Your sewing room plan should be geared to your needs and preferences

Design your sewing room for your individual preferences

The sewing room plan that works for one sewer doesn't necessarily fit the needs of another sewer. There are as many sewing room needs as there are sewers. The first step to creating your custom sewing area is to analyze your needs. If you haven't already done so, print off the workbook page, Analyze Your Sewing Room and let's start thinking about planning and designing your space.

Your sewing room plan revolves around your sewing interests

• Fashion
• Home Dec
• Quilter
• Crafter

Are you a casual "once in a while sewer" or are you a "passionate about your interest" person? Whatever your role, a sewing room plan starts with the basic three, cutting, sewing, pressing for all of these types of sewing. If you haven't found space for your sewing area yet, check out Find Space for Your Sewing Room. Once you have the space, let's layout the sewing room design.

Space Layout Possibilities

• One Wall Layout The One Wall sewing room plan is just that. It is most often used when the room has to be shared with other family members. The machine can be set on the counter, the cutting done on a portable table, and the ironing board can be set up as needed.
• Corridor Styles This sewing room plan uses two sections with a space between them. It can be created with one wall and an island or using 2 walls
• The L Shape or Corner Layout This is a good efficiency layout. It allows for 2 machines such as a serger and sewing machine. A rolling chair rounds out this sewing room plan for added productivity.
• The U ShapeThis is the most efficient layout of all. The U allows you access to all sewing areas within easy reach of your rolling chair.

Often times the shape of your room or the fact that it is shared with other activities will determine the sewing room plan layout. If you are lucky enough to start from scratch with an entire room, fill out the workbook sheet and review before you do any further planning.

Shop Kitchen and Bath Stores for your Sewing Cabinets

It's not necessary to have your sewing area custom made. Cabinets from your Kitchen and Bath dealers along with Home Improvement stores offer myriad choices. There is endless variety in arrangement and storage capabilities. If at all possible, the cabinets should be attached to the walls. This offers the most stability for vibration free sewing and serging.

These cabinets can be modular units bought right off the floor or custom designed to your specifications. Of course the custom units will give you the exact storage you desire, but are the most expensive option.

By using modular units and shopping in the home organizing section of your home improvement store, you can usually get the sewing room plan you desire.

If you still haven't found what you desire, check out office supply stores. There are many modules there that can be utilized in your sewing room plan.

Antiques can be Used in Your Sewing Room Plan

Ideal Heights for Your Sewing Room Plan

The best counter top height for your sewing machine is 26-28" high. This will put your sewing machine at about 30". This is the industry standard for any area that requires sitting and working off the surface of the table. This height is figured for the average individual to keep shoulder and arm fatigue at a minimum. When shopping for cabinets, be sure to test for a height that fits your body dimensions.

The most comfortable height for cutting and pressing is about 36" for the average height person. Modular kitchen and bathroom base units can be used for this purpose.

Counter top surface material for your sewing room plan should be smooth and durable. The most practical surface is plastic laminate. It is inexpensive, comes in a wide variety of colors, and is easy to clean.

Good lighting is a must in your sewing room plan

Bad lighting makes you tire faster. For this reason alone, you should plan your lighting carefully. There are two types of lighting, general and task lighting.

General lighting illuminates the room. No one enjoys working in a dark and dreary area.

If the area is not cheerfully welcoming, you will not use it. There should be a comfortable level of brightness that allows you to see and work comfortably.

Task lighting is used to eliminate shadows and highlight the work areas. It is needed near your machines, where you do hand sewing, or near your reading area. This could be lights under your upper cabinets, track lighting or lamps. Be careful when you install overhead lights and make sure they are placed in front of your seating area and machines so that they don't shine down on your head to create shadows.

Colors used in your sewing room affect your lighting

Remember that dark colors absorb light and light colors reflect it. If you are planning on painting your walls in darker colors, plan for more lighting in your room. You will need twice as much light as you normally use. This fact is especially important if you do your sewing at night.

These are the general guidelines for your sewing room plan

Now that you are familiar with the basics and have your general sewing room plan in mind, visit again soon for an upcoming page on more ideas on planning a room for your special sewing needs.

Click here for more inforamtion on Sewing Room Designs

Return to Home Page-Home Decorating Room by Room from Sewing Room Plan

Return to Top