How to Make an Extension Table for a Sewing Machine

DIY Extension Table for Sewing Machines: Enhance Your Crafting Experience with This Simple Project

I really wanted an extension table for my sewing machine, but I didn’t want to spend the money on it. Instead, I decided to make my own, and it was so easy! I used supplies I already had at home to save money in the process and created a perfectly fitted extension table that is a wonderful addition to my sewing room!

If you’ve ever shopped at IKEA, you know that they have an “as-is” section. The part I like most is the area they call the “Handyperson Special” with shelves and doors from cabinets that have been used as displays in the store. The last time I was there, I bought several pieces for $2.50 each. Hint: the long, narrow doors make great tables! 

I have a piece that is approximately 5/8 inch thick with a blonde woodgrain pattern on it that was the perfect size for the extension table. The slick surface would be great for machine quilting or making fabric rugs, and it would be easy to add short, adjustable legs to the bottom.

Let’s get started!

I Began by Making a Template

Not all sewing machine beds are shaped the same… Mine has a sort of chamfer on the front corner with a beveled edge, while the back edge is straight and the back corner is square. I took measurements and transferred them to a piece of corrugated board (aka cardboard) to cut and fit. I got it right the first time – it’s almost like I know what I’m doing…

Transfer the Template to the Board and Cut the Opening with a Jigsaw

The next step is to transfer the template to the board for the table surface. I placed mine so that the front edge is a little wider than the back edge.

I covered the front with masking tape (<– affiliate link!) to prevent the melamine piece from chipping, and then I cut it with a jigsaw. This was a mistake… What I should’ve done was cut it from the back because the back didn’t chip! I covered the cut edge with duct tape as a solution to cover the chipped edge (Leopard print, of course!) as well as to hide the raw edge of the particle board and keep the fabric from hanging on it.

I set my jigsaw to cut a beveled edge since my sewing machine is beveled on the front. The remaining lines were straight cuts.

Pro Tip: Save the template for future use. You may want to make an entirely new sewing table and will need the template to cut the opening in the top so your sewing machine can sit flush with the top surface!

Making the Legs

I wanted to make sturdy legs that were also adjustable. My tabletop is uneven because I used an old pallet to make the table, and this way, I can adjust the legs so the extension table is level. I planned to use a dowel rod with adjustable pads on the bottom (<– affiliate link!) for the legs and insert them into flat-bottomed holes on the underside of the table. Since the piece already had a couple of holes cut in the bottom (for concealed hinges since it was a door!), I decided to use my concealed hinge jig to drill the remaining holes. I drilled three holes along each longer side of the table piece, evenly spaced, and positioned so they didn’t interfere with the sewing machine bed.

I did this for two reasons: the holes would all be a uniform depth (not all the way through), and the holes would be straight! The holes measured approximately 1-5/16 inches in diameter, and the only dowel I could find was a wood closet rod. It was longer than a regular dowel and significantly more expensive, but it worked and I like it!

To determine the length of the legs, I placed the tabletop piece next to my machine and measured from the top surface of the extension table to the top of the sewing machine bed. The measurement is 2-7/8 inches. I subtracted 1/4 inch for the adjustable feet and added 3/8 inch for the depth of the hole. The overall length of the legs is roughly 3 inches. If it is a little short, that is perfectly fine – that’s what the adjustable feet are for!

Next, I marked the center of each leg piece and drilled a hole to accommodate the threaded insert for the foot. I inserted the threaded nut, then the foot.

Another Pro Tip: When drilling holes for adjustable feet and the inserts, the hole should be the same depth as the screw on the foot. If it isn’t, the foot cannot retract its whole length! In other words, it will not go all the way into the leg.

Then, I applied hot glue in each hole and tapped the legs in place with a mallet. Once the glue set, I flipped the table over and secured the legs from the top using brad nails. The small holes can be filled – I chose not to fill mine.

Finishing

Since I was using a pre-finished board, no finishing was required. If you’re using plywood or regular boards, I suggest applying a few coats of paste wax to the surface to protect it and allow the fabric to move freely when the table is in use.

That’s all there is to it. It’s an easy process, and I love the table! Have questions about how to make an extension table for a sewing machine? Leave a comment below!