Amazing Microwave Potato Bag!

 Last summer I heard that cooking potatoes in a microwave potato bag has amazing results.  I had to try it.  I was very pleased with the experiment! I agree with the reviews about  the Microwave potato bag. If you are looking for a great gift for Valentine's Day, you can't go wrong with this bag.  It is practical, cheap, useful, and unique. This would be a super gift for guys or gals who own a microwave. Follow through and I will show you how easy it is to make.

Step 1: Pre-cautions and Warnings

Disclaimer: I am not an expert on making or using these bags.  You are at your own risk if you choose to make them. I strongly suggest you to go to the link that I provided for more detailed information. 

It is important to use 100% cotton batting.  (I recommend using The Warm Companies batting to be safe.) The bag will catch on fire unless you use 100% cotton!
To be safe use 100% cotton thread. I am not sure if polyester is OK.
Do not leave microwave unattended when in use.  
I would not use the bag if your microwave is very hot.
If your microwave has a turntable; the bag must rotate freely or it will burn.
If you don't have a turntable,  turn the bag over at half time (suggested cooking time)  to prevent scorching.
Wash and dry the bag before use.
Do not microwave the bag unless food is inside it.
Make sure the finished bag will clear at least 1 inch all the way around in the microwave.

Credit:  The Warm Company I could not get the link to work so Google The Warm Company. Their site offers a lot of reviews and information along with the free pattern.

Step 2: Supplies

This is the size that I made:

1 Piece 20" long X 11" wide piece of Warm Tater Cotton. 
1 Piece 20" long X 11" wide 100% cotton fabric for decorator fabric.
1 Piece 20" long X 11' wide 100% cotton fabric for lining. 
1 100% Cotton matching thread.

Step 3: Tools

Scissors.
Tape measure.
Sewing pins.
Iron optional.
Ironing board optional.
Sewing machine or sew by hand.

Step 4: Measure Microwave

Measure your microwave to make necessary adjustments to the pattern if needed.
If you have not already done so; please read warnings in step 1 about that.

Step 5: Measure and Cut

Cut one Main  fabric color 2o"  long  X  11" wide.
Cut one lining fabric 20" long X 11" wide. 
Using one of these pieces as a guide cut out the tater fabric.

Step 6: Placement

Please note: I used the same color of fabric for the decorator and lining fabric.

Layer the cotton batting between the two layers of fabric right sides out.

Step 7: Quilt or Tack

Quilt the layers together no less than 5" squares.
I used my sewing machine to quilt the layers together.
Trim loose threads.

Step 8: Sewing the Outside Edges

Sew using the  zig zag stitch,  all 3 layers together all the way around.
Trim loose threads.

I like a more finished look on my sewing projects so I went to the website to view other peoples experiences and suggestions.  
When I make more I will make them differently as some of the reviews suggested.

Step 9: Sewing the Bag

Finish the hems on each of the width ends by folding the fabric to the inside a 1/2" and sew it down using a regular stitch.
Trim loose threads.

Step 10: Fold the Fabric

Fold the fabric into a square inside-out with the ends centered (overlapping 1".) 
Pin then sew all around the outside of the bag with a regular stitch using a 1/2" seam allowance. 

Step 11: Washing Before Use

Turn right side out.
Wash in cold water and dry in the dryer before use.
Remember do not microwave an empty bag! 

Step 12: Baking

Estimates based on an 1100 watt microwave with turntable.
Do not microwave an empty potato bag.
Never leave microwave unattended when cooking with the potato bag.

If you don't have a turntable turn bag over at the midpoint  of the suggested cook time to prevent scorching. 
Wash vegetables. Do not dry them, the moisture aids in cooking. Do not punch a hole in the potato. 

Potatoes - 2 large = 8 minutes
Red potatoes 2 large = 8 minutes
Sweet potatoes - 2 medium = 10 minutes
Rolls - 3 medium = 20 seconds
Tortillas - 1 package = 30 seconds
Corn on the cob - 2 large = 6 minutes

This information came from the website of the Warm Company.  

Step 13: Sunshiine's Final Thoughts

After reading the reviews I have to agree that using a potato bag improves the flavor and texture of the potato.  I read that a lot of moisture is lost during the cooking process if you punch a hole in potatoes. That is another reason using the potato bag makes a microwave potato taste better. I would not try cooking a potato without punching a hole in it;  unless you use a potato bag though!
I did have to experiment with the cooking time because I had such a large potato.  
Thank you for stopping by and I hope your weekend was wonderful.
Sunshiine

Comments

[debra.maslowski]

Just a quick note, The Warm Company has changed the formulation on their cotton batting. Warm and White and Warm and Natural are no longer 100% cotton. They've added some polyester to keep it from shrinking as much. I made my potato bag before I discovered this. It turned out fine, with no melting, but I wonder what chemicals might be unleashed in a hot microwave. Loved the instructions though! Really easy to follow!

[BrendaH112]

there's now a product called wrap and Zap.it is 100% cotton and meant for this p

[sunshiine]

Sorry to reply to this so late, but thank you so much for sharing this information. Have a great day~

sunshiine

[kcbroncofan]

Warm and Natural does have a batting with no scim it is called Warm and Plush. Or you can use Wrap N Zap which is made by Pellon. I have used both.

[sunshiine]

Thanks for sharing and do have a great day.

sunshiine~

[Lois Bull]

[cyndi.bachman]

I just made one for my sister. Instructions were so simple to follow. I would post a picture but the kittens turn out upside down. I'm giving it to her anyways. :)

Thanks for posting the instructions!

[sunshiine]

Thanks so much for sharing! Have a terrific day!
sunshiine~

[SIRJAMES09]

I have never ever heard of using a tater bag to cook taters....

this is a cool Instructable!!! TY for sharing Ma'am!! :)

I know that I do not have the ability, or experience, to make one of these, but still I think this is awesome!!!!!

[Grandmajia]

I found a bag similar to this many years ago in a Dollar General store. It was made round, because it was to be used to warm and soften tortillas for tacos. It had a jalopeno pepper on top. I used it for potatoes, bread, rolls, tortillas, you name it. I was truly thrilled when a friend made me the potato bag. Now I have two so I can use them for different things.
I have a guest here from South Korea and threw 3 potatoes into the bag and nuked them for just three minutes. My guest was protesting to me that there was no way the potatoes were ready to serve. Then I popped them out onto a plate and she was shocked. Now I am making one for her to take home with her to shock all her friends. Just need the right fabric to remind her of this visit. Probably something with corn or pigs on it. ha ha This is the greatest thing since sliced bread. ha ha

[sunshiine]

Thanks for commenting Sirjames! Have a great night!
sunshiine

[j1shalack]

I'm not very adept at sewing.
I wonder if a sheet of the material can just be used to wrap around the potato with equal results...?

[sunshiine]

I am not sure but I think you could. You could try making a square using 2 layers of fabric and one layer of batting in-between and just not sew it. I would cut the fabric large enough to bring each point to overlap in the center. Place the potato in the center and fold the points toward the center making sure they overlap
loosely. Please remember to use all cotton fabrics. If you try this it would be interesting to see how well it works. If by chance you do not do this, I will try it when I can and post a new Instructable about it. I have been a little busy lately but I will try as soon as I can. Maybe a week or two. Thanks for commenting and have a great evening!
Sunshiine

[barefootbohemian]

Going to have to make one of these. People in my house like wrapping the potatoes in damp paper towel then put them in a plastic baggy. That way is hit or miss, and when it misses we end up with unevenly cooked potatoes - some that have indelible hard "clumps" in them. Thanks for sharing this!

[sunshiine]

You are welcome! I like the idea of this because I have read microwaving plastic is not a good thing, something about releasing chemicals. Not sure how true that is but it makes sense. Have a super day!
sunshiine

[bajablue]

Gotcha. ;-)

[sunshiine]

Thanks! Hope you had a nice day!
Sunshiine

[canucksgirl]

What a great idea. Thanks for sharing this sunshiine!

[sunshiine]

Thank you for commenting! Have a beautiful day!
Sunshiine

[pecospearl]

I really like this idea. Did it taste like mom's?