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.

I love my office desk. It's L-shaped which means I have lots of room for bigger projects. I don't like to have it recessed, I have a long torso and recessing my machine would make it too short for me. I say go for it.

An old student desk was my sewing area for many years. I set the machine on top of it and sat on a pillow to raise me to the right height. Now I have a separate table for my sewing machine with a recessed area, but I still use the old desk for cutting and also as a desk. I just bought some risers that I will put under the desk legs so cutting will be easier on my back. I love the drawers, though. They hold most of what I need for quilting.

This post is fortuitous! My 40 year old cabinet needs replacing, and I am waiting for social shopping to begin again! I had been looking at cabinets online to no avail, must experience in person. I will search desks! Thanks

I have an old oak desk.no cutout. I love it and use it everyday with whatever machine I decide to use. Go grab a desk ASAP.❤️

I have a desk for my sewing table as well. I think I only spent $45 on it at a garage sale. I liked it because it has two flip up extensions on the ends - extra room for quilts on my left while quilting. My husband cut a recess for my original machine. When I upgraded, I also got a Sew Steady Extension table so we covered the recess hole with a piece of peg board and sawed the legs down to change the height. It’s a Franken-desk for sure, but it was inexpensive and I don’t feel bad adjusting it as needed.

I have seen a lot of old desks used in sewing rooms. Some people put a piece of plywood on top and then a cutting mat or cover the wood with batting and muslin and use it as an ironing area. I think you are on the right track for getting an old desk to use. Good luck to you

I was furnishing my apt. from scratch and got two matching desks/tables at a thrift store, about $50 each. One for computer and one for sewing. They had 5 total, now I am wishing I got a third one! Each has two drawers.

Thanks for all your help! I had no idea so many people used desks. I had also wondered (but didn't think to ask) about cutting out a recess for the machine. I am glad several people responded to this. I had been pleasantly surprised at how well just setting the machine on top of the dining room table had worked. I think I'll just leave my machine on top of the desk, too, as it will also be easier to access the bobbin.

Oh yes, it can work very well. I had a desk that I used for years. I didn't mind the extra higher inch or so and became very accustomed to it and really had fewer back issues since I was not bending as far. I used my mom's sewing table for years. My sister has it now and when I sit at it if feels so low. Now my machine sits on top of my treadle. It is a bit higher like a desk, and works perfect. Go for it!

I have one of my machines on an old oak writing desk I bought probably 30 years ago for about $20. It works great and has a draw to store stuff

Having an adjustable height (office type) chair will help you sit comfortably whatever height your machine is at the desk. The desk drawers can be assigned contents such as needles and attachments, thread and bobbins, etc.

I have an old arborite topped desk that came from a bank originally. Gifted to me via an older friend who has since passed away.
Much sentimental attachment, but if this desk didn't work for me I would have something else for my sewing machine. It's sturdy and can support the weight of my machine (27 pounds), large work area, and a few drawers down one side for my threads. I would not give this desk up easily!

I bought a child's desk at an auction, about 35 years ago. It has served me well as a sewing desk. It's low, which for me is a plus. My kids bought me a Sauder sewing cabinet, I use it, but it sits up high. My short stature makes it challenging to use. I just needed to get over that height.

One of my domestic machines is in an old kitchen table I bought off a second hand furniture stall for £15. It had one drawer which was accessed from the table end..

We made a cardboard template of the footprint of my machine and its insert. Traced round the template on the table top using a sharpie marker then cut a hole in the top to recess my machine. The drawer runners were like a cradle and we put the off cut from the top on the drawer runners to support and raise my machines and its perspex insert flush with the table top. The table top had a rounded profile and rounded corners so the quilts or whatever I am sewing does not catch.

The drawer runner area has been left open underneath for easy access for the power cable, foot pedal and cleaning.

The table had been used as an artists table and bloke had polyurethaned it to a super high gloss to repel paint. Well, quilt tops and fabric slide just like an ice rink (I wish my handi-quilter table was the same!)

The only tools required - a hand-held electronic jigsaw and a drill with a spade drill bit. The spade drill bit shaped the rounded edges for the perspex insert.

I use elephant feet risers to make the table tall enough for me to sit comfortably.

Expenditure was minimal and it was simple enough for me to do by myself although I was able to rope a friend in to do it for me in exchange for a meal and a beer!

I had an old desk that I had modified so my machine could drop in and the cut out was big enough that if I wanted to sew free arm I could. I loved this desk - I could put the 24x36 cutting mat on it as well. When we moved I have no room for it and OH how I have missed it. You can definitely use it.