How to Adapt a Desk for a Sewing Cabinet
Setting up a sewing area can make your sewing time more efficient and productive. Save money for fabric by repurposing a desk as a sewing cabinet. You can adapt a desk for a sewing cabinet in several ways, depending upon your sewing machine and needs. With a few simple adaptations, you can easily turn an old desk into an ergonomically correct and comfortable sewing cabinet.
Things You'll Need
- Wooden desk
- Purchased universal sewing machine insert
- Sewing machine mounting hardware
- Jigsaw
- Drill
- Sandpaper
- Hinges
- Screws
- 3/4 inch plywood
- Trim molding
- Finish nails
- Paint or stain
- Wipe-on polyurethane
- Paintbrush
- Rags
Instructions
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How to Adapt a Desk for a Sewing Cabinet
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1
Choose the right desk for the adaptation. You need a desk made of real wood with an adequate top working surface for your sewing machine. Drawers for storage are helpful.
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2
Trace the sewing machine insert onto the desk, positioning it as desired. Mark each of the 4 corners of the insert. Drill holes into each corner to start the opening, and then use a jigsaw to cut away the space for the insert. Sand the opening smooth.
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3
Use heavy duty hinges to install the sewing machine insert into the desk. Install barrel bolts into place along the underside of the desk and insert to support the sewing machine in the upright position.
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4
Mount the sewing machine onto the universal insert using the appropriate mounting hardware for your sewing machine. Universal inserts come with some mounting hardware options; however, you may need to consult your sewing machine manufacturer. In some cases, you may need to drill additional holes into the universal mount to make it work with your sewing machine.
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5
Have your local hardware store cut a piece of 3/4 inch plywood 1 inch to 2 inches larger than the sewing machine opening. Have them miter cut trim molding to fit this panel. Secure the trim molding to the plywood panel with finish nails. Sand and paint or stain your new top to match the current finish on the desk, and then wipe a matte or shiny polyurethane finish onto the surface. Hinge into place.
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Tips & Warnings
As an alternative, install an air lift in a desk with a back modesty panel. Cut the opening as you would for a drop-down sewing cabinet and make the cover panel in the same way.
