Sewing Machine Mat Tutorial

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You can make this sewing machine mat that will protect your equipment and make sewing easier (not to mention cuter)! Follow these simple steps to cut, sew, and assemble your sewing mat with a built-in pincushion and scissor leash.

YOU WILL NEED:

  • 1 fat quarter of quilting cotton fabric
  • 1 fat quarter of contrasting quilting cotton fabric
  • One 9″ × 20″ piece of high-density foam (I cut a rectangle from an old yoga mat.)
  • 1 set of snaps
  • Sewing Essentials (pins, scissors, etc.)
  • Sewing Machine

sewing machine mat Tutorial

Step 1 – Cut the Fabric Pieces

Start by cutting all of the pieces you’ll need before you begin sewing.

Cutting the fabric pieces. A sewing machine mat that protects your table, keeps your favorite tools within reach, and makes your sewing space look even cuter? Yes, please! This clever project includes a built-in scissor keeper and pin cushion, so everything you need stays right where it belongs.

Cut:

7″ × 21″ for the pincushion sleeve

9″ × 20″ of foam

30″ × 2″ for the scissor leash

13″ × 21″ of the top fabric

13″ × 21″ of the bottom fabric

Step 2 – Prepare the Scissor Leash

Preparing the scissor leash.

Prepare the scissor leash the sewing machine mat by pressing in half with the wrong sides facing. Open and fold the edges so that they meet in the middle. Press.

Step 3 – Sew the Scissor Leash

A sewing machine mat that protects your table, keeps your favorite tools within reach, and makes your sewing space look even cuter? Yes, please! This clever project includes a built-in scissor keeper and pin cushion, so everything you need stays right where it belongs.

Fold over one of the raw ends to the wrong side. The other raw edge will be inside the sewing machine mat.

Sewing along the long edge.

Sew along the long edge and the folded short edge of the scissor leash. Set the scissor leash aside.

Step 4 – Make the Pincushion Sleeve

Folding the pincushion sleeve. A sewing machine mat that protects your table, keeps your favorite tools within reach, and makes your sewing space look even cuter? Yes, please! This clever project includes a built-in scissor keeper and pin cushion, so everything you need stays right where it belongs.

Fold the pincushion sleeve in half with the wrong sides together. Stitch along the long edge and one short edge. Clip the corner.

Step 5 – Fill the Pincushion Sleeve

Turning the pincushion sleeve.

Turn the pincushion sleeve right side out. Fill with sawdust. I found a canning funnel to be helpful. Pack the sawdust in tightly.

Step 6 – Close the Pincushion Sleeve

Folding over the open edge and stitching it shut. A sewing machine mat that protects your table, keeps your favorite tools within reach, and makes your sewing space look even cuter? Yes, please! This clever project includes a built-in scissor keeper and pin cushion, so everything you need stays right where it belongs.

Fold over the open edge and stitch it shut. It doesn’t have to be pretty, as you won’t see this from the outside of the finished mat. Set the pincushion sleeve aside.

Step 7 – Sew the Sewing Machine Mat Together

Sandwiching the raw edge.

Sandwich the raw edge of the scissor leash between the two mat layers, with the right sides facing. Stitch along the top, side, and bottom edges. Clip the corners and turn it right side out.

Step 8 – Create the Sewing Machine Mat Pockets

Creating the sewing machine mat pockets. A sewing machine mat that protects your table, keeps your favorite tools within reach, and makes your sewing space look even cuter? Yes, please! This clever project includes a built-in scissor keeper and pin cushion, so everything you need stays right where it belongs.

Sew a seam 3″ from the bottom edge. This will divide your mat into two pockets; one is for the sewing mat, and the other is for the pincushion.

Step 9 – Insert the Sewing Machine Mat Foam

Now it’s time to add the foam to give the mat its shape.

Slide the mat into the larger pocket. Tuck the raw edges in and pin them in place.

Step 10 – Insert the Pincushion

Inserting the pincushion.

Stuff the pincushion sleeve into the pocket you formed. This will be tight. I found it helpful to use a wooden ruler to help stuff it in.

Step 11 – Close the Opening

You’re almost finished. Close the remaining opening to complete the mat.

Pinning the remainder. A sewing machine mat that protects your table, keeps your favorite tools within reach, and makes your sewing space look even cuter? Yes, please! This clever project includes a built-in scissor keeper and pin cushion, so everything you need stays right where it belongs.

Pin the remainder of the edge closed and hand stitch it shut.

A sewing machine mat that protects your table, keeps your favorite tools within reach, and makes your sewing space look even cuter? Yes, please! This clever project includes a built-in scissor keeper and pin cushion, so everything you need stays right where it belongs.

12. Add the Snap

Finish your sewing machine mat by attaching the final hardware.

Finishing the sewing machine mat.

Apply a snap to the end of the scissor leash.

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I love this easy to follow sewing DIY on how to make a sewing machine mat. It looks like it would be handy for my sewing space.
I love this easy to follow sewing DIY on how to make a sewing machine mat. It looks like it would be handy for my sewing space.
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Gracious Threads began as a place for Jess to share all the sewing she did for her friends and family. It soon grew, as other sewists shared her love for simple, practical clothing for kids. Jess lives with her husband and 3 children on their Canadian dairy farm.