Introduction: Build a Sewing Station From an Entertainment Center

Like many seamstresses, I want a room I can devote to my sewing machines and their mess.Now I have the next best thing:a piece of furniture that holds my machines and sewing supplies in one place.

This idea began with a beautiful office armoire on craigslist.It had a table that folded out (unlike the newer ones with roll-out computer trays).The price was right and it was sold immediately.But I was inspired to have a sewing armoire of my own.

The beauty of this idea is that no one wants their huge armoires and entertainment centers with their flat screen tvs.Craigslist is full of ads.


Step 1: Materials and Supplies

Materials needed.

  • An armoire or entertainment center.
  • A tabletop.
  • Table legs (The commercial legs I saw were 27 ½” tall).
  • I used a drill, screwdriver, two small blocks of wood, glue and several wood screws.

I bought a used entertainment center at a local thrift shop.

My entertainment center has a 32” space for the tv.This is perfect, since many 30” x 48” tables and table tops were available on Craigslist.I bought one with 29½” legs for $15.00.

Step 2: Clean Everything!

Since the materials are all used, they will probably need a good cleaning.  I scrubbed the entertainment center with Murphy’s oil soap and it looks great!

Step 3: Prepare for Sewing Table

Sewing machine tables put the sewing platform at 30”.The tv shelf on my entertainment center is at 30”.My table is ¾” thick, making the height (30 3/4") good for me.

If my entertainment center’s tv opening had been lower than 30”, I would have put brackets at the front and back of each side at the desired height.

Step 4: Attach the Legs to One 30 Side of the Table Top.

I attached two 1½” blocks to the underside of the table with gorilla glue and 2 screws each.Then I slid the metal legs that came with the tabletop over the wood block and screwed them to the block.

Since my legs are slightly short, I cemented moving disks to the bottom of each leg.

My goal was to have a level tabletop.Other types of legs will be installed differently.

Step 5: Install the Tabletop in the Entertainment Center.

Slide the tabletop into the tv opening, fasten.and there you have it.  A sewing center ready for all those goodies and supplies.

I plan to screw the legless 30” side of the table to the back of the tv opening in the entertainment center when it is in its final location.  It is sturdy enough to use without fastening.