How to Layout a Sewing Room
A sewing room is every sewer's dream come true. Not having to drag sewing items out every time anything needs to be repaired or in order to create something new, takes the whole sewing experience to a higher realm of enjoyment. Not having to put it all away after a long day at the sewing machine is a huge plus as well. This is why it's important to lay out the sewing room before putting anything in it. Fortunately, it's a relatively straightforward process.
Things You'll Need
- Pencil
- Graph paper
- Measuring tape
- Sewing machine and table
- Sewing accessories and paraphernalia
Instructions
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Consider Your Options
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1
Ask yourself what type of sewing will be done predominately. If quilting will be the main focus of the room, then consider all the necessary equipment needed for that particular type of sewing. Quilting, for example, will require room for a frame, and a comfortable chair to sit in if hand-sewing is required with overhead light or lamp. A garment-making center, on the other hand, may require two types of sewing machines i.e. a standard and a Serger, and room for a dress form and a full-length free standing mirror.
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2
Figure out how much room is available. Measure the room to get it's dimensions and then draw a scale map of it on graph paper. Planning ahead and using the graph paper to design the room will save time and eliminate frustration later when the furniture is installed.
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Figure out color choices. Usually lighter colors for the walls are recommended, however, other brighter colors can be used as accents on floors and walls.
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Create a list of all the available items and those needed for upcoming projects. Since every sewer is different, the list should be tailored to fit the needs of the sewer. Remember to include the basics: the sewing, pressing, and cutout tables etc., but also include all those items that will make the room comfortable such as lamps, air-conditioning and maybe an air purifier since sewing gives off a lot of lint, and new material often has chemicals that are released while being manipulated.
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Consider a floor covering. Most designers suggest having hardwood floors because lint, thread and bits of fabric get caught in the fibers of carpet. Small throw rugs or accent rugs can bring some color into the room, and should be included when drawing the room layout plan.
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Consider your electrical outlets. Draw all electrical outlets in the room onto the graph paper. Adding the outlets to your drawing will help you see the possible arrangements of the electrical equipment you will be using.
You'll need to locate all the electrical items as close to the outlets as feasible. Using too many extension cords can be dangerous.
Group the extension cords together and include them when you plan the layout. Remember to tape them down, using wide clear packing tape, and tape them firmly to the floor when you actually put them in the room. This will eliminate any danger of tripping.
Draw the sewing areas
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Draw the sewing room area. Draw the sewing machine table or tables in front of the window or where they will receive the most light.
Also draw a space around the table. The minimum area of the sewing table should be the length of the sewing machine plus 18 to 24 inches more so you have enough space to move around. Also, mark off enough space for a comfortable swivel chair, preferably with wheels, that goes in front of the sewing table.
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Draw the pressing area. Locate the ironing board close to the sewing table at right angles. Most sewers put it on the left side to leave a little room for the right side of the sewing table to accommodate the fabric. Leave plenty of space between the two, so you can turn your chair and sew comfortably. At installation time, the table can be set at the height of the sewing table for easy access. If the room is small, consider getting one that attaches to the door or wall.
Mark down a place for a hanging rack. If space is limited, use a rack that can be suspended on a door.
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Draw the cutting area. Designate enough room for the cutting area. This area can be a table, (a drop-leaf is a good idea) or free-standing island, or a fold down table from a wall. Include plenty of space for you to walk around the table. Leave a space for the floor light. The lighting for the cutting area should be soft natural lighting and should not interfere with your movement as you walk around the table.
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Draw the storage area. Mark off enough space on the graph paper for storage.
Leave space along a wall if using plastic bins or portable wire mesh drawers and bins. Also, leave plenty of room around the three main areas in order to roll them around the room.
Also reserve space for shelves and cabinets. If the room is large enough, draw in space for shelves and cabinets along a wall. The flat areas on top of the cabinets offer ideal locations for small baskets and boxes of thread, patterns, interfacing, quilt squares etc.
Place objects in the sewing room
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Place the big and heavy stuff first. Put the sewing and cutting tables, storage shelves and other big and heavy stuff in the location you've marked on your graph paper.
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Add the smaller stuff. Next bring in the ironing board, bins and other containers. Put them as near to where you've drawn on your paper as possible so that other things in the room won't get pushed out of place.
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Add the detail stuff. Bring in the needle and thread, scissors, kit, etc. and put it where you've designated in your drawing.
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Tips & Warnings
Draw more than one layout in case things don't work well with the first go. Use a pencil that erases cleanly and easily.
Adding too many appliances to one electrical outlet can cause overloads.
Be sure to put electrical cords out of the way so you they won't be a tripping hazard.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit cotton in oriental-style room image by Gina Smith from Fotolia.com
