Things You'll Need
1/3 yard of a 44-inch-wide fabric (standard size toaster)
1/3 yard of lining fabric (optional)
Thread in a matching color
Scissors
Pinking shears
Straight pins
Tape measure
Tailor's chalk or a fabric pen
Sewing machine (optional)
Iron
A toaster cover is a decorative way to keep your appliance clean and small and simple enough for a weekend sewing project. You can use leftover scraps or recycle old clothing like blue jeans for a new purpose. Once mastered, a handmade toaster cover makes a thoughtful gift for friends, family and neighbors and making one can prepare you for larger or more complex sewing projects in the future.
How to Sew a Toaster Cover
Step 1
Measure the length, width and height of your toaster. If it is larger than a standard size two- slice toaster -- about 12 inches long and 9 inches high -- you may need more fabric.
Video of the Day
Step 2
Use the measurements to create a pattern on a large piece of paper. Christina Sherrod's "Tissue Box Cover" pattern recommends adding 1/2 inch to the length and width and 1 inch to the height to allow for seams. Draw two smaller rectangles, using the height of the toaster for the shorter side and width for the longer side. Make one large rectangle using the length of the toaster for the shorter side. The longer side will be the sum of double the height plus the depth. On this longer side, measure the toaster's height in from each end and mark notches.
Step 3
Lay out your fabric and lining with the wrong side facing up. Cut out the pieces from your pattern and trace them onto your fabric using tailor's chalk or a fabric pen.
Step 4
Cut your pieces out and if using a lining, match each piece with its corresponding piece in your main fabric. Baste your lining to the fabric by making large running stitches along the sides as described in "The Ultimate Sewing Bible." This stitch will be removed at the end. Cutting your notches about 1/4 inch in will help the fabric turn more easily while stitching.
Step 5
Join the sides of the cover to the main body by facing right sides of the fabric together and either hand stitching or using a machine. Match the short side of the small pieces to the top and bottom third of the large rectangle's long side with the top of the small rectangle matching to the middle third. Pivot the main body around each side of the smaller rectangles as you go.
Step 6
Trim and finish the seams. For most fabrics, "The Ultimate Sewing Bible" suggests trimming with pinking shears and pressing the seam open or to the side with an iron. If you are using a heavy fabric or one that tends to unravel, press and stitch the seam to one side or press the seam open and stitch narrow hems to each side of the seam.
Step 7
Hem the bottom of the cover by folding over and pressing the raw edge about 1/4 inch before stitching the raw edge to your fabric.
Tip
Remember that all seams are 1/4 inch.
Iron your fabric between steps.
Video of the Day