Older, sturdy, but normal domestic sewing machines can cope with surprisingly thick materials and several layers of it - tightly woven is more dificult, but don't try it on anything designated Lightweight, they just don't have the oumph. Help the feed dogs move the fabric under the foot and pause to let the motor cool down if it starts to overheat.

If the items have handles already just make openings in the cover for them to emerge through. Make the covers to the exact size of the item as allowing a little extra will give enough space for the things to twist inside. When adding straps or closures sew through all the layers in enough places to hold everything together. When sewing vinyl add a narrow, thin woven tape top and bottom for strength and use a long stitch or the sewing will just make a tear line rather than a joining.

I managed to make a vinyl bag for my first guitar on an ancient treadle sewing machine - and I made the carrying handles from straps which went right around the bag and guitar as it seemed the safest way to attach and carry. It protected the instrument from scratches and scrapes and survived unscathed when the instrument was broken during a trip to London - n.b. only use solid cases when traveling on the Underground.

Velcro is quite a good closure for covers as it doesn't stick to the vinyl or canvas, but it can stick to softer fabrics, particularly knitted so consider what lining material to use.

It is easy to make covers - you can make a pattern from leftover wallpaper or newspaper by actually covering the item, and see just how large the openings need to be - you will need scissors and sticky tape and a pen - and when you cut the paper construction apart and lie it on the material don't forget to add enough material around the edges for sewing together.

Anne