How to make a sewing machine cover

1. Materials & tools

Materials (one cover, domestic machine)

• Main fabric (linen, canvas or heavy cotton) — about 110 cm wide × 110 cm
• Optional: lining fabric — the same amount
• Optional: matching fabric for a pocket, to hold the feet and accessories
• Bias tape for the hem — about 200 cm

Tools

• Sewing machine (or needle and thread)
• Fabric marker or pencil
• Ruler and scissors
• Iron
• Pins or clips

2. Make the pattern (auto-generated in Katagami)

With the Katagami pattern tool, you just enter the finished size and it drafts a seam-allowance-included pattern, tiled to print at actual size on Letter or A4.

1. Open the tool
   Open the pattern tool and choose “Home” → “Sewing machine cover” from the tabs at the top.
2. Enter the size
   Enter the machine's width, depth and height, plus the ease. Presets cover domestic, compact and large machines.
3. Set the seam allowance
   Use the slider at the bottom (beginners: 1.0–1.5 cm / about 3/8–5/8 in).
4. Print
   Press “Print (actual size)”, then in the print dialog set Scale = 100% and turn “Fit to page” OFF. Check the 50 mm calibration box on the first guide sheet with a ruler.

3. Cutting the fabric

1. Measure the machine
   Measure the width, depth and height. Measure the height with the spool pin folded down — measured upright, the cover comes out so large it slides off.
2. Check the cut sizes
   Everything is a rectangle, so rule the measurements from the guide sheet straight onto the fabric.
3. Cut the pieces
   Cut 1 wrap (front, top and back in one) and 2 side panels.
4. Finish the edges
   Zigzag the seam allowances. Not needed if you are lining it.

4. Sewing

4-1. Add a pocket (optional)

1. Sew a pocket onto the part that will be the front. It gives the presser feet and a small screwdriver somewhere to live.
2. Hem the top edge of the pocket first.
3. Do it with the wrap laid out flat. Once assembled you cannot reach it.

4-2. Attach the side panels

1. Place one long edge of the wrap and one side panel right sides together.
2. Pin the notches on the wrap — the points that land on the front and back corners of the top — to the corners of the side panel. Between the notches corresponds to the top.
3. At each corner, stop with the needle down, clip into the wrap's seam allowance and pivot 90°.
4. Attach the second side panel the same way.

4-3. Finish the hem

1. Double-fold the hem by 1 cm and then 2 cm and stitch.
2. If you are lining it, sew outer and lining right sides together at the hem, turn and topstitch.
3. Binding the hem with bias tape is another option, and easier with a heavy fabric.

4-4. Try it on

1. Turn right side out and put it over the machine.
2. Check that the handwheel and the levers are not caught and that the hem does not ride up.
3. If it is tight, take less in the side seams; if it is loose, take more.

✏️ Fold the spool pin down before you measure the height. Measured upright it reads more than 10 cm too tall and the finished cover swims. If your machine has a fixed upright pin, measure to that height instead.

5. Tips & variations

• The pocket earns its place: a pocket on the front holds the presser feet and bobbins, and the clutter around the machine stops accumulating.
• Lining is optional: it changes nothing functionally. Bind the hem and a single layer is plenty.
• Use leftovers: made from the offcuts of something you sewed and liked, it lifts the mood every time you get the machine out.