Setting Up Your Sewing Space

Creating an efficient sewing space isn’t just about having room – it’s about organizing your tools and equipment to make sewing enjoyable and productive. Let’s look at different setups that can work for various living situations.

Essential Elements of Any Sewing Space:

• Good Lighting
• Sturdy Work Surface
• Easy Access to Tools
• Proper Electrical Setup

Good Lighting

Natural light is great, but a good task light is essential for detailed work. Most sewing machines have a light on them, but you may find that it isn’t bright enough or in the right spot for where you need it most. And if you are sewing in a room with an overhead light, you will likely cast your own shadow over your work.

Sturdy Work Surface

Your table should be stable and at a comfortable height to prevent back, neck and shoulder strain. I prefer my sewing table to be higher so that I’m more eye-level with my work, but that does put more strain on my shoulders. Probably I should just get better glasses to sit higher and be able to see further. But truth-be-told, I find that if I’m too high, the machine itself is in my way, and I bend forward to look at the area around the needle.

You’ll also want a good sturdy chair where you can comfortably reach the foot pedal from.

Easy Access to Tools

Keep frequently used items within arm’s reach. When I’m sewing, I need my thread nippers and pin cushion right there. In fact, my preference for my pin cushion is one that sits on my wrist.

Depending on what point in the process you are, you may need your cutting or marking tools handy. You may need your iron and pressing tools at the ready. Or you may, like me, need easy access to the seam ripper.

Proper Electrical Setup

Ensure you have enough outlets for your machine, iron, and light. Keep in mind that the iron, when on, will draw quite a bit of power.

Organizing Your Workflow Stations:

When sewing you will need three main areas for work and one for storage. These stations can overlap space to some extent depending on your specific setup.

Cutting Station

Your cutting station generally will need the largest flat surface. You could us a dining table, kitchen island or peninsula or a folding table. Often after your pieces are cut, you will still need a space to manipulate pieces like pinning them together for sewing or marking for buttonholes or threading elastic through casings. Some of these actions can be done next to your sewing machine if you have the space.

Sewing Station

The sewing station is where your sewing machine will sit. Again, it needs to be on a sturdy surface. Ideally, you’ll have space to the left of the machine for the fabric of your project to go without falling off the table. I reserve the right side of my machine for my tools and refreshments. This keeps my scissors, stray pins, and red wine away from my project. No, I don’t recommend drinking wine while sewing. But you wouldn’t want to stain your project with tea or coffee either.

Pressing Station

The pressing station is where your iron lives. Make sure this is a safe space for the iron (not hovering over a bathtub or sink filled with water). But also, if you can make it happen, having the pressing station closer to your sewing station will make you more efficient. Because most projects require sewing something and pressing it, then sewing something else, and pressing it. And even if you lump as many sewing tasks together before going to press, you still will find yourself moving back and forth. If you’re on different floors that will be more of a hassle, and perhaps make you more likely to skip some very important steps. And you never want to skip pressing.

Storage Area

You will want some way to store your patterns, fabric, tools, and works in progress. Ideally, you’ll be able to store them all close to each other, but that won’t happen for everyone.

So, think about your sewing needs, as you know them right now, and know that they will likely change over time as you get more knowledge and skills.

You may want to consider two types of storage: Stuff you use frequently and/or are working on and Stuff you only use occasionally or are for future projects.

Here are some space-saving solutions you may want to consider:

• Folding tables: Can be stored away when not in use
• Over-door organizers: Great for storing tools and notions
• Rolling carts: Mobile storage that can be tucked away
• Pegboards: Utilize vertical space for tool storage
• Portable cutting mat: Can be stored under a bed or behind furniture
• Collapsible ironing board: Many slim designs store in narrow spaces
• Sewing machine case: Makes it easy to move your setup to different rooms
• Project boxes: Keep current projects contained and portable

Remember, your sewing space doesn’t have to be perfect or permanent! Start with the basics and adjust as you discover what works best for your sewing style and living situation. The key is creating a setup that makes you want to sew, not one that frustrates you before you even begin.

Next Steps

Ok, now you have some idea of where or how you are going to set up to sew, it’s time for the exciting part – choosing your first project! Whether you’re the type who likes to dive right into challenging projects (like me!) or someone who prefers to take things step by step, I’ll help you find the perfect starting point.

In the next lesson, we’ll explore a variety of beginner-friendly projects that will help you build your skills while creating something useful.

And even if you have already decided what you want to start with, you’ll learn some things to look for to avoid if your are just starting out.

Ready to start making something awesome? Head to the next lesson and find your perfect first project.