How to Build a Hinged Sewing Table

A hinged sewing table is handy if you have limited space and do not need the entire table at all times. Building a 3-foot by 4-foot sewing table with two folding leaves is a fairly simple process. All that is required in accomplishing this task are a few carpentry tools, lumber, wood stain or paint and hardware.

Things You'll Need

• A 3/4-inch high-quality smooth-finish 4-foot square sheet of plywood
• 2 6-foot 4-by-4 boards
• 4 4-foot 2-by-4 boards
• Measuring tape
• Circular saw
• Sander
• Wood stain or paint
• A box of 20 1 1/2-inch wood screws
• A box of 20 2 1/2-inch wood screws
• 5/8-inch wood screws
• 6 heavy-duty hinges
• Screwdriver

Instructions

Cutting The Pieces for The Table

1. Cut the 4-foot square sheet of 3/4-inch plywood down to 3-foot by 4-foot for the table top. Divide the plywood into three sections. Draw parallel lines 6 inches in from both 3-foot sides so you have a 6-inch by 3-foot rectangle on each end. Cut these sections off for the folding leaves.

2. Cut four 3-foot pieces from the two 6-foot 4-by-4s for the table legs.

3. Cut two 2-foot 9-inch sections of 2-by-4 for part of the frame.

4. Cut two 2-foot-6-inch sections of 2-by-4 for the rest of the frame.

5. Cut two 6-inch sections from a 2-by-4. These hold up the leaves.

6. Sand all rough edges off the cut pieces. Apply wood stain or paint and allow to dry.

Assembling The Table

1. Align the three sections of plywood on a flat surface, forming the original 3-foot by 4-foot table top. Place a short section on each side of the large section. Fasten two hinges directly over each cut with 5/8-inch screws, combining the three sections. Screw the hinges 6 inches in from each edge.

2. Assemble the frame for the table. Place the 2-foot 9-inch sections with on edge parallel to each other about 3 feet apart. Insert the 2-foot 6-inch sections in between them, forming a 2-foot 9-inch square frame. Drive two 2 1/2-inch screws through both ends of the longer sections into the shorter ones.

3. Lay the center section of the table top over the frame with the hinges on the bottom. Center this section over the frame and attach it to the frame by driving a 1/2-inch screw every 6 inches through the top into the frame all the way around.

4. Turn the completed section over on the table top and attach a 3-foot leg into each inside corner of the frame. Sit one 4-by-4 on end against each inside corner and drive screws through the frame into them. Drive two screws through both sides of the frame that each leg touches.

5. Attach a hinge on an edge of each 6-inch 2-by-4 (a 1 1/2-inch by 3 1/2-inch side) so the hinge portion runs parallel to the 3 1/2-inch side. Take one completed section and screw the other half of the hinge to the outside of the frame closest to a folding leaf. Attach it in the center of this side of the frame so it swings parallel to the table top. Install the other one on the other side. Extend them perpendicular to the sides of the frame to hold the leaves up.

6. Stand the table up on the legs. Drive a 1 1/2-inch screw down through the top into each leg for extra sturdiness.

Tips & Warnings

• Power tools can cause serious injury. Be cautious when using power tools and always wear appropriate safety gear.