Learn how to cover a dishwasher in an affordable and beautiful way with this simple beginner sewing tutorial.
In this blogpost, I’m going to be sharing how to cover a dishwasher in a simple and beautiful way. Inspired by sink skirts, I sewed together this quick cotton fabric panel. It adds some texture and extra color to the space, while covering up the dishwasher I rarely ever use.
This is a fun option because you can customize the print you use to match your kitchen and you can also alter fullness of the gathering. It’s also cheaper than crafting a fancy wooden panel or getting a custom piece made. Truth be told, I’d get rid of the dishwasher if it wasn’t for the fact that I will have to sell this home one day.
So, this option is great, because not only do I get to cover up this modern appliance in my vintage style kitchen, but I also get to keep it.
Supplies Needed to Cover a Dishwasher
If you own a sewing machine and are looking for a good beginner project, this one is perfect. Consisting of a few long straight stitches, it’s super easy to make. And the supplies list is limited.
- Sewing Machine
- Fabric
- Fabric Scissors
- Matching Thread
- Tension Rod or Curved Curtain Rod like This
- Pins
For the fabric, the length you purchase will depend on the size of the opening you are covering and the look you are going for. A more gathered full look will require more fabric.
Measure
Measuring is your first step here. You want to take the measurements of the width and the length of the dishwasher opening. When measuring the height of the opening, start at the spot the curtain / tension rod will be placed and measure all the way down to the floor.
Once you have these measurements, you will know how much fabric to purchase and can add your seam allowance from there.
. Take the number you got for the width of your opening and double it then add 1 inch to that number. For example, my opening width was 24 inches wide. That doubled is 48 inches. Now I added an inch to that for the 1/2 seam allowance on each side. If you prefer this panel to look very gathered, I would times the width by 3.
Take the number you got for the height and add 3 inches. This is to accommodate the 2″ pocket the rod will slide through as well as the 1/2 inch hem and the rolled seam on the back of the pocket. If you prefer a panel that will sweep the floor and have a drapey look, add an extra inch and a half to this measurement.
How to Cover a Dishwasher: Sew the Panel
Start by washing and ironing your fabric. Now, according to what you measured for your opening, you will need to cut out a piece of fabric that size. Then, give it a good iron to make sure it’s nice and straight to work with.
After you have cut your fabric out, start by seaming the sides. You’ll do this by first rolling under the raw edge just a bit, and then folding over 1/2 inch and sewing a straight stitch all the way down. Repeat on the opposite side.
Moving to the pocket, folder under the raw edge and iron so it stays in place. Fold over a 2 inch pocket and sew along the edge of that pocket in a straight line to secure it to the wrong side of the fabric. Your curtain rod will go in through here.
Finish the piece of by hemming the bottom with the same process you used to seam the sides. Again, using a straight stitch and always making sure to sewing backwards after starting and finishing to secure the stitching.
How to Cover a Dishwasher: Final Step
The last step is to hang this and it’s just as simple as sliding the rod through the pocket of the panel and viola. Depending on what type of rod you chose, you may need to drill into your cabinets to hang the curtain. I chose a tension rod specifically because I didn’t want to drill into my cabinets, but am aware that not all setups may accommodate that.
This is such a simple project that can add a beautiful touch to your kitchen and boost your confidence as a beginner sewer. I encourage you to give it a go! Check out some more of my simple beginner sewing projects below
