Creating a custom cover for your wool pressing mat is a straightforward and rewarding project that protects your mat and keeps your fabric clean during pressing. This DIY guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a snug and functional cover.
Get Started: Materials You'll Need
Before you begin, gather these essential supplies:
- Fabric: Choose a durable, heat-resistant fabric like 100% cotton (quilting cotton is ideal) or a cotton-poly blend. Avoid synthetic fabrics that can melt under high heat. You'll need enough fabric to cover your mat twice, plus seam allowances and extra for a casing.
- Wool Pressing Mat: The mat you intend to cover.
- Measuring Tape or Ruler: For accurate measurements.
- Fabric Scissors or Rotary Cutter: For precise cutting.
- Sewing Machine: And matching thread.
- Pins or Fabric Clips: To hold fabric in place.
- Safety Pin or Bodkin: For threading elastic or a drawstring.
- Elastic (1/4" to 1/2" wide) or Drawstring: For the closure.
- Iron and Ironing Board: For pressing seams.
Step-by-Step Guide: Crafting Your Wool Pressing Mat Cover
Follow these steps to create a durable and functional cover for your pressing mat.
1. Measure and Cut Your Fabric
Accurate measurements are crucial for a well-fitting cover.
- Measure Your Mat: Measure the length and width of your wool pressing mat.
- Calculate Fabric Dimensions:
- Length: Mat length + (2 1/2 inch seam allowance) + (2 1 1/2 inch for casing)
- Width: Mat width + (2 1/2 inch seam allowance) + (2 1 1/2 inch for casing)
- Example: For a 17" x 13" mat, you might cut your fabric to approximately 20" x 16".
- Cut Two Pieces: Cut two identical pieces of your chosen fabric to these calculated dimensions.
2. Prepare for Sewing
Place your two fabric pieces right sides together. This means the printed or "good" sides of the fabric are facing each other. Pin them securely around the edges.
3. Sew the Sides
Using your sewing machine, sew around two sides of the pinned fabric with a 1/2-inch seam allowance. These will typically be two adjacent sides, forming an L-shape seam.
- Start at one corner, sew down one side, pivot at the corner, and continue sewing down the second side.
- Practical Insight: If your pressing mat has rounded corners, you may not need to clip the fabric corners after sewing. The natural curve of the mat will allow the fabric to conform without extra corner clipping. For square corners, clipping helps the fabric lie flat.
- Leave the remaining two sides open for now.
4. Create the Opening (Elastic/Drawstring Channel)
Now you'll create the channels for your elastic or drawstring.
- Press Seams Open: Press the seams you just sewed open for a flatter finish.
- Hem the Open Edges:
- On one of the open raw edges, fold the fabric under by 1/4 inch, press, then fold under another 1/2 inch, and press again. Stitch this hem in place, close to the inner fold. This forms a neat, finished edge.
- Repeat this process for the remaining open raw edge.
- Create the Casing: This is where the elastic or drawstring will go.
- Fold down the remaining raw edge (the one that runs parallel to the sewn sides) by 1/2 inch and press.
- Fold it down again by 1 inch and press firmly. Pin this casing in place.
- Sew along the inner edge of this 1-inch fold, leaving a 1-2 inch opening to insert the elastic or drawstring. Backstitch at the beginning and end of this opening.
- Repeat this process for the last raw edge, creating a second casing.
5. Insert Elastic or Drawstring
Measure your mat's perimeter to determine the length of elastic or drawstring needed. Cut your elastic or drawstring a few inches shorter than this perimeter (for elastic, about 2/3 the perimeter; for a drawstring, the full perimeter plus extra for tying).
- Attach a safety pin to one end of your elastic or drawstring.
- Thread the safety pin through the opening you left in one of the casings. Gently work it all the way around until it emerges from the same opening.
- For Elastic: Overlap the ends of the elastic by 1 inch and securely stitch them together, forming a loop.
- For Drawstring: Knot the ends together or add cord stops.
- Gently pull the elastic/drawstring to gather the fabric.
6. Finishing Touches
- Once the elastic or drawstring is inserted and secured, stitch the opening in the casing closed.
- Try the cover on your wool pressing mat. Adjust the tension of the elastic or drawstring until it fits snugly.
- Give your new cover a final press to remove any wrinkles.
Choosing the Right Fabric for Your Cover
The best fabric for a pressing mat cover is one that can withstand high heat and frequent washing.
| Fabric Type | Pros | Cons | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% Cotton | Heat-resistant, breathable, absorbent, durable, easy to wash. | Can wrinkle easily, may shrink if not pre-washed. | Everyday use, quilting, garment making. |
| Cotton Blend | Often more wrinkle-resistant, durable. | Ensure cotton content is high; avoid high synthetics that can melt. | General pressing, if blend is appropriate. |
| Canvas or Duck Cloth | Very durable, heavy-duty, long-lasting. | Can be stiffer, may require heavier needles to sew. | Heavy-duty use, industrial applications. |
| Heat-Reflective Fabric | Can speed up pressing by reflecting heat back. | Often synthetic (check heat resistance), can be more expensive. | Specific applications where speed is key. |
Always pre-wash your fabric to prevent shrinkage and remove any sizing before cutting and sewing.
Tips for a Durable and Functional Cover
- Pre-Wash Fabric: Always wash and dry your fabric before cutting to prevent shrinkage after your cover is made.
- Reinforce Corners: For extra durability, backstitch at the beginning and end of your seams, especially at corners.
- Consider a Double-Sided Cover: You can make your cover reversible by using different fabrics on each side or simply by ensuring clean finishes on both.
- Add Hanging Loop: A small fabric loop sewn into one corner can be useful for hanging the cover to dry or store.
- Easy Removal: Ensure the elastic or drawstring allows for easy removal of the cover for washing.
Benefits of Using a Pressing Mat Cover
A custom-made cover for your wool pressing mat offers several advantages:
- Protects Your Mat: Shields the wool from direct contact with dirty or dyed fabrics, extending its lifespan.
- Keeps Projects Clean: Prevents residue from previous projects from transferring to your current work.
- Easy to Clean: The cover can be easily removed and washed, maintaining a pristine pressing surface.
- Customizable: Allows you to choose fabrics that match your sewing space or personal style.
- Adds a Layer of Protection: Can help absorb excess moisture, especially if using a cotton cover.
