DIY Tortilla Cozy (Keep Tortillas Warm Without Drying Them Out!)

A bright and cheerful DIY tortilla cozy made with chili pepper cotton fabric—perfect for keeping tortillas warm for taco night!

A quick scrap-fabric sewing project that makes dinner feel homemade — and keeps tortillas warm for the whole meal.

Why a Tortilla Cozy is So Handy

Have you ever warmed tortillas only to have them turn cold and stiff before everyone finishes eating?

A tortilla cozy (also called a tortilla warmer pouch) helps tortillas stay warm and soft during the entire meal. It’s one of those small sewing projects that makes a big difference—especially for taco nights, fajitas, burritos, enchiladas, and breakfast wraps.

The best part?

This is a fast DIY sewing project that uses scrap fabric and makes a great gift, too!

✅ DIY Tortilla Cozy Sewing Tutorial

Finished Size

Fits most standard tortillas (8–10 inches).

You can adjust easily for burrito-size tortillas.

Supplies Needed

100% cotton fabric (2 pieces)

(Fat quarters or scraps work great)

Cotton batting (1 piece)

Warm & Natural cotton batting is perfect

Or use Insul-Bright if you want stronger heat retention

Matching thread

Scissors or rotary cutter

Iron + ironing board

Sewing machine

Optional: pins or clips

Cutting Instructions (Standard Tortilla Cozy)

Cut the following:

Outer Fabric:

1 piece: 11” x 11”

Lining Fabric:

1 piece: 11” x 11”

Batting:

1 piece: 11” x 11”

✅ Tip: If you want it slightly larger, cut 12” x 12”.

Step 1: Layer Your Fabric Sandwich

Layer your pieces like this:

Outer fabric right side down

Batting

Lining fabric right side up

Your pretty outside fabric should be facing inward at this point.

Step 2: Sew Around the Square

Sew around all 4 sides using a ¼” seam allowance.

Leave a 4” opening along one side for turning.

Step 3: Clip the Corners

Trim the seam allowance slightly and clip the corners (don’t cut through the stitches).

This helps your corners look crisp once turned.

Step 4: Turn Right Side Out + Press

Turn the cozy right side out through the opening.

Press it flat with an iron.

Fold the raw edges of the opening inward and press them neatly.

Step 5: Topstitch All the Way Around

Topstitch around the entire square about ⅛” from the edge, closing the turning opening as you sew.

This gives it a clean professional finish.

Step 6: Fold into a Pocket Shape

Now fold it into the tortilla cozy shape:

Lay the square flat like a diamond (one corner pointing upward).

Fold the bottom corner up about ⅔ of the way.

Fold the left corner in toward the center.

Fold the right corner in toward the center.

You should now have an envelope-style pocket.

✅ Check the opening by sliding in a stack of tortillas before sewing.

Step 7: Stitch the Side Flaps

Sew along the two folded side edges to hold the pocket shape in place.

Use a strong straight stitch and backstitch at the beginning and end.

That’s it — you’re done!

How to Use Your Tortilla Cozy

Warm tortillas, then stack them inside the cozy.

Holds warmth best with 6–12 tortillas

Keeps tortillas warm without drying them

Works for pancakes, naan, pita, flatbread, and dinner rolls too!

Optional Upgrades (My Favorite Ideas!)

Here are easy ways to make your tortilla cozy even better:

✅ Add a Heat-Safe Layer

Use Insul-Bright instead of cotton batting to keep tortillas warmer longer.

(Still use cotton fabric on both sides.)

✅ Add Quilting Lines

Before folding into a pocket shape, quilt a few lines:

Diagonal grid

Simple X across the center

Or straight lines every 2 inches

This keeps batting from shifting and gives it a high-end look.

✅ Create a Set

Make 2 matching cozies:

One for flour tortillas

One for corn tortillas

Or one for tortillas and one for rolls

Best Fabrics to Use

✅ Best choices:

100% cotton quilting cotton

Cotton canvas (for outer layer)

🚫 Avoid:

Polyester fabric (not ideal with heat)

Fleece (can trap moisture)

Anything stretchy

Woven blends

Basically, avoid fabric blends, either woven or knit

This is a Perfect Scrap Saver Project

If you’ve got fabric pieces sitting around that are “too small for anything,” this project is a winner. It’s quick, functional, and giftable — which makes it a fantastic item for craft fairs or shop listings too.

If you enjoyed this tutorial, be sure to bookmark my blog for more practical, money-saving sewing projects you can make from scraps and simple supplies.

To make Keto Almond Flour Tortillas for your tortilla cozy, visit my Blissfully Keto article for homemade, fast, easy, and healthy almond flour tortillas. https://www.blissfullyketo.com/2026/01/soft-keto-almond-flour-tortillas-no-xanthan-gum.html 

 

DIY Shawl Without a Sewing Pattern

A handmade lined shawl sewn without a pattern, featuring warm wool fabric and a soft contrast lining for added comfort.

A Cozy, Custom Shawl You Can Sew for Cold Weather (and Beyond)

A shawl is one of the most timeless and practical garments you can sew—and the best part is that you don’t need a sewing pattern to make one. With a simple cut, a few straight seams, and the right fabric, you can create a beautiful shawl that keeps you warm in cold weather or adds a light layer during warmer seasons.

This DIY shawl project is perfect for sewists who want something easy, customizable, and wearable, whether you’re sewing for everyday comfort, gifting, or adding a handmade piece to your wardrobe.

Why Sew a Shawl Without a Pattern?

Shawls are forgiving garments. They don’t require precise fitting, darts, or closures unless you want them. Sewing a shawl without a pattern allows you to:

Customize the length and width to your body

Choose fabrics for any season

Add lining for warmth and structure

Personalize with trim and embellishments

Create a fast project with minimal fabric waste

This makes shawls ideal for beginners and experienced sewists alike.

Choosing Fabrics for Your Shawl

Fabrics for Cold-Weather Shawls

For warmth and comfort, woven fabrics with insulation work best:

Wool

Wool blends

Flannel

Fleece

Heavier woven fabrics with a brushed surface

Wool and wool blends are especially ideal because they retain heat while still allowing airflow.

Fabrics for Warm-Weather Shawls

Shawls can also be worn year-round when sewn from lighter fabrics:

Cotton

Linen

Silk

Lightweight blends

Cashmere for a luxurious, breathable option

These fabrics are perfect for cool evenings, travel, or air-conditioned spaces.

How to Cut a Shawl Without a Pattern

Simple Rectangle Shawl (Beginner-Friendly)

This is the easiest and most versatile shawl style.

Suggested Measurements:

Width: 28"–36"

Length: 60"–72"

Cutting Instructions:

Prewash and press your fabric.

Lay the fabric flat on a large surface.

Measure and mark a rectangle using tailor’s chalk or a washable marker.

Cut carefully with fabric scissors or a rotary cutter.

You can easily adjust the size depending on how oversized or draped you want your shawl.

Optional Shape Variations (Still No Pattern!)

If you want something a little different, try:

Rounded corners for a softer look

Angled ends for extra drape

A center front opening to create a wrap or poncho-style shawl

These variations still require nothing more than simple measuring and cutting.

Sewing an Unlined Shawl

If you prefer a lighter shawl or are using fleece or felted wool, an unlined finish works beautifully.

Edge Finishing Options:

Turn under ½" twice and stitch

Zigzag or serge raw edges

Bind edges with bias tape

Leave raw edges for fleece or fringe styles

Press well for a clean, finished appearance.

Optional: How to Line Your DIY Shawl

Lining your shawl is a wonderful option, especially for cold weather. A lined shawl adds warmth, improves drape, and gives the inside a clean, professional finish. It also allows you to introduce contrast or softness against the skin.

Best Fabrics for Shawl Linings

Choose a lining that complements the outer fabric without adding unnecessary bulk.

Warm Shawl Linings:

Cotton flannel

Lightweight wool

Soft fleece (used sparingly)

Lightweight or Transitional Linings:

Cotton

Cotton lawn

Silk

Rayon or viscose

Lightweight linen

For wool outer fabrics, cotton or silk linings are especially comfortable and breathable.

How to Cut the Lining

Lay your finished shawl piece flat.

Place the lining fabric underneath or on top.

Use the shawl as a template and cut the lining to the same shape.

If the outer fabric is bulky, trim the lining about ⅛"–¼" smaller around the edges to reduce bulk.

How to Sew a Lined Shawl (No Pattern Needed)

Place the shawl fabric and lining right sides together.

Pin or clip around all edges.

Sew around the perimeter using a ½" seam allowance, leaving a 6–8 inch opening along one long edge.

Clip corners or curves if applicable.

Turn the shawl right side out through the opening.

Press carefully, using steam appropriate for the fabric.

Tuck in the raw edges at the opening and close with hand stitching or topstitching.

Optional: Topstitch around the entire shawl for a tailored finish.

Adding Trim and Embellishments

This is where your shawl becomes uniquely yours.

Trim Ideas:

Fringe along the ends

Lace or crochet edging

Pom-pom trim

Tassels

Faux fur for winter shawls

Embellishment Ideas:

Decorative buttons

Hand embroidery

Fabric appliqué

Contrast topstitching

Vintage brooches or closures

Trim can be applied after the shawl is sewn, or sandwiched between the outer fabric and lining for a polished look.

Styling Your Handmade Shawl

Drape loosely over the shoulders

Wrap and belt for extra warmth

Layer over sweaters or dresses

Use as a travel wrap or lap shawl

A handmade shawl works beautifully for both casual and dressy outfits.

A DIY shawl without a sewing pattern is one of the most rewarding garments you can make. Whether you keep it simple or add lining, trim, and embellishments, this project allows complete creative freedom while producing a practical, wearable result.

It’s a timeless piece you’ll reach for again and again—season after season.

Want a printable, step-by-step version of this project?
The DIY Shawl Without a Sewing Pattern PDF (lined or unlined) is available in my Payhip shop and includes clear instructions, fabric guidance, and finishing ideas you can keep at your sewing table.