Challah covers are a beautiful traditional way to dress up your challah bread. While they may seem daunting to make, they are pretty simple. This step-by-step guide will show you how to make a challah cover of your own.
First, you will need to gather your materials. For this project, you will need:
- A piece of fabric (preferably white or light-colored)
- Scissors
- Thread
- A needle
- A sewing machine (optional)
Once you have gathered your materials, you must cut your fabric into a rectangle. The size of the rectangle will depend on the size of your challah bread. A good rule of thumb is to make the rectangles about two inches wider and two inches longer than the challah loaf. Once you have cut out your rectangles, set them aside.
Step 1 – Prepare all your materials
Step 2 – Cut the fabric into rectangles
Step 3 – Set the rectangles aside
Step 4 – Fold over one long side of each rectangle about a half inch, and then fold it over again so that the raw edge of the fabric is hidden.
Step 5 – Sew along the folded edge with a straight stitch
Step 6 – Repeat this process on another long side of each rectangle
Steps four through six can be done by hand or with a sewing machine. If you are using a sewing machine, be sure to use a straight stitch and set the stitch length to about two or three millimeters.
After both long sides have been sewn, you will need to hem the short sides of the rectangles. To do this, fold over each short side about a half inch and then fold it over again so that the raw edge of the fabric is hidden. Sew along the folded edge with a straight stitch. Again, this can be done by hand or with a sewing machine.
Now that all four sides of your rectangles have been sewn, it is time to assemble your challah cover. Take two of your rectangles and place them right sides together. Sew along all four sides, using a half-inch seam allowance. Be sure to leave a small opening on one side so that you can turn the cover’s right side out.
After sewn the two rectangles together, turn the cover right side out through the opening on your left. Once it is turned right side out, sew the opening closed with a straight stitch. You may want to reinforce this seam by sewing over it a few times.
Now that your challah cover is assembled, you can slip it over your challah bread before serving.
What You Will Need
The beauty of this project is that it can be as straightforward or as ornate as you like. It always depends on personal preferences to make it your own! For this project, you will need:
- Main fabric (enough to cover the Challah)
- Lining fabric (optional, but gives a nice finish)
- Bias binding or piping cord
- Scissors
- Pins
- Thread
- Sewing machine
- Iron and ironing board (or spray bottle and towel)
Challah covers can be sewn by hand or machine. If you are new to sewing, we recommend using a sewing machine. It will make the process much faster and easier. But if you’re up for the challenge, hand stitching is doable.
Knitted challah covers are also popular and can be made without sewing. Various techniques can be used to create a knitted challah cover. If you are interested in learning how to knit, many excellent resources are available online, or you can also purchase customized challah covers already made.
How to Make a Challah Cover: A Step-by-Step Guide
Now that you have gathered your materials let’s get started!
Step One: Cut Your Fabric
The first step is to cut your fabric. If you are using a patterned fabric, lay it on a flat surface, so the design is facing up. Measure and mark the dimensions of your Challah, allowing for seam allowances.
You can use a rotary cutter and mat for this step, but scissors will work fine. Once you have cut out your main fabric piece, set it aside and repeat the process with your lining fabric. If you are not using a lining, you can skip this step.
Step Two: Sew the Side Seams
With right sides together, sew the side seams of your main fabric piece and lining piece (if using) using a straight stitch and a seam allowance of about ½ inch. Press the seam allowances open with an iron.
If you are hand stitching, use small, even stitches. Knot the thread at the end of each seam to secure it in place.
Step Three: Sew the Bottom Seam
Now it’s time to sew the bottom seam. With the right sides together, sew the bottom seams of your main fabric piece and lining piece (if using) using a straight stitch and a seam allowance of about ½ inch.
This can help you avoid any fabric puckering when you sew the final seam. Press the seam allowances open with an iron. If you are hand stitching, use small, even stitches. Knot the thread at the end of each seam to secure it in place.
Step Four: Attach the Bias Binding or Piping Cord
Lay your challah cover flat on a surface with the right side facing up. If you use bias binding or piping cord, now is the time to attach it.
Using a straight stitch and a seam allowance of about ¼ inch, sew the bias binding or piping cord around the edge of the challah cover, making sure to catch both the front and back fabric layers in your stitches.
Step Five: Sew the Final Seam
With the right sides together, sew the final seam around the edge of your challah cover using a straight stitch and a seam allowance of about ½ inch. Press the seam allowances open with an iron.
Step Six: Finish Your Challah Cover
To finish your challah cover, turn it right side out through one of the openings (either the side seams or bottom seam). Once it is turned right side out, press it flat with an iron and slip it over your challah before serving.
How To Make Challah Cover: Handmade Or With A Machine
Handmade challah covers are beautiful and unique, but they can be time-consuming to make. You can buy a challah cover machine if you’re looking for a quicker option. These machines will do all the work for you, and you’ll have a professional-looking cover in no time.
Here’s what you’ll need to make your challah cover:
- Fabric – Choose a light and airy fabric so it won’t weigh down the challah. Silk or cotton are good choices.
- Thread – You’ll need a thread matching the chosen fabric.
- Scissors – Use sharp scissors to cut the fabric.
- Measuring tape – To get the correct measurements, use a measuring tape.
- Challah cover machine – If you’re not hand-sewing the cover, you’ll need a challah cover machine.
Follow these steps to make your challah cover:
- Measure the challah – Use a measuring tape to measure the length and width of the challah. Add an extra inch to each measurement, so there is room for seam allowance.
- Cut the fabric – Cut two pieces of fabric using the measurements you took earlier. The fabric should be big enough to wrap around the entire challah with some extra room.
- Sew the sides – Place the two pieces of fabric right sides together and sew along both long sides, using a ½-inch seam allowance. Leave a small opening at one end so you can turn the cover right side out.
- Turn the cover right side out – Use a turning tool to push the fabric through the opening you left earlier. Once it’s turned right side out, press the seams flat.
- Sew the opening closed – Sew the opening closed using a blind stitch or ladder stitch.
However, knitting a challah cover is also a great option if you want something different. You can find many patterns online or in knitting magazines. Use a lightweight yarn, so the cover doesn’t weigh down the challah.
Knitting techniques to try on how to make a challah cover:
Knitting is one of the best ways to make a challah cover because it’s versatile. You can try different techniques to create different looks.
Cables
Cables are a classic knitting technique that can add texture and interest to your challah cover. You can start with a simple cable pattern and add more intricate designs as you become more confident.
To begin your cable knitting technique, you will:
- Cast on the required number of stitches
- Work a few rows of knit stitch to establish the cable pattern.
- Start your cable pattern by knitting the required number of stitches, then skipping the next stitch or stitches on your needle.
- When you’ve reached the end of your cable pattern, work a few more rows of knit stitch to finish off your cover.
Lace
Lace knitting is a beautiful way to decorate a challah cover. It’s delicate and feminine and can be as simple or complex as you like. For instance, you can try a basic lace stitch or something more advanced like the Shetland Lace technique.
Shetland lace technique can be done by:
- Using a larger needle to cast on loosely
- Making yarn overs and knitting two together decreases every row
- Keeping the same number of stitches on your needle (either by casting on or binding off)
- Working until the piece is long enough to fit around the challah. You can then bind off and weave in any loose ends.
Colorwork
Colorwork is an excellent option if you want to add some color to your challah cover. You can use multiple yarn colors to create stripes, patterns, or pictures. Fair Isle knitting is a type of colorwork that uses two colors per row to create geometric designs.
To make a Fair isle knitting, you need to:
- Choose two colors of yarn and hold one color in each hand.
- Knit the first stitch with the color in your right hand
- Bring the yarn from your left hand over the top of the yarn in your right hand and knit the next stitch with the left-hand color.
- Repeat these steps until you reach the end of the row. Then, switch which color is in each hand and start again.
Intarsia – Intarsia is another type of colorwork that allows you to create patterns with multiple colors. Unlike Fair Isle knitting, intarsia uses a separate piece of yarn for each section of color. This means you’ll have to weave in some ends, but it’s worth it for complex designs.
To do intarsia, you need to:
- Choose the colors of yarn you want to use and cut them into lengths that are easy to work with
- Knit the first stitch with the first color of yarn
- After a few stitches, add in the second color of yarn. You can do this by threading it through your needle’s stitches or holding it behind the work and picking up stitches with it.
- Continue adding new colors as desired and knitting until you reach the end of the row. Then, turn in your work and start again.
Tips And Tricks
A few practical tips on how to make a challah cover from scratch are crucial as well:
Use a pattern
If you’re new to knitting, it’s best to use a simple pattern as your guide. This will help you get the hang of the techniques and stitches before moving on to more complicated designs.
Choose the right yarn.
As we mentioned before, using a lightweight yarn for your challah cover is essential. This will ensure that the cover doesn’t weigh down the bread. You should also consider using a natural fiber like wool or cotton since they’re easy to care for and durable.
Be patient
Knitting can sometimes be frustrating, but it’s essential to be patient and stick with it. After all, the result will be worth it. And if you ever get stuck, there are plenty of resources to help you out.
FAQs
If you are one of the many who are new to knitting or are simply looking for more information on how to make a challah cover, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions that may help you out:
What is the best yarn to use for a challah cover?
We recommend using lightweight yarn like wool or cotton. These natural fibers are easy to care for and durable.
How do I add colors to my challah cover?
Two main ways to add color to your challah cover are Fair Isle knitting and intarsia. With Fair Isle knitting, you use two colors per row to create geometric designs. With intarsia, you use a separate piece of yarn for each section of color. This allows you to create complex patterns with multiple colors.
How long does it take to knit a challah cover?
This depends on the size and complexity of the cover. A simple, small cover can be finished in a few hours. However, a larger or more intricate design may take days or even weeks to complete.
Final Words
This how to make a challah cover guide can help even the most inexperienced knitter create a beautiful and unique challah cover. Remember to be patient, choose the right yarn, and use a simple pattern as your guide.
With a bit of time and effort, you’ll be able to make a one-of-a-kind challah cover that your family will enjoy for years to come. And who knows? Maybe this will be the start of a new knitting hobby for you.