You know that feeling when you finish a project in one day and it just immediately makes your sewing space happier? That’s exactly what happened with my Pretty Pockets Sewing Machine Caddy.
Let me introduce you to my newest sewing room addition. This cheerful, scrappy sewing machine caddy has been sitting on my machine for a couple of weeks now and I am absolutely in love with how it brightens up my whole sewing space. It came together so quickly! I made the whole thing in a single day — and that kind of quick win is exactly what I needed!
My finished Pretty Pockets Sewing Machine Caddy sitting pretty on my Janome Horizon Memory Craft 8200QC. Those “good vibes always” pockets are making me so happy!
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The Pretty Pockets Sewing Machine Caddy is a padded mat that sits under your sewing machine and folds up at the front to create pockets — perfect for storing your most-used tools right where you need them. Think rotary cutters, rulers, your trusty wooden roller… all within arm’s reach while you sew!
I received this kit in my April 2026 Sew Sampler Box — which, if you’re not subscribed to, is seriously such a fun way to try new notions and tools you might never pick up on your own. I have previously reviewed Sew Sampler Box, which you can watch HERE>
The Kit: June Tailor Quilt-As-You-Go
The kit in question is the June Tailor Pretty Pockets Sewing Machine Caddy Quilt-As-You-Go Kit. The main thing it includes is a pre-printed stabilizer with all the markings and sections already on it — the idea being that you piece your patchwork, attach it to this printed interfacing, then quilt as you go.
HONEST THOUGHTS
I’ll be real with you , I’m not entirely sure the kit’s approach worked for me. The patchwork still needs to be pieced normally into strips first, and then you use the QAYG method to join the strips together. The part I found a bit awkward was working with the whole big interfacing while putting the strips together — it’s quite bulky and I kept thinking “I could probably do this without it.” If you’re comfortable with traditional QAYG, you might find you don’t need this specific kit. That said! It’s a great project even if you set the interfacing aside and just use it as a guide.
I also decided to sneak in some batting because I wanted a little loft to my mat. The kit doesn’t require it, but I like my sewing mat to have that soft, padded feel underfoot (under-machine?) and I think it was 100% worth the extra step.
The Fabrics: Emma by Sherri and Chelsi
This is where it gets fun. For the patchwork squares, I used an older (but oh-so-gorgeous) collection — Emma by Sherri and Chelsi for Moda. If you’ve never worked with this line, it’s just the sweetest mix of florals, stripes, and coordinating prints in the prettiest soft-meets-bright palette. This collection may be out of print, but you can find all of the latest collections by Sherri and Chelsi HERE>
For the diagonal accent strips, I picked a coordinating fat quarter that echoes the stripe motifs in the collection — it ties everything together so nicely. And for the backing? A cheerful Riley Blake Blossom by Christopher Thompson in yellow. I needed another pop of sunshine yellow in my sewing room — it genuinely brightens the whole space and coordinates beautifully with all the brights in the Emma fabrics.
I have few yardages of this collections, I like buying these basics when they are on SALE HERE> they usually have a 20% off a different basic collection every month. If you’re making this caddy or any other small projects, look for a collection with a good mix of scales — florals, stripes, and blenders — so your patchwork has variety without needing to stress-match prints. Charm packs work perfectly for a project like this!
The Little Detail That Made My Heart Happy
Here’s my favourite part of the whole thing. I added a Minki Kim label — also something I received in an earlier Sew Sampler Box — and it says “good vibes always.” Friends, I cannot think of a more perfect label for a sewing mat! Every single time I sit down at my machine, that little reminder is right there. It also happened to match the Emma fabrics perfectly in colour — the soft pinks, reds, and cream tones just blended right in.
I always say: use your notions! Those little labels and trims you collect deserve to actually live on a finished project, not sit in a drawer forever.
The Pockets — I Made Them Deeper on Purpose!
One little customisation I made: I deliberately made the pockets a bit deeper than the pattern calls for. My reason? I wanted my tools to nestle down inside securely, not teeter on the edge while I’m sewing. There’s nothing worse than watching your rotary cutter slowly slide forward mid-seam!
Right now I have three things living in the pockets full-time:
WHAT’S IN MY POCKETS
- A wooden seam roller— I reach for this constantly when I’m pressing open seams or joining strips. I love this giant one!
- My rotary cutter— always within reach, always capped (safety first!) I love the ergonomic one.
- My 2.5″ quilting ruler—I find this size is the perfect one to have by the sewing machine!
- Binding Clips – I think having few of these easily accessible is also useful!
Having these three things in one place, right at the machine, has already changed my sewing sessions. Everything is tidy, everything is accessible, and I don’t have to go hunting across my cutting table mid-project. 10/10 would recommend making this organiser for your setup!
Was It Worth Making? Absolutely Yes.
Even with my mixed feelings about the QAYG interfacing method, the project itself is a total winner. It’s fast (seriously — one day!), it’s functional, and it just makes your sewing space feel so much more “you.” The fact that I used fabric and notions I already had from my Sew Sampler Box made it feel extra special too.
If you’ve been eyeing a sewing machine caddy, I’d say go for it. You don’t necessarily need the kit — the technique is adaptable with regular QAYG methods and your own batting and backing. But it’s a great first project if you want guidance, and it genuinely took me a single, happy sewing day to finish.
PROJECT DETAILS & LINKS
- June Tailor Pretty Pockets Sewing Machine Caddy QAYG Kit
- Emma by Sherri and Chelsi — Moda Fabrics
- Blossom Yellow fabric
- Minki Kim label
- A wooden seam roller
- My rotary cutter
- My 2.5″ quilting ruler
- Binding Clips
- My Sewing Machine: Janome Horizon QCP8200
- Oliso Iron Pro
- Oliso Iron Mini
Tell me — do you have a sewing machine caddy? Have you tried any QAYG kits lately? I’d love to hear what you think in the comments below!
Until next time, happy sewing! 🧵
