Using a computer desk for sewing table? Help!
 

Hey everyone! I need a little help I'm in the process of fixing up a sewing room and can't decide on a sewing table. Me and DH had first decided to build shelves and a table. As most know lumber is really expensive so I'm kind of rethinking that one. I've found some corner computer desks that look like what I want in the first place and I could let DH drop my sewing machine in. I was wondering if anyone else used anything like that for a sewing table and do they hold up good? What's honest opinion on building one vs. using a computer desk? Also I'm sort of on a small budget! Please any help would be appreciated!

I use a large office desk with a lowered keyboard shelf that I got for $20 at Goodwill. It's heavy and sturdy and works just great - even has extra storage underneath!

I have a computer desk that has a pullout keyboard drawer in the center. I decided to leave it as is and just put my machine on top with a pad so as not to scratch the finish of the desktop. I have been using this for about 8 years and am very happy with it. If you find something that your DH thinks he can drop your machine into - I say go for it, especially if the computer table is a good price. I got mine new and it was about $200, but I'm sure you could find a used one for less. Good luck with your search!

My sewing desk was originally a computer desk, it works for me but I don't think a corner desk would work, at least for me it wouldn't. I've been using it for over 10 years, and it held up fine. Have you thought of looking for desks at thrift stores or garage/yard sales?

I got an INGO table at ikea and cut a hole for my machine and attached a shelf below for the machine to sit on.

I was using a large folding table when I first set up my room, but the vibration from the table was so bad that I could hardly sew. I tried a vintage sewing table for a bit, but it was awkward so now we're in the process of piecing together a desk. I bought a kitchen table top in the as-is section at IKEA, and will be going back to buy two sets of cubby's to use as supports. For now I have the table top just sitting on top of the folding table and it's already a huge improvement. I have a smaller folding table that comes out into the room (on my left side) making an L shaped desk and I really like it. I took the drawer set that supported one side of my vintage table and used that under the table it's nice to have drawers right there. I went to IKEA looking for something sturdy and while we probably looked like a couple of crazies, I would sit at the desk or table and my husband would pound on the top so I could feel the vibration ;) Whatever you find, just watch out for vibration. Finding a really solid top seems to be important. Do you have IKEA near you? One material we considered were their butcher block counters but the table top I found was a steal. Have you checked craigslist for something used that might fit your needs? Also have you heard of Ana White? She has a ton of furniture plans in case you decide to still go that route.

My DH made a cut-out in an older kitchen table for my serger several years ago and I love it. I just wish there was more room to the left of the serger, as it's a smallish table.

I'm using a corner desk unit that I inherited from my mom. The desk is on the left side, then there's an odd-triangle-shaped center corner unit that works as a connector, then a smaller work surface to the right of that. Both the desk and right-side unit have open storage shelves -- where I keep my thread, machine feet, oft-used tools handy but out of my way. The right-side unit holds a small pressing pad and a travel iron. The center connecting unit displays a metal tiered stand with jars of my vintage button eye candy, plus it has room for any miscellany of my current project. I did set my sewing machine on a non-skid mat. It's the perfect set-up for me.

My handsome fiancé dropped my machine into a farm table that I bought second hand for $80. Now I have lots of room to sew.....love it!!

We have a Huge wall shelf unit that goes nearly floor to ceiling and is about 9 feet wide and if I had room for it in my sewing room I would put it in there and have my husband hinge a fold out shelf for my sewing machine in the large open center area. You could have a lot of necessary stuff right at your fingertips with that one.

Thanks everyone for all the great feedback! I think I've decided against the computer desk. The one I was looking at looked smaller than what I wanted and I was afraid it wouldn't hold up! DH is going to go ahead and build me a table with shelves. I'm so excited to get it going! Me and my sister are painting the room today! :)

I would check out the thrift stores. If you find a computer table that is solid it might just work. Whatever you do keep your measurements of your machine handy. I made notes of my machine in my phone. Always handy. DH uses his note app all the time and with photos. I do the same.

tried to reply to thread and it disappeared .

In 1956, my friend built a desk for my new 301. It looks like a desk. The top has a lift out door to put the machine in at table top level. I love that. The sewing surface is very large: desk size large, and was very instrumental in helping me love sewing. The foot petal is mounted under the desk with a knee lever. There are four drawers on each side, just like a desk, but on the right side, two of the drawers are one double deep drawer. When you open it, it has only one side. I can slide the machine into that drawer when I want to. There is a center drawer, also, for thread and sewing notions.
Right now the machine is in the drawer, the top is in place, and my computer is placed over that. I have found that I can put my machine on top and still use the computer. I can see most of the monitor, but for a while I had that up on a pedestal. I just used a few 2X's to lift it up. Covered that with fabric and it looked great and worked great.

I bought a used sewing machine cabinet (
I bought a used sewing machine cabinet
($14.00)and had my handyman retrofit the inside for my Viking machine. I can remove the machine and fold the cabinet up when it is not in use.

Try to find some counter tops that the companies are throwing away. or go to a recycle place and check. (Even old doors work if they are solid) I got my sewing "tables" from discarded counter tops and my husband built stands for them. One on each end. It works well and the counter tops are still in great condition. He built the stands different heights so the tables are the right height for cutting, sewing or ironing.

I have a corner type computer desk that I use for patterns, cutting etc.. One can cut a hole for your machine in one of those tables. I have a regular machine table (picked it up on Craig's list for little of nothing). Check your 2nd hand stores, Craigslist etc.. for a good bargain ..

Another thing to consider is the weight of your machine. I have a desk (Sauder - something like that) and while it is built to be just a desk, I tried putting a sewing machine on it and it bowed in the center. As someone else said, some things are not made of solid wood these days. :-)

Marysewfun

Just picked up a new desk(used from the Thrift store), it's a medium large oak unit. Someone cut the legs off (good thing because it wouldn't have fit through the front door), got it because I love to sew on a desk because of all the room on top. With no legs, I'm able to make it higher than a regular desk so it can double as a cutting table (when you RV, everything has to double up). Also the sides of the desk look like a frame (oak panel set in), so on one side I turned it into a thread holder (using painted peg board glued onto the panel, that Home Depot cut for me). Oh didn't like the oak color (had oak for years and years, need a change), so I painted the desk a mat black (works for me, but I know it's not for everyone). On the back of the desk (normally the side that goes on the wall), I added a lip so I could put hooks for my rulers (hooks point down from lip, so I can still get around the desk to cut fabric). I also added one of the knife strips (kitchen store), for all of the items that can hang with a magnet (placed this under the desk in the leg area because I had room and all of the items would lay flat). On the other end of the desk I placed small bars for rolls of ribbon and trims (because I use a lot of these with the other sewing I do). I have 1 file drawer on the bottom right, that I have filled with cut hanging file folders (so I can hang half and one yard cuts of fabric). The top drawer on the right was set up for a printer (so no sides on the drawer), but I have used open file baskets for all of my patterns (lots of room and I can leave the drawer open with the directions on top, but still out of the way).
So YES! You can use computer desks, just like quilting you just have to think outside of the box. Good luck

Consider an old "dressing" table? You can put it on bed risers to make the height better for you to use. Find an ugly one and make it yours with fabric or paint?

I prefer to adapt existing furniture. You can add structural support to counter vibration. I like the furniture section of my local recycle company. It tends to be better quality than thrift store items.

I use a large folding table, the kind you find in a church or library conference room. I can pull it out and move all around it when needed. We have a used office furniture store in my area. Check Goodwill or local thrift stores.

I'm using a kitchen table that has expandable sides - found it on craigslist for $25

Tables for sewing machines
 

I used those folding light weight tables...they work fine for me...have never had the vibration problem...one day I would love to have one of those fancy koala sewing systems... another dream...

We just set up a new sewing/office area for me yesterday. (YEAH!!!!!) It's an L-shaped setup that has a corner section, which I pondered whether to use for sewing, or computing. I think that the computer will go in the corner and the sewing machine will go on one of the "legs" of the set up. It looks like I'll have more room for sewing big quilts this way.

As for the setup itself...they're modular units that you can mix and match. I bought part of these units from Ballard Designs about fifteen years ago. They were originally for our business office. I just recently bought a couple of new sections to create the L shape. Luckily, they still carried the same design. My space is very small and oddly shaped and this solution fit perfectly. Granted, it wasn't a cheap solution, but the furniture is pretty solid and it fit my needs to a T. I figured, get it now, or it shall never be, so I went for it. Now, I'm in the process of organizing and putting all my stuff away in it.

http://www.ballarddesigns.com/furnit...ollections_oho

~ Cindy

I was given an old computer desk that has the top shelves removed, leaving just the desk with a smooth level top. I then bought a hollow door at Fleet Farm and placed it onto the desk. It is wonderful. I have that huge cutting mat from JoAnns, have had it for many years. It fits the door perfectly, and, when I am not cutting, I have lots of room on the door for my sewing machine. It is the best set up I have ever had.

Eleanor Burns has a link on her site how to make a table from a farm table that are really detailed directions.

http://www.quiltinaday.com/freepatte...asp?file=table

That's what I'm using. The pullout keyboard drawer comes in handy for scissors, seam rippers and such.

I use an old farm table--sturdy and real wood--bought it from work when we downsized our display pieces for showrooms but please frequent thrift stores and if you have one near you--Habitat for Humanity resale store---if you cannot find a table or desk, they always have lots of wood, table legs, doors, cabinets, etc

I use a computer desk for one of my machines. Works great for me. It has the pull out keyboard that I use for the keyboard and mouse to the computer that is mounted on the wall.

I have an old computer desk for my sewing machine. After about 5 years of nagging, my DH finally cut an opening on top to drop the sewing machine. He used some scrap pieces he picked up from Home Depot, 2x4's, a 3/4" plywood, some glue, and screws. He then screwed the top table of the sewing machine flush so now I have the machine at a comfortable level. The machine can still be taken out for cleaning and/or servicing.

I found the least expensive way to go is to use a hollow core door. Not very expensive, and a nice size

I have two nice looking saw horses with a door from Manards on it. It is a great size, and I have used it for the past 10 years. I saw the idea in a magazine years ago. It is awesome, and I have storage room under the door. Oh yes, and I have the largest cutting mat from JoAnn fabrics on it, wonderful for cutting table.

My sewing table is an 8' table from the local office supply store. This gives me plenty of room for computer flatscreen, sewing, and cutting, and room for storage underneath.

I have a computer desk that has a keyboard slide out shelf thing. I haven't yet, but I'm going to cut a hole in my desk and sit my machine on the shelf. If you don't want to make a new desk, check out craigslist or thrift stores I'm just got a beautiful cutting table for $25 on Craigslist.

I had a corner desk from an office supply store---weight wise, it held sewing machines ok, but I hated it. I got farm table and backed it up to my formica table that my grandpa made and it is much better. Holds the weight of the quilts when quilting. Both are real wood and sturdy.

If your not in a huge rush, I recommend checking the free section of Craig's List. Several times, I have gotten quite a few construction materials that way, including lumber. I've also gotten some great pieces of furniture.

I've found that the best time to scout for freebies is at the end of the month, when people are moving and don't want to cart all their belongings to a new place.