Sewing Machine Cover Tutorial

I find sewing machine covers fast, fun projects where I can use up scraps, or make use of the cute fabric that I sometimes buy because I can’t resist.

I recently had someone ask me for a tutorial on how I make these, so I took a bunch of photos when I made a cover for my Singer 99 hand crank.

sewing machine cover tutorial

My sewing machine covers are pretty simple: they consist of 2 side panels and a long rectangle panel for the body.

For the side panels, I measured the side of the machine at the widest point, and at the highest point. I added a little bit extra for wiggle room, and then added 1/4″ all around for the seam allowance. (Using a small seam allowance like 1/4″ makes it easier to get around curves without needing to clip.)

sewing machine cover tutorial

sewing machine cover tutorial

So for this machine, my side panel was 8 1/4″ across and 12 1/4″ high.

I drew a rectangle with the dimensions measured, and smoothed out the corners on top by tracing a bowl. (Rounding the edges saves me from having to turn corners when doing the binding step.) I cut out the side panel pattern, and held it up to the machine to make sure the shape is what I wanted, and that it was big enough to cover the machine.

sewing machine cover tutorial

To get the measurements for the body panel, I measured around the edge of the side panel: 30″.

sewing machine cover tutorial

Then I measured across the front of the machine at the longest point. In this case, I had to account for the hand crank which sticks out a lot farther, and then add on 1/2″ (1/4″ seam allowance for each side): 16 1/2″.

sewing machine cover tutorial

I assembled a piece of fabric that is 30″ long by 16 1/2″ wide. I pieced together scraps, but I’ve also done patchwork on past covers, or used a single piece of pretty/cute fabric.

sewing machine cover tutorial

I cut out 2 side panels using my pattern.

sewing machine cover tutorial

sewing machine cover tutorial

I like my machine covers to have some structure, so I quilted my pieces to make them a little stiffer. (You can use fusible interfacing if you don’t want to quilt, or skip this step.)

sewing machine cover tutorial

I quilted both side panels and the body panel, and trimmed off the excess.

sewing machine cover tutorial

sewing machine cover tutorial

I pinned the rectangle body piece to the side panels.

sewing machine cover tutorial

sewing machine cover tutorial

I obviously measured wrong somewhere because my body panel was way too long. Oops… better too long than too short though! I just trimmed off the excess.

sewing machine cover tutorial

Using 1/4” seam allowance, I stitched the panels together.

sewing machine cover tutorial

sewing machine cover tutorial

After it was all sewn together, I did a quick check to make sure the cover fit on the machine.

sewing machine cover tutorial

To finish the seams, I used quilt binding, but any type of binding will work. I always do the sides first and then the bottom edge.

sewing machine cover tutorial

sewing machine cover tutorial

And that’s it!

sewing machine cover tutorial

sewing machine cover tutorial

Here are some other covers I’ve made.

sewing machine cover tutorial

sewing machine cover tutorial

sewing machine cover tutorial

I’ve also used the same technique to make a cover for my printer.

sewing machine cover tutorial

6 comments on Sewing Machine Cover Tutorial

  • Sarah Gordon

    This is GREAT. I was wanting to make covers for my machines but wasn’t sure how I wanted to go about doing it. My plan is to repurpose the pillow shams that came with different store bought quilts (I never use them)!

    • AJ (author)

      That’s a great idea for repurposing! Please share after you’re done!

  • Jacki Blackburn

    Thank you, that’s very clear. I’ve wanted to make covers for a while and have the fabric. Now I can get cracking! Thanks again, Cheers, Jacki

    • AJ (author)

      You’re welcome! I’m glad you found it useful! I’d love to see what you make. =)

  • Winnie

    Thank you for taking the time to make this post AJ. This saves me a lot of time thinking it out. Much appreciated.

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