DIY MOUSE PAD - Easiest Styles to Make

Welcome to my DIY mouse pad tutorial. If you are looking to brighten up a dull office desk or for the perfect present for your work friends - why not make a fabric mouse pad?

DIY Mouse Pad Tutorial

For the last year, I’ve been using a really ugly plastic mousepad that makes marks on my wrist, so when I had a little spare time this week, I thought it was time to make myself a pretty fabric-covered mousepad.

I’m always quick to embellish any plain t-shirts I buy so I thought why not do a DIY mouse pad! And why are mouse pads always round or square? Let's make a fun heart shape instead.

This tutorial will show you how to make a heart or round shape DIY mouse pad. It is a quick project fo beginners.

DIY Mouse Pad - Supplies

Supplies you will need for your DIY mouse pad:

The Mouse Pad

I started with a really cheap rubber new mouse pad I purchased from a discount store. This one is 9 ¾” (25cm) x 8 ¼” (21cm) which is a fairly common size. Actually, it was slightly smaller than the packet indicated, but that didn’t matter. Most mousepads are made from a fabric-covered, rubber-type fabric similar to wetsuit material.

If you can't get a cheap mouse pad, you can substitute thin cork mats which can be purchased at hardware stores. See style #2 for a round cork DIY mousepad. Another alternative is a thick solid board (be careful applying heat to foam).

RECYCLE - You could also just recover an old mousepad and give it a much-needed facelift. If the old fabric is lifting, just peel it off revealing a fresh face underneath just waiting to be recovered.

Extra Supplies for DIY Mouse Pad

In addition, you will need -

• Fat quarter or a scrap of cotton fabric. Cotton fabric is best as you will need to iron it on fairly high heat in order for it to fuse to the interfacing. Use your favorite fabric to make a custom designed office space for yourself. Thin vinyl can be used if you plan on using glue instead of interfacing.
• Double-sided fusible interfacing
• An iron
• Sharp scissors
• Pen
• My Heart-shaped template

>> DOWNLOAD THE TEMPLATE

SUBSTITUTION: If you can't get double-sided interfacing, you can substitute a fabric glue or spray adhesive. Make sure it dries clear and doesn't show through the fabric.

DIY Mouse Pad Fabric - Style #1 (Heart Shape)

Step 1 - Cut Fabric and Interfacing

Cut out your fabric and double-sided interfacing the same sizes as your mouse pad. You can just cut roughly since we will be trimming down to our heart template size.

Step 2 - Press the Interfacing

Press the double-sided interfacing with the paper side up onto the wrong side of the fabric.

Make sure you read the instructions from the manufacturer of the interfacing and have your iron on the correct heat setting. You want it to bond well.

Step 3 - Join the Mouse Pad

Once the fabric has cooled, peel off the paper and place the fabric right side up on the mousepad.

Press the fabric to the fabric side of the mousepad. Make sure you go over it numerous times so the fabric is well bonded to the DIY mouse pad.

Step 4 - DIY Mouse Pad Template

Download and then cut out your heart mousepad pattern template by clicking on the link.

This heart will fit a standard-size mouse, but you can easily enlarge or reduce it using your photocopier if necessary.

If you don't like hearts, you could make a template for any shape you like. Just make sure there is enough room on the mat for your mouse. What about a star or flower shape? Or maybe you are artistic and can draw something really quirky that is just you.

Step 5 - Cut Out the Heart

Trace around the template on the back of your mousepad. Don’t trace on the front in case the pen shows on the fabric.

Cut out the heart neatly using sharp scissors. The mouse pad was surprisingly easy to cut.

DIY Mouse Pad Decorative Ideas

• Idea #1 - You could topstitch around the edge with your machine. My machine handled it surprisingly easily, but you may want to test one of the scrap pieces first. If your machine struggles even slightly, then don't sew.
• Idea #2 - You could also apply some Fray Check to the edges, but I found that the double-sided interfacing stopped my fabric from fraying. Glitter glue can also be used to seal edges.
• Idea #3 - I made one for my mother where I glued ric-rac ribbon around the edge. Use a hot glue gun to add thin lace, cord, or ric-rac. What about adding rhinestones around the edge for some personalized bling.

Now for some relaxation time at the computer so I can admire my latest project. Go ahead and make your own fabric DIY mouse pad - it's easy!

DIY Mouse Pad - Style #2 (Cork Mouse Pad)

Here is a DIY mouse pad I made with a cork mat that I found at my local garden shop. While I have made a round mouse pad this method will work to make a square shape as well.

• Cut the double-sided interfacing slightly larger than your cork mat.
• On the wrong side of the fabric, fuse the interfacing with the glue side down and the paper on top.
• Use the cork mat as a template and draw on the paper side of the interfacing.
• Cut out the fabric.
• Peel the paper off the interfacing.
• Place the fabric with the glue side down on the cork mat. Align the edges carefully.
• Press it with the iron on high heat and the fabric will bond to the mat.

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