Friday, July 6, 2012

Sewing Machine Table Tutorial Tips

Making a flush mounted sewing table to hold my Janome sewing machine was a lot easier than I thought it would be, and less expensive.  I started with this tutorial from Blue Dinosaurs, and adjusted it to work for me.  It's a great idea, and well-explained.

Here's my final product:





I decorated a sheet of poster board with vintage pattern envelopes, and slipped it under the vinyl table cover.  I can change it out whenever I like.


I'm thrilled with the final result, and the cost, about $125, including the $70 table.  

If you're looking for a dedicated sewing table, I really recommend doing this.  It's a dream to have all that room on the left side of my needle.

 Here are my tips for following the tutorial:

1.  Although you CAN do this by yourself, it's much easier with another person, especially when holding and measuring things.  I was lucky to have hubby get involved, as he's much better at woodworking, and more accurate when measuring.

2.  Use an all-wood table.  Not sure this would have worked, or at least been as easy, with a particle board or laminate table.  The Ikea INGO dining table is perfect.

3.  If you choose the Ikea table, be careful where you place the cut-out.  Mine was too close to the right side, making it necessary to re-work the design.  Another time when a handy hubby was a big help.

4.  Cover the table with vinyl, it will allow your fabric to slide better.  And, you can add decorative stuff under it, like I did.

5.  Cut a hole for the knee lift bar - I can't sew without mine now!

For more details and the full story, check out my QuiltedCupcake Podcast, Episode 54.  Listen to learn why I'm sure I married the right man for me!

Here are some pictures of the process - click on any of them to make them bigger.  









Please let me know if you have any questions about the table.  I'll be happy to help if I can.


20 comments:

Diane said...

Great job Jean and handy hubby.

Jamie Fingal said...

This is a fabulous idea! Thank you so much for sharing how it was made. I have one of those tables in my storage. Woot. Going to unearth it, paint it and get it ready for my Bernina! Excellent idea!

Connie Kresin Campbell said...

What a great table for your machine!

Deborah said...

Your table looks fantastic. Kudos on the project. But I'm confused by the "knee-lift bar" ... Could you explain what that does??

Quilted Cupcake said...

The knee-lift bar is an attachment for my sewing machine (some have them, some don't). It allows you to lift the presser foot with your knee - without moving your hands. I love it!

Deborah said...

Thanks for the explanation. :)

catspec said...

Great solution to table issues....love the machine. :) Knee lift is the reason I finally bought mine, but there is so much to love in the 6300! Thanks for posting the table solution.

David Edward said...

my sweet beth saw this, and now I need to make one. Thanks a BUNCH!

Kati from Kati's Quilting said...

Great podcast Jean and your new table looks awesome! I couldn't imagine what the envelopes looked like, but now I see... Job well done!

TheSewingLoft said...

I LOVE the knee bar! Glad to see I am not alone. Great idea for the drill hole!
~Heather

Weezy Rose said...

Thank you so much for the tute and links, between them all I finished my own awesome sewing table! Thanks again, for this and all you do!,

Weezy Rose said...

Thanks for the tute and links, I just finished my own awesome sewing table! Thank you for all that you do!!

CraftyDeb said...

Awesome tutorial! I'm going to be adapting a table for my sewing machine very soon... thanks for the inspiration :)

KDL said...

Wish I had read your post before making my table. My cut out was to close to the right side of the table as well. I wonder if I can add the shelf now, after the cut-out. Thanks. You did a great job. How did you attach the vinyl? I find the Ikea table a bit rough.
Kim

Quilted Cupcake said...

So glad this has been a helpful post!

Kim, I used masking tape to keep the vinyl on top from sliding around. I didn't want to permanently attach it, as I remove it (partially) when I clean out the bobbin area.

JeannieBeanie said...

Great job! I do have a question though, I like to go full speed on certain things and I had to bring back a sewing table because it vibrated like crazy when I did, do you have any trouble with vibrating or bouncing of the table on top speed?

Quilted Cupcake said...

Jeannie Beanie, No worries that your table will do the Harlem shake with this one! LOL. I always use the highest speed on my Janome, and never have a problem.

I sometimes forget my machine can go slower. I've been using this table for months, and I can't imagine sewing without it.

Enjoy!

Karen said...

While I know the placement is a personal choice, I was wondering if you could tell me how many inches from the front you started your cut? Thank you!

Quilted Cupcake said...

Karen,

I started the cut on my table about 4 inches from the front, and that's worked well for me. Only thing I'd change is the amount of space I left to the right of the machine. It's about 5 inches, and I'd do around 8-10 inches if I were re-doing the table.

Hope that helps!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for posting such great instructions and lovely clear photos. I really neeeed to do this so guess what I'm planning this weekend for me and the hubs...yes some sewing table diy! ;)