marjben

sewing room? Is it too big? (Ha!). Too small? Or just right? And please, feel free to elaborate why.

My husband told me to figure out what size sewing room I would need when we build our new house. I currently have 2 sewing machines, an embroidery machine and hope to receive a serger for Christmas so I have an idea what I need for those, additionally I hope to purchase a stand-up long arm and frame in the next few years but have no idea how much room I would need for that.

Any help, thoughts and/or comments are appreciated!

thanks, Marilyn

Becky's Crafts

I live in a 5th Wheel camper so my sewing area is my recliner with a Gidget I table & my sewing machine right in front of me at all times. My small scissors, marking pencils, small 6" rulers and seam ripper are in an old coffee mug to the right of my machine. Larger scissors, small templates and a bag with my machine binding tool hang from S hooks off the curtain rod beside my recliner. Behind my chair is a wall unit with my wooden sewing box & my library of quilt books. My fabric is stored in my bedroom closet in bins. Small spaces just require more organization. :-)

Sandra in Minnesota

I have an 8 x 10 foot room, and I tend to use my dining room table as a cutting table. Also I use another closet in the hall for the larger pieces of fabric. Good thing I am a widow and don't have to share any of my space!

wesing

Our space was a 2-car garage, so about 20 x 24. We had cabinets installed along one wall and had an island built. The 12' quilting frame is along one long wall. We also have a full-six refrigerator in there, which takes a LOT of room. I'd say it is a good size for 2 piecers and a quilter.

cashs_mom

I have 2 bedrooms that I use for sewing rooms. One is fairly large (about 16 x 20) and the other is smaller (maybe 12 x 15). I have 4 machines and a serger set up all the time in one room and a large cutting table and 2 bookcases for all the books and manuals plus a smaller set of shelves to hold my patterns. I tend to have lots of stuff and have managed to fill both rooms, plus the closets. You can never have too much room

IrishNY

I don't really know what size mine is. It's a pretty good size room, and I have also have a very large closet and half the laundry room for storage. It's still not enough. LOL Don't forget you will also need space for ironing, a design board, a cutting table and storage for your stash, etc. A long arm setup will take a lot of space. Make it bigger than you expect to need - you won't be sorry. Have fun planning and dreaming.

marjben

Thanks for the info quilters!

Approximately how much room is needed for the 12’ quilting frame Wesing? Not just the frame, I’m guessing that’s 12’ but room around it to be able to comfortably function? That’s the part I lack knowledge in the most.

Tothill

https://vw-handiquilter.storage.goog...ms-Oct2015.pdf

The above link gives the space requirements for the various Handi Quilter machines. I am sure other machines will have similar space requirements. Keep in mind this is just the requirement for the machine. Also larger machines will have a greater depth. I am a larger women and I prefer extra space around my machine.

So generally a room that is 3 feet longer and wider than the table. Width will vary a bit based on whether or not you plan to do Pantos. You need to access the back of the machine for Pantos. If your table has casters, you may be able to get by with less room front to back, but if you are designing from scratch, more is better.

Now if you want to store threads, batting, rulers, stencils, pins, red snappers or other leader grips, you will need space for storage units as well.

Then you need room for your sewing machines, ironing board/table, cutting table. Plus fabric storage, books, magazines, patterns, computer to surf the net etc., comfy chair, coffee maker or kettle for tea.

Important to consider, enough electrical outlets on their own breaker. Lots of good lighting, spot, task, movable etc.

You will want one wall blank for your design wall too.

I have my sewing stuff in three different rooms. Probably 400 square feet all together. My HQ 16 is in one room mostly by itself. Fabric, sewing machines and ironing board in room two. More fabric, books, patterns, comfy seating in room three. One day I will remove the walls between the spaces, but not yet.

marjben

That’s great info on your link Tothill, thank you!

Rhonda K

My sewing is 10x12 and not big enough. I have utilized every inch of space so far. Of course you can always fill more space.

Is there a local dealer with a set-up that you can visit? That will give you an idea of room design. It helps to physically be in the space and walk around machines, etc. Plan out your needs for storage areas depending on the types of projects you do.