Quilter's Sewing Machine Table.

Intro: Quilter's Sewing Machine Table.

Here, inevitably, is a project made for my wife, Lizzyastrouk, as an accessory for her at the Manchester Maker Faire.

It provides the quilter with a larger level surface to arrange squares on, whilst sewing.

Thrown together in a morning, it uses 10mm thick acrylic for the top surface, into which I cut the outside profile of her favourite sewing machine.

STEP 1: First Measure Your Machine.

I was fortunate that Lizzy has a sewing table with an insert cut to take her machine, so I just copied that.

You need to measure, reasonably accurately the profile of your machine at the level of the platen. I'd make a template to check the design fits !

My table size was limited by what I could fit into my laser cutter, but you don't have to use a laser, and you don't have to use acrylic, but it does look pretty.....

I also added a series of parallel engraved lines to the platen, 0n 12.7mm, 1/2" centres, as a sewing guide - so the long lines you see DON'T go through !

STEP 2: Cutting.

Laser cutting is  really simple, if you've got it, but otherwise standard wood techniques work just fine. I used a fine pitched circular saw to cut the profile to final size outside, to save over an hour on the laser.

If you use acrylic "by hand", you can scratch the guide lines in with a piece of hacksaw blade, sharpened into a very thin chisel.

STEP 3: Edge Polishing.

Edge polishing can be done in two ways - the traditional file/ abrasive/abrasive/abrasive/abrasive/metal polish method.....or the fire method.

The fire method needs a small, very hot, blowtorch, speed, co-ordination and courage.....

1.) File the edges smooth to remove the saw marks.
2.) Use a Stanley knife (box cutter) blade as a scraper, and plane off the file marks.
3.) Take a hot torch - I'm using an oxy-propane torch, and FLASH it down the edge - it takes around 2 seconds to do one long 600mm (24") polish.

Here's an instructable on flame polishing

Here, I've used 6mm corner radiusing cutter in my router, and gone right round the frame. It helps let the fabric move freely. around the table.

STEP 4: Stand.

The stand consists of 5 pieces of 10mm (3/8") ply, to form a platform exactly as high as the sewing machine platen - the thickness of the new plate.

Cut the strips on a table saw (with appropriate precautions) and then glue together - making sure the strips don't interfere with where the machine will sit !!!

Clearly there's actually scope to put some more bits and pieces storage in the underbox - if I revise the design, I'd probably open the front of the box up a bit.

Comments

[canucksgirl]

That is a super clever idea! Even for non-quilters, I could see a lot of benefit in having the extra room to work with and the guide lines are a fantastic idea.

So.... when I trace my machine, where do I send the template for you to cut? LOL...

[steveastrouk]

Reasonable rates always available to our colonial cousins..

[canucksgirl]

:D I'm impressed. When I first saw the photo, I thought it was part of the sewing machine (as in manufactured that way). Well done. :)

[steveastrouk]

Like the pictures.. ..

[canucksgirl]

? o_0 ?

[steveastrouk]

I need to take a picture of the one finished with fire, after I rounded all the edges.

[canucksgirl]

Good idea. I was going to comment about any snagging, until I read that you had taken care of that. :)

[LW092956]

Love this and seems easy to make from wood. Thank You for your post.

[Rose Marry1212]

Yes，good idea！

[HagridsMom]

Now this is nice! I've seen several home made stands and they were as nothing compared to yours - wow! Great tut - thanks!

[steveastrouk]

Thanks for your appreciative comment !

[dsantil71]

I was wondering what the dimensions are for the table, the main length (from left to right) and the width (from front to back). How much did the acrylic cost? I know it's been a while, I would have to convert for currency difference & prices change. Just curious. And you had all the equipment to make this? It looks awesome! Your wife is very lucky!! Dang!!

[steveastrouk]

It sticks out about 8 inches to the left of the foot, six inches behind the machine, and three to the front. The rest is down to the dimensions of the sewing machine, as you can perhaps see from Lizzy using it.

There's probably about 20 dollars in acrylic there, if you buy a small piece. We're visiting the USA in a couple of weeks, if you want the acrylic piece making let me know, and we'll bring one over. I need to know the dimensions of your machine at the level of the sewing plate of course.

[dsantil71]

Oh my that would awesome. Actually I'm going to buy a new machine this week so I'll let you know! Where in the US are you going?

[grannyjones]

Hubby made something like this out of an old acrylic printer stand.
I love it.

[lizzyastro]

Thank you Steve!

This was great help at the Maker Faire when I had to take my machine out of the cabinet it usually lives in. A bigger flat bed is a great help when sewing flat seams whether quilts, clothing or furnishings. Any time I take my machine away with me this table will certainly be coming along too.