How to Build a Sewing Armoire

Particularly in homes with limited space, a sewing armoire gives you an attractive place to store all of your sewing and craft supplies. When opened, the armoire becomes an efficient work station for sewing projects, with room for fabric, embellishments and your sewing machine. When closed, the armoire becomes a simple piece of furniture that will look appropriate in any room.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• TV or computer armoire
• Paint or wallpaper
• Pegboard
• Cork board
• Small teacup hooks
• Plastic container organizers
• Drawer sliders
• Literature organizers
• Electric drill
• Screws

1. Shop at tag sales and used furniture stores for a used television or computer armoire that can be easily repurposed as a sewing station. Another place to look for used furniture is online in your local Craigslist furniture listings. When selecting an armoire, make sure it is large enough to accommodate all of your sewing equipment and supplies.

2. Paint or wallpaper the inside of the armoire to match your tastes. Because the interior of the sewing armoire will only be visible when you are working, forget matching the paint to your room decor, and instead choose colors that spark your creativity and invite you into the space.

3. Attach pegboard to one of the inner doors of the armoire to hold the sewing supplies you use most often. Small hooks screwed into the pegboard will hold sewing scissors, while small plastic containers attached to the pegboard can hold other small supplies such as measuring tape, sewing needles and embellishments.

4. Attach a cork board or fabric message board to the other inner door of the armoire to hang memos or inspiration for future sewing projects. This is also a good place to tack up fabric samples you are considering.

5. Transform the television or computer shelf into your work station. If the shelf is not already on rollers, create a gliding shelf by purchasing tracks with rollers at your local hardware store. After removing the stationary shelf and attaching the tracks and rollers to the shelf and armoire, the shelf will slide out easily, giving you plenty of room to work on your sewing projects.

6. Keep the rest of your sewing supplies in the remaining drawers or shelves. Organize thread, embroidery floss, needles and other small sewing essentials in clear plastic compartment organizers so they are easily accessible. Craft books or magazines can be kept upright in literature holders that match the interior color of your sewing armoire.

References

• Design Basics: Hobby Rooms
• Furniture Makeover: TV Armoire Turned Craft Cabinet