Investing in a sewing table has been one of the best decisions we’ve made as a sewist.
The stress of hunting through untidy tangles of spools of thread and scraps of fabric is unfortunately a familiar story for many a keen sewer. Many of us don’t have the appropriate storage for all the necessary sewing gear or, even more importantly, a dedicated workspace for sewing.
But with the right organization and a sewing machine table it’s possible to have everything neatly arranged and in one place and a surface at just the right height to use your machine without taking up a lot of space.
There are some incredibly designed tables on the market – just check the luxurious options on Sewing Machines Plus! – ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. But there are plenty of affordable options, too.
We’ve compiled this guide to the best sewing tables and desks, but it will will ultimately come down to personal preference – and the space you have available.
Here’s a preview of our top picks:
Let’s get in to the detail…
What Are The Best Sewing Tables and Desks?
South Shore Crea Sewing Craft Table
Made from sturdy particleboard and covered with a crisp white laminated surface that resists water and prevents scratching, the work surface of this sewing table measures a generous 58 by 24 inches to give plenty of space for your machine while leaving enough left over to work alongside.
A special sliding shelf above the draws in this sewing table is filled with fixed wooden dowels so spools of thread can be neatly stored and be ready to hand without turning into a mess of tangles.
The three generous drawers with sturdy metal sliders provide plenty of space to store fabrics and other items and come equipped with sensible cut out handles which stop fabrics and loose threads getting caught up and snagging.
Another nice space saving storage feature of the South Shore Crea sewing table is the sliding shelving compartment which provides not only extra shelving and an additional small work surface, but can also house your sewing machine when not in use — and what’s more it can be safely tucked away underneath the desk when you’re finished so it doesn’t take up precious floor space.
This sewing machine table does require self assembly, but the whole unit comes equipped with useful caster feet so it can be moved easily and then locked in place.
All in all, one of the best sewing tables on the market.
Pros
- Lots of storage space
- A large workspace
- Surface is scratch and water resistant
- Sturdy, quality construction
- Stylish appearance
- Keeps everything you need within easy reach
- Easy to move once assembled — on caster feet
- Good value for money
Cons
- Self assembly can be a little tricky
- Table is very heavy
Sew Ready Eclipse Sewing Desk
One of the best features of the Sew Ready Eclipse Sewing Desk is the adjustable height 23 by 10 inch platform at the front of the work surface which can be adapted up to 3 inches in height to suit different purposes and a range of different sewing machines.
The base of this sewing machine table is constructed from heavy gauge steel with a 51 inch long thick work surface, meaning it can handle a lot of weight.
The top also benefits from a folding shelf which when in use extends the table top to a roomy 60 inches long giving you even more space to sew, cut, pin and quilt.
For storing all your sewing bits and bobs there are three fabric drawers on the right hand side as well as a large additional open storage space underneath the table top.
There are no casters on the Eclipse, but there are floor levellers provided should you need to correct the height on uneven floors. This sewing machine table arrives in a flat pack for self assembly.
Pros
- Attractive design
- Easy to assemble
- Cheap!
- Sturdy construction
- Lightweight
- Lots of worktop space
Cons
- Can vibrate a little when sewing at very high speeds with a powerful machine
- Not on wheels
Sauder Sewing Craft Cart
The slick Sauder Sewing Craft Cart comes in either a chic cinnamon cherry finish or a bright white. When it’s not in use, it looks like a beautiful storage cart on wheels.
The top work surface is a spacious 38.5 inches wide and 40 inches long, and has an extension that when in use extends the length to a sizeable 63 inches to provide ample work space.
There’s an exceptional amount of storage space in this sewing machine table. Cabinets to the left and right have shelving to store fabric and patterns and other items, and there are exterior removable plastic compartments mounted on the left hand side in which to store odds and ends such as scissors, thread, pins and suchlike.
Beneath the table there is a low shelf for storing a sewing machine out of sight when not in use.
Made from durable melamine, the Sauder Sewing Craft Cart is resistant to scratches, heat and stains. The table is self assembly and comes with lockable caster feet so it can be moved easily from place to place.
Pros
- Lots of storage space
- Quality construction
- Can be moved easily thanks to the lockable caster feet
- Fits easily into a small space yet extendable to create a large work space
- Stylish design
- Simple assembly
- Good value for money
Cons
- The packaging was not as robust as it should be — there are a few reports of buyers receiving broken components thanks to the shipping process
SEI Furniture Sewing Table
Simple in design, it nevertheless offers a roomy table top work area of 31.5 inches by 19 inches, and has a foldable extension that enlarges this space to 51 inches long.
Constructed from MDF coated in resilient and practical white melamine, this sewing table is sure to resist some tough treatment.
There’s not a huge amount of storage capacity on this model, but there are four shelves on the right hand side which are ideal for holding boxes with sewing gear inside, and a third shelf underneath the tabletop for storing a sewing machine when you’re not using it.
This craft sewing table is self assembly and has lockable caster feet so it’s easy to move around should you need to.
Pros
- Ideal for smaller spaces
- Extension ensures a large workspace
- Inexpensive
- Sturdy, simple design
- Easy to move around
Cons
- A bit complicated to assemble
- Not as much storage space as the other sewing tables on this list
Arrow 601 Gidget Folding Sewing Table
It’s a great choice for those who haven’t got the available space to have a sewing table permanently taking up extra room in the home. (In which case, you might also want to consider a portable sewing machine, and a suitable sewing bag.)
The base is made from steel, and the top measuring approximately 20 by 40 inches is made from resilient melamine. The smaller size means that this sewing table takes up very little space when in use, so would be ideal for a small apartment or studio.
Another fantastic feature of this little table is the adjustable height sewing machine platform that can be adapted to suit any type of sewing machine, and it can be used for both free-arm and flatbed sewing. The platform is manually operated with a handle.
In addition to this, on the surface of the table is a neat rule along one edge to measure lengths of fabric.
Pros
- Perfect small size for those with limited space
- Can be easily stored away
- Very sturdy with no vibration or shaking when sewing at high speeds
- Easy to adjust platform for different sewing machines
- Good for beginners
- Very low price
Cons
- No storage space
- No caster wheels so not quite as easy to move around
Sew Ready Portable Sewing Table
It comes with a sturdy powder coated steel frame and four floor levellers to give you the stability you need when your machine is whirring away. Admittedly, it’s not the most beautiful looking sewing desk – it looks rather industrial for our taste, but there’s no denying that it has a functional design.
The folding legs mean you can store the table easily when it’s not in use. The top measures 47 by 28 inches, which makes for a decent space to work on – indeed, you may be surprised by the depth of the table when you first set it up.
Pros
- Great budget price
- Versatile table – can be used for many things other than as a sewing table
- Practical to pack away and store
- Takes up very little space when in use
- Light and portable
Cons
- Some wasted space (depth) behind the machine platform
- Noticeable vibrations when using a heavy duty machine
Why Buy A Dedicated Sewing Table?
Sewing tables come in a variety of shapes and sizes with draws and compartments to store fabrics, scissors, sewing patterns, trims, pins, and other equipment as well as a large flat surface to place a sewing machine.
They are a good alternative to a sewing cabinet.
Having such a dedicated workspace means that your machine is ready to use at any time and you’ve got a space for cutting fabrics, pinning or quilting — which means no more scrapping over the kitchen table!
There are many different styles of sewing machine tables, made from sturdy materials such as wood, metal and particleboard.
Many sewing table have practical surfaces which are scratch resistant, heat resistant, or waterproof which makes for easy cleaning and prevents damage.
Another handy feature of many sewing tables is lockable caster feet which means you can easily move the table about should you need to reposition it — even with a heavy sewing machine on top — and then lock it securely in position when it’s safely in place to prevent further movement while you work.
This feature is particularly useful for sewists who are looking for a compact sewing table that they can store away, before easily bringing it out into the room when it’s time to sew.
Whether it comes ready assembled or requiring self assembly, stability is another important attribute for a sewing table, as the constant vibration of a thundering sewing machine in full swing can shake and cause jolts which can put stress on table joints.
The best sewing machine tables have plenty of storage space consisting of large and small drawers or adjustable shelving.
Many are extendable to give you the extra workspace for tasks such as cutting fabric or pinning when you need it without taking up permanent space in the home, and some sewing table models will even come equipped with a special quilting arm.
Which is your favorite sewing table?
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