DIY Sewing Machine Extension Table
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Check out this DIY sewing machine extension table made for my Bernina 1010. Like many of you, I didn’t want to spend over $100 on a sewing machine extension table. To me, the money is much better spent on household needs.
This sewing extension table costed $20! All parts are from Lowe’s and At Home stores.
Most DIY sewing machine extension tables are expensive!
When I looked at options for making my own sewing machine extension table, I found the tutorials were expensive too. Acrylic costs $55+ for a decent size and this doesn’t even include shipping or the other supplies needed to complete the project.
Cardboard was a not for me….
I didn’t want to use cardboard for the extension table because I knew it would break down over time.
This $10 Big Lot’s cutting board has a drip channel on one side. But, the smooth underside can easily be used as a sewing surface!
So, I bought a bamboo cutting board!!!
The bamboo cutting board was super cheap and already had the smooth surface and finish needed for sewing. Before getting the cutting board (from At Home Store), I looked at sheets of wood from Lowe’s. The wood was only $4. However, I didn’t buy the board because it would have needed rounded corners, sanding, and a clear coat to protect against splinters. To me, the additional supply costs and labor just wasn’t worth it. So, I splurged on the kitchen cutting board.
My DIY sewing machine extension table was made using…
- Bamboo cutting board (18×12)
- 7/8 inch Wooden dowel
- Furniture Glides in 7/8 size
- Flat screws
***You will spend more than $20 if you opt to get these items online as shipping costs is often incorporated into the cost of the product itself.
Machinery needed for completing the project.
Don’t have any of these tools? No problem! I don’t have tools, but I’ve got friends with tools!
Time?
I counted this project took about 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete from start to finish.
How too…
You must measure the dimensions of your sewing machine arm and use a pencil to transfer the marks to your table. Use the jigsaw to cut the table and sand down the rough edges. Then, dry fit your table to the sewing machine and make any necessary changes.
On Bernina 1010, there are little bumps on each side of the arm. The bumps are an attachment point for the presser foot box and a proprietary sewing machine extension table. If your machine has any of these bumps, you’ll need a dremel to notch out a place for them.
Then, measure the height of your sewing machine arm and cut wooden dowels to match the height. Note: Don’t forget to also consider the height of your chair glides when cutting the dowels. Screw the chair glides onto the bottom of your dowels. Then, drill small starter holes into the corners of your cutting board and screw the wooden dowels into place. Done!
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I saw this on Pinterest and immediately showed my husband! He is going to do this for me for my simple heavy duty Singer!
I have been wanting a table to put it on to make the sewing surface all one level, but that would mean I couldn’t get to the removable section so I could do sleeves and smaller projects. I am so happy I saw this…YAY!
I’m glad you like the idea. Take care 🙂
Thanks for this great idea!
Thanks for visiting the blog!
I love this ! I’ve been wanting an extension for my
Featherweight. Thank you! (I may tackle a piece of Crain in shed!)
Awesome 🙂
Amazing. Project #1 on the list. Great Idea.
Thanks 🙂 Hope your project turns out well. Please do share via social media.
Going to do this for my bernina. Thank You for sharing
Thanks for visiting the blog
This is great! I have a simple Singer Start (1304) and there is no option to purchase an extension table. I can’t wait to make this! Thank you!
Great. I am glad this information was helpful to you.
Great idea. I am going to ask for this for my birthday. Am lucky to have a talented, handy husband.
Awesome 🙂
WOW, guess what we’re making after our Christmas gifts are made and delivered! Thanks so much for the idea, I knew there had to be a way, but just couldn’t see it until now!
There is always a solution! Happy Sewing 🙂
We are going to give this a go ….thx u 4 sharing.
Thanks for visiting the blog.
Amazing, practical, and quite a bargain.
Thanks!
blade used on jigsaw to cut bamboo board?
Yes, a jigsaw works well.
Thank you so much for this idea! I have been thinking of different ways to do this and this is perfect!
Your welcome!
That is clever, Thankyou for sharing with all the instructions as well. Well done. M (West Australia).
what saw blade cuts the bamboo?
You can use any regular saw blade from the local hardware store. Just make sure to tape off the area where you want to cut. This will prevent the saw from fraying the edges on your bamboo.
SIMPLY BRILLIANT!
I’ve been wanting an extension like this for a long time for my Bernina 1010. Like you the cost to purchase from Bernina was more than I wanted to spend. Your cutting board modification is clever and resourceful. My birthday is at the end of this month. My hubby and I are going to purchase a cutting board and create one for me for my birthday. Happy stitching.
Awesome. I hope you have a wonderful birthday.