We are all trying to do our bit to reduce plastic waste, and the kitchen is one area where you can make plenty of changes. Cling film can easily be eradicated from regular use by replacing it with waxed food wraps. You can buy these now from various retailers, but Juliet Bawden is here to show us how to make our own, allowing you to choose any fabric design you like – and I think you’ll agree, it looks much prettier than cling film ever did!
You will need:
- Closely woven cotton fabric, similar to a bed sheet in feel. We got ours from Cloth and Candy
- Wax – either grated from a large block or you can buy wax pellets on line.
- Baking parchment
- A flat baking tray
- Pinking shears
- Flat decorators paint brush
- Tape measure
- Paper scissors
- Use the bowl or vessel you wish to cover as a template and draw around leaving an extra two centimetres on each side. Cut out the fabric with pinking shears so you won’t have to hem the fabric.
2. Line a baking tray with parchment paper, then place the fabric on top and sprinkle the wax evenly on the fabric.
3. Place in a low temperature oven, approx. 100°C, and watch the fabric through the oven door until the wax melts into the cloth, this should take between five and ten minutes. Remove carefully and use a paintbrush to spread the wax, covering any parts of the fabric where the wax may not have penetrated.
4. Hang the fabric up to dry. Once the cloth is dry it will still feel slightly sticky and waxy but that is the nature of the beast. You can make cloths for specific containers or larger pieces which can be multi-purpose and could wrap items such as loaves of bread or pieces of fruit.
Wash your wraps after use in cool water with some gentle soap and leave to dry.
Photography: Antonia Attwood
