I have too many vintage sewing cabinets in my stash, as well as too many wayward drawers. It seemed like it was time to marry a cabinet and a drawer to make a new and useful writing desk.
Thrift Store Sewing Machine Cabinet into Writing Desk
I picked this sewing cabinet up in early November—I know this because I posted it in my December 2016 Recent finds, but because my car is in the background, I know that it was prior to buying my new truck!
Design stage of new Writing Desk
Like I said, I have way too many drawers. I did some testing to see which drawer configuration might look best to customize and transform this sewing cabinet. The one on the right was the winner! I have no idea where that drawer came from.
When repurposing or changing up a vintage sewing cabinet, there are a couple of options. You can leave the lid in tact and possibly glue it down like I did way back in the day on this green sewing cabinet side table, or you can remove the lid, then the frame, and re-attach the lid making it look more natural, being only one board thickness instead of two board thickness.
Disassemble Sewing Machine Cabinet
After removing the lid it was time to remove the frame that actually held the sewing machine in place. Each machine is different. The disassembly was very easy—simply removing some pocket hole screws.
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Once I removed the screws, it was obvious that there was some glue holding the frame to the cabinet. My favorite small pry bar and a hammer easily broke the two pieces loose.
This piece was discarded as it is no longer useful. Sometimes I do keep hardware off these old cabinets, but not this time.
Make repairs and Sand
Because I will be reusing the lid, I used my orbital sander to smooth out the surface. I started with a heavy grit (60) then went to 150, and finally 220.
As I was preparing to reattach the lid to the cabinet, I noticed that the glue residue as well as some wood chips were in the way. I used the orbital sander to remove the height so the lid would sit flush.
Attach the sewing cabinet top
Gorilla Wood Glue was used on all four corners and along all the edges of the cabinet.
Since the lid had been sanded pretty, I used some scrap vinyl wallpaper to protect the surface as I prepared to reattach the cabinet to the lid.
I had to use both my combination square and my Kreg multi-mark tool to make sure the cabinet was centered onto the lid.
Instead of using the original screws, I used new pocket hole screws in the original pocket holes.
With the Gorilla Wood Glue and the pocket holes, this lid is very secure on the sewing cabinet frame.
How to make a repurposed drawer cubby
Now it’s time to fix up the repurposed drawer cubby. Sometime in the last year or two I got an old free chest of drawers. These are the drawer fronts and drawer parts from that chest of drawers.
I chose these pieces because they were sturdy, a good size and thinner stock that the new lumber I have in my stash. I suppose in the back of my mind, I’ve wanted to do a drawer cubby ever since Mindi did her Old Drawer Cubby Organizer. Mindi uses drawers like nobody I’ve ever seen !
The first order of business was to rip down the pieces on the table saw, essentially removing the groove that originally held the bottom of the drawers.
This is a “dry fit” to see how I really want the cubbies to look.
Clamp, Glue, and Nail drawer cubby boards
To make the cubbies complete, I used Gorilla wood glue, some Irwin quick clamps, and a Ryobi nail gun. In the bottom right image, you can see I added some wood glue to the back of the drawer, and slid the divider in place. I nailed all of the pieces in place—if you look closely, you can see the finish nails right where I’m sliding this divider in.
Not shown—I placed the drawer onto the lid of the sewing cabinet, and it didn’t quite look “finished”. I found this small piece of blue trim and mitered the corners on my miter saw. In the top right image you can see that I had to cut away a portion of the drawer in order to allow the mitered corners to actually meet. I used a box cutter. More wood glue and more finish nails, and the trim is in place.
Attach the drawer cubby to the sewing machine cabinet
Testing the fit of the writing desk again with the thin blue trim now in place, much better! It’s time to attach the cubby drawer to the lid of the sewing cabinet.
First order of business? Wood glue! I use this technique often. After applying the wood glue, I used my nail gun to sort of perform as a “clamp”. Because there was no way to clamp the drawer to the lid until I got it secured. Three pops of the nail gun, and I can tilt the unit onto it’s back to secure the wood screws through the lid into the bottom of the drawer. (bottom right image)
Paint Writing Desk
Finally, time to paint! I knew I only had time to get one quick coat of primer on this cabinet by the end of this work day. I mixed up some diy chalky paint primer with some plaster of paris and Behr paint (Naval) in semi-gloss. As always, I use a mesh paint strainer to alleviate any clumps or problems.
I prefer to paint the underneath side of my repurposed furniture pieces first, using my Homeright Finish Max.
It’s so much easier to get the underneath sides with it laying down, then trying to tilt the sprayer in an unnatural position. There’s nothing more embarrassing than for someone to load a project into their vehicle and seeing a “naked” portion of the piece. I prefer to paint vertical portions with the sprayer. I sprayed the top of this cabinet while it was still laying on the ground, rather than letting the paint “fall” onto the top (horizontal) portions.
Navy Blue DIY writing desk
This is after one quick coat of the diy chalky paint primer in Naval. You can see how little overspray there is with the Finish Max on the drop cloth.
I waited and waited for a warmish day to put the final coats on this sewing cabinet. I shoot for sunny and 48°. It happened to get to 50° recently and I was giddy about getting to paint! This time I was using the Naval semi-gloss sans plaster of paris.
- Warm your project in the sun
- Make sure your paint is not too cold (use warm water from the house to dilute if necessary)
- Allow your sprayer to warm in the sun as well.
During the break I was forced to take due to cold weather—I patched, caulked sanded, patched and sanded again. I like to use brown craft paper all over the first coat of the diy chalky paint primer prior to painting a second coat of primer or semi-gloss.
This is after one coat of the semi-gloss (Naval), and I’m loving how it looks!
I used Krylon spray paint (black satin) on the original hardware.
voila! It’s gorgeous, don’t you agree?
It’s very versatile, being useful as a small writing desk hutch, or perfect for a craft room, or even a corner in a kitchen as a bill center.
I really love the navy blue against the plank wall, don’t you?
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Where would you use this writing desk? Do you have any suggestions for the 3-4 sewing cabinets I have left in my stash?
gail
Related Content: See More Desk Projects Here
See More Sewing Cabinet Project Ideas
Phyllis Blake
I just picked up a Midcentury Modern sewing cabinet and am going to repurpose into a server. I love the color and paint finish you have and appreciate all the info. I am curious about this comment:
During the break I was forced to take due to cold weather—I patched, caulked sanded, patched and sanded again. I like to use brown craft paper all over the first coat of the diy chalky paint primer prior to painting a second coat of primer or semi-gloss.
What do you mean about using brown craft paper? What did you do with the paper.
Thanks so much.
Gail Wilson
Phyllis,
I use brown craft paper where others might use steel wool or a fine grit sandpaper in between coats. Especially when I'm using my DIY chalky paint/primer.
I hope this clarifies it for you.
gail
Tess
wow! Fantastic job!
Gloria S Fields
Oh my Gosh !!! This is the neatest re-purposing project I have ever seen. I would've have never thought of using an old sewing machine cabinet this way. I don't have an old sewing machine cabinet but I do have lots of extra drawers. Saw an old sewing machine cabinet the other day; now back to the flea market I go. Thanks for your inspiration and please post lots of more ideas.
Gail Wilson
Thank you so much Gloria! I truly appreciate you stopping by and taking the time to leave me a message!
Good luck on the hunt for a sewing cabinet (at a great deal) 🙂
gail
John
Please tell me where you purchased that blue measuring tool & brand name, I've been looking all over for one .
Gail Wilson
John,
It's called a Kreg multi mark tool, and if you take a look at the post again, you'll see that I have an Amazon link for you to purchase it under the photo. I love using it, it's so handy!
gail
John
Gail,
There's a lot more to that tool than I thought, thanks for the quick reply, I'll get one.
John
MARTHAIA
Lulu Mae is so precious hope she feels better , great job on desk/cabinet /hutch.
Carol Whewell
Well you certainly got my wheels turning now! It's pure awesomeness and can't wait for the weather to warm up so I can get back to doing what I love! You're truly inspiring with your great projects! Hope your furbaby heals quickly and doesn't need surgery. I have a Havanese boy (Teddy) and he is very well loved (and spoiled)!
Gail Wilson
Carol,
Well loved and spoiled... isn't that why we have our furbabies? She's doing pretty well, her knee hasn't popped out for two days. Keeping my fingers crossed!
gail
Patty
Gail that is absolutely beautiful. I wish I could look at something and see other things like you do. Sometimes I can do it but most times I cannot. You did a beautiful job and I love the blue. I hope your little sweetie gets better soon. We just had to put stairs next to our bed so our Nina can get on there. She is 12 and the old girl just can't do it anymore.
Gail Wilson
Ohhh, your sweet Nina! I'm getting up in age, and I can relate!
Lulu Mae uses a coffee table bench that I made years ago for my Louie. Although right now I'm discouraging her from using it at all. https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/diy-indoor-pet-ramp/
take care!
gail
Wendi@H2OBungalow
I've seen this on social media s you've put it together... It looks fabulous! Love the color!
Gail Wilson
Thanks Wendi! I hope it finds a new home really soon. The other blue things sold quickly....
gail
Julie@followyourheartwoodworking
That is just adorable with the cubbies and I love the blue.
Gail Wilson
Thanks Julie! So happy your comment doesn't go to spam now. 🙂
As I was writing a blog post about jigsaws last night I was thinking about you... wishing I was more knowledgeable about tools. You know I'm just a fly by my seat sort of girl, learning as I go.
gail
Julie@followyourheartwoodworking
Well you do really well flying by your seat!
Kimberly
Thank you so much for this post. I can never pass up one of these sewing cabinets. Now I know that one of them can become a little bill center in the corner of my kitchen and I am even thinking that I may drill a hole in one of the cubbies to pass a charging cable through. Oh, the possibilities! I so look forward to your posts.
Gail Wilson
I can hear your excitement in the comment and that makes me so happy Kimberly! I love, love, love inspiring others. Thanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment. It's very much appreciated and makes my day to know your wheels are turning!
gail
Kate
Looks great! Does that drawer in front open or is for decoration only?
Gail Wilson
Kate,
It's just a faux door/drawer. All of these vintage sewing cabinets have their own style. Many do open, but not this one.
gail
girlfromwva
that is a nice transformation! I like how you married the different parts and how you painted it!
Gail Wilson
Nova,
When I've had navy blue items in the booth, they seem to sell pretty quick. Hoping this one does too! I still have soooo many drawers left, and I'm gaining new ones all the time. I removed some from that big green dresser from last week's recent finds post.
gail
Carol S
Great job, Gail! I love the cubbie idea. I have a similar cabinet that holds my first and only sewing machine from the early 70's. I love it, but want to paint it something other than that icky original brown. You've given me new resolve to get it done. As for new ideas, what about keeping the swing top to allow for more work space when needed, filling the sewing machine hole with another piece of wood as a solid desk top, and adding a cubbie type of piece along the right side. My cabinet has a door that opens and has a little shelf for sewing notions. If any of your other pieces have a functioning door, that would be a good place for a small storage option or small magnetic blackboard. Good luck! Can't wait to see the next repurpose.
Gail Wilson
Carol,
Funny--that someone had actually done that to this cabinet. They had a piece of wood in place of the sewing machine hole. 🙂 I can't remember if the others I have actually have a functioning drawer or not. Thanks for the suggestions! Did you ever see this one? I loved it, but it's having a difficult time finding a home. 🙁 https://www.myrepurposedlife.com/vintage-sewing-cabinet-storage-cabinet/
gail
Carol S
The vintage cabinet with the doors and lots of storage is very cool. I can't believe it hasn't sold. Maybe some new knobs will give it some new attention?
Kimberly
I think the cabinet with doors is adorable as is, but since the top lifts off, how about maybe adding a stencil and some handles so that it can double as a tray?
Gail Wilson
Kimberly,
I did think about adding handles when I made the transformation. I suppose it will find a new home soon. I know it would sell quick at my annual craft show in Glendale.
gail
Lisa Cestkowski
Looks great!
Anne
So cute! and I love the navy paint!!
Randi
What a great idea! I love the added drawers with the dividers. This piece would be great sitting in a little nook for paying bills. A fun piece of furniture, for a not so fun job! 🙂
Gail Wilson
I agree Randi, on both points. Great idea for this, and bill paying--not a fun job.
Eliz
Beautiful! I have 2 old singer in cabinets, one refurbished for me by my Grandpa, and my Grandma's, which was sadly damaged by a plumbing leak. The machine has since rusted. I'm ready to part with the sewing machines but not the cabinets. My cabinet is fancier, it's wider, and has an oval shape, with drawers!! You are giving me lots of ideas! Thank You!