Every dressmaker dreams of a room, which can function well and effectively serves its purpose of sewing. If you plan to set up a sewing room for yourself, you are in the right place. No need to spend on expensive materials for remodeling that extra room in your house. As a professional, too, if you are taking up space at a different location, set and organize it wisely.
Setting Up A Sewing Room: The Basics
There are various elements to consider while setting up a sewing room.
It is not a hard and fast rule that the sewing room has to be big or vast. A small area but a dedicated one can make a lot of difference. Some tailors, due to space constrain, sometimes even use the dining table. But a permanent place for sewing will make the whole process convenient as well as accessible.
Quilter’s Work Triangle
For those who have a separate and spacious room dedicated as a sewing room can follow a triangular pattern while setting it up. Organize the cutting, sewing, and pressing table in such a way that they form a triangle. It will help in a disciplined movement from one table to the next. Try to take up as little space as possible to avoid crowds.
A separate cutting space will let the tailor or the dressmaker have the area dedicated only for measuring and cutting. Its absence will make things clumsy as any other table will not be as spacious as this and will have different items on it. For a perfect finished product, the essential element is the measurement of that particular fabric. The cutting of the material should not have any hindrance and must be big enough so that it’s easy to measure.
The ironing table must be separate so that you don’t have to shift things from one table to another. An even surface will give better ironing results. Place the iron and the table closer to each other.
Sewing Room Furniture
Invest in only the most required furniture but ensure the product’s quality before buying. Do not spend on unnecessary items for the room. Keep it minimalist. The basic furniture in the sewing room includes:
The cutting table– It is always better to use a separate counter for cutting and measurements. Place a mat above it to prevent the damage on the table while slicing the fabrics with sharp cutters.
The sewing table– Once the room has been set up with the furniture and other necessary accessories, set up the sewing machine’s space. The space for the sewing machine must be distinct and properly organized. Check the weight of the device so that it can be placed on the dedicated table.
The pressing table– Use a portable but sturdy iron table. It is readily available online and in local stores and does not have to be an over expensive one. A regular ironing table will do the trick.
Chair- Investing in a comfortable chair is a must. Extended hours are spent while designing and sewing a project. So, a chair as per the height is a necessity.
Working desk- Although it is not a necessity, if possible, one can also keep a separate table for meeting clients or discussing the project with fellow tailors.
Openings: While choosing a room for sewing, select the one who has enough windows and proper ventilation. It will keep the space airy and enlighten the room with natural sunlight during the daytime.
Organizing Shelves
Storing the sewing materials in a vertical storage space is an ideal one. The trays used for storing books can be the right choice. Make sure that you have space for boxes, fabrics, embroidery floss, and other accessories. For proper utilization of space, one can also invest in wall-fitting shelves.
Reduce the clumsiness on the floor.
Keep those things, which are of the least requirement on higher shelves and the ones, which are needed frequently store on the shelves that can be easy to reach.
Store the collection of different items in an organized manner, like collecting delicate fabrics or storing embroidery floss. Fabric storing cabinets must be on shelves inclined to the wall. Huge rolls of fabrics that are often needed should be kept handy.
Tools And Accessories
Keep the frequently used machines at the visible sight so that they are easy to find and work. Items like the rulers, scissors, rotary cutters, etc. are the most-used items.
Labels
Use containers, boxes, or jars for storage of small items. Label them properly. While doing so, remember to use pens or markers that are permanent and do not wipe off easily. The letters while labeling should be big, bold, and bright so that they can be identified even from a distance.
Paint
Select paint for the room as per the natural and electric lights available. A neutral shade is better as it will give enough enhancement while mixing and matching the sewing fabrics.
Wiring
Remember to set the cords and sockets are the required places. Take the assistance of a professional electrician for this matter. Nobody wants a short circuit in the workplace.
Setting Up A Sewing Room: Final Thoughts
Once the basic structure of the sewing room is done, arrange the materials accordingly. Keep space for the addition of new accessories in the future. Regular cleaning and organizing is the key to have a well-maintained working area.
Plan the layout of the room to have an idea of what to include and discard. Keep the entire space neat and clean. Dispose of the garbage and the bins daily. You do not want to end up with unnecessary scraps and a messy look of your dream space.
A well-lit, organized, and elegant sewing room shall encourage creativity, attract clients, and increase productivity. Thus, setting up a sewing room is not a tough job if it is appropriately initiated and implemented. Strong management is the key to transform the desired sewing room into a reality.
