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How To Sew A Cover For Sewing Machine: Easy Steps
Yes, you absolutely can sew a cover for your sewing machine! It is not hard at all. With some simple steps, you can make a cover easily. A cover protects your machine from dust and bumps. It is a great way to keep your machine clean and safe. You do not always need a special sewing machine dust cover pattern. You can measure your own machine. This lets you make a custom cover that fits perfectly.
Sewing a cover for your sewing machine is a fun project. It is also very helpful. Machines get dusty when they sit out. Dust can cause problems. A cover keeps dust away. It also helps stop scratches or small bumps. Plus, you can pick fabric you love. This makes your sewing space look nice. Let’s look at how to make one step by step.
Why Make a Sewing Machine Cover?
Machines need care. Dust is a big problem for sewing machines. It gets into small parts. This can make the machine run poorly. A cover stops dust. It acts as a sewing machine protector cover.
Covers also help with small accidents. A bump might happen. The cover adds a layer of safety. It helps prevent scratches.
Making your own cover has benefits. You get to choose the look. You pick the fabric and colors. This makes your cover special. It matches your style. It fits your machine perfectly because you use sewing machine cover measurements specific to your model. You can even add pockets for tools. It’s a useful and pretty project.
Grasping the Basics: What You Need
To make your cover, you need some basic things. Most are items you likely have if you sew.
Fabric Choices
Choosing the right fabric for sewing machine cover is important. Think about how you will use it.
Types of Fabric
- Quilting Cotton: This is a popular choice. It is easy to sew. It comes in many colors and prints. It is good for simple dust covers.
- Canvas or Duck Cloth: These fabrics are stronger. They offer more protection. They are good if your machine might get bumped.
- Home Decor Fabric: This fabric is often thicker. It is also strong. It comes in lovely patterns.
- Laminatd Fabric: This fabric has a plastic coating. It is easy to wipe clean. It’s good if your sewing area gets messy.
You might use one fabric or two. One for the outside and one for a lining.
Fabric Amount
How much fabric do you need? This depends on your machine’s size. It also depends on the cover style. A simple cover uses less fabric. A padded or quilted cover uses more.
- Measure your machine first (more on this below).
- Add extra for seams (usually 1/2 inch or 1 cm on all sides).
- Add extra for the hem at the bottom.
- Add extra if you want a lining or padding.
A good rule of thumb for a medium machine is about 1 to 1.5 yards of fabric. Buy a little extra just in case.
Other Supplies
You will need these tools and materials:
- Sewing Machine
- Matching Thread
- Fabric Scissors
- Measuring Tape
- Fabric Chalk or Marker
- Pins or Fabric Clips
- Iron and Ironing Board (for pressing seams)
- Optional: Batting (for padding), extra fabric for lining, webbing or fabric for a handle, interfacing (to make fabric stiffer).
Planning Your Cover: Measurements and Patterns
Before you cut, you need to know the size. You can use a pattern or measure your machine.
Taking Accurate Sewing Machine Cover Measurements
This is a key step for a custom sewing machine cover. You need three main numbers:
- Width: Measure across the front of your machine. Go from the widest point. This is often near the handwheel or where the arm sticks out.
- Height: Measure from the bottom surface your machine sits on up to the highest point. This might be the top of the machine head or a handle on top.
- Depth: Measure from the front to the back of your machine. Go from the furthest point in the front to the furthest point in the back. This might be the power cord part or a storage area.
Write these numbers down. Let’s say your machine is:
* Width: 16 inches
* Height: 12 inches
* Depth: 7 inches
These are your machine’s size numbers. Now you add for the cover shape and seams.
For a simple cover that drapes over:
* Main Piece Width: Your machine’s width + your machine’s depth + seam allowances on two sides. (16 + 7 + 1 + 1 = 25 inches)
* Main Piece Height: Your machine’s height + your machine’s height + depth (for the top) + hem allowance + seam allowances. (12 + 12 + 7 + 2 + 1 = 34 inches)
* Side Panel Width: Your machine’s depth + seam allowances on two sides. (7 + 1 + 1 = 9 inches)
* Side Panel Height: Your machine’s height + seam allowance on two sides. (12 + 1 + 1 = 14 inches)
You will cut one main piece (like a long rectangle) and two side panels (rectangles). These are just examples. Your numbers will be different. Take your time measuring. These sewing machine cover measurements make sure your cover fits well.
Deciding on a Pattern
You have choices for getting the shape right. You can find a pattern or make your own.
Using a free sewing machine cover pattern
Many patterns are available online. Blogs and fabric companies often share them.
* Search for “free sewing machine cover pattern”.
* Find one that looks like your machine’s shape or is a simple rectangle style.
* Check the pattern’s measurements. See if they are close to your machine. You might need to change the pattern size.
* Download and print the pattern pieces.
* Follow the pattern’s cutting and sewing steps.
Using a pattern can be helpful. It gives you the exact shapes to cut.
Creating Your Own Pattern from Measurements
You don’t need a printed pattern. You can use your sewing machine cover measurements.
- Draw the main piece rectangle on paper or directly on fabric. Use your calculated width and height.
- Draw the two side panel rectangles. Use your calculated width and height for sides.
- Remember to add seam allowances to all edges of all pieces. 1/2 inch or 1 cm is common. This is extra fabric needed to sew the pieces together.
This method is great for custom sewing machine cover instructions. You tailor the pieces exactly to your machine’s size.
Cutting Your Fabric Pieces
Once you have your measurements or pattern, it is time to cut.
Based on Measurements
- Lay your fabric flat. Make sure it is smooth.
- Use your fabric chalk or marker and measuring tape. Mark the outlines of your pieces onto the fabric.
- Mark the main piece rectangle (Width x Height you calculated).
- Mark the two side panel rectangles (Side Width x Side Height you calculated).
- Carefully cut out the fabric pieces using sharp scissors. Cut along the lines you marked.
Based on a Pattern
- Lay your fabric flat.
- Place the paper pattern pieces on the fabric.
- Pin the pattern pieces down.
- Cut around the paper pattern pieces using your scissors. The pattern already includes the seam allowance.
Cut carefully. Accurate cutting helps your cover fit well.
Simple Cover Construction: Step-by-Step
This is for a basic, unlined cover. It is the simplest way to start.
Sewing the Main Pieces
You have three pieces: one large middle piece and two side pieces.
- Pin the first side piece: Take one side panel. Line up one of its long edges with one of the short edges of the large main piece. The right sides of the fabric should be facing each other (the pretty sides). Pin the edges together.
- Sew the first seam: Sew along the edge you just pinned. Use your sewing machine. Sew with a straight stitch. Sew using your chosen seam allowance (like 1/2 inch). Sew from one end to the other.
- Attach the second side piece: Take the second side panel. Line up one of its long edges with the other short edge of the large main piece. Right sides together. Pin these edges.
- Sew the second seam: Sew along this second pinned edge. Use the same stitch and seam allowance.
Now you have a piece that looks like a cross or a tunnel with flaps. The main piece is the top and front/back. The side pieces are the sides of the cover.
Finishing Edges
Raw fabric edges can fray (come apart). It is good to finish these seams.
- You can use a serger if you have one. Sew along the raw edge of each seam.
- You can use a zigzag stitch on your regular machine. Sew close to the raw edge. This stops it from fraying.
- You can trim the seam allowance with pinking shears. This also helps stop fraying.
Finish the two seams you just sewed.
Hemming the Bottom
The bottom edge of the cover needs a hem. This makes it neat and stops fraying.
- Fold the edge: Take the raw bottom edge of the cover. Fold it up towards the wrong side of the fabric by 1/2 inch. Press the fold with an iron.
- Fold again: Fold the edge up one more time by another 1/2 inch (or more for a wider hem). The raw edge is now hidden inside the fold. Press this second fold.
- Pin the hem: Pin the folded hem in place all the way around the bottom of the cover.
- Sew the hem: Sew close to the inner folded edge. Sew all the way around the bottom of the cover. This stitches the hem in place.
Turn the cover right side out. You now have a basic cover! This is the core process for many cover styles.
Adding Extra Features
Want more than a simple dust cover? You can add padding, a handle, a lining, or quilt it. These features make your cover stronger, softer, or easier to carry.
Adding a Lining
Adding a lining a sewing machine cover makes it look nicer inside. It also adds a bit more structure.
- Cut lining pieces: Cut the same pieces (one main, two sides) from your lining fabric. Use the same measurements as your outer fabric pieces.
- Sew lining pieces: Sew the lining pieces together the same way you sewed the outer fabric pieces. You will have an inner cover that looks just like the outer one.
- Put covers together: Put the outer fabric cover right side out. Put the lining cover wrong side out. Slip the lining cover inside the outer cover. The right sides of both covers should now be touching. The raw bottom edges should line up.
- Sew bottom edges (mostly): Pin the raw bottom edges of both covers together. Sew around the bottom edge, but leave a gap of about 4-6 inches open. This gap is for turning.
- Turn the cover: Reach into the gap. Pull the outer cover through the gap. The cover is now right side out. The lining is inside the outer cover.
- Close the gap: The raw edges of the gap need to be closed. You can sew it by hand with a hidden stitch or sew very close to the edge on your machine.
- Push lining inside: Push the lining fully inside the outer cover. Smooth it out. You can topstitch around the bottom edge to keep the lining in place and make the edge crisp. You can also topstitch along the seams where the sides meet the top/front/back.
A lined cover looks very neat.
How to Make a Sewing Machine Cover with Handle
Adding a handle makes carrying your machine easier, especially for taking it to classes. This is a great how to make a sewing machine cover with handle guide part.
- Make the handle piece: Cut a strip of sturdy fabric. Make it about 4 inches wide and 18-20 inches long (or whatever length feels good for a handle). You might add interfacing to make it strong.
- Fold the handle: Fold the strip in half lengthwise, wrong sides together. Press. Open it up. Fold the raw edges in towards the center fold line. Press again. Fold in half again along the original center fold. Press. Now the raw edges are hidden inside.
- Sew the handle: Sew close to both long edges of the folded strip. This closes the handle and makes it strong.
- Find handle placement: Decide where you want the handle. The top center of the cover is common. Mark the spots where the ends of the handle will attach. Place the handle ends a few inches apart.
- Attach the handle: Pin the ends of the handle onto the outer fabric piece before sewing the cover together (or before adding the lining). The handle should be placed on the right side of the fabric. The loop of the handle will be facing down towards the bottom edge. Pin securely.
- Sew handle securely: Sew the handle ends onto the fabric. Sew back and forth several times in a box shape, maybe with an ‘X’ inside the box. This makes sure the handle is very strong. Do this for both ends of the handle.
- Continue sewing cover: Now sew the cover pieces together as planned (with or without lining). The handle will be caught in the seams or be inside the cover until you turn it right side out. When you turn the cover, the handle will pop out on top.
Make sure your handle fabric and stitching are strong enough to hold the weight of your machine.
Making a Padded Sewing Machine Cover Tutorial
Padding protects your machine from bumps even better. You add batting for this. Batting is the soft filling used in quilts.
- Cut batting: Cut pieces of batting that are the same size as your outer fabric pieces (main and sides).
- Layer the batting: Before sewing the outer fabric pieces together, place the batting piece directly onto the wrong side of its matching outer fabric piece. Pin them together.
- Quilt or baste layers: You can lightly quilt the fabric and batting together. Sew some simple lines through both layers. This keeps the batting from shifting. Or you can simply baste (sew with large stitches) around the edges.
- Sew with padding: Now, sew the outer fabric pieces together with the batting attached to each piece. Treat the fabric-batting layer as one piece. Sew through both layers.
- Add lining: It is highly recommended to add a lining when you use batting. The batting edges can be messy. The lining covers them. Follow the steps for
lining a sewing machine cover. When you put the outer (now padded) cover and the lining together, the batting will be between the outer fabric and the lining.
A padded cover offers great protection. It feels soft and sturdy.
Creating a Quilted Sewing Machine Cover
This adds both padding and a beautiful stitched design. This process combines quilting steps before assembling the cover.
- Make quilted panels: Cut your outer fabric pieces. Cut batting pieces the same size. Cut lining fabric pieces the same size.
- Layer for quilting: For each piece (main and sides), make a quilt sandwich. Lay the lining fabric flat, wrong side up. Place the batting on top of the lining. Place the outer fabric on top of the batting, right side up.
- Quilt the layers: Pin or baste the three layers together. Now, quilt through all three layers. You can sew straight lines, diagonal lines, or a free-motion quilting design. Quilt over the entire area of each piece.
- Trim and square up: After quilting, the edges might be wavy. Trim each quilted piece so the edges are straight and they are the correct size for sewing the cover (including seam allowance).
- Assemble the cover: Now, sew the quilted pieces together. You will sew through the three layers as if they were one thick fabric. Sew the main piece to the side pieces. Finish the seams inside.
- Add binding to bottom: A quilted cover often looks best with a fabric binding around the bottom edge instead of a simple hem. Cut fabric strips for binding. Attach the binding to the bottom edge of the cover, fold it over, and stitch it down (by hand or machine) to finish the raw edge neatly.
A quilted sewing machine cover is a lovely project. It takes more time but is very rewarding.
Adding Pockets
Pockets are handy for storing scissors, seam ripper, or bobbins.
- Decide pocket size and place: Plan where you want the pockets. The side panels or the front are good spots. Cut fabric pieces for the pockets. Make them the size you want, plus seam and hem allowances.
- Hem the top of pocket: Take a pocket piece. Fold the top edge down twice (like making a hem). Sew the hem.
- Fold side and bottom edges: Fold the other three raw edges of the pocket under by your seam allowance (like 1/2 inch). Press.
- Pin pocket to cover piece: Place the pocket onto the outer fabric piece where you want it (e.g., onto a side panel piece). Pin it in place. Make sure it is straight.
- Sew pocket: Sew the pocket onto the cover piece by stitching along the three folded edges (sides and bottom). Sew close to the folded edge. Sew back and forth at the start and end to make it strong.
- Assemble the cover: Now, use this piece (with the pocket sewn on) as one of your outer fabric pieces when you sew the cover together.
You can add one pocket or several. You can make different sized pockets.
Finishing Touches and Care
Once your cover is sewn, do a few final things.
Final Checks
- Turn the cover right side out.
- Check all the seams. Make sure they are secure.
- Look at the hem or binding. Is it even?
- If you added a handle or pockets, check that they are sewn strongly.
- Press the cover lightly with an iron to make it look crisp (be careful with certain fabrics or if you used batting).
Cleaning Your Cover
How you clean your cover depends on the fabric you used.
- Cotton covers (unpadded/unlined): Most can be machine washed in cool water. Air drying is best.
- Padded or Quilted covers: Gentle machine wash is often okay. Do not wring. Lay flat to dry or tumble dry on low. Check the batting instructions.
- Canvas or Home Decor fabric: Check fabric care instructions. Spot cleaning might be best.
- Laminated fabric: Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Do not machine wash.
Always test a small, hidden spot if you are unsure how a fabric will react to washing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: How much fabric do I need for a sewing machine cover?
A: The amount varies by machine size and cover style. A basic cover for a medium machine needs about 1 to 1.5 yards of fabric. Adding lining, padding, or making a larger cover will need more. It is best to measure your machine first.
Q: Can I use old jeans or other old fabric?
A: Yes! Old jeans, curtains, or other sturdy fabrics can be great for making a cover. Just make sure the fabric is clean and strong enough.
Q: Do I have to finish the inside seams?
A: Finishing seams (like with a zigzag stitch) helps stop the fabric edges from fraying. This makes your cover last longer and look neater inside. It is a good step, but not always needed if the fabric does not fray much or if you add a lining.
Q: How can I make sure my cover fits my specific machine?
A: Taking accurate sewing machine cover measurements of your machine’s width, height, and depth is the best way. Then, use these numbers to cut your fabric pieces, adding enough for seam allowances and hem.
Q: Is it hard to add padding or a handle?
A: No, it is not hard. These are extra steps added during the construction. Adding padding means cutting batting pieces and sewing them with the fabric. Adding a handle means making a fabric strap and sewing it on strongly before closing the cover. Our padded sewing machine cover tutorial and how to make a sewing machine cover with handle steps above show you how.
Q: Can I use a free sewing machine cover pattern for any machine?
A: A free pattern is a good starting point. However, machines vary in size and shape. You might need to change the pattern’s measurements to fit your specific machine. Measure your machine and compare it to the pattern size.
Making a sewing machine cover is a useful and simple project. It protects your machine and lets you add your personal touch. With basic sewing skills and these steps, you can make a great sewing machine protector cover tailored just for you.