Custom size plant pot cover – pattern drafting tutorial by Allsewpetite

Hello, my crafty friends!

Are you tired of seeing your beautiful plants in either boring or ugly pots? It’s time to take matters into your own hands and create custom-fit pot covers for your green friends!

With just a few simple steps, you’ll learn how to draft a pattern to fit any size plant pot so you can turn those dull pots into beautiful, personalized pieces that complement your home decor.

Whether you’re an experienced pattern maker or just starting out, this tutorial is designed to be accessible to all levels of experience.

Taking the measurements

To create a custom-size plant pot cover, you will need to measure the circumference along the top and bottom edges and the height of the pot.
If your plant pot comes with a drip tray, then instead of measuring the bottom edge of the pot, measure the circumference of the tray. Write those measurements on paper because we will need to do some math.

My pot measures 51 cm (20″) around the top edge, 33 cm (13″) around the bottom edge, and is 14 cm (5 1/2″) tall.

I always add additional 2 centimetres (3/4″) of ease to the top and bottom circumference to ensure that I can place my plant inside the cover without difficulty.

Drafting the pattern

First, draw a rectangle, which is the height of your pot and the half circumference of the bottom edge.

For me, this is 14 cm (5 1/2″) by 16.5 cm (6 1/2″).

Then divide the rectangle into five or more equal sections and number each part of the rectangle.

Take some tracing paper and trace the first part of your pattern.

Next, subtract the top and bottom circumferences, then divide them by 2.
51 – 33 = 18 cm (20 – 13 = 7″)
18 : 2 = 9 cm (7 : 2 = 3 1/2″)

Now take that difference and divide it by the number of lines you have drawn.

You had to draw four lines if you split the rectangle into five equal sections. You had to draw five lines if you divided the rectangle into six equal sections…and so on.

9 : 4 = 2.25 cm (3 1/2 : 4 = 7/8″)

Then you will need to add that measurement; for me, this is 2.25 cm to the top edge, and mark a notch.

To trace the next part of the pattern, pivot the tracing paper until the notch and line are aligned. However, keep the bottom corner as it is.

Trace the next piece, add the difference to the top edge and pivot the tracing paper to trace the following section.

Repeat the process until you finish tracing all pieces.

Once all your pieces are traced, connect and smooth the top and bottom seams.

When you are happy with everything, add the seam allowance. I like to use 1 cm (3/8″) throughout.

At this point, I like to fold my pattern piece in half to check if it is symmetrical and to find the grainline.

Mark the grainline and the midpoints, and remember to label your pattern piece. Now you can cut it out.

To create a pattern piece for the base of our pot cover, take the entire bottom circumference and, using a circle calculator on Google, find the radius or diameter of your circle. The radius of my circle is 5.25 centimetres.
(Since you added some ease to the bottom circumference, you cannot simply place your pot and trace it around to create the pattern.)

Take the radius, and using a compass, draw an accurate circle.

Next, add seam allowance.

Once you have your pattern piece drafted, divide it into four equal sections, and mark notches, so it is easier to sew. To do that, draw 2 lines through the centre of your circle at 90 degrees angle.