I Have a Tutorial!

I made a simple cover for my sewing machine.  I have also made a couple as gifts so I thought I would show you all how I made them. 

Materials:

1/2 yard each of fabric for front, lining, and trim

Fusible web- 1/2 yard (18” wide) for pocket, small piece for applique

Ric-rac or piping  (optional)

1 1/4 yards ribbon for ties (I used 1/4 “ wide satin)

Let’s start!

First measure your sewing machine.  You need to measure across the widest part of the machine.  Then using a tape measure, measure around the sewing machine, front to back.

The measurements on my machine were 16” x 30”.  Add 1/2 inch to each measurement.  Cut one front and one lining using your measurements (ex. 16 1/2'’ x 30 1/2’’).

From trim fabric cut one piece 8 1/2” x 16 1/2” (front trim) and one piece 12 1/2” x 16 1/2” (back pocket).

From fusible web, cut one piece 8 1/2” x 16 1/2” (for pocket).

1.  Front trim:  Fold fabric in half wrong sides together and press.  Piece will measure 4 1/4” x 16 1/2”. Add trim if desired.  Pin to the front fabric along one lower edge with the folded edge of the trim fabric facing up (hard to describe, easy to do!)  Sew close to the top edge of the trim and baste trim to the sides.

2.  Applique:  For a gift I appliqued 4 hearts about two inches above the front trim.  For the tutorial, I just cut a circle from the trim fabric, fused it to the front above the trim.  And then I zig-zagged around the circle.  If you are a real over-achiever, feel free to add your trim to the applique!

3. Back Pocket:  Apply fusible web to fabric for back pocket.

Note-The reason I did this was because I wanted the pocket to be firmer (more firm?).  If this does not matter to you or you  are using a heavier fabric, feel free to skip this step)

Fold pocket in half wrong sides together and fuse.  Pocket should measure 6 1/4” x 16 1/2”.  Apply trim (optional).  Baste to the front fabric at the side edges opposite the front trim and applique. (Again, easy to do, hard to explain!).  You will have a long piece of fabric with the trim and applique at one edge and the pocket at the other edge.  Clear as mud?  Make sure the folded edge of the pocket is facing UP.

Finish!

1. Cut 4 pieces of ribbon 10” long. Measure up 6” on the front and back sides of the cover and pin ribbon in place.  Note position of pins and ribbon.

2.  Place front and lining pieces right sides together.  Sew with a 1/4 “ seam around the cover leaving a 4”-5” opening along one side for turning.(See my pin trick-I always put 2 pins together to remind me to stop sewing so I will HAVE an opening.)

Note-I sew perpendicular at the start and end of my sewing to the edge of my fabric.  It helps to make a sharp fold when I press and sew the opening closed.

3. Trim corners, turn right side out and give the cover a good press,  Top stitch around, close to the edge.  If your are careful, you will not have to hand sew the opening closed.

4.  Finish pocket.  I chose to put a seam down the center of the pocket and then again about 4” away to make 3 sections on the pocket.  Doing it now attaches the front of the cover to the lining.

You are done! Congratulations!