If you are one of those people who has taken up the hobby of sewing and want to add a creative touch to it, you should learn how to make a sewing machine mat. This handy accessory is a great way to keep your machine clean and protect it from dust, dirt and other unwanted materials. With a few simple materials and some basic tools, you can create one that is perfect for your needs and style. Here is what you need to know about making a sewing machine mat that will look great and fulfill its purpose.
Tools and materials
The first step in learning how to make a sewing machine mat is to gather the tools and materials you will need. You will need fabric that is durable and suitable for the task (like cotton, vinyl, or leather). Good quality sewing thread should be chosen to ensure that the mat will last, as well as basic supplies such as a ruler, scissors and needles. Additionally, you may want to opt for craft interlining, batting, and/or foam to make your mat comfortable and useful.
Cutting and laying out the fabric
After you have gathered the items you need, it is time to start building your mat. Start by measuring out and cutting the length of the fabric you need. You then need to lay out the interior cotton material on the work surface. Place the batting (or craft interlining, if desired) onto the cotton and smooth it out. Place the cotton/batting combination onto the vinyl/leather material and smooth out any wrinkles. Finally, cut the vinyl/leather fabric to be about 4 inches larger than the interior fabric for wrapping around the edges.
Sewing the Mat
Once everything is laid out and in place, it is time to start the sewing process. Begin by using the ruler to draw a line down the middle of the assembled fabric. Use this as a guide to stitch down the middle of the fabric. As you work, remember to backstitch its corners and use a zigzag stitch to make sure that the materials stay together securely. When you are finished, you should have two neat lines of stitching, one in the middle and one around the edge of the mat.
Turning and finishing the mat
The next step in learning how to make a sewing machine mat is to turn it right side out. Place your hand inside the mat and carefully push it through the sewn lines until the entire mat is turned inside out. Your mat should now look like a finished product and be ready to be embellished and added to your equipment. Now all that is left is to decorate it with either pretty fabric paint, patterned ribbons, embossed vinyl and leather, or some other sewing-inspired craft.
Additional sections
Cleaning and Maintenance
Sewing machine mats not only make your workspace look more organized, but also can be useful in keeping your sewing machine and other sewing materials clean. To keep your mat in tip-top condition, you should give it a regular clean with an anti-static cloth or a vacuum cleaner. This will help to reduce the risks of dust and dirt buildup, as well as preventing any wear and tear on your sewing machine from particles that can be picked up from fabric.
Additional Protection
To further protect your sewing machine and other materials, you can use a self-healing mat. This mat is made of a special plastic that does not tear, making it perfect for sewing tasks. Additionally, you can use a clear vinyl mat to help absentmindedly prevent your fabric and threads from slipping onto the floor. With these added steps, you can achieve an even more organized and efficient workspace.
Hints and Tips
If you are someone who likes to customize their projects, you can use creative fabrics and materials to make your mat unique. Alternatively, if you are looking for fabrics, it is recommended to choose a garment weight material that is heavy enough to prevent slippage and easy to clean. If you use a thicker material, the sewing machine might be harder to move around. Additionally, if you want to make sure the fabric does not fray or rip, try using interfacing to back the fabric.
Top Brands and Prices
When it comes to finding the best sewing machine mats, there are many different brands and prices available. There are several reputable manufacturers on the market that offer top-of-the-line mats. For example, Brother makes a self-healing cutting mat as well as a grid iron mat which is great for cutting intricate shapes and ensuring accuracy. Prices range from $15 to $250 depending on the material and size. Other popular brands include: Singer, Janome and Prym.
