Sewers often keep their sewing machines (and sergers) out and ready for use, however if left out in the open for even a short period of time fine dust may accumulate on these hard-working machines, causing slight deterioration of the many moving parts and may hamper contacts of sensitive electronics. Even the all metal mechanical machines of the past still in wide-spread use today may reveal stitching problems attributable to barely evident dust that can fall into exposed mechanisms.

A fabric cover for your sewing machine or serger will protect the investment in your machine or preserve the hard-working parts of a cherished hand-me-down so that it will continue to function well. Many new machines do arrive with a protective plastic dust cover, albeit utilitarian and bereft of charm, while older machines may benefit from having one considerately sewn or casually made no-sew.

Easy Sewing Machine Fabric Cover with Ties

A sewing machine cover can be quickly and easily sewn using complimentary or contrasting rectangles of fabric. Cut two lengths of fabric measured to drape over your machine that will cover the back, top, and front. The width will be the width of the machine. Add for seam allowances all around. Place the two rectangles right-sides together, stitch all around leaving an opening for turning, trim corners, turn right-side out, press and stitch opening closed. Cut four ties approximately 12 to 16-inches long out of ribbon, twill tape, or bias binding. Ties can be stitched to each side of the cover about the middle when folded in half. The open sided sewing machine cover is not only functional for keeping most dust off the machine when not in use but also dresses up the look of your sewing area. Add front pockets for sewing notions for added utility if desired. Additionally, two different seasonal themed prints (one spring, one summer or one fall, one winter) can be paired that would effortlessly render the cover reversible!

No-Sew Sewing Machine or Serger Fabric Dust Covers

Colorful bandanas make very serviceable sewing machine or serger dust covers. No sewing required. Just tie two bandannas together at two matching corners and drape over the machine. A clip or straight pin on each side can close the open sides of the functional draped cover.

Actually any rectangular length of fabric or felt would make a serviceable machine cover-up. Use pinking shears to trim all edges to prevent fraying or use shears to make straight cuts to neaten all edges. Drape the fabric over the machine for an instant machine cover. If there is enough fabric to encase the machine and sides, just use a few decorative pearl or vintage hat pins to keep the sides of the draped cover closed and add subtle embellishment.

For one last easy no-sew cover option, a medium sized short-sleeved T-shirt works as a serviceable sewing machine cover for most sewing machines, a large sized T-shirt for bulkier machines. A large sized T-shirt can even cover a serger as well - just push down the telescopic thread stand to its lowest point and slide the T-shirt over the machine!

Sew happy, sew inspired.