How to Set Up a Sewing Area or Room

Whether you sew because working on fabrics is a relaxing hobby for you or because you are running a home-based business, it is important for you to have a place where you can just drift away and get your creative juices flowing the moment you start working on your sewing machine. And this is exactly what an excellent sewing area is for.

Ideally, your sewing area should be set up in such a way that it will be conducive to an efficient workflow. It doesn’t matter whether you’re setting up in just a small corner of your home’s recreation room or if you’re designating an entire room as your workspace, your sewing area should be able to provide you with all the practical necessities you require so that you can accomplish your projects proficiently.

Here’s a checklist that you can use to get started on setting up your own sewing space or room.

Make sure there’s an electrical connection – Unless you are using a mechanical sewing machine, you are definitely going to require an electrical connection. If necessary, consult an electrician or a professional builder so that you can build the electrical outlets you need.

Check if there’s sufficient lighting – If you’re like most tailors or seamstresses, you’ll probably be sewing mostly during the day. Thus, it is important to make sure that your sewing area gets sufficient natural lighting from windows or from other sources of light like skylights and doors. The room should also be fitted with ceiling and table lighting fixtures for proper visibility when daylight begins to fade. 

Make room for some storage space – You’re going to need enough space for all the sewing notions, tools, accessories, and fabrics that will accumulate in your workspace over time.

While there is no single best way to go about organizing all your sewing paraphernalia, it is important to make sure that everything is labeled properly so that you’ll be able to find what you need easily.

Some storage items you might want to consider include plastic tubs, cardboard boxes, small boxes with compartments, shelves and drawers behind closets or cabinets, clothes’ racks, and wall-mounted hooks and rails.

The sewing station should be comfy – It is important to make sure that your sewing station is as comfortable as possible since it’s the space where you’ll be spending most of your time. Make sure to choose a chair that is ergonomically suited to your body and the height of which can be adjusted with ease.

Get a spacious cutting table – Your cutting table should be large enough for you to be able to cut fabrics comfortably. The size would depend on the kind of fabrics that you’ll be laying out and cutting. Make sure that your dedicated cutting area is always equipped with a pair of fabric shears. This type of cutting tool makes it easy for the user to cut fabrics or patterns because one of its sides lies flush with the table. 

Install a full-length mirror – A full-length mirror may be useful if you’re sewing articles of clothing. The person who’ll be wearing the garment, whether it’s your client, a friend, or a member of your family, can use this mirror to check if the fit of the garment is just right or if it needs adjustment.

If you’re a beginner, you might also want to check out our article on how to put together a complete sewing kit. Additionally, you may also visit our various website sections to look for items you might need, including cutting room supplies, sewing supplies, design and pattern tools, markers and rulers, needles, lighting equipment, and many more.