How To Put A New Sewing Machine In Old Cabinet
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Since modern sewing machines don’t sit on hinges, it takes a bit of alternation to put a new sewing machine in old cabinet.
What’s Inside
I’ve owned a vintage Singer sewing machine table for a number of years, but am also familiar with Kenmore tables. Kenmore tables have a square cut out, while Singer tables have rounded corners.
The oldest tables have hinges and a sewing machine that lifts out of the table. This doesn’t work for newer modeled sewing machines because they don’t hang from a hinge.
One sewing machine is good but multiples work too….
It is possible to fit multiple sewing machines in one table. But, it requires more measuring. Measure the depth of all your sewing machines.
Then, use the measurements of your sewing machine with the greatest depth. Once the whole retrofitting process is done, you can make adjustments so your other sewing machines will be flush with the table too.
Measure
First, you will need to measure your modern sewing machine length and width to see if it will fit into the opening of your table. On some vintage tables, there is a wooden surround that fits around the sewing machine. At times, this piece gets in the way. But, don’t worry because it can always be removed.
In addition, you will need to measure the height of your sewing machine (from base to bed). For the sake of simplicity, we will call this measurement (A).
Remove & Prepare
In order to fit a new sewing machine in old cabinet, you will need to remove the old hardware. My table had a spring loaded top lift where the cords routed through. This metal piece was in the way and also didn’t fit the cords. Also, there was an oil can slot along with metal cable management hook inside.
This all needed to be removed in order to prepare for the next step. Likewise, my table had a surround with an additional lip on it for added support. The lip needed to be shaved off in order for new machines to fit.
Retrofit Parts For New Sewing Machine In Old Cabinet
You will need a flat piece of wood and 3 to 4 blocks to support the flat piece. In my case, I used 3 blocks of wood. I did 3 because I wanted to keep the knee control feature inside of my vintage table.
Measure the flat piece of wood thickness. For sake of simplicity, we will call this measurement (B).
Measure and Cut
To find the inside diameter of your sewing table, measure inside of the table legs both length and width wise. Then, cut your flat piece of wood to the same dimensions. Also, use a jigsaw to cut out a small area for your cables and cords.
Placement
First, you will need to place the wooden blocks inside of the table just below the work surface. To get the proper placement of your wooden blocks.
Subtract measurement (B) from measurement (A). A-B = where you want the wooden blocks placed.
Use wood screws to affix the wooden blocks to the insides of your table. Once the wooden blocks are placed at the correct level, you will put the flat piece of wood on top and screw it in to secure.
Multiple Sewing Machines
I used pieces of cardboard and extra wood to prop my other sewing machines up to the appropriate level. Once the added pieces are in the table, you cannot see them and are still able to sew with your machine flush to the table.
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