How to Make a Mallet Putter Cover: A Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners

By Owen Palmer

Updated November 2026

Learning how to make a mallet putter cover takes about an afternoon and a few basic materials. You will measure your putter head, cut a two-piece shell from durable fabric, stitch it together with a reinforced seam, and add a closure that holds the cover in place during your stroke. The result is a custom headcover that protects the face and paint from bag wear and fits your exact mallet shape.

Gather Materials and Measure Your Putter Head

Start with an accurate fit, because a loose cover can shift during the bag ride and a tight one is hard to slide on. Measure the head from heel to toe, the depth from crown to sole, and the width across the back. Add roughly a quarter inch of seam allowance on every side of your template. If your mallet has a center or front shaft, measure the hosel opening too.

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Neoprene or felt sheet, about 2 to 3 mm thick
Heavy polyester or nylon thread, or upholstery thread
Sharp fabric scissors and a rotary cutter
Heavy-duty hand needle or a leather needle for machine use
Tailor’s chalk, a ruler, and painter’s tape
A closure: hook-and-loop strip, snap, or a short elastic cord

Cut and Shape the Pattern

Trace your putter head onto paper, then draw a template that wraps the crown and back with the seam running along the sole edge. Cut the pattern from scrap fabric first and test-fit it on the putter. Adjust until the cover sits flush against the face without stretching. Once the fit is right, cut two identical panels from your neoprene or felt, one for the top and one for the back.

Stitch the Shell Together

Sew with the right sides facing each other, leaving a gap of about 2 inches along one edge so you can turn the cover. Use a straight stitch about 3 to 4 stitches per inch, then backstitch at both ends. Run a second row about an eighth of an inch inside the first for strength, since the seams take the most stress when the cover is pulled on and off. Turn the cover right side out, press the seams flat, and slip-stitch the gap closed.

Add the Closure

Attach a hook-and-loop strip to the inside of the opening, or sew a snap set at the top edge. If you prefer a cover that stays on by fit alone, skip the closure and rely on a snug neck. Test the cover on the putter and make sure it stays put when you lift the bag.

Check Fit and Finish the Edges

Put the cover on the putter and rotate the head to check for gaps, wrinkles, or pulling at the seams. Trim any loose threads close to the stitching and seal raw neoprene edges with a light pass of a lighter flame or a fabric edge sealant, if your material allows it. Let the cover sit for an hour before using it, so the fabric settles to the shape of the head.

Common Mistakes

Skipping the seam allowance, which leaves the cover too tight to slide on
Using thin thread that snaps under repeated removal
Cutting the pattern from one piece of fabric without checking the mirror image
Sewing the closure before testing the fit on the actual putter
Choosing a material that is too thick, which makes the head hard to seat

Recommended Gear

A good heavy-duty thread holds up to repeated pulling, so pick one labeled for upholstery or outdoor use. View on Amazon

A rotary cutter makes clean, straight edges on neoprene and felt much easier than scissors alone. View on Amazon

Leather needles punch through thick material without bending, which keeps your stitch line even. View on Amazon

FAQ

What fabric works best for a homemade mallet putter cover?

Neoprene and felt are the most common choices because they cushion the head and hold their shape. Both are easy to cut and stitch with basic tools.

Do I need a sewing machine?

No. A hand sewing approach with heavy thread and a leather needle works well, though a machine with a heavy-duty needle makes the seams faster and more consistent.

How do I make sure the cover fits my putter?

Make a paper or scrap fabric test pattern first and fit it on the putter before cutting the final material. Adjust the seam allowance until it slides on snugly without stretching.

Conclusion

Making your own mallet putter cover comes down to accurate measuring, a clean two-piece pattern, and a reinforced seam. Test the fit before you finish, and you will end up with a cover that protects your putter and matches your head shape. Refine the pattern on your next build to get an even better result.

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About Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer is part of our editorial team and reviews and edits our putting & short game guides, checking product details against manufacturer specifications and owner feedback.

About the author

Owen Palmer

Owen Palmer writes reviews and buying guides for Putting For Par.