1 of 3

Write now Article Tools

NEEDLE NOOK

Home sewing, once nearly a lost art, is regaining popularity. Whether they are creating apparel and fashions or constructing curtains and draperies for the home, consumers are firing up their own sewing machines again.

How can you design your own sewing center for your home?

Depending upon the size and configuration of your home, you may have several options for designing your sewing center.

RESERVE A ROOM

Sewing breeds clutter. It's a simple fact of life in the sewing world. Sewing notions, fabrics, trims, sewing patterns and other accoutrements can accumulate quickly in a stitcher's world.

The home sewing center needs to be a place where clutter is welcomed. If your sewing materials and supplies are readily accessible, you are more likely to continue pursuing and completing projects. On the other hand, if you must unpack and repack your sewing machine and other items for each sewing session, you may find your interest in sewing waning soon.

Add some shelving, cabinets or chests to hold your sewing supplies. Small baskets or filing boxes are ideal for organizing sewing patterns. A pegboard can hold spools of thread, scissors and more.

Many sewing enthusiasts choose to set up sewing centers in basements, attics, spare bedrooms or other out-of-the-way spots in their homes. If you have access to such extra space, then such an arrangement may be ideal. Simply having a sewing room, with a door that can be closed, is super.

CHOOSE A CLOSET

If you cannot claim an entire room for sewing and crafts, then a closet is the next best option. Many a sewing enthusiast has set up a sewing machine inside a closet. By adding some extra shelves, or even a small do-it-yourself cabinet or bureau, you can make this compact space quite handy for sewing.

As long as you can close the closet doors when you take a break from sewing, your private creative domain will appear uncluttered to the rest of the world. Still, your sewing supplies will be easily accessible to you, as soon as you are ready to sew again.

SELECT A SPOT

Perhaps your closets are already packed with personal items. You can still carve out a special sewing area in your home. Try to pick a low-traffic area, such as a nook or corner, if possible.

Set up your sewing machine on a desk, small table or sewing cabinet. Be sure to allow room for an ironing board nearby. Grab a small dresser, file cabinet or bookshelf to store your sewing supplies.

If you set up your sewing center in an open area, you will find it important to keep your projects picked up, particularly when you are not working actively on them. Boxes, baskets and bins can help.

ASSIGN AN ARMOIRE

Furniture stores offer excellent wardrobe pieces, computer and television armoires and other chests that may be suitable for use as sewing centers. Most have cupboard-like doors on their fronts. Some have fold-out counters or desks, as well as inner drawers and shelves.

Basically, such units offer you the option to create a sewing center in a box. You simply open the front doors on your armoire, and your sewing center appears. When you are finished, you pack it all up, and it's gone till your next sewing session.

However you decide to design your in-home sewing center, you will want to make it convenient and practical for your own use. After all, if you truly love to sew, you will be visiting your own sewing center often.

Learn more about this author, Linda Ann Nickerson.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Sewing space: Tips for designing a sewing center?
We want to hear your view. Write now!