How to Make a Reusable Coffee Filter

Co-authored by Regina DeCorte

Last Updated: November 15, 2022

Here's a simple way to reduce your daily waste stream: use reusable coffee filters! You can also use filterless systems, permanent reusable filters, or a french press, but some people prefer the taste of coffee that has been filtered. The great news... you can make one in less than 10 minutes with minimal sewing experience––and save some trees while you're at it!

Steps

1
Use a paper filter as a pattern. Place one edge along a folded piece of pre-washed natural 100% cotton muslin (avoid bleached or dyed materials). Add an extra 1" along the top edge if you want a finished edge.
- Use a natural, unbleached fabric to avoid chemicals being transferred to your coffee.
- This tutorial is for the cone shaped filters, not the basket shaped ones.
2
Sew a hem along the top edge of the open fabric (if desired). It works fine without one, but looks more finished this way.^{[1]
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3
Fold your filter in half again on the fold line. Put the right sides together if you've done a hem. If no hem, it doesn't matter which side is out. Sew along the two open edge seams.
4
Now you have a new 100% reusable coffee filter! This coffee filter will prevent grounds (and cloudiness) in your coffee, it will taste great, and is easy to rinse out. It stays put in the coffee maker and you will have no waste after composting the grounds. If you'd like an even more finished look, you could add seam binding to the top.
5
Use the finished side facing inward, so that the coffee grounds don't get stuck in the seam.
- To wash a reusable coffee filter, simply dump the contents into the trash or compost bin, then rinse the filter under tap water. Lay out to dry on a clean surface with air circulating beneath. It dries very quickly and is ready to use again the next day. However, having two is probably better, so that you can rotate them.
- Since it's cotton, you can also machine wash and dry it if you want to.^{[2]
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  Research source} Just be sure to use an all natural laundry detergent to avoid harsh chemicals remaining on your filter and making it into your coffee! Also, if you use a scented detergent, that may affect the flavor of your coffee, and equally, avoid using dryer sheets and fabric softeners; they can add chemicals to your filter, so don't expose your filter to them.