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Sarah‘s Reversible Appliance Cover Tutorial can be adapted for just about any appliance in your home. Do you want to protect your sewing machine from dust? Do you want to hide the TV? Show us what you create in the photo pool! |
You’ll need:
- 1/3 yard each of 2 different 44” wide fabrics (henceforth referred to as fabric A and fabric B) for the outside of the cover*
- 1/3 yard of 44” wide flannel for the inner layer
- ½ yard of 44” wide fabric for bias trim
- Matching thread
- Sewing machine
- Scissors
- Straight pins
- Tape measure
- Tailor’s chalk or marking pen
- Ruler
- Rotary cutter and mat are helpful, but not necessary
*Note that these fabric requirements are for a standard size, two slice toaster. Fabric requirements will vary depending upon the size of the appliance you wish to cover.
Pre-wash and press all of your fabric.
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Measurements and math: |
Let’s do some math now! Divide the side measurement by 2, as we will construct the cover using two pieces (my measurement started as 28” and is now 14”). Now add 1” to both the width and height measurements to account for seam allowances. The final measurements for the fabric are now 15” for the width and 9.5” for the height.
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Cut the fabric accordingly: |
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Cutting the Bias Tape: |
Move your ruler over 2” and cut once more. You now have one 2” wide bias strip. Create more strips until you have at least 30” of bias strips. Remember, it’s just fine to make more than you will need, as it can be used for another project. The amount of bias tape you will need will vary depending upon the size of your appliance. To determine how much you will need, simply measure the item around all sides and add 2”.
It helps to have a rotary cutter, mat, and clear ruler for this step, but you can complete this step with a plain ruler, tailor’s chalk or a marking pen, and scissors. Use the chalk to draw out even bias strips before cutting your fabric.
Time to sew (use ½” seam allowances throughout):
1. With right sides together, pin both pieces of fabric A. Sew along the top and sides only, leaving one long edge untouched. Press seams open.
2. Place both pieces of fabric B with right sides together. Now place one flannel piece on the bottom and one on top.
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You now have a four-layer “fabric sandwich”. Sew along the top and sides only. It helps to use a heavyweight needle and a longer stitch length when sewing all of these layers. Press seams open. |
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Create box corners: |
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2. Now take the cover off of your toaster and with a ruler and chalk (or marking pen) draw a straight line right beside the pin. |
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3. Remove the pin now and shift the fabric so that the seams match up. Once the seams are aligned, place the pin through the fabric again. |
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5. Note that the corner should look like this when you turn the fabric out. |
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6. Measure the distance from the point to the stitching line. Write down this measurement. 7. Using the measurement you just took, draw a line that many inches in on the opposite corner of fabric A. Basically, we want these corners to measure up exactly for a clean symmetrical look when we’re done. Stitch along this line, making sure that the seams line up. |
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8. Now check the fit of the cover on your toaster. If you are pleased with the fit, then cut off the excess corner fabric. *If the fit is too snug, rip out your seams and redraw your line closer to the point. If the fit is too loose, simply redraw your line further in and stitch (no need to rip seams). |
9. Similarly, create box corners for fabric B. Simply use the measurement from step 6 to draw your lines and then stitch.
10. Press all four corner seams.
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Put the cover together: 2. If one of the pieces is longer than the other, pin the two sections together along the bottom edge. Carefully cut away any extra fabric so that both pieces are the same length. 3. Set the cover aside. |
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Create bias tape: |
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2. Stitch as close to the edge as possible. |
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3. It is important that the points overlap a bit and that the stitching is close to the edge. This will ensure that you end up with a fairly straight strip of bias tape. Continue to pin and sew the strips together until you have enough bias tape for the project. Press the tiny seams open. |
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4. Now fold the tape in half, with long edges together, and press. 5. Open the tape up and fold both edges in so that they meet at the crease you just made. Press. |
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6. Do not open the tape this time, but simply fold once more along the original crease line. The unfinished edges of the bias tape should be neatly tucked in now. |
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Finishing touches: |
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2. At the beginning and end of stitching the bias tape, be sure to fold over a small portion of the unfinished edges of the tape for a clean, finished look. Now stitch along the crease that is nearest to the bottom edge of the cover. |
3. Once the bias tape is in place on one side, fold it down and under the appliance cover and pin it in place to the other side.
4. You have two choices here. You may either hand stitch the bias tape closed with a slip stitch or machine stitch the tape in place. If you machine stitch the tape, be sure to catch both sides of the bias tape in your stitching. It may help to trim the bottom edge of the cover pieces a bit to ensure that the tape matches up on both sides.
Now you’re done. Dress your toaster and begin planning the next appliance cover you’d like to make!
» Sewing Tutorials + Patterns » Sewing for the Home ~ Reversible...
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70 Responses to Sewing for the Home ~ Reversible Appliance Covers
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Amazing! Very cute appliance covers. And the reverse side is an added bonus.
I just finished a cover for my sewing machine when I came across your post. I actually used a pretty similar technique, except for the lining (I didn’t have enough fabric so I had to further drill down the pattern). I made an opening in the back to be able to get to the grip of the machine and put elastic in the hem. I posted some pictures on my blog…http://pm-betweenthelines.blogspot.com/2008/11/my-toyota-is-fantastic.html
Great tutorial! Thanks!
I love this! Thanks for a great tutorial.
Thanks so much for the tutorial! I think that I will make some for my kitchen things that are seasonal. It can be springy on one side and wintery on the other, etc.
After I saw this post I had to make an appliance cover myself. It turned out great. Thanks for the inspiration.
Thank you so much for pposting this tute – I would love to make a cover for my Kenwood Mixer, the fact that it is reversible is a stroke of genius, you’ll never get bored with the colour/pattern.
great idea! wonder if i could do this on my crockpot… not exactly square like the toaster hehe
I have been meaning to do this for awhile and now I have no excuse not too. thanks!
I’m excited to make one of these! It will cover my old, ugly toaster.
I really like this detailed tutorial, This is a great basic project that will spice up my kitchen! Thanks for sharing!
This is so cute – I love that it’s reversible! The how-to for the bias tape is very helpful, too.
These are awesome! What a great idea.
Will be covering every appliance in the house!
Thanks for the great tutorial !!
ooo… this is great! Thank you!
Thank you for the tutorial, I really need to make a cover for my kitchenaid!
Love anything reversible! Can’t wait to try it out. Thanks
I have been wanting to make one of these, for my sewing machine, for quite a while now. Thanks for the tutorial! Now I don’t have any more excuses
That is so cute! And… it looks simple yet challenging. Perfect for a beginner like me! Thanks!
I really need to do this for my toaster – its gross! And then apply the same concept for the sewing machine! Thank you!!
What an ingenius idea!
I made a sewing machine cover using this tute!
I made this for a friend’s birthday gift! It was sooooo easy. I even posted it in the photo pool.
thanks!
great tutorial, thanks!
I’m gonna make a cover for my kitchen aid now! Thanks
Very nice! I will definitely use this tutorial.
I really needed this pattern! I don’t bake as often as I’d like, and everytime I get to my kitchenaid, it needs to be washed again before I can use it. Thanks for sharing!
I love this idea! I think I’ll try it…
I love the tutorials you guys post on your site, and this is just another that I love! I can’t wait to whip some of these up for my toaster and coffee pot!
I need to make one of these for my serger, especially since I am moving my sewing table out to the dining room! Thanks for the great tutorial!
I might whip one up in time for company tonight…. thanks for the great tutorial!
Woo hooo .. where should I start? The toaster, the blender, the can opener, the coffee grinder, the kettle. Ugg, wish I could cover the whole kitchen sometimes! LOL Thanks, great explanation for the bias tape too!
Loved making a cover for my old bernina, your instructions were clear. I appliqued trees and butterflies with my favorite scrappy bits and it brightens my whole sewing room. Thanks!
Such a fun way to add touches of color in the kitchen – thanks!
Nice. Love the strawberry fabric.
This is useful, I need to make one for my sewing machine.
Perfect. Now I dont have to look at my hideous ancient toaster any more!
yea sewing machine cover!!!!
I have great memories of our toaster cover catching fire when I was a kid. While they are nice for keeping appliances dust-free, don’t put it on a hot toaster!
I have seen people use something similar to cover their Cricut (die cut machine!)
Great tutorial! Thanks!
cute way to add a splash of color!
thanks! can’t wait to make this and fancy up our kitchen.
What a great tutorial! Thanks for sharing this!!
these are too cute… great idea!
Oh I am going to have to make a cover for my sewing machine now!!
This is great, my toaster needs a cozy!
What a great idea and design! I love that this project is reversible so you can really customize this to your decor or to the time of year. Great instructions too!
This is a great idea. Many appliances in my house should be covered. Thanks for the tutorial.
Oh what a great idea!
Maybe a matching sack for the toast would make a nice set?!
And same for me: The measurement explanation works for sewing machines as well – so I’ll sew a cover for my Ikea sewing machine soon!
such a fun fabric pattern for a cover! thank you for the tutorial
I can’t wait to make this. My toaster collects as much dust as it does crumbs. I think the mixer, blender and food processor need to match!
If anyone wants to give me their nice lovely mixer, I’d be happy to make a cover… hee hee.
Thanks for the project, going to make one for my MIL’s new giant toaster.
This is perfect, CO is do dry that everything gets coated in dust! And thanks for the bias tape tutorial, I have problems remembering how to sew the strips together.
So cute…. and very easy! This would be good for a sewing machine cover! perhaps a fabric to match my sewing room? Nice!
Very Retro! Love it!
Ohhhh, thank you for this tutorial! I need to make one of these for my SEWING MACHINE! It sits near a sunny window, and I’m always throwing a sheet over it because I’m paranoid that lots of direct sunlight isn’t great for it.
can i just say… ADORABLE!!! This is too fun. Now I won’t have to hide my toaster in the cabinet! Thanks!
Thanks a lot for the tutorial.
Thanks so much for this! I have been wanting/needing to make a cover for my sewing machine and serger, and this gives me the basic know-how to be able to do it!
What a great tutorial! Very well pictured and explained. Now maybe I will finally get a cover made for my poor stand mixer!
Thanks!
Hee hee! I’m trying to get a visual of a TV all covered up in that farmer’s market fabric.
Great tutorial!
One thing, though…since the trim doesn’t go around any curves, you could actually use strips cut on the straight grain. This would allow you to use up smaller pieces of fabric or scraps.
And I agree, if anyone comes up with the measurements for a Kitchen-Aid, I’d be so happy!
Has anyone ever tried a toilet paper cover? My son is just starting to walk all over the house exploring and he loves unrolling the toilet paper!
yes, yes — I’m with Caitlin! Has anyone figured out how to do a cover for a KitchenAid mixer? I’ve played around with some muslin but it appears I’m not clever enough…
Thanks for the great idea and tutorial! I’m wondering what appliances I should move to our counter just so I can make a cozy for them.
Great project!
I am ready to try this!!!
Great idea!
Oh what a funny idea, I can´t wait to dress up all my Kitchen Appliances and in the meanwhile
I´m waiting for the first one to post pictures of a well dressed fridge or anything big like that
Best wishes from Germany,
Kati
Very cute! I really need to make something for my kitchenaid.