Homemade Victorian Jar Cover

by Cabin Annie
(Loup City, NE)

Who did you make it for?

The first several bags I made like this were of varied sizes and fabrics but all of a vintage look. Some were sold for vase covers, now wouldn't that be a nice addition to a bouquet of flowers?

I decided to make one for us to put our change jar in; it sure fits our bedroom decor better than that plastic jar did. My husband and I never spend our change when we go shopping, we bring it all home and deposit it in this container. It has taken us on vacations and gotten us by many times when money was tight.


What materials did you use?

• 7 inch empty container


• 14 inches of 2 inch lace


• 24 inches of two 1/4 inch ribbons


• 24 inches of 1/2 inch ribbon


• 2 pieces of drapery or other heavy soft fabric


• Antique hankie


• 2 inch x 26 inch matching scrap of fabric


• 2 inch x 26 inch fusible web


• Sewing machine


• Needle and thread


• Iron

How did you make it?

Any size container would work of course, mine happened to be a empty plastic peanut container when the idea hit me. I had a scrap of vintage Victorian drapery material leftover that I used. The hankie was in my collection.

Sew one of your 2"x 26" pieces of matching fabric to the top of one square of fabric, right side to right side. There is no need to hem this scrap unless you want to.

Fold this scrap and then hem to the wrong side of your drapery fabric.

Fuse fusible web between this scrap and your drapery fabric.

On the right side of this same piece of drapery fabric place your lace across the top from one end to the other, down about 3 inches. Far enough that when you tie your ribbons under the rim of your container and above the fat part of your container your lace will be below the tie.

Fold your hankie in half and finger press for a mark to hand stitch it by. Position it where you want it and use a long running stitch of matching thread to hold it in place. Bring the top half down over the bottom hiding your stitches.

Lay your two squares right sides together and hem around the three raw edges. Turn right side out and place your container inside your completed bag. Tie your ribbons around the container just above were it juts out.


Anything else you'd like to share about your project?

Whether you make one to complete a bouquet or hide your change you will be surprised how quickly this project can be finished and enjoyed. Your change will now be hidden from view and you will be surprised how fast this "unwatched" pot will grow.

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