How to Sew a KitchenAid Sliding Mat

Learn how to sew a KitchenAid sliding mat that makes moving your mixer less cumbersome and more like a breeze.

It’s been almost 12 years since I received my KitchenAid stand mixer as a wedding gift from my husband’s side of the family and I’m so grateful that I’ve had it in my kitchen all these years. I love to use it to make bread, muffins, Oreo balls around the holidays and so much more. But let’s be honest, that thing is kind of heavy. It’s awkward to carry and a pain to move around wherever you need it.

I was recently sent a video of how to make a KitchenAid sliding mat and I thought it was absolutely genius. The process is somewhat similar to sewing elastic bowl covers, which makes it a great beginner-friendly sewing project. You can sew them the “traditional way” shown in this tutorial, or use bias binding to finish them in a nice and polished way.

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FAQs

What is a KitchenAid sliding mat?

Okay, so maybe you stumbled upon this post and really have no idea what a KitchenAid sliding mat is. Basically it’s a few layers of fabric and batting sewn together that you place your KitchenAid mixer (or really any stand mixer for that matter) on top of so you can easily slide it along the counter and move it to wherever you need to. Because this mat is made of a few layers, it also helps to protect your counters from any scratches your mixer may want to inflict.

Can I make a sliding mat for any stand mixer?

YES! This tutorial uses a KitchenAid stand mixer as an example, but the process and steps will work for any stand mixer, regardless of brand. Because you trace the bottom of your own personal mixer, as long as you follow the rest of the steps, your outcome will be perfect for your own mixer.

Is this KitchenAid sliding mat machine washable?

This sliding mat is absolutely machine washable. Just make sure you use batting that is machine washable (most should be) and wash the mat on cool or cold. Also remember it’s always a good idea to wash your fabric prior to sewing to account for any shrinkage that may happen later on in the wash.

How can I finish off my sliding mat?

There are two ways you can finish off your sliding mat. The first is the more traditional way where you sew the pieces of fabric together, right sides facing each other, then turn it out and top stitch along the top. The other option is to sew the fabric together with the right sides facing out, then sew bias binding around the outer edge to finish it off. Either way works, it just depends on your preferences. I also like the quilted look for these mats, but you can absolutely skip the quilting portion of the tutorial.

How to Sew a KitchenAid Sliding Mat

TOOLS YOU MAY NEED

• KitchenAid Mixer (or any stand mixer)
• Sewing machine
• Fabric scissors
• Walking foot (optional)
• Ruler or fabric measuring tape
• Cutting mat
• Rotary cutter
• Iron and ironing board
• Hera marker or fabric pen
• Pins or clips
• Pinking shears (optional)

MATERIALS

• 1/2 yard main fabric
• 1/2 yard secondary fabric
• Fusible fleece
• Coordinating thread

DIRECTIONS

Cutting the Fabric

1. Place your KitchenAid mixer onto a large piece of paper, like brown craft paper or wrapping paper, and trace around the base with a pencil.
2. Remove the mixer, then using a ruler, measure two inches from the traced line and make a mark. Continue adjusting the ruler all the way around until you have several marks.
3. Connect all the marks with a pencil, then cut out the pattern.
4. Place the pattern on the main piece of fabric and cut the fabric slightly larger than the pattern (only if quilting).
5. Place the cut main fabric onto the fusible fleece and cut the fleece the same size.
6. Finally place the pattern onto the secondary fabric and cut it the exact size.
7. Cut a piece of the main fabric that measures 4″ wide and 3.5″ long (optional).

Assembling the Mat

1. Line the main fabric up onto the rough side of the fusible fleece and use your iron to fuse the two together.
2. Using a ruler or measuring tape, find the center point of the main fabric and mark. Then draw a line across that center mark at a 45° angle going from the right top corner to the left, then another going from the top left corner to the right.
3. Quilt (sew) the X onto fabric, then use the walking foot guide to quilt lines 1 inch apart going both directions.
4. Cut the quilted fabric to the same size as the secondary fabric.

Assembling the Pull Tab

1. Take the strip of fabric that was cut earlier and fold one long side over one inch and press, then fold the other long side over 1 inch and press, then fold the fabric in half and press once more.
2. Sew along each long side using a 1/4″ seam allowance.

Final Touches

1. Place the quilted fabric with the right side facing up, then place the pull tab in the center top (either front or back of the mixer) upside down, then place the secondary fabric on top with the wrong side facing down, and pin everything together.
2. Sew around the perimeter using a 1/2″ seam allowance, leaving a 2″ opening. Be sure to forward and backward stitch at the beginning and end.
3. Trim the excess fabric to about 1/4″ using regular scissors or pinking shears, then reach inside the opening and turn fabric right side out. 
4. Use a blunt object to push out the corners and edges, then iron it flat.
5. Top stitch all the way around the perimeter of the sliding mat.

NOTES

• I suggest using a somewhat sturdier fabric for both the main and secondary fabrics. Quilting cotton, linen, duck cloth and canvas work really well. I would avoid using any type of fabric that is embroidered or thin, as it may snag or tear.
• Fusible fleece batting is really convenient, but you can use regular low or medium loft batting instead. Just note that instead of ironing the batting on, you’ll have to pin it in place before quilting.
• A walking foot isn’t totally necessary, but it’s helpful in the quilting process.
• This mat can be made without quilting, with quilting and with or without the pull tab.

ARE YOU LOOKING FOR MORE SEWING PROJECTS?

Looking for more sewing projects? Check these out!

• How to Sew an Apron without a Pattern
• How to Sew Reusable Bowl Covers
• How to Sew Tea Towels
• DIY Linen Bread Bag Sewing Tutorial

Did you enjoy making a KitchenAid sliding mat? If you did, tag me on Instagram (@thesimplehomeplace) to show me your own recreation!