Upholstering a fabric floor mat with binding edges involves creating a durable, finished edge to prevent fraying and enhance the mat’s appearance. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
Materials Needed
- Fabric for the mat (durable upholstery fabric is ideal).
- Binding tape (cotton, nylon, or bias binding depending on your preference).
- Heavy-duty sewing machine (or a sturdy handheld needle if sewing by hand).
- Thread (matching or contrasting with your fabric and binding).
- Measuring tape or ruler.
- Chalk or fabric marker.
- Scissors or rotary cutter.
- Pins or fabric clips.
- Iron (to press the binding for a neater finish).
- Optional: Padding material (e.g., foam or felt) for added thickness.
Steps
1. Cut the Mat Fabric
- Measure and mark the desired size and shape of your mat using a measuring tape and fabric marker.
- Add about 1 inch extra on all sides for seam allowance.
- Cut the fabric with scissors or a rotary cutter.
2. Prepare the Binding
- Choose a binding tape that complements or contrasts with your mat fabric.
- If using bias binding, ensure it’s long enough to cover all edges with some overlap.
- Pre-fold or press the binding if needed to create crisp edges.
3. Attach the Binding
- Start with one side of the mat. Open up the binding tape and align the raw edge of the mat with the unfolded edge of the tape, right sides together.
- Pin or clip the binding to the mat to keep it in place.
- Using a sewing machine, stitch along the crease of the binding (or about ΒΌ inch from the edge), attaching it to the fabric.
4. Fold and Secure the Binding
- Fold the binding over the raw edge of the mat to the opposite side, enclosing the edge entirely.
- Pin or clip it in place, ensuring the folded edge of the binding covers the previous stitching line.
5. Topstitch the Binding
- Sew close to the folded edge of the binding on the top side of the mat. This secures the binding on both sides and gives a neat finish.
- Repeat for all sides of the mat, mitering the corners as described below.
6. Create Mitered Corners
- To miter the corners:
- Fold the binding at a 45-degree angle at the corners to create a diagonal edge.
- Pin or clip the folds securely.
- Stitch along the folds when sewing the binding to maintain the clean corner.
7. Final Touches
- Trim any loose threads.
- Press the finished edges with an iron for a smooth look.
- If padding is added, ensure the edges are stitched securely through all layers.
This method results in a professional, durable fabric floor mat with clean, finished binding edges. Let me know if you’d like more tips or illustrations for any steps!
Fabric Recommendations for a DIY Floor Mat
A floor mat gets a lot of wear and tear, so durability is key here. Since floor mats also attract dirt and dust, you’ll need a fabric that’s easy to maintain. Fortunately, we offer many fabrics with strong fibers that are easy to care for.
- Crypton: Crypton is a polyester-based fabric treated to be waterproof and protect against stains. It’s a popular outdoor fabric and is also perfect to withstand foot traffic. Plus, Crypton is machine washable. In this video, Amy used KD311.
- Cotton: Cotton is inexpensive and is sturdy enough to work well as a floor mat. Plus, cotton is soft, and your feet will sink into this fabric. Cotton is also machine washable and is a natural upholstery.
- Silk: Silk is not only luxurious — it’s one of the strongest natural fibers and is durable enough to be used for various purposes. You can find silk available in multiple colors and patterns. If you want to save money and still have a durable floor mat, using a silk blend or faux silk is best.
- Denim/duck/twill: Denim is soft, and its elasticity makes it a perfect floor mat. It’s super absorbent, so spills and stains are no match for denim. This fabric is also easy to maintain — like your favorite pair of jeans, all you need to do is put it in the washer on a gentle cycle. Similarly, duck and twill are water-resistant, non-slip, and stain-proof.
- Sunbrella: As one of the most popular outdoor fabrics, Sunbrella is resistant to stains, moisture, and fading. It’s also machine washable and is available in an assortment of colors and patterns.