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Custom sewing table with inserts

onequarter | Posted in Equipment and Supplies on

I want to build a sewing table with cutouts for 2 sewing machines to accomodate my stature. I’m five feet tall on my best day.

The sewing tables available with hydraulic lift are out of my price range. Besides, I don’t need the lift feature. I just need to have an insert for each of my two major machines: a Bernina 1008 and a Viking D2, plus a solid insert when I want to use the table as a table.

My plan is to have the inserts cut out of acrylic, just like the ones you buy. If that doesn’t work out, I’ll be just as happy with plywood.

I’m also looking for a way to vary the height of the table ( the length of the legs). I’m thinking of a post and peg kind of arrangement.

I know there is a book out there with some instructions but I can’t think of the name for it.

I’m looking for either the name of the book with instructions for creating a sewing room that includes the instructions for this kind of table or a previous experience with building that kind of table.

Thanks to anyone out there who might be able to help with this.

Carla

Replies

  1. katina | | #1

    Hi!  are you thinking of 'Dream Sewing Spaces'  by Lynette Black??

  2. alotofstitches | | #2

    Check http://www.rockler.com--it's a woodworking catalog.  they have the plans for a sewing center that might help you.  I'm not sure just what you want.  Another source might be your local county home extension office.  Ours provides free literature on various subjects--I got really good info re: building in a sewing center in a closet and adapted it to my needs.

  3. Wunmismom | | #3

    I have done something similar. I will try to explain in a way you will be able to vizualize:

    1. Place the chair you will be using at the machine in question. Sit down. Extend your arms out at a comfortable sewing level. Measure from the bottom of your arm to the floor. This will be the height you need.

    2. Standing, do the same procedure for the height of the table as a cutting surface. However, the height of the sewing machine may not allow you to obtain the exact cutting height you have calculated.

    3. Imagine the cutting height with the seated sewing height just below it. This is where the machine table will be needed to be inserted and where the table should be cut to accomodate it. You will now have two heights: a cutting surface height with a space cut out to accomodate the lower height for machine sewing. Build the table to accomodate a shelf at the lower height. You will place your machine on this height.

    4. An insert can be cut to fit into the space cut into the higher level. This insert can be lifted out and put back in at will so that you can have a full cutting surface. Means will have to be found to support the insert. It is not difficult.

    What you will end up with is two tables, one above the other. The lower one will be of smaller width.

    There is a way to adjust the height of any sewing table. Palmer and Pletsch in "Painless Sewing" recommend placing bricks under the table legs to reach the sewing height you need.

    Wunmi's Mom

  4. chris458 | | #4

    the custom table i have may meet your needs. the plans are from keepsake quilting and the inserts are from www.dreamworld-inc.com (call them to find out details for your machines). since you're building it yourself, you could adjust the height

    to see mine, go to http://community.webshots.com/user/chris121645 and click on "sewing room".

    1. Coco | | #5

      Thanks a bunch, OneQuarter, for the advice on the Keepsake Quilting Sewing Table pattern. I ordered it today; not quite sure how I will get it made but that is a dilemma for another day! For today, I am thrilled to know where to start.Coco

    2. onequarter | | #6

      That's it, that's it, that's it. Thanks so much. I'm on to the Keepsake website faster than the character in haircurlers from "Kung Fu Hustle."I really appreciate the help. You have a wonderful sewing room and also a couple of really spectacular quilts. Thanks again for the info.Carla

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