I’ve recently found out that the secret to perfect baked potatoes in the microwave is to put them in a bag while you cook them.
Jennifer Ackerman-Haywood of Craft Sanity has created a tutorial for making a fabric bag for microwaving potatoes, and it’s a game changer! No more struggling with a flimsy paper sack, this fabric bag is made of cotton and is designed to handle the heat of the microwave.
To make your own, you will need cotton thread, two 11 x 24-inch pieces of cotton fabric, and one piece of cotton quilt batting
cut to the same size.
The tutorial is easy to follow, with clear instructions and helpful illustrations. Whether you’re a seasoned seamstress or just looking to try something new, this fabric bag is the perfect project for you.
Here are some popular recipes you can make with microwave-boiled potatoes:
Classic Butter and Herb Potatoes: Cook potatoes in the microwave until soft, then toss with melted butter, minced garlic, chopped fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.
Cheesy Scalloped Potatoes: Slice the boiled potatoes and layer them in a baking dish with shredded cheese and a cream sauce made with milk and flour. Bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Potato Salad: cook the potatoes in the microwave, then toss with diced red onions, diced celery, mayonnaise, and a splash of vinegar.
Garlic Roasted Potatoes: Cook the potatoes in the microwave, then toss with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Roast in a hot oven until crisp and golden.
Baked Potato Skins: Cut the cooked potatoes in half, scoop out the flesh, and brush the skins with melted butter and a sprinkle of salt. Bake until crispy and serve with sour cream, cheese, and green onions.
You can also buy Microwave potatoes bags 
if you want to test them out before handmaking one.
i would like to get a free pattern for a potato bag
I saw one at a craaft show and want to make me one
I have been trying to make a potatoe bag I got the pattern I hve made 3 of them and they all caught on fore I used every 100% cotton what is wrong?
Unfortunately, I don’t have an answer to this question. The only thing I can think of is that perhaps you heated it too long or on higher power. –Anne
want to make a potato bag but don’t have a pattern. I’ve seen the bags and I’ve heard they work great.
want to make a potato bag but don’t have a pattern. I’ve seen the bags and I’ve heard they work great.
Would like a pattern to sew my own potato bag….have used one & really like it.
Make sure you wrap your potatoes in wet paper towels before placing inside the bag. The moisture is used to cook the food and cool the bag down. I hope this helps
I would very much like a pattern for a baked potato bag.
I;m 84 years old and there isn;t much I can see to make but still like to try
Please and Thanks
Just wanted to make sure that Dottie didn’t use fusible batting. That could be an issue
Summary of comments above:
First, wrapping in paper towels is not necessary, however it does help keeping the bags clean longer.
2. dottie willie,
(a) make sure you are also using 100% cotton batting? Sometimes, even products labeled 100% cotton will have a synthetic scrim in them.
(b) duh, is the thread you used also 100% cotton? (did you remember to change the bobbin as well?)
(c) Lastly, and this is a big-ole ‘duh’ moment, are you pu0ting potatoes in the bags when testing them? Just heating an empty bag, is a great way to catch ’em on fire.
I’ve always used 100% cotton fabric/thread and Warm Tater batting for my potato bags. My neighbor just ordered a potato bag from a TV commercial. Shell is 100% polyester, lining is 85% polyester/15% cotton, batting is 100% polyester! What?????
I am wondering if instead of a paper towel could you use a piece of muslin to wrap the potato in before baking. I thought then it could be washed and re-used rather than throwing away the toweling.
I just bought the items to make a microwave baked potato bag, and there is actual batting made just for that purpose. It is called Warm tater 100% Cotton for potato bags and other microwave projects. Doesn’t have resin or glue in it. Website:
http://www.warmcompany.com