Designing a Sewing Room

- plans, layouts & cabinets

Whilst many have people have dreamt of designing their own sewing room, few get the opportunity to create their own space where they can work uninterrupted!

For many of us, having a sewing room is an opportunity for getting organised and decluttering our house, garage and storage spaces!

Before you get started on making your plans, take stock of what equipment you already have in your home.

This may include a sewing machine, a cabinet and/or table, books, metres of fabric, boxes of used or new patterns, storage boxes for your notions - thread, buttons,zips,fastenings and a whole bunch more!

What do you want to use the space for - mainly for sewing projects, embroidery, needlework, quilting or other crafts such as scrapbooking too.  Will you want to invite friends in to join you occasionally or is it just for you alone?

How much time do you plan to be spending there - will it be for the occasional project or will it be a regular occurence?  Will you want to leave your fabric ready for sewing or tidy it safely away?

Sewing room layout

Make sure that your design includes space for the following:-

Cutting out - whether this is a worksurface, table or drop-down table, creating space where you can easily cut yards of material is important.

Dressmakers dummy - for fitting garments and displaying finished items

Hanging space - to hang, display or store finished garments

Ironing - allow a space where you can use an ironing board - even if it's just a small one.

Relaxation - do you want music or sound? 

Shelving - after you've worked out what you already need storage space for, allow at least half as much space again as you think you'll need. 

Storage - use clear boxes with wheels that you can easily move in and out.  This is also great if you want to go away somewhere and need something to take your craft or sewing items with you.

Table - how big do you need this?  Do you want a permanent size table or could you use a drop-leaf or extending table for when you need to cut out fabric?

Sewing room plans

 Several websites offer inspiration that you can follow to design your prefered plan and layout:-

http://www.nicks.ca/u-sew.html - U-Bild designs to make at home, including a folding worktable and sewing table

About.com offer a useful article on your fantasy sewing room at http://sewing.about.com/library/weekly/aa073198.htm which includes outline layouts.

Other considerations

Cabinets - do you want to be able to shut everything away or have it on view?

Chair - preferably swivel as these offer more room for movement and are more comfortable if sitting for long periods

Electric Power Sockets - are there sufficient and where are they placed?

Flooring - what type of floor do you have?  If it's carpet, it can be easy to lose pins and needles, whereas a hard or laminate floor is easy to brush clean.

Height - did you know that computer desks and kitchen worksurfaces are usually built at a specific height for comfort?  Taking into account your workspace, your own height and requirements, health considerations, it can be worth taking advice on the height of your worksurfaces, desks or tables to ensure your comfort in the long term.

Lighting - use as much natural lighting as you can - preferably siting the work desk underneath a window.  Make sure you've got suitable blinds or curtains to close on hot or very sunny days.  You can buy lights which imitate daylight - this is supposed to be easier on your eyes when sewing and cause less strain - do ask at your local craft or sewing store.

Recommended Resources

Amazon online - check out online prices at Amazon, 1000's of items in stock

Sewing Store - find new and used machinery and accessories at the best possible prices