How to Make a Vibrant Sewing Machine Cover: A Jelly Roll Project

Hello, fellow sewing enthusiasts! I’m Julie, and today, I’m thrilled to share an exciting and practical sewing project with you.

As someone who cherishes both the art of quilting and the joy of sewing, I understand the importance of keeping our sewing machines safe and dust-free.

In this tutorial, we’ll embark on a journey to create a stunning Sewing Machine Cover using a delightful assortment of fabric strips known as a jelly roll. Not only will this cover add a touch of charm to your sewing space, but it will also provide essential protection for your beloved machine.

From the fabric selection to the final stitches, we’ll explore every step of the process, ensuring that your sewing machine cover is not only functional but also a beautiful work of art. So, gather your materials and let’s dive into the world of quilting and sewing, creating a project that’s as practical as it is visually appealing.

Materials You’ll Need

Before we begin, let’s gather all the materials necessary to craft your Sewing Machine Cover:

• 1 Jelly Roll or Rolie Polie (2.5″ wide fabric strips)
• 1 yard of quilting cotton fabric for lining
• 1/2 yard of fabric for the side of the cover (or use jelly roll fabric)
• 1/3 yard of fabric for an optional side pocket
• Fusible interfacing for stabilizer (such as Shape-Flex)
• Needle-felted batting
• Thread for topstitching
• Scissors, rotary cutter, sewing machine, and iron
• Optional Clover Hera Marker

Creating Your Sewing Machine Cover: Step-by-Step Tutorial

Step 1: Cut and Prepare the Strips

Begin by selecting a jelly roll or cutting your own fabric strips to 2.5″ wide. These strips will form the basis of your quilting design. If you’re cutting your own strips, ensure they are straight and uniform in size.

Step 2: Piece Together the Center Panel

Lay out 2-4 strips from your jelly roll and cut them down to 6″ strips. Align the short edges and trim as needed for a clean, straight edge. Repeat this process until you have at least 76 fabric pieces.

Sew 9 strips with 4 strips together and 8 strips with 5 strips sewn together. Alternate these strips in a pattern, creating a dynamic and visually appealing design. Trim and press the seams as you go.

Step 3: Quilt the Center Panel

Fuse the pieced panel to a layer of needle-felted batting using a spray baste. This will provide stability and a quilting surface. Choose your preferred quilting pattern and stitch the layers together. Consider topstitching along the seams for added texture and definition.

Step 4: Create and Quilt the Side Panels

Repeat the quilting process for the side panels. You can choose a different quilting pattern or even create a grid design using a fabric marker or chalk.

Step 5: Add an Optional Side Pocket

Fuse interfacing to the back of the side pocket fabric. Fold the pocket in half and topstitch along the folded edge. Attach the pocket to the quilted side panel, securing it around the sides and bottom.

Step 6: Assemble the Sewing Machine Cover

Sew the quilted side panels to the main cover piece. Contour the main cover piece around the side piece and sew with a 3/8″ seam allowance. Trim the excess of the main cover piece and clip the curved edges. Turn the cover right side out and press it.

Step 7: Prepare the Lining

Fuse interfacing to the back of the lining fabric pieces. Sew the lining pieces together in a manner similar to the outer fabric. Trim seam allowances and clip curves.

Step 8: Attach the Lining to the Main Cover

Place the lining right side down on the main cover and pin the bottom edges, matching up the seams. Sew around the edges, leaving a small opening for turning. Trim the bottom seam allowance to reduce bulk.

Turn the cover right side out, press, and topstitch around the bottom edge. Secure the layers together at the top to prevent shifting.

Additional Tips and Techniques

Before we wrap up our journey to create the perfect Sewing Machine Cover, let’s explore some additional tips and techniques that will elevate your project and ensure a successful outcome:

1. Fabric Selection: While a jelly roll is a convenient choice for this project, don’t hesitate to mix and match fabrics from your stash to add a personal touch. Combining different textures and colors can create a unique and eye-catching cover.
2. Seam Accuracy: Take extra care when sewing and piecing your fabric strips. Accurate seams ensure that the panels align perfectly, resulting in a polished and professional finish.
3. Quilting Precision: When quilting your panels, experiment with various quilting designs to add texture and dimension. Consider echoing the shapes of the fabric strips or experimenting with geometric patterns.
4. Exploring Pockets: The optional side pocket is not only functional but also a charming addition. Customize its size and placement according to your needs. It’s a great spot to store small sewing tools or notes.
5. Customizing Dimensions: If you have a larger or smaller sewing machine, feel free to adjust the measurements of the cover to ensure a snug fit. Simply measure your machine and modify the width of the cover as needed.
6. Binding Versatility: Instead of topstitching around the bottom edge, consider binding the bottom using a coordinating fabric. This adds an extra layer of design and durability to your cover.
7. Embroidery or Appliqué: Personalize your cover further by adding embroidery or appliqué designs. Whether it’s your name, a favorite quote, or a small motif, these embellishments can make your cover truly one-of-a-kind.
8. Matching Accessories: Extend the theme to other sewing accessories, such as pin cushions or thread catchers, using the same fabric or color palette. This creates a cohesive and visually appealing sewing space.

Full Pattern: Click Here

A Fusion of Functionality and Creativity

As you admire your newly crafted Sewing Machine Cover, take a moment to appreciate the fusion of functionality and creativity that quilting and sewing bring to your crafting space. Not only have you created a protective shield for your machine, but you’ve also embarked on a journey of self-expression and artistry.

Let this cover be a reflection of your passion for sewing and quilting—a constant reminder that even the most practical items can be transformed into beautiful works of art. May your sewing machine remain protected, your creativity soar, and your sewing adventures continue to unfold with joy.

Thank you for joining me in this sewing endeavor. Until our threads cross paths again, happy sewing, dear readers!