Cheesecloth is a thin, loosely woven cotton fabric with tiny holes throughout, like a very soft net or gauze. The name comes from its traditional use in cheesemaking, but cooks and crafters use it for many purposes.

Cheesemakers wrap fresh cheese in cheesecloth to let moisture drip out while keeping the cheese together as it ages. The fabric's loose weave lets liquid pass through while holding back solids, making it perfect for straining. Cooks use it to strain homemade broth, removing bits of vegetables and herbs while keeping the flavorful liquid. You might also see it bundling spices that need to flavor a soup but be removed before serving.

The fabric is so light and breathable that it has other uses too: covering rising bread dough, protecting plants from insects, or even making ghost costumes. If you hold cheesecloth up to the light, you can see through it easily, which shows how open and airy the weave is.

Today you can find cheesecloth in any cooking supply store, usually sold in packages or by the yard.