Originally Posted by kwendt

My sewing room is only 12' x 11.6'. Space is a premium and I don't have room for multiple machines, a cutting table, a crafting surface and a serger stand. So what I considered and ultimately did... was this:

1. Define your space. Where are you going to sew? A dedicated room/space that you can leave up? Or in a spot within another room of the house (like in the living room, or dining room, etc.). That will tell you if you need something that totally folds up and away (hiding the sewing machine) or something that can remain open and ready to sew.

2. Graph your space. I know...it's tedious. But ohhh so helpful. Measure your space out and graph it. I happened to use a scale of 1 square = 5" of real space. Measure and plot out the doorways, door swing, windows, closets, any other obstructions... AND put a big X where the electrical outlets are. Trust me...this is important. THEN, after you get done graphing out your space, dimensions, any obstacles, etc..... make several photocopies. Use the copies to draw on.

3. Use the same graph paper to make 'to scale' cutouts of the things you already have and want to use: side tables, machine stands, cutting tables, bookcases, pantries, rolling cards, quilt display racks, pattern chests, sewing tables, etc. etc. Cut them out.

4. Now start experimenting by moving the cut outs around on your room/space design plan copy. What fits where? What needs electric? What doesn't? In your moving things around, don't just place things around the perimeter of your space. Be creative. Here are some considerations:

Lighting? Windows are where? Do you want sunlight behind you as you work or from the side? Lamps? floor standing or wall or overhead lighting?

Work flow: the triangle. Just like in kitchen design, there's a work triangle when it comes to quilting or sewing. And it's different depending on the person, the equipment and the needs. How do you LIKE to work? Do you like to actually move from station (exercise!) to station to iron, cut and sew? Or do you want a small cutting area and a small ironing area set up to either side of you when you sew? Do you serge? Most people like to have the serger set up just to the right of the sewing machine. What are your choices for work area and flow? Consider that when graphing.

Storage: bookcases? closets? pantries? Dressers and chests? What do you have or want? How will it fit into your space?

Electric: It's not a good idea to string extension cords all over the place. Look at where your outlets are in your space. It's possible to 'extend' an outlet about 6' to 8' foot by using a powerstrip that is afixed to a wall, cabinet or some other surface. In fact it's a good idea to use them. In the event of a storm, you can quickly switch off everything by flipping the switch on the strip. But in any case, there might be an area or areas in your space where power is just not an option - like inside most closets, or beside doorways. Plan those areas to have items that don't require power: books, storage, treadles, quilt racks, etc. etc.

Think up: Depending on your space, you can utilize vertical space too: put shelves above doors to display items or for storage. Hang thread racks on walls, use kitchen cabinets(check out Lowes clearance areas) or pantry cabinets for storage.

Think neat or ?: If your space is out in the 'main' part of the house, chances are you'll need ways to close up and quickly hide your stash, books, working materials, machines,etc. Consider cabinets with doors over open bookshelves, fold up/away sewing furniture, or make cloth 'slip covers' to shroud your mess when dinner time comes, or guests arrive. If your space is a spare bedroom... just close the door.

After you've figured out what space you have, where things will go that you already have/plan to use... then it will be very obvious what types/sorts of sewing maching tables/furniture you can use. Available space and price will be your guide.

Back to what I did, in my small room. I chose to buy a Horn multipurpose table. It's 36" high, has a fold down back, and a machine drop area with drawers on the other side. I use a drafting chair to sew. With the top up, I have an instant cutting table, crafting table, pinning table, ironing table, sewing table...all in one. All at the right height for me to stand without stooping, or sit in the rolling drafting chair. Full size is 60" x 40". With the back folded down, it's 60" x 20". If I really need space, I drop the machine below the surface and cover the hole with the tabletop insert. Instant HUGE surface to work on. I put this in the middle of my room abutted up to the serging table (which is the same height). I used a telescoping leg, 4' blow-mold utility table. I have storage underneath it, and the serger onthe end. It's set at the 36" height too.

My number one issue was space. So having a table that was 36" high and multipurpose useful was the key. I thought about using two 6' tables up on risers - but didn't have the room. Remember your walk way areas, for comfort and ease of movement...should be 30" or so. If you are a (forgive me) larger sized person, probably 35" to even 40" would be more comfortable to you. Leave yourself enough room to move around your space!

This is what works for me (picture attached). What works for you will likely be very different. That's great. You'll figure out what you really need and what will really fit....by graphing it out ahead of time. You might be able to make your own table out of 2 nightstands and a kitchen counter top or table top, or you might want to use old vintage sewing machine tables back to back, or even purchase a brand new table. The graph will tell you what your possibilities can be.

Good luck and keep us posted on what you discover and find.