be especially difficult to open and I only needed a fraction of my usual effort to open my new bottle of salsa. I’m going to feature your project on my blog.
LOVE this! I was just looking for my jar opener and couldn’t find it so I was so happy to see this! Very easy to make. Thank you so much!