Sewing a thermal cooking bag: A brilliant idea! The Taro thermal bag saves energy and keeps your food deliciously warm.
We took a cue from our grandmothers: to save firewood, they would place hot pots into a box filled with straw. This was known as a hay box or fireless cooker. The contents were cooked slowly and gently and kept warm for hours. The principle is as simple as it is brilliant. And we can use it today to cook sustainably.
Our TARO thermal bag works on the same principle as grandma's hay box. Because it is made of fabric and batting, it is ready to use again after a quick trip through the washing machine. The handles ensure that you can easily carry and hang up the thermal bag. Perfect for pots up to 28 cm in diameter. Further down on this page, you can also download a free PDF with great recipes for the thermal bag.
What's included
- Pattern for printing yourself (DIN A4)
- Tiling plans are included
- Detailed illustrated sewing instructions
- Fits pots up to approx. 28 cm in diameter
- Recipes for the thermal bag
- Sewing level: easy
- Sewing time: approx. 2 hours
What is special about the SewSimple TARO thermal bag?
- Instead of being laboriously filled with polyester fiberfill, the thermal bag is simply insulated with high-performance batting
- TARO is sewn using the turning method, which is easier for beginners than the bias tape version
- Also easy to sew for beginners
- Easily machine washable
- Space-saving and portable
- Versatile
- With a lid for the best insulation
- For both hot and cold dishes
- Saves energy
- Cooks food gently
- Keeps dishes hot or cold for a long time
How does a thermal cooking bag work?
Thermal bags work through their insulation. They retain the residual heat of the hot pot for a long time, thereby cooking the food. No further heat input is necessary to maintain the cooking process. Food is finished cooking in the thermal bag in an energy-saving and nutrient-preserving way.
Skills you should have
Which fabrics are suitable for sewing a thermal bag?
All fabrics that have some body and firmness and are easy to wash are perfectly suitable.
Sewing kits for the TARO thermal bag
Simone from Nähcafé am Wasserturm has prepared sewing kits for the thermal bag. This way, you have everything ready to go and can start immediately. You can choose between two delicious color combinations:
Order thermal bag sewing kits now*
Which batting is suitable for the thermal bag?
In my experience (and I have been using self-sewn thermal bags for years), a mixture of two different types of batting is best. For example, Thermolam in combination with Insul Bright works very well.
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Insul Bright* is a flocked metal foil that is wonderful to sew and perfect for all sewing projects where something needs to be insulated. This also includes cooler bags, etc. According to the manufacturer, however, this batting should always be used in combination with a second layer of batting to be particularly effective at keeping things warm.
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Poly-Therm Fleece by Bosal* works the same way and can also be used. You can make excellent potholders and oven mitts from the remnants.
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Thermolam* is a densely woven polyester batting that is easy to work with. You can also use it in a double layer for the thermal bag; however, the insulating effect is significantly better if it is processed with a layer of Insul Bright or Poly-Therm Fleece.
How do I proceed if I want to fill the thermal bag with granules or fiberfill?
If you prefer natural materials, you can fill the thermal bag with
cork granules* and then finish the edges with bias tape. It can then be washed by hand. Here is how to do it:
- Reinforce fabrics with fusible interfacing
- Sew together at the center circle, wrong sides together, leaving a small gap for filling
- Fill the center circle with cork granules or fiberfill
- Close the seam of the center circle
- Fill the 12 compartments and close the edges with a narrow straight stitch
- Finish the edge with bias tape, inserting loops into the seam
- Sew on the handles
What materials are needed to sew the thermal bag?
- For the thermal bag
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85 x 85 cm each of outer fabric and lining fabric
- 2 x 85 x 85 cm thermal batting, e.g., Insul Bright or Thermolam
- 2 x 45 cm webbing, 3 - 5 cm wide
- 2 x 210 cm cord, width as desired,
- or bias tape sewn together
- For the lid
- 45 x 45 cm each of outer fabric and lining fabric
- 2 x 45 x 45 cm thermal batting
Shopping list for sewing the thermal bag
What accessories do I need for sewing the thermal bag?
Which pot sizes is the SewSimple thermal bag suitable for?
You can accommodate pots with a diameter of up to 28 cm and a height of 19 cm in this thermal bag.
If you want to use the thermal bag for larger pots, you can simply enlarge the pattern for the bag and lid all around by the required height, e.g., add 3 cm all around if you want to accommodate a pot with a 30 cm diameter.
What can I cook in the thermal bag?
Do you want to cook more sustainably but don't know how to use the thermal bag in everyday life? Here is the solution: In my free recipe booklet, I have compiled delicious (and absolutely suitable for everyday life) favorite recipes for you. Of course, they have been tried and tested many times and are much loved. I hope you have fun cooking, enjoying, and saving energy! :)
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