The perfect spot for a part time sewing enthusiast! Tucks neatly way, expands out to be a cutting or layout mat. Please note that this table is not intended for use with the sewing machine unless locking hardware is installed on the fold out legs and tabletop.
If your sewing takes over your dining table at least half the time, make sure you thank Kelly on our Community for recommending an expandable sewing table.
I love this idea because there is a tidy spot to hold your sewing machine, a shelf for baskets and other sewing things that you need to keep handy, tons of tabletop space, but it all folds up into a neat little package that you can roll into a closet.
Preparation
1 – Sheet of Plywood or MDF
2 – 1x2s or 1x3s
4 – 2″ Caster Wheels (Overall clearance of 2 1/2″)
5 – Sets of hinges
2 1/2″ Screws
1 – 1×32 @ 15 1/2″ (Top)
2 – 1×32 @ 26 3/4″ (Sides)
2 – 1×32 @ 12″ (Shelves)
2 – - 1×32″ @ 20″ (Leaves)
4 – 1x2s @ 29 1/4″ (Legs – Measure these!)
Instructions
Step 1
If you can, take this diagram to Blue or Orange and have them make your cuts. If you are cutting this yourself, start by cutting the plywood into 31 7/8″ widths (shown above as 32″), 48″ long. Then from those three pieces, cut out the remaining pieces. Remember, always consider the width of your saw blade as you cut.
Step 2
Build the Box
Use 2 1/2″ screws and glue to build your box as shown above. Predrill and countersink your screws.
Step 3
Caster Wheels
Now this is important – your wheels need to have a total clearance of 2 1/2″. If you wheels do not have a total clearance of 2 1/2″, DO NOT cut the legs just yet. Instead, add the wheels, then take a measurement from the bottom of the wheels to the underside of the tabletop. This will be your new leg length.
Step 4
Leaves
Lay the whole thing on the ground, face down. Screw the leaves on with hinges as shown above.
Step 5
Step 6
Expanded size.
We apologize if there was an error in this plan. Please help us out and report any errors here.
Comments
Heidi (not verified)
Thu, 10/21/2010 - 17:46
I love this idea! I was
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 - 02:19
This is perfect for a
This is perfect for a beginner. Go slowly, measure-measure-measure. You essentially are building a box with accessories. Practice using your Kreg with some scrap wood. I am in love with mine!
Sharon Lambirth (not verified)
Fri, 10/22/2010 - 02:28
I have painted plywood with
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.
Sharon Lambirth (not verified)
Fri, 10/22/2010 - 02:30
Since she refers to the cuts
Since she refers to the cuts as 1x 's , I am assuming 3/4.
Sheela (not verified)
Fri, 10/22/2010 - 04:46
Right, that makes sense! I
Right, that makes sense! I must have been tired last night when I asked that one. Thanks!
badmash (not verified)
Sat, 10/23/2010 - 02:00
I just signed up to your
I just signed up to your blogs rss feed. Will you post more on this subject?
Verna (not verified)
Sat, 10/23/2010 - 04:43
Thanks. I have loved to sew
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
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!
Lauren (not verified)
Sun, 10/24/2010 - 02:37
Good to know! Thank you! :)
Good to know! Thank you! :)
crIstel (not verified)
Sun, 10/24/2010 - 17:38
Thank You Ana!!! I have 2
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!!!