Apartment-Style Sewing Room Layout

In my last post I shared a quick peek of the sewing room I set up in my new apartment. Since then, I’ve played around with the layout a few more times to see if I could make it more functional.

The results? I moved my workroom from my small living room with the charming brick wall to….

my bedroom, where I was able to create a more practical layout and take advantage of better lighting and a slightly roomier footprint.

Even though this room is only 9.5 x 11, I managed to fit in everything I need to create slipcovers and other home sewing projects:

• A 30 x 60 inch sewing table
• A 30 x 60 inch cutting table
• A pair of furniture risers
• Several rolls of fabric
• A couple of pin boards and storage carts

I planned the layout around my sewing table. I wanted to place it against a wall that was not shared by other tenants. My old Bernina sewing machine sounds quiet to me, but to others it might not. So I placed it next to the center wall in my apartment to minimize noise, just in case.

The table top sits on 2 storage carts, with a total of four shelves. This is where I store all sewing related items: thread, needles, presser feet, bobbins, pins, scissors, zippers and pulls, etc. Everything is within reach when I sit down to sew.

My second priority was to create a pin fitting area. It not only required space for the risers but also extra room to easily move all the way around them as I pin.

Tip: If your risers are not on wheels, adhere sliders on the bottom of the legs. They make it easy to pull and push the risers with a heavy armchair on top.

My pin fit area also has to accommodate camera and light tripods for filming my upcoming slipcover classes. It will be a bit of a squeeze, but I’m sure I can make it work with a little practice. 🙂

With the sewing table and pin fit area in place, I tucked my cutting table in the corner as you see here. It’s much smaller than the large, modular cutting and pressing table I built for my previous workroom. Working on it will take some getting used to. The good thing is it can double as an pressing station with the use of a thick felt pad.

The table top sits on two sawhorses, each with one shelf and open storage underneath. This is where I store all cutting and marking tools along with pressing related items such as the felt pad, iron, spray bottle, lint roller, pressing hams, etc.

I store an extra sewing machine and a large canvas tote of fabric remnants under the sawhorse shelves.

For some projects, I will need to pull the table away from the wall to allow fabric to hang over the long side. I keep sliders under the sawhorse legs for that reason.

Last but not least, I had just enough space to set up an open storage station for my pin boards, inspiring books, fabric patterns, color palettes, favorite vintage textiles, and bins & baskets for all of the little extras.

These items are the creative foundation of my slipcover projects. Not only are they inspirational, but they also add warmth and charm to the room. For me, that’s a non-negotiable.

Now, my small sewing room functions great I love the flow and happy vibe.

I hope my new layout inspires you!