Craftaholics Anonymous®

DIY Mouse Pad

Hi! Jess from If Only They Would Nap here, with my first post as part of the Craftaholics Anonymous® Creative Team! I love simple sewing projects that can brighten up a space. So when I got sick of looking at my plain, black mouse pad, I decided to sew up a new one that would bring a little color and fun to my desk. It only takes a small amount of fabric, so its a perfect scrap buster project! Plus, this is a great beginner’s project to try!

How to Sew a Mouse Pad

Supplies:

Two pieces of non-stretchy cotton fabric – size can vary, mine were approximately 8.5in x 10.5in.
Slightly smaller piece of fusible fleece (such as Pellon TP971F Fusible Thermolam Plus)
sewing machine, thread, etc.
scissors
iron

1. Cut your two cotton fabrics to your desired size. I cut mine to be approximately 8.5in by 10.5in. Round the corners.

2. Cut two fusible fleece pieces at least 1/2in. smaller than the cotton fabrics. Iron one piece of the fusible fleece to the wrong side of each fabric piece (be sure to check the instructions that come with your fusible fleece).

3. Pin the two fabric/fleece pieces together, with the right sides together.

4. Sew the pieces together, using a 1/2in. seam allowance. You want to sew around the fleece, so it’s not caught in your seam allowance. Leave an opening of about 2 inches as shown above.

5. Clip the fabric around all the corner curves, as shown above. This will help your corners not to be bulky.

6. Turn the fabrics right side out, using that small opening. Press the seams with your iron.

When you are pressing your seams, make sure that the fabric around the opening is pressed under.

7. Topstitch around the entire mouse pad.

That’s all there is to it! In a short amount of time, you can brighten up your desk. No more boring mouse pad!

And you can flip it over when your mood changes and you’re looking for something new. This would make a great gift for anyone who works at a computer – dads, husbands, teachers, or a blogging bud!