This is how I repurposed an antique sewing machine into a side table.
I picked up this sewing machine from Craig’s List for $20.00. I had been wanting one for quite some time, because I had 2 projects in mind.
After lots of nuts, bolts, screws were removed, I was left with the chassis. I used a wire brush on the rusted parts. Then I sanded, and spray painted it black. I was trying to decide what type of top I wanted to use. First I tried a curb found piece of glass. I also tried a larger piece of wood that had been a shelf in an armoire.
I also was thinking about using the original top that flipped open to expose the sewing machine.
It was sort of growing on me….
I also was thinking about using the original top that flipped open to expose the sewing machine.
It was sort of growing on me….
Sew, (pun intended) that is what I went with. The original top. I sanded it down, added some mahogany stain, and a couple of coats of poly. There was a little “ledge” that seemed perfect for an additional shelf. I used a small scrap piece of luan, which I painted black to match the chassis. Voila! A cute little side table!
Check out this post on how to reuse sewing machine drawers to see what I did with the unused parts from this project.
Check out this post on how to reuse sewing machine drawers to see what I did with the unused parts from this project.
gail
I’ve been busy making over more sewing machines!
Derrick says
November 3, 2015 at 9:53 pmSo why didn’t you use the sewing machine the way it was. If middle size shelf is all you needed. You could have used it way it was plus storage. I know defeats someone feeling like they Re purposed. But sometimes common sense over rules, a cute, or common repurpose.
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
November 3, 2015 at 10:02 pmgood point
I didn’t like the cabinet the way it was, and the machine was already taken out.
I appreciate you taking the time to leave a comment
gail
Pauline marinello says
August 20, 2015 at 3:00 pmHi, I just came across your site and I am hooked. I have a sewing machine in my garage that I was trying to sell but I’m now fortunate to still have it.
It’s ready for a place in my home now after seeing all yours refurbished. How did you connect the small shelve, and how is the glass top connected.
Pauline
Vanessa says
February 27, 2015 at 7:04 pmHi, Gail…Been looking around for ideas to convert my sewing machine bottom into a desk. Love how yours turned out! I want to use a wooden top as well, just need to make it big enough to serve as a kitchen desk. Tell me, how did you attach the wooden top? Glue, screws, etc.? Love your site….Vanessa (new subscriber)
gail@myrepurposedlife.com says
February 27, 2015 at 10:47 pmVanessa,
Thanks for the kind words about My Repurposed Life, and for subscribing. I hope you’ll be inspired by my projects.
There were original screw holes that I used to secure the new top. (I screwed from the frame up into the top.)
gail
Olivia Smith says
April 27, 2014 at 11:31 pmPleese remember there are many of us who still sew with the treadle machines. If you find a cabinet in decent shape that you want to use as a table, etc. don’t forget that the head may still in working condition also. Folks sell the machine heads on eBay all the time. Some are used for parts, some are sold as collectors’ items and some are adopted by new families as sewing machines. They are nearly indestructible. One of mine was made in 1874 and it sews a finer stitch than my new Swiss made machine. A head in even fair condition can bring $75.00. That might even pay for refurbishing the cabinet.
gail@myrepurposedlife.net says
April 28, 2014 at 9:19 amThank you for taking the time to “school” me on these things. I’ve never been one to sew, so I really know very little about such things. 🙂
I suppose we all forget in this day and time, that sometimes the “they don’t make ’em like they use to” rings very true.
gail
Tierra says
January 17, 2013 at 9:03 pmI literally gasped when I saw it with the glass top. Superb. Beautiful mix of old and new. Well done.
Gail Wilson says
January 17, 2013 at 9:37 pmThanks for stopping by and taking the time to leave a comment Tierra!
gail
bec4 says
January 29, 2010 at 8:25 pmIt looks great! I have only found 1 affordable sewing machine in my days. $20 was a great deal! Thanks so much for linking up!
Chari says
January 4, 2010 at 5:59 pmHi Gail…
So nice to have you for Sunday Favorites this week, my friend…what a fabulous post to reshare with all of us!
Ohhh my…you are certainly one of the most creative ladies that I know! I would have never thought to get two seperate tables out of the one sewing machine cabinet! Awesome!!! I love how each one of them turned out…you did GOOD, Darlin’!!! I will have to keep my eyes out for a sewing cabinets like this…I would love to do this!!! Thank you so much for sharing your beautifully repurposed sewing cabinet with us…sooo inspirational, my friend!!!
I hope that you had a fabulous Christmas…sending you my warmest wishes and blessings for a wonderful new year! I’m really looking forward to what 2010 holds for all of us here in Blogland! I certainly plan to enjoy your blog and soak in all of your fabulous ideas!!!
Chari @Happy To Design
Pam says
January 4, 2010 at 4:01 pmGreat idea as usual. I have my great grandmothers sewing machine that is sitting in my Mom’s garage….think I need to get busy.
Lori E says
January 3, 2010 at 8:54 pmI never get deals like this. I am glad you didn’t go with the glass top. It just didn’t fit.
Lori E says
January 3, 2010 at 8:54 pmI never get deals like this. I am glad you didn’t go with the glass top. It just didn’t fit.
Andy Porter says
November 20, 2009 at 10:23 pmThat’s so cool! I find sewing machine tables all the time and hadn’t considered just taking the sewing machine off of it. Duh! I love how it turned out!
sweetpicklesandchocolate says
November 20, 2009 at 7:35 pmSweet idea! I love this—now if I can only find a sewing table….
Dena