Making a cover for your sewing machine is a great idea. It keeps dust off your machine. It also helps protect it from bumps and scratches. Plus, you can make it look just how you want. You can pick your favorite fabric. You can add pockets for your sewing tools. This guide will show you how to make a simple DIY sewing machine cover. We will go through each step. We will talk about different types you can make, too. This includes a padded sewing machine cover or a quilted sewing machine cover. Let’s get started!
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Why Make Your Own Cover?
There are many good reasons to sew a cover yourself.
* Perfect Fit: Store-bought covers might not fit your machine well. Making your own means it will fit perfectly. It can be a fitted machine cover pattern made just for your machine size.
* Style: You pick the fabric. You can match your sewing room. Or you can use a fun, bright print.
* Protection: A good cover keeps dust out. It helps protect your machine. You can add padding for extra safety. This makes a padded sewing machine cover.
* Cost: Sewing your own is often cheaper than buying one.
* Skill Building: It is a simple project. It is good for beginners. It helps you learn basic sewing skills. It is a useful DIY sewing machine cover project.
Getting Ready: Gather Your Materials
Before you start sewing, you need some things. You need sewing supplies for cover making.
Picking the Right Fabric
The fabric you choose is important. It should be strong enough. It should protect your machine. Cotton fabric is a popular choice. It is easy to work with. It comes in many colors and prints.
* Quilting cotton is a good option. It is not too thin.
* Canvas or home décor fabric can also work. They are a bit thicker.
* Think about how you will use the cover. If it will sit in a dusty spot, choose a fabric that cleans easily.
How much fabric for sewing machine cover will you need? That depends on your machine’s size. It also depends on the cover style you make. A simple dust cover pattern uses less fabric. A fitted cover or one with pockets uses more. You will need to measure first. Then you can figure out the amount of fabric needed. We will cover measuring soon.
Other Necessary Items
Here is a list of sewing supplies for cover making:
* Your chosen fabric
* Matching thread
* Sewing machine
* Fabric scissors
* Measuring tape
* Pins
* Iron and ironing board
* Optional:
* Batting (for a padded or quilted cover)
* Lining fabric (optional, makes the inside neat)
* Binding tape (for finishing edges)
* Webbing or strong tape (for handles)
* Extra fabric for pockets
Finding Your Machine’s Size
Getting the right machine cover dimensions is the most important step. This makes sure your cover fits. Do not just guess. Measure your machine carefully.
Measure Carefully
You will need three main measurements for your sewing machine:
1. Height: Measure from the bottom of your machine to the highest point. This might be the top handle or a part of the machine body.
2. Width: Measure from the widest point on one side to the widest point on the other side. This is usually across the front or back.
3. Depth: Measure from the front of your machine to the back at the widest point.
Use your measuring tape. Write down these numbers. Measure in inches or centimeters, but stick to one unit.
* Height: ___
* Width: ___
* Depth: ___
Let’s look at an example. Say your machine measures:
* Height: 12 inches
* Width: 16 inches
* Depth: 8 inches
These numbers are your basic machine cover dimensions. You will use them to make your pattern pieces.
Making Your Pattern Pieces
Now you have your machine’s size. You can make a pattern. This is your sewing machine dust cover pattern or fitted machine cover pattern. You can draw it right on your fabric. Or you can draw it on paper first. Drawing on paper is better. You can fix mistakes easily. You can use old wrapping paper or newspaper.
Simple Shape Pattern
A simple dust cover is like a box shape. It has a top piece and side pieces.
Let’s use our example machine size: Height 12″, Width 16″, Depth 8″.
You will need these pieces:
1. Top Piece: This covers the top of your machine. Its size will be the Width x Depth.
* Width: 16 inches
* Depth: 8 inches
* Top Piece size: 16 inches x 8 inches
2. Side Pieces: These cover the sides and front/back. You can make one long piece or four separate pieces. Let’s make one long piece for simplicity first. This piece goes all around the machine. Its height is your machine Height. Its length is the total distance around the bottom.
* Height: 12 inches
* Length: (Width + Depth + Width + Depth) = (16 + 8 + 16 + 8) = 48 inches
* Side Piece size: 12 inches x 48 inches
This is a basic Sewing machine dust cover pattern. It is for a simple box cover.
Custom Fitted Pattern
A fitted machine cover pattern hugs the shape of your machine better. It might have a top piece, two side pieces, and a front and back piece.
Let’s use the same machine size: Height 12″, Width 16″, Depth 8″.
You will need these pieces:
1. Top Piece: This is the same as before.
* Size: 16 inches x 8 inches
2. Side Pieces (2): These cover the two narrow sides. Their size is Depth x Height.
* Depth: 8 inches
* Height: 12 inches
* Side Piece size: 8 inches x 12 inches (you need two of these)
3. Front Piece (1): This covers the front. Its size is Width x Height.
* Width: 16 inches
* Height: 12 inches
* Front Piece size: 16 inches x 12 inches
4. Back Piece (1): This covers the back. It is the same size as the front.
* Size: 16 inches x 12 inches
This uses more separate pieces. It can give a neater fit.
Adding Room and Seams
The sizes we listed are the exact size of your machine. But you need the cover to fit over the machine. You also need room for sewing seams.
* Add Ease: Add a little extra room so the cover slips on easily. Add about 1/2 inch to 1 inch to the Width and Depth measurements for the top piece. Add the same amount to the Width of the front/back pieces and Depth of the side pieces. Add about 1/2 inch to the Height measurement for all pieces. This gives the cover some “ease.”
* Add Seam Allowance: You need space to sew pieces together. Add seam allowance to all edges where pieces will connect. A standard seam allowance is 1/2 inch. If you add 1/2 inch seam allowance, you add 1/2 inch to each side of a piece. For example, a 16×8 top piece with 1/2″ seam allowance on all sides becomes (16+1/2+1/2) x (8+1/2+1/2) = 17×9 inches.
Let’s redo our Fitted Pattern with ease (add 1 inch to width/depth, 1/2 inch to height) and 1/2 inch seam allowance:
Machine Size: Height 12″, Width 16″, Depth 8″
Pattern Piece Sizes (including ease and seam allowance):
-
Top Piece:
- Base size with ease: (16 + 1 inch ease) x (8 + 1 inch ease) = 17 x 9 inches
- Add seam allowance (1/2 inch on each side): (17 + 1/2 + 1/2) x (9 + 1/2 + 1/2) = 18 inches x 10 inches
- Cut one Top Piece: 18″ x 10″
-
Side Pieces (2):
- Base size with ease: (8 + 1 inch ease) x (12 + 1/2 inch ease) = 9 x 12.5 inches
- Add seam allowance (1/2 inch on each side): (9 + 1/2 + 1/2) x (12.5 + 1/2 + 1/2) = 10 inches x 13.5 inches
- Cut two Side Pieces: 10″ x 13.5″
-
Front Piece (1):
- Base size with ease: (16 + 1 inch ease) x (12 + 1/2 inch ease) = 17 x 12.5 inches
- Add seam allowance (1/2 inch on each side): (17 + 1/2 + 1/2) x (12.5 + 1/2 + 1/2) = 18 inches x 13.5 inches
- Cut one Front Piece: 18″ x 13.5″
-
Back Piece (1):
- Same as Front Piece.
- Cut one Back Piece: 18″ x 13.5″
Summary of Pattern Pieces for Fitted Cover (Example Machine):
* Top: 1 piece, 18″ x 10″
* Sides: 2 pieces, 10″ x 13.5″
* Front: 1 piece, 18″ x 13.5″
* Back: 1 piece, 18″ x 13.5″
If you make a simple box cover with one long side piece, calculate its size with ease and seam allowance too.
Machine Size: Height 12″, Width 16″, Depth 8″
Ease: Add 1 inch to width/depth, 1/2 inch to height.
Seam Allowance: 1/2 inch on all joining edges.
- Top Piece:
- Base with ease: 17 x 9 inches
- Add seam allowance: (17 + 1/2 + 1/2) x (9 + 1/2 + 1/2) = 18 inches x 10 inches
- Cut one Top Piece: 18″ x 10″
- Side Piece (1 long):
- Base height with ease: 12 + 1/2 inch ease = 12.5 inches
- Base length with ease: (16+1 + 8+1 + 16+1 + 8+1) = 17 + 9 + 17 + 9 = 52 inches
- Add seam allowance: (12.5 + 1/2 at top + 1/2 at bottom = 13.5) x (52 + 1/2 at each end = 53) inches
- Cut one Side Piece: 13.5″ x 53″
Summary of Pattern Pieces for Simple Box Cover (Example Machine):
* Top: 1 piece, 18″ x 10″
* Side: 1 piece, 13.5″ x 53″
Draw these sizes on your paper or directly on your fabric. Label each piece.
Cutting Out Your Cover Pieces
Now it is time to cut your fabric. Lay your fabric out flat. Smooth it out. Make sure it is straight.
Fabric Cutting Tips
- Place your pattern pieces on the fabric. Make sure the fabric grain is correct if it matters for your fabric type. For most cotton, you can line pieces up either way.
- Pin the pattern pieces to the fabric.
- Use sharp fabric scissors or a rotary cutter.
- Cut carefully along the lines you drew.
- Cut out all the pieces you need for your cover design.
Cutting Batting or Padding
If you want a padded sewing machine cover or a quilted sewing machine cover, you need batting. Batting is soft material that goes between fabric layers. It adds structure and protection.
* Cut batting the same size as your main fabric pieces. Or cut it just inside the seam line, depending on your plan. A good rule is to cut batting the same size as the fabric pieces before you add seam allowance. This keeps the batting out of the seam lines.
* So, for our Fitted Cover example, cut batting pieces these sizes:
* Top: 1 piece, 17″ x 9″
* Sides: 2 pieces, 9″ x 12.5″
* Front: 1 piece, 17″ x 12.5″
* Back: 1 piece, 17″ x 12.5″
You can also use a second layer of fabric as a lining. Cut lining fabric the same size as your main fabric pieces (with seam allowance).
Sewing Your Cover: Step-by-Step Guide
Here is a general guide on how to sew your cover. A Sewing machine cover tutorial will vary based on the type you are making. We will cover the basic steps first. Then we will talk about adding features like padding or pockets.
Basic Assembly Steps
Let’s assume you are making the simple box cover first. You have a Top piece and a long Side piece. Both pieces include seam allowance.
- Prepare the long Side piece: Finish the short ends of the long side piece. Fold each short end over 1/2 inch. Press. Fold over another 1/2 inch. Press again. Sew close to the fold. This makes a neat hem on what will be the back seam of your cover.
- Attach the Side to the Top: Pin the long edge of the Side piece to the edges of the Top piece. Start pinning in the middle of one long side of the top piece. Pin along one long side, around the corner, along the short side, around the next corner, and so on. The long side piece will bend to go around the corners of the top piece. The two hemmed ends of the long side piece will meet somewhere along one edge of the top piece.
- Sew the Side to the Top: Sew the Side piece to the Top piece. Use your chosen seam allowance (e.g., 1/2 inch). Sew slowly around all four sides of the top piece. When you get to the corners, pivot your fabric with the needle down.
- Sew the Back Seam: Bring the two short, hemmed ends of the long Side piece together. They should meet on one side of the cover. Overlap one hemmed edge slightly over the other. Or butt them up next to each other and sew them together securely. Sew this seam from the top edge down to the bottom edge. This closes the back seam of the cover.
- Finish Raw Edges: The seams inside the cover have raw edges. You can finish them to stop fraying. You can use a zigzag stitch on your sewing machine. Or you can use a serger if you have one.
- Hem the Bottom: Fold the bottom edge of the cover up by 1/2 inch. Press. Fold up again by 1/2 inch or more. Press. Sew close to the fold to make the bottom hem.
That is the basic Sewing machine cover tutorial for a simple dust cover.
If you are making the fitted cover (with front, back, sides, and top pieces):
- Sew Front/Back to Sides: Take the Front piece and one Side piece. Pin the side edge of the Front piece to the side edge of the Side piece. Sew these together using your seam allowance. Do the same with the other Side piece. Now you have the Front piece sewn to the two Side pieces. Do the same for the Back piece and the two Side pieces.
- Join Front/Sides to Back/Sides: Now you have two longer pieces (Front-Side and Back-Side). Pin the unsewn side edges of these two longer pieces together. Sew these seams. You now have a loop of fabric with the front, back, and side panels connected. This is the body of your cover.
- Attach the Top: Pin the Top piece to the top edge of the body loop you just made. Match corners and edges. Pin all the way around. Sew the Top piece to the body using your seam allowance. Go slowly around the corners.
- Finish Raw Edges: Finish the raw edges of all the inside seams (zigzag stitch or serge).
- Hem the Bottom: Finish the bottom edge as described for the simple cover. Fold up and sew.
This is the basic Sewing machine cover tutorial for a fitted cover.
Adding Special Features
You can make your DIY sewing machine cover even better. You can add storage pockets or make it padded.
How to Add Pockets
Adding pockets is easy. Pockets are usually added to the outside of the cover pieces before you sew the cover body together.
1. Decide on Pocket Size and Shape: Think about what you will store. Bobbins? Scissors? A ruler? Measure your items. Decide how big your pockets should be. You can make one large pocket or several smaller ones.
2. Cut Pocket Fabric: Cut fabric pieces for your pockets. Add seam allowance to the sides and bottom. Add extra fabric at the top for a hem. For example, for a pocket that will be 6 inches wide and 7 inches tall finished, cut a piece maybe 7″ wide (6″ + 1/2″ + 1/2″ seam allowance) and 9″ tall (7″ + 1/2″ bottom seam + 1.5″ for top hem).
3. Hem the Pocket Top: Fold the top edge of the pocket fabric down by about 1/2 inch. Press. Fold down again by 1 inch. Press. Sew this double fold to make a strong top hem.
4. Finish Pocket Sides/Bottom (Optional): You can zigzag or serge the raw side and bottom edges of the pocket piece now.
5. Position and Pin Pockets: Decide where you want the pockets on your cover pieces. The front or sides are common places. Pin the pocket(s) onto the outside of the main cover piece (e.g., the Front piece from your pattern). Make sure they are straight. The top edge is hemmed. The other three edges (sides and bottom) are pinned down.
6. Sew Pockets On: Sew the pockets onto the cover piece. Sew close to the edge along the two sides and the bottom. If you make multiple pockets on one fabric piece, sew lines from top to bottom to divide the space. Sew backwards and forwards at the top corners of the pockets. This makes them stronger.
7. Proceed with Cover Assembly: Now treat the main cover piece (with pockets sewn on) as one piece. Continue sewing the cover together following the steps above. The pocket seams will be caught in the main cover seams. This makes a Sewing machine cover with pockets.
Making a Padded or Quilted Cover
A padded sewing machine cover gives extra protection. A quilted sewing machine cover adds a nice look and more structure. You will need batting for this.
Layering the Pieces
Instead of sewing just two layers of fabric (main fabric and optional lining), you will make fabric “sandwiches.”
1. Cut Layers: Cut your main fabric pieces (with seam allowance). Cut your batting pieces (without seam allowance, slightly smaller). Cut lining fabric pieces (same size as main fabric, with seam allowance).
2. Make Sandwiches: For each main cover piece (Top, Front, Side, Back):
* Lay the lining fabric piece flat, right side down.
* Place the batting piece on top of the lining. Center it.
* Place the main fabric piece on top of the batting, right side up.
* The raw edges of the main fabric and lining should line up. The batting will be slightly smaller inside these edges.
3. Hold Layers Together: Pin the layers together smoothly. Or use temporary fabric spray adhesive. Pinning well is important to stop layers from shifting.
Adding the Quilting Stitches
Now you can quilt these layered pieces. Quilting means sewing stitches through all layers. This holds the batting in place. It also adds design.
1. Choose a Design: You can sew straight lines, diagonal lines, or a grid pattern. You can also do free-motion quilting if you are comfortable with it. Simple straight lines are easy for a first project.
2. Sew the Stitches: Sew through all three layers (lining, batting, main fabric). Use your sewing machine. You can follow lines on the fabric print if there are any. Or use a ruler and a fabric marking pen to draw lines to follow. Sew lines across the piece. Space them about 2-4 inches apart. Sew in one direction, then turn and sew across those lines to make a grid.
3. Trim Edges: After quilting, the edges might be uneven. Trim the edges of each quilted piece so they are straight and the correct size (the size you originally cut your main fabric and lining pieces).
Now you have quilted cover pieces. Treat these quilted “sandwiches” as single pieces of fabric. Continue sewing the cover together following the basic assembly steps for your chosen pattern (simple box or fitted). The batting is already inside. The seams will catch all three layers. This makes a Quilted sewing machine cover.
Putting It All Together
Review the steps based on your chosen cover type:
* Simple Dust Cover: Sew the long side piece to the top piece. Sew the back seam. Hem the bottom.
* Fitted Cover: Sew front to sides, back to sides, join these loops. Sew top to body. Hem bottom.
* Padded/Quilted: Make quilted “sandwiches” for each pattern piece. Then sew these quilted pieces together following the simple or fitted cover steps.
* With Pockets: Sew pockets onto the main fabric pieces before assembling the body. Then proceed with assembly.
Use pins to hold pieces together before sewing. Sew using your chosen seam allowance. Press seams flat as you go. Pressing helps your sewing look neat and professional.
Making It Look Nice: Finishing Touches
Your cover is almost done. A few extra touches can make it look great.
* Binding the Bottom Edge: Instead of a simple hem, you can bind the bottom edge. This gives a clean finish. Cut strips of fabric about 2 inches wide. Sew them together to make a long strip. Sew the strip to the bottom edge of the cover, right sides together. Fold the strip over the raw edge to the inside. Stitch it down from the front or by hand on the inside. This is a common way to finish the edge of a Quilted sewing machine cover.
* Adding Handles: You might want handles to lift the cover easily. Cut two strips of strong fabric or webbing. Fold and sew them to make handles. Decide where you want them (e.g., on the sides or top). Sew them on very securely before you sew those cover pieces together. Sew them on the outside of the fabric.
* Adding Decoration: Sew on ribbons, patches, or use fabric paint. Make it your own!
Keeping Your Cover Clean
Your DIY sewing machine cover will get dusty over time. Most cotton covers can be cleaned.
* Check the fabric you used. Make sure it is washable.
* For light dust, you can shake it out or use a lint roller.
* For washing, follow fabric care instructions. Often, machine washing on a gentle cycle with cool water is fine. Use mild soap.
* Air drying is best to prevent shrinking or losing shape, especially for a padded or quilted sewing machine cover. You can lay it flat to dry.
* Iron the cover if needed, being careful with any added decorations or batting that might melt or flatten too much.
Getting Past Common Problems
- Cover is too tight: You might not have added enough ease. Check your measurements and pattern calculations. Add more ease if you make another one.
- Cover is too loose: You added too much ease. Or your original measurements were off. You can try taking in the seams a bit.
- Corners are bulky: Clip the seam allowance at the corners after sewing. This helps them lie flatter.
- Fabric shifts when quilting: Use lots of pins or spray adhesive to hold the layers firmly. Go slow.
- Pockets droop: Make sure you reinforce the top corners of the pockets with backstitches. Use strong thread.
Making a DIY sewing machine cover is a fun and rewarding project. Even if your first one is not perfect, it will still protect your machine!
Ready to Sew? Your Own Cover Awaits
You now have the steps to make your own Sewing machine cover. You know how to measure your machine cover dimensions. You can create a Sewing machine dust cover pattern or a fitted machine cover pattern. You know about choosing fabric for sewing machine cover projects and other sewing supplies for cover making. You have learned how to make a padded sewing machine cover, a quilted sewing machine cover, and one with sewing machine cover with pockets. Pick your fabric, get your supplies, and start sewing! Your machine will thank you for the protection, and you will have a custom cover that looks great. Enjoy your DIY sewing machine cover project!
Questions People Ask (FAQ)
What is the best fabric for a sewing machine cover?
Cotton fabric, especially quilting cotton, is a great choice. It is strong, easy to sew, and washable. Canvas or home décor fabric is also good for a thicker cover. Choose a fabric you like that is durable.
How much fabric will I need?
The amount of fabric needed depends on your machine’s size and the cover style. A simple dust cover uses less than a fitted or padded one. Measure your machine first. Then use the pattern piece sizes (including seam allowance) to figure out how much fabric you need. Lay out your pattern pieces on the width of the fabric you plan to buy (usually 44 inches wide for cotton) to estimate the length needed. Buying a little extra is always a good idea.
Can I wash my homemade sewing machine cover?
Yes, usually. Most cotton covers can be machine washed on a gentle cycle. Use cool water. It is best to air dry it flat to keep its shape. Check the care instructions for the specific fabric you used.
What if my sewing machine is a strange shape?
Measure the widest and tallest parts carefully. Add extra ease (maybe 1-2 inches instead of 1/2-1 inch) in your pattern pieces to make sure it fits over any bumps or handles. A simple box style cover with lots of ease might work best for odd shapes. You can also make a pattern by draping fabric or paper over your machine.
Is it hard to add batting or make it quilted?
Adding batting for a padded sewing machine cover is not hard. You just add a layer of batting between the fabric. Quilting takes a bit more time because you sew lines through the layers. But simple straight-line quilting is a good way to start. It adds strength and a nice look.
Can I put elastic at the bottom?
Yes, you can add elastic to the bottom hem instead of just folding it up. This can help the cover stay on securely. Make the cover length a bit longer if you plan to make a casing for the elastic.
Where can I find a specific sewing machine dust cover pattern?
Many sewing pattern companies sell or offer free patterns for sewing machine covers. You can also find many DIY sewing machine cover tutorials online. But making your own fitted machine cover pattern based on your machine’s size is best for a perfect fit. This guide gives you the steps to draft your own pattern.