Used Desk for Sewing???
 

I have looked and looked, but just can't find a sewing cabinet that I like or can afford. However, there is no shortage of used oak desks in my general area. Due to space issues, I am thinking about a regular sized desk, probably about 30" deep and 60" wide (not the really big executive desks).

I know I would have to do the actual quilting on my dining room table, which has worked pretty well in the past. I am looking at a desk so I can store my machine, notions, etc. off the dining room table until I'm ready to quilt. I can do piecing, machine applique, etc. on the desk, too. Also, I still like to occasionally use the dining room table to eat on! :)

Anyway, has anyone tried this setup before? Pros, cons? There are some very clever DIY ideas online, but I don't have the tools or the strength to put one together.

Thanks for your ideas!

I sew professionally and have used a old office desk for 30 years. Granted its oversized but I would not get rid of it for anything. Positive is that the actual work surface large so large projects are not dragging on the machine or floor. My machines are not recessed into the top by choice. I have gone back and forth about making a cutout for the machine to sit in however decided not to because I have multiple machines and not all have the same foot print. Negative is the appearance (I've always lusted after a matching set of sewing furniture.....cabinet, bookcases, cabinets, tablet=s. etc...) and sometime storage issues. In a perfect world and I had money to burn I probably would hire to make a custom set for me but that is not to be.

Definitely it can work!
Nothing better than those heavy old oak desks.

However ... when you do the cutout, make sure that it is positioned so that you can sit at the machine, and be behind the needle, so that your legs fit comfortably into the space below. IOW you don't centre the machine in the leg hole ... unless you have a really big opening.

KWIM? I fear this may be clear as mud ..............

Grab those old desks! They make great work spaces for sewing machines, etc. I am using two utility tables in my sewing room. One is 20x 60 and the other is 30 x 60. These are in an "L" shape. The other table is a kitchen table. DH cut a hole so cords can pass through to the plugs underneath.

I would use the desks for quilting too.

I also have an oak desk that is "L" shaped. I love it, because I also use it as a cutting table on the one side and have the machine set up on the lower short side. It works out great for me.

I’ve been using an old desk for years for my sewing. The drawers are handy for keeping things at hand but still out of the way. The desk has worked better than any sewing cabinet I’ve tried

If you aren't planning on recessing your machine you need to analyze if you can sew that way. Do you use a recessed machine now? If not, do you have issues with sore shoulders and/or back? Check the height of the desk.

I sewed for years without my machine recessed and always had shoulders/back issues. Finally got an inexpensive table that recessed my machine. Made all the difference. I still may get sore but that's only if I stay at the machine too long. Otherwise I'm fine.

Something to think about.

I have a desk I use. I do not have a cut out because I do sewing alterations as a second job and switch out multiple machines for different jobs. I bought wood furniture risers to elevate my desk so I don't have back or shoulder issues.

I have a desk custom made for my 301. A double drawer on the right side is a place to store the machine. A cut out of the top lifts out to put the machine level with the top of the desk. The cord comes up a small cutout at the right. The foot pedal is mounted in the cavity with a wooden lever to make it a knee control. I have loved that desk for 65 years.
The thing I like best about it is the large flat area to the left of the needle. I lift up the long extension table of the machine to access the bobbin.
The cut out of the top is just about one inch to the right of center. It has worked wonderfully for me.

I've been using a desk for the last 20+ years as a sewing table.