In this post, we collected 20 DIY sewing table plans. So if you need a blueprint for building one, scroll through our list and click the “View The Plans” button to view the step-by-step instructions.
These sewing tables are unique craft spaces that provide a storage area for your sewing machine in a cubby or embed it directly into the table itself.
They typically feature folding arms and caster wheels for maneuverability. Though there are more permanent tables designed for dedicated creation.
20 DIY Sewing Tables
1. The Aqua-Colored Modern Craft Sewing Table Blueprint
A sewing desk is a necessity for any woman that loves creating beautiful things.
But buying a sewing table might be too expensive for your budget. Then you can use this plan and build a large sewing table with plenty of workspace for unleashing your creativity.
Moreover, it has ample storage space for your sewing odds and ends thanks to several shelves. The builder recommends plywood for the top and pine for the shelves. Another great thing about this sewing station is that there are two spots for stools at the opposite ends of the table, so your kids could also use it for their school projects.
2. The Extra Small Adjustable Folding Sewing Table Build
A small sewing table is a great addition to any home because you don’t have to worry how you’re going to store it and you can move it around the rooms with ease.
Thanks to these free sewing plans you can build a magnificent corner sewing table with expandable wings and room for sewing supplies. It’s a modification of Ana White’s sewing table for small spaces, but the builder uses birch as a building material.
To achieve this eye-catching color he uses Bombay Mahogany stain. Another awesome thing is that this is a project that you can complete in 6-9 hours, and you don’t need a lot of woodworking experience.
3. The Diy Bargain Upholstery & Dressmaking Table Design
When you go searching for small crafting/sewing tables, Ana White’s design will certainly catch your eye immediately.
What’s so great about this folding sewing machine table is that it has plenty of workspace for all kinds of sewing projects due to the expandable wings, a spot for storing your sewing machine and a shelf for sewing supplies. But that’s not all. Thanks to the four caster wheels you can roll this beauty in a closet with no efforts at all.
The primary material is plywood, but you can also use MDF. However, keep in mind that you’ll have to install some extra locking hardware on the legs so that they can bear the weight of the sewing machine.
4. The Tuckaway Folding Collapsible Yellow Sewing Table Idea
This plan offers some modifications on Ana White’s design and presents to you this stunning yellow sewing table with storage areas.
The builder uses MDF for building the sewing table, drop-leaf lockable hinges, and piano hinges.
However, he recommends that you use plywood because MDF is less sturdy and you might have to reinforce the area around the hinges. You can also add hooks to hang your scissors or glue guns and keep them close at hand. And you can have all this for no more than $55.
5. The Vintage Blue Quilting And Sewing Table Project
Does your wife spread out her crafting materials on the dining table? Well, then maybe it’s time to build her a sewing table so that she has all the room she needs to work on her projects. In this case, these free plans for a compact sewing table will come in handy.
The builder uses pine and plywood for building the table and Minwax blue rub to achieve this adorable blue color. And the project won’t cost you as much as you think – only $40 and a free afternoon.
But keep in mind that the plan doesn’t call for a locking mechanism on the legs so don’t use the table with the sewing machine on.
6. The Cubby Storage Quilter Sewing Table Blueprint
This design again has its roots in Ana White’s sewing table for small spaces. But the builder customizes the dimensions to fit his available space. Another big modification here is that there are no legs to hold the table’s leaves.
Instead, you can use wooden brackets that look better and allow more room while working. The builder also uses rubber wheels instead of plastic ones to avoid damage to the floor when rolling the table around.
He recommends that you get the MDF cut in the Home Depot store if you are not confident enough to do it by yourself. And there are well-written instructions that will help you along.
7. The Extra Long Big Sewing And Ironing Board Table Build
The moment you see this sewing cart, you’re going to think that it looks very familiar. And you’ll be both right and wrong.
The builder uses Ana White’s plan, but he makes some outstanding modifications, which are going to surprise you.
I’m not talking only about the multi-colored striped worktop. The builder turns one of the wings of the sewing tables into an ironing board. In this way, you kill two hares with one stone, don’t you think? You just need a double layer of quilt batting and cotton fabric (must be 100%), and you will have a mini iron board ready in no time.
8. The Super-Easy Sewing & Quilting Desk
If you love making quilts but you’re sick of cutting fabrics on the floor, it’s time to take matters into your own hands and build a quilting table.
This beautiful sewing/quilting desk is just what you need with its two large drawers (for sewing supplies) and adjustable shelves at the back.
What’s more, the table is compact, and you can fit it easily under the window. But the builder warns that you have to take accurate measurements and plan everything carefully. For material, you can use birch plywood and turned legs. This is a slightly more complicated project than the previous ones, so you might want to get someone to help you.
9. The DIY Inexpensive Sewing Table Furniture Design
The builder presents to us yet another stunning modification of Ana White’s sewing stand.
This one has colorful extension wings that add character and style and a beautiful white finish.
The builder uses birch plywood as material, white paint with primer and hinges for the leaves. Another excellent thing is that everything will cost you no more than $80, and you don’t need to have any prior experience to build this sewing table desk. Just remember that the legs need extra hardware if you plan to put the sewing machine on the table.
10. The Wood Topped Side Cubby Crafts And Sewing Table Idea
A large crafting table is a perfect solution when you want something multifunctional for your home.
This DIY sewing machine table is a modification of Ana White’s craft table, and the builder uses solid pine and high-end plywood as materials.
He recommends that you sand the pieces multiple times and use semigloss paint. The project is suitable for a beginner, but you might get someone to help you cut the wood. The whole project is going to take you a weekend to complete, but the finished table is certainly worth the time. Besides, who doesn’t need a large crafting table?
11. The Narrow Farmhouse Bench Sewing Table Idea
Are you looking for cheap sewing machine tables? Then why don’t you build one by yourself?
It’s not that hard if you have a good plan to follow. This sewing table design, for example, will show you how to build a narrow sewing table in a couple of hours.
What’s so great about this home sewing table is that it’s sturdy enough to bear the weight of your sewing machine all the time. In this way, you can just sit and sew whenever the muse comes over you without bothering with getting your sewing machine from her storage place. And the dark brown-red desktop looks simply irresistible.
12. The Extra Long 2 Foot Wide Needlework Table Project
It’s hard to find a cheap sewing table to fit your space. Instead of going shopping, there is a simple solution – build a custom sewing machine table.
This plan will help you do exactly that in a couple of days, and it will cost you no more than $125. What’s so great about this cheap sewing desk is that there is a hole cut to fit a sewing machine and supports in the bottom to keep the machine level with the top.
It’s two feet wide, so there is plenty of space to do your sewing, and there is room for storage below the table. The builder uses white pine for the construction and dark stain finish.
13. The Collapsing Arm Sewing & Knitting Table Design
There is no denying that Ana White’s sewing table for small spaces is a popular design, and here comes another modification.
This time the builder uses 3/4″ fir plywood and piano hinges. Moreover, he changes the legs to 2x2s and recommends that you use folding leg braces.
For the finish, you can use a dark walnut stain and three coats of varathane.
It’s not going to be an afternoon project, and it might take you several days to sand and stain the pieces. Also, it’s a good idea to have the wood cut at a lumberyard to save time.
14. The Piano Hinge 36 Inch High Sewing Table Idea
This free table sewing design will help you build a small corner sewing table slightly different from Ana White’s.
Here the builder uses MDF and piano hinges but changes the height of the compact sewing desk to 36 inches for convenience. In this way, you can sit on your stool and sew. However, he warns that if you build the tables at 36″, you’ll have to change the depth or the legs are going to stick out when you fold them.
For the final touch, you can use Behr paint and satin finish.
15. The Gate Leg Sewing & Dressmaking Table Bench Project
This portable sewing table looks so cute that you can hardly resist its charms. It’s again based on Ana White’s design but with several modifications.
The builder creates gate legs for extra support for the table leafs and extends the central portion of the top.
In this way, you can put a heavy sewing machine on this sewing cabinet with no worries. You’ll need 3/4″ plywood, 2 x 2s, 1 x 2s and Golden Oak Minwax stain finish. And if you want your small wooden sewing table to catch the eye of your guests, you can use stencil patterns.
16. The Folding Wood 2 X 2 Rolling Sewing Table Cart Blueprint
A folding sewing machine table comes in handy when you don’t have space to spare in your home.
So you can use this awesome design, which adds some modifications to the already familiar Ana White’s plan.
The builder recommends 1 x 2s legs instead of 2 x 2s for extra stability and sturdiness, especially if you want to put the sewing machine on the table and piano hinges for the drop-leaves. You’ll have to widen the tabletop to 17″, but that means that you’ll have more workspace available for your projects.
17. The Decorative Blue Integrated Sewing Table Desk Build
Buying sewing furniture often is out of the question for those with a tight budget.
But that doesn’t mean that you can’t have a beautiful sewing craft table for your sewing room.
What’s so great about this plan is that you can also use the sewing desk as a fabric cutting table and there is plenty of space for storing sewing items.
In addition to this, there is a cut place in the worktop for your sewing machine so you can work on any sewing project with ease. Just make sure that the table height matches your own or you might have difficulties reaching the sewing pedals.
18. The Rolling Oak Wood Small Space Sewing & Stitching Table Design
A sewing cart can be an excellent addition to your crafting room, especially one you can roll wherever you want.
If that’s what you’re looking for, this easy sewing machine desk with storage is just for you. Here the builder uses sanded 3/4″plywood and 1 x 3s pine as main building materials.
He doesn’t use a finish, only satin clear coat. Nevertheless, this small sewing table looks magnificent. And if you’re feeling up to more complicated projects, you can modify the plan and make a kitchen cart.
19. The L Shaped Mint Green Sewing And Cutting Corner Table Idea
This large sewing table is a dream come true for any sewing enthusiast who wants her own sewing room.
It has everything you need – a place for the sewing machine and sewing accessories and a spot for cutting fabrics. The builder uses pine for the shelves and the legs and birch for the desktop. However, this is a more advanced project than the previous ones, and it requires some knowledge and skills in woodworking.
It’s also a good idea to have a few free days so that you can assemble everything.
20. The Improvised Upcycled Saw Horse Style Sewing Table Idea
This oak sewing table is an excellent choice if you’re looking for something easy to build and you don’t have any prior woodworking experience.
It’s a simple sawhorse table with a long desktop and a spot for storing sewing supply. And the great thing is that you can find a lot of applications for such a table around the house. Staining and painting this standing sewing table will take more time than actually building it, so it’s suitable for a weekend project.
Everything You Need To Know About Sewing Tables
If you are interested in sewing clothes and the sewing tables to use, then this is the right article for you.
Once you decide to start the habit of sewing your own clothes, you will need to set aside a dedicated space where you can set up all your sewing equipment, such as the sewing machine and other accessories related to sewing.
An excellent way to make such a space is to make a customized sewing table or cabinet that will let you use your sewing machine whenever you feel like it.
What is a Sewing Table?
Also known as a work table, a sewing table is a desk or table that is specially designed for sewing purposes. A typical sewing table can contain the full set of tools used in sewing clothes and also has enough space for a sewing machine.
You should also put a waste basket and a chair by the sewing table. You can get a dropleaf attachment to gain more surface area to put your sewing machine on. There are other attachments as well that you can attach to the sewing table, such as a cloth bag for keeping the sewing materials, shelves or drawers.
The History of Sewing Tables
The first recorded sewing table was invented in England around the year 1770. It was more widely adopted after the American Revolution.
Before the invention of the sewing table, women used to keep their needlework equipment in a bag or a basket. The sewing table was developed in such a way that it would provide a surface area for sewing as well as providing storage for all the materials needed to sew clothes.
At that time, leisure activities for most women consisted of sewing various types of clothes and items, such as crochet, macrame, basket weaving, and painting. Women of that time were supposed to work together around a single table. Most of the tables that were developed in America at this time were either of the Empire style or the Sheraton style and were typically made up of mahogany wood.
By the middle of the nineteenth century, sewing machines were invented and women no longer had to use just needles and string to sew clothes, baskets etc. Once the sewing machine was invented, the design of the sewing tables being manufactured was changed to accommodate the sewing machine.
A good example of this is the Singer Cabinet Works, which was started in 1868, on contract from the Singer Company’s sewing table manufacturing branch in South Bend, Indiana. Initially, the plant was designed for the sole purpose of distributing sewing tables through the Western United States of America.
In 1981, the plant was expanded to cover 60 acres and another 20 acres just for lumber yards and a railroad just for the large factory. This new plant then managed and handled all Singer processes related to shipping sewing tables to the Eastern United States as well as to South America, Asia, and Europe.
Tips for Building Sewing tables
- Find out which chair you will be using when you sit and work at a sewing table. You should keep your chair’s height and dimensions in mind when looking for a sewing table to buy. This is important because while you are working, your feet should be flat on the floor and the working/sewing area should be at the height of your elbow. A chair whose height you can adjust is even better as you can set it to the perfect height to work with. The same concept applies to cutting tables, mainly that your workspace should be at elbow height when you are in a standing position.
- Your sewing table should let you work with straight wrists and at elbow height. If your sewing table has a low height, it will force you to hunch forwards while working. This will put a strain on your back, which can be very bad for the health of your back in the long run. Similarly, if the table is too high, you will have to raise your shoulders all the time while working. This will quickly tire out your upper back, neck and shoulders. You should try to get a sewing table whose work surface is large enough to comfortably place your sewing machine on and also allows you to do any other sewing related task that you need. The sewing table should also have a large enough surface area and height so that you can position your thighs in the most comfortable position while working, as you will need to use the foot pedal a lot while sewing. So the table should not touch your legs while you are working the pedal.
- Take into account the type of work you normally do to find a good width for a table. You don’t want to be hunched while working. A sewing person who sews a lot of clothes such as full-length ball gowns will require a wide sewing table as compared to someone who only makes clothes for children. So the size of the table matters a lot.
- If a table seems perfect but has just one imperfection, then try to see if a simple adjustment will make that imperfection go away. If the table area is perfect but its size is too high, you can consider cutting the legs enough to lower the table to an acceptable height for working. If the table is too low, then you can use cinder or wooden blocks to raise the height of the table. These are simple and easy solutions that will allow you to sew in the most comfortable sitting position. Now let’s consider that you have your sewing table properly set up. Now the next step will be to get a nice sewing machine apron in which you can put sewing tools while working, for easy access.
- Get a sewing table that works best with your height. Every person has a different elbow height, which is why it is recommended to get a sewing table custom made for your elbow height. This is even more relevant if you’re are too short or too tall. If the option to get a customized sewing table is not feasible for you, you can see what’s available at the crafts store nearest to your home. However, don’t rely only on the tables available there. You can use regular tables as sewing tables or cutting tables as well.I put my own sewing machine on a small square kitchen table. Go to thrift shops and garage sales to look for tables that you can use if you don’t have a large budget. Remember to bring along a tape measure so that you can make sure that whatever table you purchase, it has the right measurements for your ergonomic comfort.
One Extra Sewing Table Plan
In Conclusion
A sewing table is a great work space where you can perform all types of arts and crafts activities, such as sewing projects, scrapbooking and painting. Building your own sewing table that can safely hold your sewing machine and other accessories can be a fun project. You can make the sewing table in a variety of colors and paint finishes to complement the table with the room it is in.
When you need to place a specific sewing machine on the table, making a custom sewing table is a good idea. You can even get inserts from your nearest hardware store which can let you extend the ends of your table or cabinet to give you a larger working area.
The good thing about inserts is that you can fold them down when not working, thus reducing the amount of space that the sewing table takes up in the room. Another good idea is to get folding tables as they can be easily stored and are portable.
When you are deciding which sewing table to buy, it is recommended to keep in mind how exactly you will use it.
People who sew quilts typically favor larger table because the increased surface area allows them to have extra space to lay out all their quilting materials. You can make your own sewing table and impress your family by your handiwork skills.
The following are some free plans and instructions for a variety of sewing cabinets, sewing tables and sewing centers. So get started today and build a quality sewing table yourself.
Once you have made the sewing table, you can finally get started on those sewing projects that you may have been dreaming of doing for a long time.
Hi, my name’s Elena Coolidge. I’m a DIY enthusiast who loves building fun woodworking plans. These DIY plans are fun hobby projects for enthusiasts or even more advanced builders that want to build things like bunk beds, end tables or even a duck box!