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Folding Sewing Table

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folding sewing table
Difficulty
Beginner Projects
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Build your own folding sewing table from one sheet of plywood!  This is a free woodworking plan by Ana-White.com to help you create a dedicated sewing space, in just a few square feet!  Folds out to 32" x 55", and folds down to roll through doorways and tuck away as an end table.

Photo by LEXAROO

Folding Sewing Table Plan Features

Build your own folding sewing table from one sheet of plywood using our free step by step plans.  This folding sewing table features:

  • Storage for a sewing machine and sewing basket
  • Fold out wings to increase sewing and cutting space
  • Wheels for easy moving between rooms
  • Narrow profile rolls through doorways

Expandable Simple Sewing Table

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Folding Sewing Table

Dimensions
folding sewing table dimensions
Table Height, expands out to 32" x 55"

Preparation

Shopping List

1 – Sheet of 3/4" thick sanded plywood or hardwood plywood

2 – 1x3 @ 8 feet long

4 – 2″ Caster Wheels (Overall clearance of 2 1/2″) and screws for attaching caster wheels to the base (3/4" length most likely with a larger head)

5 – Sets of simple hinges (2-1/2" to 3" length) - ten total hinges

2" self tapping wood screws (spax or similar, can use trim screws)

Cut List
  • 2 - 3/4" plywood @ 32" x 20"
  • 2 - 3/4" plywood @ 32" x 26-3/4"
  • 1 - 3/4" plywood @ 32" x 15-1/2"
  • 2 - 3/4" plywood @ 32" x 12"
  • 4 – 1x3s @ 29 1/4″ (Legs – Measure these!)
Tools
Tape Measure
Speed Square
Pencil
Safety Glasses
Drill
Circular Saw
Power Sander
Drill Bit Set

Instructions

Step 1

Lay the plywood out on top of scrap 1x boards or styrofoam.

Mark the plywood every 32" width wise with pencil lines. Set circular saw to depth slightly greater than thickness of plywood.

Cut on the pencil lines to create three equal sized pieces, each 32" x 48".

From the 32" wide pieces, cut down as shown in the diagram and cut list.

Step 2

Assemble the main box as shown in the diagram, using the 2" screws.

Step 3

Attach wheels to base of the cabinet with the caster wheel screws.

Step 4

Position the cabinet face down on the floor and place the leaves next to the cabinet.  Attach on underside with the simple hinges.

Step 5

Measure the overall distance from the underside of the cabinet to the wheel bottom and cut the 1x3s to this length.

Attach legs to hinges and to the underside of the leaves.  You can also use a fold out hinge for added security.

Step 6

Flip the table over and test the leg lengths.  Cut down if necessary.

You want the legs to open slightly past 90 degrees in opposite angles, so the legs are slightly splayed out, to keep the project from collapsing.

You can also use table leg hinges.

Project Type
Desk, Desk Systems and Project Table Plans
Room
Craftroom

Comments

Silky (not verified)

Wed, 10/20/2010 - 21:34

Thank you so much, Ana! My desk is definitely not big enough to hold both my serger and my sewing machine. Anytime I need both machines (which is the case with 90% of my projects) I'm working on the dining table.
I wanted to add a leaf to the side of my desk and couldn't figure out how to do the legs. Now I don't know whether to do this or to built the whole thing.

What kind of hinges do you suggest for the legs?

Krista @ The D… (not verified)

Wed, 10/20/2010 - 21:54

This is a really nice project. I had started making my Christmas list (which actually includes many things like, "Helping making this design" then a link to one of your plans) If you're looking for ideas, I would love to have a sewing table design that includes a lowered spot for sewing machines. I really like this sewing table: http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog/productdetail.jsp?CATID=cat3485&PROD… (Can you believe this costs 379.99?!? There has got to be an easier way! I know the lowering arm would be tricky, but I would love a design for it!)
Thank You!

Sophia Williams (not verified)

Wed, 10/20/2010 - 22:07

LOVE this! Well I actually haven't seen anything on your page that I don't love...you're awesome. Can you tell me though, is this too complex for a beginner? I have yet to do my first project, but I did get a Kreg Jig for my bday a few weeks ago and I am a little nervous to get started. But I so badly need this sewing table!

Laura (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 02:01

Check this out! Purchased sewing tables are so pricey! These plans are great and you are awesome!

Elisha (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 02:34

Thank you for including the cut diagram, I really appreciate it.

My sewing machine table from the 60's has a very different mechanism than the one suggested by orangesugar. It is a hinge with a metal spring. My machine is extremely heavy (because of its age), so this particular design would be difficult for me. I don't know if they still make the spring, but it may or may not work for Krista.

Jaime (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 02:47

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU! This is EXACTLY what I have been looking for! I am SO excited to build this! Woo HOO! ;)

Shauna (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 03:33

Ana - I adored your site before but this plan has taken my adoration to a whole new level. My house is so small I was afraid I was going to have to give up my love of sewing since I hate having to clear my machine off the table for every meal in the middle of a project. Thanks so much for drawing up this plan and thanks so much to Kelly for suggesting it! I can't wait until our fence is done so my man and I can start in on these plans.

Nora (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 03:39

One word: "AWSOME"!!!!!!!! thank you Ana you are saving my sanity!!!! I have two seamstress in the house, the sewing table looks like a dualing piano bar... now they can each have their own table!

Anna (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 03:50

You have no idea how much I love you right now! I have DYING for a sewing table!! Thank you SO MUCH Ana!!

aSprinkling (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 03:54

I looked for one of these a while back and just choked at the prices! So I ended up with a folding table instead...but this would be great! I just might have to make one...as soon as I find the room to store it. :) Yes, my room is that full.

Rachelle (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 04:00

I love this! My sewing takes up the entire kitchen island which is really difficult when dinner time rolls around as the stove is also located on the island. I don't have room downstairs, but it would fit in my bedroom. I love how it is so compact for when not in use. Although, if I don't have to put things away to use the space for something else I probably won't... then again I can work on a project if I only have a few minutes. Thank you so much!!

Maggie (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 04:06

I am so excited to have this plan, there aren't accurate enough words to describe it.

I've been in LOVE with dropleaf tables for... probably around a year now, and I'd much rather build one than buy one.

Thanks for the wonderful plans!

Bcubed (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 04:07

Very cute and useful. My sewing machine is in its own old cabinet, but its builky, takes up room, has no extra storage and doesnt open up near as wide as this one. I cannot make that right now, too many other things to do, but it definately will be on my "TO DO" list. Great design Ana!! Thanks!!

Sandra (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 04:08

This is great! I've been cutting out costumes this week on the floor and thinking my old knees and back need a cutting table. I love that I can drop the sides. This is perfect. THANKS!

Norma (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 04:27

Oh Ana I love you!! and I know there are going to hundreds of other ladies who are going to love you too! I actually had been thinking about blogging about you over on my Quilty Giveaways site http://quiltygiveaways.blogspot.com because your various plans are perfect for sewing/craft rooms. With your permission I'd like to do a post just about your site. I'd like to borrow 2 or 3 pictures form your site if that's ok too (the pictures themselves will link back to you). Let me know so I can get this post written up ASAP

Lauren (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 04:27

Going to build this next weekend -- any ideas on finishing it? I'd love for it to double as a side table in my living room, but haven't built with plywood before. Is there a way to finish it to make it less plywood-y? Is enamel paint the best way to go?

Erin (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 11:44

Oh my gosh! I'm so excited...I had a table that did that for years but I gave it to my son when he moved out on his own and I've missed it ever since. YOur table is even better because my sewing machine fits inside! (The other table was Ikea and had little drawers...great for little crafty stuff by not good enough for a sewing machine!) I just picked my next project. Woot!

Melinda (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 13:41

This can be used for any type of craft table!!! I love it! Can store it behind my couch with a tablecloth over it when not in use...it will just look like a pretty console table!

Nikki (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 14:17

Lovely, as are all your plan! I am planning on turning a very small walk-in closet into a very small study nook, and now I will be able to neatly store my sewing machine in there too - I can slide it out when I need it. I see a range of possibilities here. Ikea has a similar flap-side table with small drawers in the centre for cutlery. I once longed for another that held 4 folding chairs in the centre compartment. What a great outdoor table that would make for an apartment balcony! So... can we expect any modifications in the future, Ana? Pleeeeeeeez!

Sheela (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 14:32

OK, this may be a silly question, but what is the thickness of the plywood for this project? Is it 3/4"? And great plan Ana! Thanks!

Heidi (not verified)

Thu, 10/21/2010 - 17:46

I love this idea! I was just thinking have you thought of making a table like this only taller for a cutting table? (counter top height)

Sharon Lambirth (not verified)

Fri, 10/22/2010 - 02:28

I have painted plywood with latex enamel with great results! I have used BM METAL & WOOD ENAMEL. Love working with it. I have bought quite a few cans of their Brilliant Red which is an off the shelf color. Covers plywood and any wood exceptionally well. Prime first, of course.

Sheela (not verified)

Fri, 10/22/2010 - 04:46

Right, that makes sense! I must have been tired last night when I asked that one. Thanks!

Verna (not verified)

Sat, 10/23/2010 - 04:43

Thanks. I have loved to sew since I learned in school. But have no room in my tiny house. Thanks I think you have saved me. Plus my husband can make it for my birthday. He won't have to think of a gift, and it won't cost much. Thanks again.

Amy (not verified)

Sat, 10/23/2010 - 07:46

Thank you! I love it and would like to use it for a desk and craft table. I may have to build 2!!!

I still haven't done any projects yet...have some other things I have to get done first but I am so excited!

crIstel (not verified)

Sun, 10/24/2010 - 17:38

Thank You Ana!!! I have 2 sewing machines, and embroidery sewing machine and serger all crammed into my tiny sewing room, Hubby started making me a 4x8 cutting table....I was gonna eliminate all my storage just to have the cutting/ironing table( hehehe I was just gonna take over the dining room) but now I can store all 4 machines underneath in 4 separate cabinets.....and I don't have to give up the storage i currently have!!!! So Awesome, and my family can still have dinner together at the table!!!

aklenox (not verified)

Mon, 10/25/2010 - 12:58

Has anyone made this yet? I'm wondering about the 1x2 legs. I had a similar table and the vibration was horrible. I gave it away since the pressed wood pieces were falling apart. I would love to make this for my serger and sewing machine out of a more sturdy plywood, but I think I will try it with 2x2 for the legs or maybe work some other solution for a more steady table.

Ana White (not verified)

Mon, 10/25/2010 - 19:17

The 2x2 legs would be a great idea, just make sure you extend the top another 3/4" on both sides to give room for the 2x2 legs folded up. Any non fixed table will not be as good on vibrations as a fixed table. how about using this as your cutting/supplies table, and then keeping your sewing machine on a fixed table?

snuzal (not verified)

Wed, 10/27/2010 - 17:13

Another add on Ana - how thick should the MDF be? We have so many options here. I'm thinking around 5/8" but curious to what you think

Kirstin (not verified)

Sat, 10/30/2010 - 11:29

I can't seem to download these plans. When I download the pdf, all the pictures are cut off on the side. When I do the word doc, the pics don't show up. Is it my computer, or is there something wrong? Let me know, I want to build this ASAP! Thanks! :)

Jamalee (not verified)

Tue, 11/09/2010 - 12:34

I bought a table similar to this at hl about 9 years ago, only it came with 4 wood folding chairs that rest inside. Could probably be made to do that if you measure your folding chairs and leave a little room to slide in and out. Also, the side supports were rectangle frames attached by hinges at 90 degrees to the body frame, and adjustable feet. But the top was rounded, so that might be why that was done. Can't wait to try this for my sewing machine!