Where to Find A Compact Sewing Machine Table
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Here are some compact sewing machine table options for your small space sewing needs. Over the course of this blog, I will provide both store bought and homemade solutions.
First, Let’s Talk Custom Made
There are many times when you want something and can never find exactly what you want in the store. When you cannot find a solution, you either have to make the product or hire someone to do the job!
![](https://thimblebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/homemadetable.jpg)
This table was handmade by clolearnshop.com. It fits nicely in a small corner measuring in at 45×28.*Excuse all the cables as I haven’t added cable management yet!
Non-Builders will:
Hire someone to make the perfect table. The table featured above was made by CLO Design & Education. He has series of videos detailing this desk build along with a number of other projects. To follow the table construction project, visit the YouTube channel link here. To get a table made for yourself, contact the builder at clolearnshop.com.
Vintage Kenmore or Singer Table (s)
![](https://thimblebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/minidesk.jpg)
My micro sized vintage Singer 66 sewing table.
There are two basic designs for vintage sewing machine tables, micro desks and full desks. I have a micro desk that is simply a small nightstand-looking desk that folds out to reveal a sewing machine.
![](https://thimblebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/fullsize.jpg)
This is a full sized vintage Singer sewing table.
However, you can also opt for a full desks with drawers (like the one pictured above). I like the full desk with drawers. However, space constrains were a consideration when I choose the smaller option.
![](https://thimblebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/hinges1.jpg)
As you can see, there is a hing bolted into the back of my Emdeko JA21 vintage sewing machine. There are 2 hings for holding the sewing machine onto the vintage Singer table.
Mechanics of Vintage Sewing Tables
Vintage sewing machines are outfitted with screws that allow them to fit directly into a table or sewing machine suitcase (see above). Although modern sewing machines are freestanding (with no screws), they are still able to be retrofitted into vintage tables. There are two different methods for retrofitting a modern sewing machine to a vintage table.
Method 1: Retrofit Sewing Machine with basic wood working.
To make any vintage sewing table work with your machine, simply use a large piece of wood to create a wooden platform. Use L brackets to attach this platform underneath the table. For safe measure, put 2 L brackets on each sides of your wooden platform. This will ensure your sewing machine won’t move anywhere.
![](https://thimblebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/paper.jpg)
Paper template for sewing machine surround.
Next, get another piece of wood cut to fit around your sewing machine free arm so you have a large flat surface for sewing. To create the template for your sewing machine surround, sit a large sheet of paper on top of the platform and trace around the opening.
![](https://thimblebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/surround.jpg)
This vintage sewing machine has no free arm. But, hopefully you get the basic idea for how to cut wood using the paper template.
Next, place your sewing machine on top of the paper and trace around the free arm. Simply, take the paper out and use it as a template for cutting your sewing machine surround. Done!
![](https://thimblebook.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/easytable.jpg)
This Bernina is sitting on a piece of wood taken from a broken vintage sewing table.
Method 2 : DIY 5 Minute Retrofit
Simply, place a peace of wood on top of the vintage table and set your sewing machine on top. In the photo above, you can see how I opted to add an old piece of wood on top of my table. It works just fine, without all the DIY woodworking!
Wondering Where to Find a Vintage Kenmore or Singer table?
Check FB marketplace, Offer Up, or Craigslist for vintage sewing machines. You can always drop the vintage machine off at Goodwill and keep the desk. 99% of the time, this option is still cheaper than buying a brand new desk.
You can also find vintage sewing machine tables at local thrift stores and national thrift branches like Salvation Army and Goodwill. Please, don’t be thrown off by ugly paint or ruined veneers. You can easily sand an old table down and paint it to bring new life to something that would otherwise be thrown away.
Drop Leaf Dinning Table or Drop Leaf Desk
By far, the most popular drop leaf desk for sewing is the Ikea Gateleg Table. However, there are other drop leaf tables available from many different retailers. Personally, I like the Adeptus USA Craft Table because it is a little smaller than the Ikea Gateleg and would fit nicely into a small sewing corner.
Foldable Arrow Gidget or SewingRite tables
Arrow and Sewingrite both have compact sewing machine table options. The tables assemble and break down in seconds, which is ideal for anyone with a dual use sewing space.
Height adjustable sewing tables
Height adjustable sewing tables are ideal for anyone who likes standing to sew. The Hanover and Flexi spot desks are from two different companies. Both include an electronic motor for adjusting height. However, each one has slightly different specs.
- Hanover has adjustable height 28.7″- 48.5″H and can hold up to 110LBS.
- Flexi spot desks has adjustable height 28.7″ – 48.4 and can hold up to 158LBS.
Perhaps, you would like a height compact sewing machine table without an electronic component included. For a manual height adjustable sewing desk, I have frequently seen users go for the height adjustable Husky work bench. It has a nice wooden countertop and a hand crank for adjusting height up or down.
Sew ready
The compact sewing machine table option above is wonderful for anyone in a small space because the piece of furniture itself is so multi-functional. Sauder sewing cabinets include storage and also fold out to make room for using a serger or cutting out fabric.
Sauder Sewing Cabinet
These tables allow users to conceal a sewing machine when it is not in use. This is ideal for sewing enthusiasts who would like their sewing table to double as a computer desk. It is also ideal for users who own more than one sewing machine (as you can hide one sewing machine when the other is in use).
Last, Let’s Discuss Premium Brands
Premium brand sewing tables go beyond average pricing. However, you must pay the price to get a solid piece of furniture. Generally speaking, name brand sewing furniture:
- is made from sturdier materials
- includes a hydraulic lift
- folds out to create more space
The most popular premium sewing tables are from:
- Horn
- Arrow (Produces Kangaroo sewing tables via an arrangement with Horn of Australia)
- Koala Studios
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