We used MDF, drop-leaf lockable hinges for the leaves, and piano hinges. I wouldn't recommend MDF because it wasn't strong enough for the screws and we ended up having to add bits of plywood to reinforce the areas for the hinges. We also put pegboard on the back to avoid things popping out the other end, and I'm planning on getting some hooks to hang crafty things like scissors and glue guns.
Despite the modifications we had to make, I love my little sewing table! It fits perfectly under our dining room table and but has tons of workspace when it's folded out. Perfect for a small, cramped house! The finished project isn't quite as bright yellow as the flash made it seem, but it is still bright and happy!
Estimated Cost
$55
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanding, primer and spray paint. I ended up needed four cans of each - that MDF really soaked up the paint!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
rapunzel
Thu, 08/18/2011 - 20:23
cutting 60" wide fabric
Looks great! I agree that plywood just holds together better.
I noticed that there's room to add 2.5" of length (when hanging down) or width (when in table configuration) to the side pieces. If you do, then when you fully open the table, you can open up even 60" fabric completely and cut pieces such as chair backs easily.
I think it might be a modification worth making.
sarydon
Thu, 01/21/2021 - 12:21
Great idea!!!!! If you did…
Great idea!!!!! If you did this it would require more than 1 piece of plywood though.... I think that's why it's the dimensions it is. I plan on making one soon. So excited!
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 10/04/2011 - 19:49
Is this sturdy enough to sew on?
That's it. Can you sew on it, or does it shake too much?
kjshaw
Wed, 09/05/2012 - 21:24
It is sturdy enough to sew on
It is sturdy enough to sew on - I usually put it on a rug we have, which may stabilize it. The table did shake a bit, but it didn't affect the sewing very much. I'm not sure how it would do on the tile - the sewing machine might move it a bit because of the wheels. But, I also don't use it much for my sewing machine and use it more for my cutting mat and measuring since I don't have a large flat table at my house.
Rapunzel - I agree, there is room to make the table bigger. I think if/when we make another, we'll do that. It's surprisingly big now, but there's always room for more table sewing space!