How to Make a Stable Base for a Sewing Machine on a Quilting Frame
Doubling up the efficiency of a quilting frame by making it stable enough to hold a sewing machine as well is a good way to save space and make your sewing area more functional. Most quilting frames are empty on the top, leaving space to pull a needle and thread through and are available at craft and sewing stores if you want to start with a new one. The rest of the supplies needed to convert it into a sewing machine base are available at home improvement or hardware stores.
Things You'll Need
- Wooden planks
- 6-inch wide dowels or 2-inch by 4-inch wood studs
- 2.5 inch or 3.5 inch galvanized nails or 3 inch wood screws
- Wood glue
- Sander
- 220 grit sandpaper
- Wood stain or paint
Instructions
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1
Assemble the quilting frame. If yours is in pieces, put it together so that you can get the dimensions, which allows you to get the right size materials.
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2
Measure the quilting frame. Write down the height, width and length so that you can prepare the top and legs of the sewing machine base to the proper size. Weighing your sewing machine is a good way to determine the sturdiness of the materials you will use to build it.
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3
Cut your wooden planks and dowels. The planks will make up the top of the sewing machine base and the dowels will be extra leg support, so be sure you buy fairly thick ones, or use 2-inch by 4-inch (2x4) pieces of wood, which are thicker and stronger. You can cover the opening of the quilting frame with the planks or extend the table so you can quilt and sew on the same table.
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4
Sand and stain your pieces. If you want to match the new part of the quilting and sewing table with the old portion, sand your planks and dowels according to your sander's directions. Stain the pieces following the directions on the product you are using. Allow to dry completely before assembling.
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Affix the planks and dowels. You can do this with nails, screws, wood glue or a combination of these materials. The weight of your sewing machine can help you determine how sturdy your table should be. A heavier one may necessitate stronger reinforcements.
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6
Test the strength of your sewing table. Carefully place your sewing machine on the table to be sure it is strong enough. Enlist the help of another person in case the table falls so that your sewing machine is not damaged. Make adjustments as necessary.
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Tips & Warnings
Sand and stain your sewing table in a well-ventilated area to prevent harmful exposure to harsh chemicals. Modify the size of the table design as needed by choosing smaller or larger sized materials.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/liquidlibrary/Getty Images
