Uploaded November 2018 | Updated September 2026, 17 hours ago
Listen to the full episode here::
sewhere.com/podcast/sewing-out-loud/sewing-furniture
This post contains affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase, SewHere receives a small commission at no expense to you. Thanks!
The Dawn of Sewing Furniture
Zede and Mal reminisce about some of Zede’s old furniture and one gate leg table is front and center on Mal’s mind. Mallory swears this table is some sort of witchcraft. Zede has researched this table a bit and these styles of tables were made in the late 1700’s through to the late 1800’s. She believes hers could be from the late 1800’s as it was most likely her grandmothers and the date would be close. Or it could be a really good slightly newer than late 1800’s replica, either way it’s old.
She had this table in her attic for 15 years or so and while moving around her breakfast nook she got it down to use and thought it would be great if she could add a leaf to it to make it larger. As she cleaned it up she noticed how easy the top wanted to separate, was the table broken? No, it pulls apart and there is a gizmo in the middle and after a little fiddling a leaf pops up! Turns out the table stores it’s own leaf. The leaf is cut in half and is hinged to the table and itself so it folds down and flips around and stores nice and tidy in the table. Zede is amazed at how it was so purposefully made and how ingenious and efficient it is – qualities also in sewing furniture.
When machines first came into homes they came in furniture. This furniture was not very portable but it was well thought out as far as how much space they took up and their efficient use. Almost all of these earlier cabinets were made of wood. Zede believes all of the earliest home sewing machines came in cabinets (we may need more research to 100% confirm this). The machines generally were able to fold down into the cabinet and the cabinet then had a piece of wood that hinged shut covering the machine and making a flat surface for other uses.
A lot of the time the machines that came with the table could not stand alone as the table was the base of the machine. Later there were portable machines in smaller wooden cases as opposed to tables. Zede’s first sewing machine was given to her in the 60’s and was a smaller machine in a wooden case.
Sewing furniture is not a new concept and it used to be really essential to working and storing the machine. Machines used to be considered a home appliance and more of a necessity than today. That machine was probably always out in the dining or living room and put up when not needed. The table it turned into was then used for other things like a sideboard. These home sewing machines were viewed more like how we view washers, vacuums, and refrigerators today.
They don’t make machines in cabinets in these modern times because the need for more portable machines arose. Now there is a variety of machines and furniture to fit them making it much easier to get exactly what you want. Zede, who ran a sewing store for many years says if you have one of these older cabinet models know that it can come out of the cabinet for servicing as it’s only connected with a couple set screws. She says, please don’t bring the machine in with the cabinet.
Do you need specialized sewing furniture?
Mal and Zede both agree, you do not need to have super specialized sewing furniture to be a successful sewer. They also agree that if you don’t have furniture made especially for sewing, set yourself up for success with a sturdy work surface. This surface should also be ergonomic and the right height for you to work at. The worst surfaces to sew on for them are those white lightweight fold out plastic tables. Zede says these are great for picnics and holidays but for sewing – not so much.
Zede equates it to sewing on a surf board. She says the machine goes up and down with the table as the machine runs. She remembers having an 8ft. one at the shop and it just didn’t cut it for sewing on. Zede says when she started sewing she sat at the dining room table and lots of people probably do because these tables are usually quite sturdy. She also sat in a dining room chair which didn’t really work for her height so she placed her bum and the machine pedal on some ancient relics – phone books!
What to Look For
• something sturdy
• an adjustable chair if possible – Zede likes it adjustable because depending on what she’s sewing she may want to be up a little higher or lower.
• keep ergonomics and comfort in mind
********************************************************
This week’s Podcasts and live broadcasts are brought to you by LA Finch Fabrics.
LA Finch Fabrics is your source for gorgeous designer ends and fabulous knits straight from the Los Angeles garment district. They ve been a Sewing Out Loud sponsor from the beginning and our community raves about their fabulous customer service- not to ment
Listen to the full episode here::
sewhere.com/podcast/sewing-out-loud/sewing-furniture
This post contains affiliate links. When you click through and make a purchase, SewHere receives a small commission at no expense to you. Thanks!
The Dawn of Sewing Furniture
Zede and Mal reminisce about some of Zede’s old furniture and one gate leg table is front and center on Mal’s mind. Mallory swears this table is some sort of witchcraft. Zede has researched this table a bit and these styles of tables were made in the late 1700’s through to the late 1800’s. She believes hers could be from the late 1800’s as it was most likely her grandmothers and the date would be close. Or it could be a really good slightly newer than late 1800’s replica, either way it’s old.
She had this table in her attic for 15 years or so and while moving around her breakfast nook she got it down to use and thought it would be great if she could add a leaf to it to make it larger. As she cleaned it up she noticed how easy the top wanted to separate, was the table broken? No, it pulls apart and there is a gizmo in the middle and after a little fiddling a leaf pops up! Turns out the table stores it’s own leaf. The leaf is cut in half and is hinged to the table and itself so it folds down and flips around and stores nice and tidy in the table. Zede is amazed at how it was so purposefully made and how ingenious and efficient it is – qualities also in sewing furniture.
When machines first came into homes they came in furniture. This furniture was not very portable but it was well thought out as far as how much space they took up and their efficient use. Almost all of these earlier cabinets were made of wood. Zede believes all of the earliest home sewing machines came in cabinets (we may need more research to 100% confirm this). The machines generally were able to fold down into the cabinet and the cabinet then had a piece of wood that hinged shut covering the machine and making a flat surface for other uses.
A lot of the time the machines that came with the table could not stand alone as the table was the base of the machine. Later there were portable machines in smaller wooden cases as opposed to tables. Zede’s first sewing machine was given to her in the 60’s and was a smaller machine in a wooden case.
Sewing furniture is not a new concept and it used to be really essential to working and storing the machine. Machines used to be considered a home appliance and more of a necessity than today. That machine was probably always out in the dining or living room and put up when not needed. The table it turned into was then used for other things like a sideboard. These home sewing machines were viewed more like how we view washers, vacuums, and refrigerators today.
They don’t make machines in cabinets in these modern times because the need for more portable machines arose. Now there is a variety of machines and furniture to fit them making it much easier to get exactly what you want. Zede, who ran a sewing store for many years says if you have one of these older cabinet models know that it can come out of the cabinet for servicing as it’s only connected with a couple set screws. She says, please don’t bring the machine in with the cabinet.
Do you need specialized sewing furniture?
Mal and Zede both agree, you do not need to have super specialized sewing furniture to be a successful sewer. They also agree that if you don’t have furniture made especially for sewing, set yourself up for success with a sturdy work surface. This surface should also be ergonomic and the right height for you to work at. The worst surfaces to sew on for them are those white lightweight fold out plastic tables. Zede says these are great for picnics and holidays but for sewing – not so much.
Zede equates it to sewing on a surf board. She says the machine goes up and down with the table as the machine runs. She remembers having an 8ft. one at the shop and it just didn’t cut it for sewing on. Zede says when she started sewing she sat at the dining room table and lots of people probably do because these tables are usually quite sturdy. She also sat in a dining room chair which didn’t really work for her height so she placed her bum and the machine pedal on some ancient relics – phone books!
What to Look For
• something sturdy
• an adjustable chair if possible – Zede likes it adjustable because depending on what she’s sewing she may want to be up a little higher or lower.
• keep ergonomics and comfort in mind
********************************************************
This week’s Podcasts and live broadcasts are brought to you by LA Finch Fabrics.
LA Finch Fabrics is your source for gorgeous designer ends and fabulous knits straight from the Los Angeles garment district. They ve been a Sewing Out Loud sponsor from the beginning and our community raves about their fabulous customer service- not to ment
