With Drawstring or Elastic Closure
Create your own eco-friendly, reusable food wraps! These beeswax wraps are perfect for covering bowls, wrapping sandwiches, or storing produce. The drawstring or elastic closure makes them extra secure and versatile. This tutorial will guide you through making durable, beautiful wraps that can replace hundreds of pieces of plastic wrap.
Cut your cotton fabric into squares or circles. Popular sizes are 12", 14", or 16". Wash and dry the fabric beforehand to prevent shrinking later. Iron the fabric smooth.
Fold over ½ inch of fabric around the entire perimeter and press with an iron. Then fold over another 1 inch to create a casing for your drawstring or elastic. Pin in place.
Sew around the entire perimeter, staying close to the inner fold edge. This creates a tunnel for your closure. Remember to leave that 2-inch opening!
For those wanting a durable, professional closure system: This paracord setup creates a self-locking drawstring that won't slip and features decorative stopper knots.
Cut your paracord to 4 feet. Seal both ends with a lighter to prevent fraying - carefully melt the ends and press flat while warm.
At one end, make a monkey's fist knot around a small marble or bead for weight. This creates an attractive stopper that prevents the cord from pulling through the casing.
Thread the free end through your fabric casing, leaving the monkey's fist outside. Pull enough cord through to work with comfortably.
About 6 inches from where the cord exits the casing, create a small loop (2-3 inches). This will be your prusik hitch attachment point.
Using the remaining cord, create a prusik hitch around the main line just above your loop. The prusik should slide freely when loose but grip tightly when loaded.
Tie another monkey's fist at the end of the prusik hitch tail. This serves as a grip for tightening and adds visual balance to your drawstring system.
Operation: Pull the second monkey's fist to tighten the wrap around your food. The prusik hitch automatically locks in place under tension. To release, simply lift the prusik hitch slightly to relieve tension, then slide it back to loosen.
Benefits: Won't slip like traditional drawstrings, stays exactly where you set it, looks professional, and the monkey's fists make it easy to grip even with wet hands.
For simple drawstring or elastic closures: Using a safety pin attached to one end, carefully thread your drawstring or elastic through the entire casing. For drawstring: tie knots at both ends. For elastic: overlap and sew the ends together securely.
For paracord system: Your paracord drawstring is already threaded and ready - skip to step 6!
Sew the 2-inch opening closed, making sure not to catch the drawstring, paracord, or elastic in your stitching. Your closure system is now complete!
Place the fabric on parchment paper. Sprinkle grated beeswax evenly across the surface (about 1-2 tablespoons per wrap). Don't wax the casing area - keep it fabric-only for flexibility. Important for paracord systems: Keep extra space around the prusik hitch area wax-free for smooth operation.
Cover with another sheet of parchment paper. Use a warm iron (medium heat) to melt the wax and distribute it evenly. The fabric should look translucent when properly saturated.
Remove the parchment paper immediately and let the wrap cool for 1-2 minutes. Test the drawstring or elastic closure. The wrap should be pliable and slightly tacky when warm.
If any areas look under-waxed, add more beeswax and repeat the heating process. Trim any excess threads. Test your closure system - paracord prusik hitches should slide smoothly when loose and lock firmly under tension. Your professional-grade reusable beeswax food wrap is ready to use!
To Use: Warm the wrap with your hands to make it pliable, then mold around food or bowls. Pull the drawstring tight to secure.
To Clean: Rinse with cool water and mild soap. Air dry completely before storing.
Lifespan: With proper care, your wraps will last 6-12 months. Re-wax as needed when they lose their stickiness.
Storage: Keep flat or loosely rolled in a cool, dry place.