Room size
 

Hi all,

I am just geting into the planning stages of a new sewing studio. I have not figured out what size room I need. I will also get a long arm that will be in there too. This room needs to accomodate at least 5 sewing stations, fabric storage, the ironing table and the long arm. Is there anywhere I can search to find some ideas? I am so stumpped now, I feel like i need to build a whole house

I don't know if there is a place to find this info. What I would do is cut out the machines and table I want in the room and place them on graph paper. Move them around to you liking and see how much space they need.

Good luck on this and congratulations.

Sit down with graph paper, ruler, and pencil; figure out what sizes you need to accommodate in the way of tables, storage, long arm machine, etc.; add in space for books, design wall, and area to sit and design quilts. Then you'll know what size room you'll need. I'm betting it'll be a biggie; consider taking over a garage!

Jan in VA

I agree with this. I have a 10' frame and it barely fits in my 9' X16' room, although there is tons of storage underneath. Also consider fabric storage. Batting is also an issue if you buy full rolls.
There is a special sub forum on organization. Lots of ideas here:

http://www.quiltingboard.com/mission-organization-f23/

pick a size then double it. you will be glad you did. also plan it out on graph paper like everyone has suggested. it will help placement and practicality.

If possible make it the size of a nice 'guest house' complete with bathroom and a small fridge and microwave.

Remember lot of natural lighting is welcome if you can do it. also it is nice to have air flow on those wonderful days when you have your doors and windows open.

My quilting machine is out to 12 1/2 ft and I need more than 4 ft around it, as it takes up that much space, and if I want to get around it I have to move it. Not fun.

if i got to do my own room and build it i would have a 24 x 24 .

My friend has a wonderful setup...her long arm is in a L off of the sewing room. Can't do both at once, and she hated having to clear room to get around (so as not to trip over everything when quilting). She has 5 stations plus the cutting table in the center, ironing board has extra large board on top and is at right angles to the cutting table so pressing is available to all stations and the cutting table. She also has a trash container at each station, which saves alot of steps! don't forget MORE LIGHTING THAN YOU THINK YOU NEED!

This is probably very good advice. If you can afford to, make sure the room has a bathroom, AC and heat, too.

I also like the idea of making it 'guest house size', with room for a small studio size kitchen. I think that would make your entire home more sale-able in the future. You don't actually have to put a kitchen in; just rough in the plumbing for one while building.

Wow! Lots of good advise. Figure out a size for each station in the room including person space: 12 ft long arm=14x8=112 sq ft, 5 sewing stations 6x6x5=150 sq ft, iron station 4x4=16 sq ft, cutting 6x6=36 sq ft, storage 1x20=20 sq ft, design wall 12 x 2=24 sq ft, etc. Be sure to add traffic patterns. I'd need some time to think of other spaces, but this as a minimum is approx 14x28.

Next figure out access to rest of house. Will you conduct business in this area? Taking customers through private spaces can be unprofessional. Going through another room can be difficult. Will it be a room addition or room enlargement. If it's part of the house, how will the additional sq ft affect existing HVAC capacities and existing electrical capacities? Do you need building permits? If yes, then you may need an architect who could help you with a lot of these questions.

3 yrs ago, we added a 18 x 18 room onto our house for my sewing room. At the time I thought it would be enough, but as time has gone by, I wish I could have gone bigger. You know the saying.."stuff expands to meet the existing space" LOL:)