A straightforward Fabric Cover Protects Your Machine From Dust and Damage
A sewing machine cover is a fitted fabric shell that slides over your machine when it is not in use. It keeps dust, lint, and pet hair away from the feed dogs and tension discs, and protects the paint and decals from sunlight and spills. You can make one in an afternoon using scrap fabric, a measuring tape, and basic hand-stitching or a sewing machine—the irony is intentional.
The simplest approach is a pillowcase-style cover: measure your machine's length, width, and height, add seam allowance, cut two pieces of fabric, sew three sides, and slip it over the machine like a pillowcase. A slightly more finished version adds a bottom panel and elastic at the opening so the cover stays in place. Both take under two hours and require no pattern.
Key Takeaways
- Measure your machine's length, width, and height, then add one inch to each dimension for seam allowance and fit.
- A pillowcase cover requires two rectangular pieces of fabric sewn on three sides; a box-style cover adds a bottom panel for a snugger fit.
- Use quilting cotton, canvas, or linen—avoid stretchy knits, which sag and collect wrinkles.
- Topstitching the seams and adding elastic at the opening keeps the cover from sliding off during storage.
Measure Your Machine and Plan the Shape
Place your sewing machine on a flat surface and measure three dimensions: the length from the front of the presser foot to the back of the machine, the width from left to right at the widest point, and the height from the table to the top of the presser foot lever or thread guides. Write these numbers down. Add one inch to the length and width, and one and a half inches to the height—this gives you seam allowance and enough room to slide the cover on and off without forcing it.
Decide whether you want a pillowcase cover or a box cover. A pillowcase cover is two rectangular pieces sewn together on three sides; it works best for machines with a straightforward rectangular footprint. A box cover has a front panel, a back panel, two side panels, and a bottom panel, which fits machines with curves or a wider base more neatly. If your machine has a handle or a presser foot that sticks up significantly, the box style will look less lumpy.
Choose Fabric and Cut Your Pieces
Use a medium-weight, non-stretchy fabric. Quilting cotton, canvas, linen, or home décor weight cotton all work well. Avoid jersey knit, fleece, or other stretchy fabrics—they sag over time and trap wrinkles. If you want the cover to be washable, pre-wash your fabric before cutting so it does not shrink after you sew it.
For a pillowcase cover, cut two rectangles. Each piece should be your adjusted length by your adjusted height. For a box cover, cut a front panel (length by height), a back panel (length by height), two side panels (width by height), and a bottom panel (length by width). Lay out your pieces on the fabric before cutting to make sure you have enough yardage. A typical sewing machine cover uses less than one yard of fabric.
Sew the Pillowcase-Style Cover
Place your two rectangles with the right sides facing each other. Pin three sides: the top, left, and right. Leave the bottom open. Sew along the three pinned sides using a half-inch seam allowance. Use a straight stitch and backstitch at the beginning and end of each seam to lock the thread. If you are sewing by hand, use a running stitch or backstitch and aim for stitches about one-eighth inch apart.
Trim the corners diagonally, cutting away the fabric triangle at each corner without cutting into the stitching. This reduces bulk when you turn the cover right-side out. Turn the cover right-side out through the open bottom, pushing the corners out gently with a blunt tool like a chopstick or the eraser end of a pencil. Press the cover flat with an iron, paying attention to the seams and corners.
Fold the raw edges of the bottom opening inward by half an inch and press. Pin the opening closed. Topstitch around the entire perimeter of the cover, one-quarter inch from the edge, which closes the opening and reinforces all the seams. This step is optional but makes the cover more durable.
Sew the Box-Style Cover for a Custom Fit
Lay out all five panels on a flat surface with right sides facing up. Start by sewing the two side panels to the front panel. Place the front and one side panel right sides together, aligning the height edges. Sew using a half-inch seam allowance. Repeat on the other side. Press the seams open or to one side, depending on your preference.
Attach the back panel the same way: sew it to both side panels. You now have a box shape with an open bottom. Sew the bottom panel to the front, sides, and back, working one edge at a time and pivoting at the corners. Press all seams. Turn the cover right-side out through the top opening, which will be the opening you leave for sliding the cover onto the machine.
Fold the raw edges of the top opening inward by half an inch and press. Topstitch around the opening to finish the edge. If you want the cover to stay in place, sew a casing along the top opening and thread elastic through it—measure around the opening, subtract two inches, and use that length of elastic. This keeps the cover snug against the machine.
Add Elastic and Finishing Details
To add an elastic casing, fold the top edge of the opening down by one inch and press. Sew a line one-half inch from the fold, creating a tunnel. Leave a two-inch gap in the stitching. Thread elastic through the gap using a safety pin or bodkin, then overlap the elastic ends by one inch and sew them together. Sew the gap closed. The elastic will gather the fabric and hold the cover snugly around the machine.
If you want to add a decorative touch, topstitch a line one-quarter inch from each seam, or add a contrasting fabric strip along the bottom edge. You can also sew a small label inside with the machine model or your name. Let the cover dry completely before putting it on the machine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use old sheets or pillowcases to make a cover?
Yes, old cotton sheets work well and are often the right weight. Wash them first to remove any sizing. Avoid thin, worn sheets that tear easily. Pillowcases are usually too small for most machines unless you have a very compact model.
What if my sewing machine has a presser foot that sticks up too high?
Measure to the top of the presser foot lever, not the machine body, and add that extra height to your measurements. A box-style cover with taller side panels will fit better than a pillowcase cover. You can also leave the presser foot in the down position before measuring.
Do I need to use a sewing machine to make the cover, or can I hand-sew it?
Hand-sewing works fine and takes about twice as long. Use a backstitch for strength, and aim for stitches one-eighth inch apart. Reinforce the corners and seams with a second pass if you are hand-sewing, since hand stitches are generally less dense than machine stitches.
What is the best way to store the cover when I am using the machine?
Fold it loosely and store it in a drawer, shelf, or fabric bag near your sewing area. Do not stuff it into a tight space where it will wrinkle permanently. If you have room, hang it on a hook or hanger to keep it flat.
Can I wash the cover after I make it?
Yes, if you used pre-washed fabric and all-cotton thread. Hand-wash in cool water with mild soap, rinse well, and air-dry flat or on a hanger. Do not use a dryer, which can shrink the fabric and melt elastic. Iron on low heat if needed.