Easy Peasy Sewing Machine Cover and Mat: free sewing pattern

Sew up a sewing machine cover that doubles as a handy mat with pockets!

The free tutorial and pattern here in this post were designed by Crafty Staci.

Your sewing machine often becomes a focal point in the room where it’s used. But you want to protect your investment from dust when you’re not using it.

For more fun projects like this, check out all my free sewing patterns.

Why not make it pretty? This cute cover does double duty, because it can flatten out into a mat to lay under the machine, and includes handy pockets for holding your tools!

How to Sew a Sewing Machine Cover and Mat

This finished cover measures 16” wide, 11 ½” tall, and 8 ½” deep. Adjust the dimensions as needed for your sewing machine.

You will need:

• 1 yard of fabric for the cover exterior
• 1 yard of fabric for the cover lining
• 1/4 yard of fabric for the pockets

You’ll also need:

• 1 1/4 yard fusible fleece interfacing (such as HeatnBond Fusible Fleece)
• 24” elastic cord, cut into eight 3” pieces
• 8 buttons, 5/8 – ¾” across
• fabric marking pen (I use the Frixion pen – it erases with heat)

Cut the following pieces from cotton fabric and fusible fleece interfacing:

• 1 rectangle 16 ¾ x 31 ¾” from exterior fabric for the top, front, and back
• 1 rectangle 16 ¾ x 31 ¾” from lining fabric for the lining top, front, and back
• 1 rectangle 16 ¾ x 31 ¾” from fusible fleece
• 2 rectangles 8 ¾ x 12” from exterior fabric for the sides
• 2 rectangles 8 ¾ x 12” from lining fabric for the lining sides
• 2 rectangles 8 ¾ x 12” from fusible fleece
• 1 rectangle 6 ½ x 16 ¾” for the pocket

Preparation:

1. Fuse the fleece to the wrong side of the exterior top and the outer side pieces.
2. Stitch or tie the ends of each elastic piece to create eight loops.

Sewing:

1. Match each exterior side piece with a lining piece of the same size. Pin the exterior and lining pieces right sides together. Stitch 3 sides with a ¼” seam. Leave one short edge open.

2. Clip the corners, turn right side out, and press. Topstitch close to the seams. Repeat for the other side.

3. Fold the pocket lengthwise with wrong sides together. Press.

4. Lay out the exterior top piece, right side up. Place the pocket on top with the bottom and side edges even. Pin.

5. Turn so one long side of the top is facing you. Find the center of that edge. Mark with a pin. Find the center of the raw edge of one side piece. Match that to the pin you just placed, with the outer side facing down. Pin in place. Repeat with the second side on the opposite edge of the top.

6. Measure up 4” from the corner on one side of the top. Pin an elastic loop in that spot, with the loop facing in. Measure up another 4” from there and pin a second loop. Repeat at all four corners, until all eight loops are pinned in place.

7. Baste the loops, pockets and sides in place. I stitch about 1/8” from the edge, with a regular length stitch, so I don’t have to remove the basting later.

8. Lay the remaining top lining piece right side down over the top. Stitch with a ¼” seam, leaving 5” open on the end opposite the pocket.

9. Clip the corners and turn right side out. Press, turning in the opening. Topstitch close to the edges all the way around.

10. Draw a line horizontally across the front from corner to corner, where the sides attach. Repeat on the back. Stitch along both lines through all layers.

11. Draw vertical lines on the pocket 4” from each side. Draw a third line centered between the first two. Stitch along the lines through all layers.

Sew on the Buttons!

1. Pull the front and side together at the corner. Match up the bottom edges. Mark the point the elastic loop reaches on the side without stretching it. Repeat with all eight loops.

2. Sew a button at each mark, sliding a toothpick underneath while stitching so it doesn’t end up too tight.

To use, wrap a loop around each button and slide down onto the sewing machine. To use as a mat, unhook all the loops and lay it down underneath.

This sewing machine cover can be reversible too! Simply add a second button to the opposite side as you sew each one on.

I’ve been a maker for as long as I can remember.  If there’s a technique I haven’t tried, it’s probably on my to-do list.  At my blog, Crafty Staci, I create beginner-friendly craft and sewing tutorials, simple recipes, and curate links to fun things to make.   Sometimes people are hesitant to take that first step into making things. My goal is to guide and inspire them to jump in, and not be afraid to make mistakes along the way.  I want to do my part to keep handmade alive and well!

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