Introduction: DIY How to Make a Quilted Sewing Machine Mat With Pockets and Thread Catcher - Bravo Dada! Sewing Tutorial
By Bravo DadaEtsy Shop
More by the author:
About: Self-taught seamstress who loves sharing her passion for sewing with the world. More About Bravo Dada »
Hi everyone!
In this sewing tutorial I’m going to show you how to make a quilted sewing machine mat with pockets and a thread catcher. This mat is very helpful to organize your sewing materials so you can find them easily and also keep your sewing table free of little pieces of thread and/or fabric.
Important note: I use the metric system and make the exact conversion from cm to inches in the hope of helping. Please adapt these measurements to your ruler.
Hope you enjoy this tutorial. 🥰🪡
Supplies
NOTE: Dimensions in inches are approximated.
The materials and techniques I used are the ones I thought were the best for me as a self-taught creative seamstress. It doesn’t mean they are the best for you, so feel free to use your creativity and make it your own! You can adjust the measurements as you like and also add other features.
- My sewing machine measurements are 38cm | 14 61/64” wide and 18cm | 7 3/32” deep.
- My sewing machine plus the extension table measurements are 60cm | 23 5/8” wide and 28cm | 11 1/32” deep.
- The finished mat measures approximately 62cm | 24 13/32” wide and 52cm | 20 15/32” long. Adjust fabric requirements for your sewing machine, if needed.
- Important note: You should take into account the quilting shrinkage. After quilting the front fabric piece and the pockets, I have cut all the fabric pieces to the same size before sewing them together. My pieces shrank 2cm | 25/32" after quilting (66cm | 26 63/64” x 54cm | 21 17/64”).
Tip: Use a piece of non-slip shelf liner underneath your sewing mat to keep it from sliding.
FABRIC MEASUREMENTS AND SUPPLIES
Sewing mat:
- 2 fabric pieces for the front and the back: 68cm / 26 49/64” x 56cm / 22 3/64”
- 2 fabric pieces for the smaller pocket (1 for outside fabric and 1 for inside fabric): 68cm / 26 49/64” x 14cm / 5 33/64”
- 1 fabric piece for the bigger pocket: 68cm / 26 49/64” x 33cm / 12 63/64”. If you prefer to use two different fabrics for the bigger pocket you will need 2 fabric pieces (1 for outside fabric and 1 for inside fabric): 68cm / 26 49/64” x 17cm / 6 11/16”
Bow:
- 1 fabric piece for the bow: 19cm | 7 31/64" x 9,5cm | 3 47/64"
- 1 fabric piece for the center of the bow: 6cm | 2 23/64” x 6cm | 2 23/64".
Thread catcher:
- 2 fabric pieces for outer fabric: 15cm | 5 29/32” x 16cm | 6 19/64”
- 2 fabric pieces for lining: 15cm | 5 29/32” x 16cm | 6 19/64”
Heavy-weight fusible interfacing (thread catcher):
- 2 pieces of fusible interfacing: 15cm | 5 29/32” x 16cm | 6 19/64”
Heavy-weight polyester batting (top of the mat):
- 1 piece for the front of the mat: 68cm | 26 49/64” x 56cm | 22 3/64”
Light-weight polyester batting measurements (mat pockets):
- 1 piece for the bigger pocket: 68cm | 26 49/64” x 16cm | 6 19/64”
- 1 piece for the smaller pocket: 68cm | 26 49/64” x 14cm | 5 33/64”
Bias tape:
- 2 pieces for both pockets: 68cm | 26 49/64” x 2cm | 25 / 32”
Dark brown ribbon:
- 13cm | 5 1/8” x 1cm | 25/64”
“Handmade with love” wooden button:
- 2.5cm | 63/64”
Metal swivel lanyard snap hook:
- 1cm | 25/64”
Needle sizes:
- 90/14
- 110/18
General purpose hand needles.
Sewing machine.
Step 1: Quilt the Front Fabric of the Mat
- Mark your quilt lines with a heat erasable pen leaving 5cm | 1 31/32" between them.
Step 2: Make the Pockets
Pink stars pocket:
- Place the right sides of fabric facing each other and clip them together (don't forget the polyester batting). Sew with a seam allowance of 1cm | 25/64".
Pink pocket:
- Fold the fabric (wrong sides of fabric facing each other) and the polyester batting between them.
Step 3: Quilt the Pockets
- Mark your quilt lines with a heat erasable pen leaving 3cm | 1 3/16" between them.
Step 4: Add the Bias Tape to the Pockets
- Place and sew the bias tape to the pockets.
Step 5: Sew the Pockets to the Front of the Mat
- Before sewing all the pieces together, cut them to the same size because the fabric will shrink after quilting.
- Sew the pockets to the mat as close to the edge as possible.
- Use a 110/18 sized needle.
Step 6: Sew the Outer Fabrics
- Place the right sides of the outer fabrics of the mat facing each other and sew with a seam allowance of 1.5cm | 19/32". Leave an opening of 20cm | 7 7/8" to turn the mat right side out.
- Clip the edges and trim the excess fabric.
- Turn the mat right side out.
- Press the mat.
- Close up the opening with an invisible hand stitching.
Step 7: Divide the Pockets Into Sections and Sew
Distance between the pockets:
- 1st pocket: 12cm
- 2nd pocket: 10cm
- 3rd pocket: 15cm
- 4th pocket: 10cm
- 5th pocket: 15cm
- Sew the pockets as shown in the images.
- Make sure to sew the reinforcement stitches (stitch back and forward a few times over the same area).
- Top stitch all the way around 0.7cm | 9/32" away from the edge.
- Press the pockets.
- The mat is finished.
- Use a piece of non-slip shelf liner underneath your mat to keep it from sliding.
Step 8: Make the Bow
- Fold the fabrics as shown in the pictures and hand sew the bow.
Step 9: Make the Thread Catcher
- Apply the fusible interfacing to the outer fabrics.
- Cut 2.5cm | 1" squares from the bottom edges of the 4 fabrics.
- Place the right sides of fabric facing each other.
- Sew the top of the fabrics together with a seam allowance of 0.7cm | 9/32".
- Press the seams open.
- Place the right sides of fabric facing each other and sew all the way around with a seam allowance of 0.7cm | 9/32", leaving the square corners unstitched. Leave an opening of 6cm | 2 23/64" to turn the thread catcher right side out.
- Now align the corners as shown in the images and sew with a seam allowance of 0.7cm | 9/32".
- Turn the thread catcher right side out.
- Press the thread catcher.
- Edge stitch 0.3cm | 1/8" away from the edge of the thread catcher.
Step 10: Install the Snap Buttons and Decorate Your Sewing Machine Mat
- Fold the thread catcher at the middle and measure to add the snap buttons to it.
- Install the snap buttons.
- Sew the opening closed.
- Apply the snap buttons to the mat at the same distance as the ones in the thread catcher.
- Place the metal swivel lanyard snap hook at the middle of the ribbon andhand-sew the ribbon and the wooden button to the thread catcher.
- Hand-sew the bow to the mat.
- Decorate your sewing machine mat as you wish!
Step 11: Finished Sewing Machine Mat
Happy sewing! 🥰🪡
Second Prize in the
Organization Challenge
As an avid seamstress with extensive experience in creating quilting and sewing projects, I can confidently attest to the comprehensive and well-structured nature of Bravo Dada's DIY tutorial on making a quilted sewing machine mat with pockets and a thread catcher. Bravo Dada, a self-taught seamstress, demonstrates a deep passion for sewing and generously shares her expertise with the world through this tutorial.
The tutorial begins with a crucial note about using the metric system and provides precise conversions to inches, showing attention to detail and consideration for a diverse audience. This attention to detail is indicative of a seasoned seamstress who understands the importance of accurate measurements in sewing projects.
The materials and techniques suggested by Bravo Dada reflect a thoughtful selection based on personal experience. The tutorial emphasizes flexibility, encouraging readers to adapt measurements and add personalized features, showcasing an understanding that creativity plays a significant role in crafting unique projects.
One notable aspect is the awareness of quilting shrinkage. Bravo Dada not only mentions it but also shares personal experience, highlighting the importance of cutting fabric pieces to the same size after quilting. This practical advice demonstrates a keen awareness of the nuances involved in the quilting process.
The tutorial then dives into specific fabric measurements and supplies for different components of the sewing machine mat, such as the mat itself, pockets, bow, and thread catcher. The inclusion of various batting types, interfacing, bias tape, and notions like ribbon, buttons, and lanyard snap hooks adds depth to the project, catering to both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
The step-by-step instructions are clear and accompanied by helpful images, ensuring accessibility for sewers of different skill levels. Bravo Dada covers each phase of the project, from quilting the front fabric to making pockets, adding bias tape, sewing components together, and finishing with decorative elements like bows and snap buttons.
The division of pocket sections and reinforcement stitches reveal Bravo Dada's commitment to the durability and functionality of the final product. The suggestion to use non-slip shelf liner underneath the mat reflects practical wisdom, ensuring the mat stays securely in place during use.
The tutorial concludes with detailed steps on making a bow, creating a thread catcher with snap buttons, and decorating the sewing machine mat. Bravo Dada's final encouragement to "decorate your sewing machine mat as you wish" highlights the personalized and creative aspect of sewing.
In summary, Bravo Dada's tutorial not only provides a comprehensive guide to creating a quilted sewing machine mat but also demonstrates a wealth of firsthand knowledge, thoughtful considerations, and a genuine passion for the art of sewing. This tutorial is a valuable resource for both beginners and experienced sewers looking to enhance their organization and creative expression in the sewing space.
