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Sewing a sewing machine cover: step-by-step instructions

10.02.2018 by Sabine Schmidt

Nähmaschinenhaube nähen: Schritt-für-Schritt Anleitung

With my tutorial, you can easily sew a sewing machine cover yourself. The highlight: the sewing machine cover can be taken apart and washed in a flash!

The most important things at a glance

  • In this post, I will show you how to sew a beautiful cover for your sewing machine using fabric scraps
  • Instead of using leftover bias tape, you can of course also connect the three pattern pieces using press studs, Kam Snaps, or Velcro
  • Alternatively, you can naturally sew the pieces together from the inside using an overlocker and only finish the bottom edge with bias tape
  • The dust cover for the sewing machine can be taken apart and washed in a flash

Sewing a sewing machine cover – nicer than buying, right?

I don't know how long I've been looking for a nice, matching sewing machine cover for my Janome*. The machine is quite a large piece of equipment, so store-bought covers generally don't fit.

The Janome was delivered with a black cover with red lettering.

Functional, but a bit dreary.

Conclusion: A bit of color was needed.

What am I saying? A bit? Loads of color! And lots and lots of colorful little bows!

Here is my tutorial, which you can use to sew a beautiful (and a little bit playful) sewing machine cover out of fabric scraps.

Tip: You can also connect the three pattern pieces with press studs, Kam Snaps, or Velcro! Alternatively, you can naturally sew the pieces together from the inside using an overlocker and only finish the bottom edge with bias tape.

Materials needed to sew the sewing machine cover

Frequently Asked Questions

What can you use to connect the three pattern pieces of the sewing machine cover?

You can connect the three pattern pieces using leftover bias tape, press studs, Kam Snaps, or Velcro.

Can you wash the sewing machine cover?

Yes, you can take the three parts of the cover apart and wash them at 30°C on a delicate cycle.

How can I determine the dimensions for the fabric cuts for my sewing machine cover?

First determine the height and width of the front and back pieces. The side pieces should be approx. 2 centimeters wider than the sewing machine. No seam allowance is needed for the height.
Then measure the width of the sewing machine and the required length of the side piece for the center section. The side piece should extend from the bottom left edge of the sewing machine, over the lid, to the bottom right edge.
I recommend cutting the side piece approx. 5 cm longer on each side so that there is more room for the cables.

Links marked with * are affiliate links: If you make a purchase through them, we receive a small commission. The price remains the same for you.

Step-by-step instructions

Sew a sewing machine cover

A washable dust cover for your sewing machine made of three parts (front, back and middle panel) that are tied together with bias binding bows. The outer sides can also be made from fabric scraps in quilt-as-you-go style.

  1. Step

    Take measurements

    The finished cover consists of three parts that are tied together with bows. The front and back pieces are the same size.

    Determine the height and width of the front and back pieces: the side panels should be approx. 2 centimetres wider than the sewing machine. No seam allowance is needed for the height.

    For the middle piece, measure the width of the sewing machine and the required length. The middle piece should reach from the lower left edge of the sewing machine over the top to the lower right edge. Cut it approx. 5 cm longer on each side so there is more room for the cables.

    Take measurements
  2. Step

    Cut the pattern pieces

    Cut one front and one back piece each from lining fabric (e.g. needlecord), from Thermolam and from outer fabric.

    If you like, you can quilt the outer sides from fabric scraps by sewing individual fabric strips onto the Thermolam. The Thermolam should be approx. 2 cm larger all round than the finished pieces (quilt-as-you-go technique).

    Cut the pattern pieces
  3. Step

    Quilt and cut the middle piece

    Repeat the quilting step for the back piece, and also for the middle piece if you want to piece it from fabric strips too.

    Tip: Use the lining pieces as a template for cutting the quilted outer side.

    Quilt and cut the middle piece
  4. Step

    Pin the layers together

    Pin all three layers together: the Thermolam lies between the two fabric layers and the right sides of the fabric face outwards.

    If you like, you can now round off the corners of the three pattern pieces.

    Pin the layers together
  5. Step

    Decide where the bows go

    Now work out where the bows should go. I placed them approx. 10 centimetres apart.

    The ties should be exactly opposite each other.

    Decide where the bows go
  6. Step

    Prepare and sew on the bias binding ties

    Sew a suitable amount of bias binding closed along the long edges. Alternatively, you can also use cords.

    The bias binding pieces should be approx. 26 cm long so they can be tied together easily later.

    Sew the bias binding pieces onto the right side of the prepared pattern pieces at the marked spots.

    Prepare and sew on the bias binding ties
  7. Step

    Tie the ties together

    Then I tie the ties together so I don't accidentally sew them in when I bind the pattern pieces with bias binding.

    Tie the ties together
  8. Step

    Attach the bias binding (inside)

    All three pattern pieces are now bound with bias binding.

    Start on the side that will face inwards. Fold the bias binding over approx. 1 centimetre and then sew it on all the way round in the first fold.

    Attach the bias binding (inside)
  9. Step

    Close the bias binding

    At the end, sew the bias binding with a 2 cm overlap and secure the seam.

    Close the bias binding
  10. Step

    Fold over and topstitch the bias binding

    Then fold the bias binding around the fabric edge and topstitch it in place from the right side.

    As you do this, fold the ties over the bias binding and sew them in place.

    Repeat this step for the second side piece and for the centre piece.

    Fold over and topstitch the bias binding
  11. Step

    Tie the bows, done!

    Now all you need to do is tie the bows nicely and give your sewing machine its new outfit. Done!

    Tie the bows, done!

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About the author

Sabine

I come from Siegen-Wittgenstein, where I spent my childhood breaking in cows, jumping off haystacks and scraping a D- in needlework class.

Today, being creative feels like indescribable happiness to me – and it grows even more when I can share it with others. Since 2016 I have been celebrating my passion for sewing on this blog, and I love that sewing connects so many people.