When I told my Mom I was making a cover for my toaster oven, she laughed. I’m pretty sure she was envisioning the quilted country blue covers she made for her small appliances many years ago. All of them.
I promise this is NOT my mother’s toaster oven cover! Here’s my version:
I think it turned out cute. The graphics definitely give it a much more updated feel. I used Lesley Riley’s Transfer Artist Paper (TAP-affiliate link) to transfer the graphics.
Want to see how you can make one yourself? It’s simple! Start with any small ugly appliance you want to hide:
I used leftover bleached drop cloth from my slipcovered chairs. I used two layers of fabric to add stiffness. Drape your fabric over your appliance and pin down all four corners:
Remove and sew those seams:
Trim the excess corner fabric:
Seal the edges. I just run a zig zag stitch along the edge:
Replace the cover on your appliance right-side-out and tuck up at the bottom:
To create the skirting, you’ll need 3″ strips of fabric at least two times the circumference of your appliance, depending on how full you want your ruffle. I used two and a half times the circumference.
Sew your strips end to end and hem.
Time to create the ruffle. I made this the same way I made the ruffled skirting for my slipcovered chairs, only smaller. You can see more detail here.
Run a stitch across the top once you have it pinned:
I recommend ironing the ruffle, but I like a neater look. That’s up to you. Pin the skirting behind the bottom edge of the cover:
Sew in place and seal the edges:
And you’ve got a pretty new cover, but to bring it up to date, let’s add some graphics! I used my TAP paper and printed the graphics right onto it in the reverse:
Click HERE to get the pdf to print your own.
Cut close to the edges:
Position the image in place, iron, and voila!
Pretty!
My counters and back splash are dark, and with wood cabinets, I really needed something to brighten up this space. You can see my DIY under-the-counter docking station too. 🙂
This was perfect.
Some things are better left unseen…
That’s better!
This paper works really great on fabric. I used it on this men’s valet stand redo also:
Update: Here it is in my newly painted kitchen!
My cover looks even cuter in this space now, and I love the touch of whimsy it adds to my kitchen. And at least I didn’t make one for every small appliance I own like a certain mom I know, ahem. (I love you Mom!)
Happy Mother’s Day to all the Moms out there. I hope you get to do what ever you want on your special day.
XO,
Don’t Miss a Thing!
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Lauren @ The Thinking Closet says
Oh-mah-goodness…this toaster oven cover NEEDS a spot in my kitchen. And thanks to you and this snazzy tutorial, that is a viable possibility. Thanks, lady! Pinning stat! #ruffleobsessed
Christy K. James says
Oh girl, I’m loving the ruffle these days too! And although my mother laughed when I told her what I was making, she is now asking when I’m going to make one for hers now. HA! Have a fantastic weekend, my friend!! 🙂
Celia says
OMG Christy – that is SOOOO cute!! I’ve got to make one for one of my counter appliances! Mini slip-covers…I love it!!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Celia! I’m so glad you like it! 🙂
Beverley Leonie says
How cute! And the cover will keep the appliance cleaner.
Christy K. James says
Yes, very true! Thanks, Beverley!
macstabby says
Gah, I love it! I’ve got several appliances for which this would work nicely. Thanks!
Christy K. James says
Awesome! Perfect to hide a messy appliance, like my toaster oven. 🙂
Carolyn Smith says
Love the pleated ruffle and the lettering is beautiful. The directions were really clear and easy to understand. I love it!!
Christy K. James says
I’m so glad you liked it, Carolyn! Have a great weekend 🙂
Sherri S. says
Great job! Definately the “old fashioned” appliance covers. It looks great!
Happy Mothers Day 🙂
~Sherri
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Sherri! They are a little bit of a throwback 🙂
Sherri S. says
No, it was suppose to read DEFINATELY NOT the “old fashioned”…So sorry for the typo :/
Christy K. James says
Ha ha…I didn’t take it as a bad comment. I know you better than that 🙂
Krista @thehappyhousie says
Oh Christy that is too cute! I love it- you are such a talented seamstress:)
Christy K. James says
Aww…thanks, Krista 🙂
Maria says
How pretty! You did a beautiful job with the cover! It looks so pretty, I love the ruffles!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Maria! I am smitten with ruffles these days 🙂
JaneEllen says
It really does my heart good to see so many young women on blog land sewing. I thought it was a dead creative craft. You did such a fantastic job making that cover and making it seem so easy. Love the ruffle you put on your chair cover and toaster oven cover.
In your Mom’s defense that’s what women were told we should do to make our small appliances more attractive in the kitchen in that era. There were all kinds of patterns and suggestions how to make them attractive, lol.
Happy Mother’s day to you.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, JaneEllen! I tease with my Mom, but her covers were lovely in their day, and we were all very impressed when she made them! I sew because my mom loved to sew. I’m so grateful I got that from her! I hope you are enjoying a lovely Mother’s day! 🙂
Tasha @ Designer Trapped in a Lawyer's Body says
Holy cow! This is SO adorable! Pinning and sharing!
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Tasha!! XO
Chrissy @ Adventures in DIY says
If you’re going to make an appliance cover, it may as well have ruffles! Super cute!
Christy K. James says
Sure, why not? Thanks, Chrissy! 🙂
Andi says
That is super cute. Does this mean I have to go buy a toaster oven now????
-andi
Christy K. James says
Ha ha! My eleven year old son was like, “What? Now I have to take off a cover to heat up my pop tarts? That’s so much trouble.” I’m such a mean Mom.
Carrie Perrins says
I have that exact toaster oven. I put it away in a cupboard every day because I don’t want it sitting out. This is a fabulous idea!!!
Carrie
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Carrie! I was tired of looking at all the crumbs it collects. Covering it was easier than cleaning it lol!
Julie at Being Home says
You sure do make everything you make classy! 🙂 This is too cute. My mom had one for each appliance too. I vaguely remembering the covers were made out of a quilt type fabric. lol
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Julie! After I made it, I sent a pic to my mom and she said, “Okay I’ll take one too if I have too!” LOL 🙂
Sheila says
Love your cute appliance cover! I do have a question though about the design transfer…is it washable? I am wanting to DIY some canvas shopping bags with my brand name on them but they I want them to be washable. Also, where did you get your transfer paper? Thanks for your help.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Sheila! It is suppose to be washable and crack-resistant on fabric, according to the package. I haven’t washed my cover yet, and I found it on Amazon. 🙂
Paula@SweetPea says
Your cover looks modern and quite chic. I need to look for that TAP. I can think of so many uses for it.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Paula! That TAP paper is fantastic! XO
Erlene says
This is so cute and I have some drop cloth from another project too. Would love if you shared on Merry Monday Linky Party. Pinned.
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Erlene..just linked up!
Erlene says
Thank you for linking up. Have a super Friday and great weekend.
Kelly @ View Along the Way says
So pretty! Now my appliances seem a little naked… 🙂
Christy K. James says
Haha…maybe I’ll make it little “outfits” for the seasons. (If you ever see a post like that, send help immediately.)
Nancy @ Artsy Chicks Rule says
It’s simple!! She says…lol 😉 And yes, it does look pretty simple. Great tutorial! You are my sewing hero.
Love the cover!!!
Nancy
Christy K. James says
Super Christy! LOL. You are funny! I got your card today, I loved getting something in the mail besides junk and bills! Thank you!! 🙂
Nancy says
Oh that is so adorable…far prettier than toaster oven.
Our toaster oven is ugly…thanks so much for the “how-to”…..that is just what I needed.
Nancy
wildoakdesigns.blogspot.com
Christy K. James says
Thanks, Nancy! I was hoping to break up the sea of grey and black, and I think it worked pretty well. My toaster and it’s crumbs weren’t a pretty sight either! XO
Katherines Corner says
I love it. The stencil is the perfect finishing touch.Thank you for sharing your sweet blog at the Thursday Favorite Things Blog Hop . Watch for your feature on Monday♥
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Catherine!
Christy K. James says
SO sorry!! Katherine! I should know better with the name I have!!
Linda H says
Love it!! Just wondering if you have to use a certain kind of printer – does it have to be laser ink?
Christy K. James says
Hi Linda! The package states that it works with inkjet printers. Hope this helps!
Addie says
Girl!!! you are wicked with that sewing machine!!!! LOVE LOVE LOVE it!!!!! You make it look so easy too!!! mmmm……. might have to give it a try.
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Addie!! I’m so glad you like it! When I described it to my mom as I was making it, she laughed. Of course when she saw it, she placed her order lol! And in response to your other question…absolutely! This would be perfect for a sewing machine! I love that idea 🙂
Addie says
Question……I guess one could do this same technique for a sewing machine cover? eh?
Kim says
Who knew a toaster cover could be so amazing??? I love the graphics, and the pleated skirt is the perfect detailing! 🙂
Christy K. James says
Lol…it is pretty darn cute…much better than what was underneath. Thanks, Kim! 🙂
tracy says
Saw this on Pinterest…very clever! Just might be the first grown up thing I make with my daughter’s sewing machine. Is it possible to use a Janome mini for this project?
Christy K. James says
Glad you like it, Tracy. It’s so simple, but it’s one of my favorite projects. I don’t see any reason why your Janome couldn’t do the job . 🙂
Tracy says
Hope so! If every try it I’ll send you a photo of the slipcover! Very cute blog – you are one crafty lady!
Christy K. James says
Thanks Tracy! And yes, please share if you try this! XO
Kris @ Junk Chic Cottage says
Christy,
This is so cute. I love it. Wish I sewed. This is the most adorable toaster oven cover ever.
Just found your blog. Love it and have become a new follower.
Kris
Christy K. James says
Thanks so much, Kris! This is one of my favorite sewing projects. I’m so glad you like it too! Thanks for following along. 🙂
Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique says
Great project Christy. I’m lusting after it for my own home. It would be perfect in my kitchen. Thank you for inspiring me. I’m delighted to be featuring this project at tomorrow’s Shabbilicious Friday link party. Thank you fro linking up.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne
Christy K. James says
Awesome! Thank you, Kerryanne! This is one of my favorite projects and yet it is so simple. Funny how those turn out to be the best sometimes? XO XO
Tina Matteson says
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this and will be making one too, very soon!
Christy K. James says
So glad you like it, Tina! This is one of my favorite projects. 🙂
KMurphs says
I’m in LOVE with your custom cover – just what I need. Too bad I’m a proven DIY failer – womp, womp – if ever you’d consider making and selling a cover – please let me know I would love to purchase. 🙂 In the meantime I’m loving your blogs design inspiration.
Christy K. James says
Thank you!! XOXO
Tina Marie says
I love the Toaster Oven graphics. Did you put that together yourself?
Christy K. James says
I did…I can email you a copy of the pdf if you’d like to use it! (To respond email me directly at christykjames@cox.net)