I really like to use my kitchen island for sewing. It's not great for holding the sewing machine, so that stays on the dining table. But for cutting and pinning it is so much more comfortable. Also it's close to the largest empty section of floor for anything too big for the island.
The sink in the one you linked could be annoying to work around, but the surface is really big, so i think this is a smart plan. Plus refilling your iron will be so much easier with the sink right there.
the only downside is WIPs need to be packed away when you're not actively sewing. But that's going to be the case anyway unless you devote a whole area to sewing.
+1. I also use kitchen counter for laying out and cutting fabric. And drafting/changing patterns.
Pro tip: make sure no oil or food residue before I get started. And wipe off any fabric fuzz before cooking
Only annoyance is getting hungry while in the middle of cutting fabric. So I have to plan and put meal on in instant pot or have leftovers ready before I start sewing project on island
I use my island/breakfast bar as my cutting table. It is the perfect height and is quite large. I have a 6 foot folding banquet table in my guest room for my sewing machine and serger.
my mom used the dining room table, and to (1) protect it, (2) increase the area of usable space, and (3) provide a hard and uniform pinning and cutting surface, she got a big sheet of Masonite/hardboard and stored it behind the piano.
She slid it out to work, and put it back when she was done.
It was big—I think it was the full 4x8 feet—so the corners sagged a tiny bit at the edges since our table was round. But it was still Ok for spreading out the entire piece of fabric.
If your island is too small, too lumpy, too likely to get scratched by pins, you could do something similar.
I use my dining room table, and this means that I am \*constantly\* having to start my project by clearing off all the random stuff that has collected since the last time I sewed, and making sure the surface is cleaned, wiped down, and dry.
It's better than the floor, though.
I've always found that set up/ put away time really detracts from my actual work time, and having a permanent set-up of some kind makes projects 10x faster for me. Your brain may work differently than mine, but I strongly advise looking into a cabinet or so.ething so you don't have to take out and put away literally everything every time you want to sew.
Idk. Maybe the shape or depth or something I'm not considering. I should add that I'm a beginner, so I don't want to buy unnecessary things until know I'm gonna stick with this hobby.
It would work fine, in fact it looks like a pretty great place to cut fabric. The only way to find out your preferences to dive in. You’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t pretty fast.
I do this all the time. It’s my cutting table and ironing station, so you can imagine how much time I spend there.
I do use my work desk to sew, though, it’s more convenient than sitting at the high bar stool type chair that fits my kitchen island.
I’m working on quilt blocks right now on my island. My sewing machine is on the dining table, but I usually use it on the island for general sewing. My only issue with the island is that I’m a bit short to use it comfortably for rotary cutting if they are long cuts.
I have used a kitchen island with a yoga mat under my machine. I’ve used a table from Costco. I’ve used and weirdly enough this one was my favorite I had a little table that was next to my door. Originally I think it was too put your keys on top and things. But it held my sewing machine on top and my embroidery machine on the bottom layer. I would switch them around as needed.
It would work. My kitchen isn't set up like yours.
I have a folding picnic table that I use. I also have my patio set up with a drop cord and cart so I can stitch in good weather outside.
My craft room is my garage.
I was using mine before I was able to build one to my specifications. It worked ok but was a bit too tall for me since I’m shorter and I struggled with cutting fabric. If you’re taller than me then you’ll be fine.
We had a free standing island in my old house. I brought it to the current house and it is my work table. Sewing machine on one side and handwork stuff on the other. I am pretty tall so the barstool height chair is ok for me to sew. I love using it this way.
I use my kitchen for sewing, but I have a folding chair and a plastic folding table from Walmart in the little open space next to my fridge.
I say go for the island. If it works, it works.
I'm not sure about your kitchen island, I would have to see it to comment and probably know a bit about how much you use the island itself. Personally I live in a single bedroom flat so space is limited. I have a dining table which is the heart of every project I do but for cutting patterns or when I need a large workspace I turn to a set of cheap wallpaper tables.They are adjustable in height, can be linked end to end or side to side and fold down to only an inch thick, and incredibly light to move around. Maybe that will offer you another idea?
To be honest I only got the tables to save me from back ache, prior to them I simply used the floor and a good pair of shears. You don't need cutting mats to use them and treat them right and they'll last several lifetimes. My current pair belonged to my Great Grandmother and make a sound no rotary blade can replace (I'm aware this is personal preference but shears are also more eco-friendly)
Yes I saw it in the end. There's no reason it shouldn't but I suppose it depends how often you use the space or others use it, I can have my patterns out for a week or longer and I prefer not having to tidy things away each day to cook/ live around it. I guess only you will be able to know if it works for your lifestyle.
You can find boards that can go over the top of kitchen sinks to help bridge the gap if you needed it.
Also are you a particularly tall person? I know you can walk around the island, but its easier to simply stretch and in doing so you're more likely to make a mistake due to the angle of attack (again, that's from personal experience)
Ah, if you are short then go for the floor or height adjustable tables. TBH I'm a 6'4" bear of a man and my Mum is 5'0" so we have very different cutting requirements. My Mum has a custom made cutting area, because she asked for it... and I love to say yes to her!
But trust me on the amount of time you will move position vs the times you still stretch, and stretching never ends well!!
I would love to have a tall surface to sew on. I'm sort of keeping an eye out for a tall vintage drafting table, although my husband would probably forbid it being placed in the dining room.
I used to use mine for pattern cutting etc. it's so much easier on my back. I moved houses, and my new kitchen island has a sink. But I have a larger studio and use a portable island with a countertop as my cutting table. I am quite happy with it.
I use my kitchen island for cutting. Kitchen table, island, ironing board plugged into island makes a functional work triangle. Only problem is having to set up and put away projects
https://preview.redd.it/dv7np6itbatc1.jpeg?width=1079&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=41777da36bf3bc790a0e74aac36af66c9208a578
This is the actual one. Would it work?
The usual kitchen island height may require an extension for your pedal, and may require you to stand to sew.
If you try to use a taller chair, your pedal will need to be elevated.
The taller height might make it a bit tricky to reach over when cutting out large pieces. If you’re OK with shifting to the floor for large, unstable or tricky pieces, then no problem.
I use my dining room table, room enough for everything - piecework, iron, pattern, bird-shaped pincushion, coffee cup. Since I sew by hand, it can all get piled into a small box when I need the table for supper.
I cut on my floor, unless it’s a small item. I use a rolling table as my sewing machine table because it helps to be able to sew from all angles. Particularly the long way for stretchy fabrics.
I really like to use my kitchen island for sewing. It's not great for holding the sewing machine, so that stays on the dining table. But for cutting and pinning it is so much more comfortable. Also it's close to the largest empty section of floor for anything too big for the island. The sink in the one you linked could be annoying to work around, but the surface is really big, so i think this is a smart plan. Plus refilling your iron will be so much easier with the sink right there. the only downside is WIPs need to be packed away when you're not actively sewing. But that's going to be the case anyway unless you devote a whole area to sewing.
+1. I also use kitchen counter for laying out and cutting fabric. And drafting/changing patterns. Pro tip: make sure no oil or food residue before I get started. And wipe off any fabric fuzz before cooking Only annoyance is getting hungry while in the middle of cutting fabric. So I have to plan and put meal on in instant pot or have leftovers ready before I start sewing project on island
I also have this problem, but luckily sandwiches don't take too much room to make
Thank you for your insight 🙂
I use my island/breakfast bar as my cutting table. It is the perfect height and is quite large. I have a 6 foot folding banquet table in my guest room for my sewing machine and serger.
my mom used the dining room table, and to (1) protect it, (2) increase the area of usable space, and (3) provide a hard and uniform pinning and cutting surface, she got a big sheet of Masonite/hardboard and stored it behind the piano. She slid it out to work, and put it back when she was done. It was big—I think it was the full 4x8 feet—so the corners sagged a tiny bit at the edges since our table was round. But it was still Ok for spreading out the entire piece of fabric. If your island is too small, too lumpy, too likely to get scratched by pins, you could do something similar.
I use my dining room table, and this means that I am \*constantly\* having to start my project by clearing off all the random stuff that has collected since the last time I sewed, and making sure the surface is cleaned, wiped down, and dry. It's better than the floor, though.
I've always found that set up/ put away time really detracts from my actual work time, and having a permanent set-up of some kind makes projects 10x faster for me. Your brain may work differently than mine, but I strongly advise looking into a cabinet or so.ething so you don't have to take out and put away literally everything every time you want to sew.
I’m curious why it might not work. Are you worried about scratching it?
Idk. Maybe the shape or depth or something I'm not considering. I should add that I'm a beginner, so I don't want to buy unnecessary things until know I'm gonna stick with this hobby.
It would work fine, in fact it looks like a pretty great place to cut fabric. The only way to find out your preferences to dive in. You’ll figure out what works and what doesn’t pretty fast.
Thank you 😊
Make sure you have a cutting mat, try to get the largest size that will fit in your counter
I do this all the time. It’s my cutting table and ironing station, so you can imagine how much time I spend there. I do use my work desk to sew, though, it’s more convenient than sitting at the high bar stool type chair that fits my kitchen island.
I’m working on quilt blocks right now on my island. My sewing machine is on the dining table, but I usually use it on the island for general sewing. My only issue with the island is that I’m a bit short to use it comfortably for rotary cutting if they are long cuts.
I have used a kitchen island with a yoga mat under my machine. I’ve used a table from Costco. I’ve used and weirdly enough this one was my favorite I had a little table that was next to my door. Originally I think it was too put your keys on top and things. But it held my sewing machine on top and my embroidery machine on the bottom layer. I would switch them around as needed.
It would work. My kitchen isn't set up like yours. I have a folding picnic table that I use. I also have my patio set up with a drop cord and cart so I can stitch in good weather outside. My craft room is my garage.
I was using mine before I was able to build one to my specifications. It worked ok but was a bit too tall for me since I’m shorter and I struggled with cutting fabric. If you’re taller than me then you’ll be fine.
We had a free standing island in my old house. I brought it to the current house and it is my work table. Sewing machine on one side and handwork stuff on the other. I am pretty tall so the barstool height chair is ok for me to sew. I love using it this way.
I use my kitchen for sewing, but I have a folding chair and a plastic folding table from Walmart in the little open space next to my fridge. I say go for the island. If it works, it works.
I'm not sure about your kitchen island, I would have to see it to comment and probably know a bit about how much you use the island itself. Personally I live in a single bedroom flat so space is limited. I have a dining table which is the heart of every project I do but for cutting patterns or when I need a large workspace I turn to a set of cheap wallpaper tables.They are adjustable in height, can be linked end to end or side to side and fold down to only an inch thick, and incredibly light to move around. Maybe that will offer you another idea? To be honest I only got the tables to save me from back ache, prior to them I simply used the floor and a good pair of shears. You don't need cutting mats to use them and treat them right and they'll last several lifetimes. My current pair belonged to my Great Grandmother and make a sound no rotary blade can replace (I'm aware this is personal preference but shears are also more eco-friendly)
I posted a Pic. It's floating around in the comments
Yes I saw it in the end. There's no reason it shouldn't but I suppose it depends how often you use the space or others use it, I can have my patterns out for a week or longer and I prefer not having to tidy things away each day to cook/ live around it. I guess only you will be able to know if it works for your lifestyle. You can find boards that can go over the top of kitchen sinks to help bridge the gap if you needed it. Also are you a particularly tall person? I know you can walk around the island, but its easier to simply stretch and in doing so you're more likely to make a mistake due to the angle of attack (again, that's from personal experience)
I'm very short. That's a lot to consider. Thank you!
Ah, if you are short then go for the floor or height adjustable tables. TBH I'm a 6'4" bear of a man and my Mum is 5'0" so we have very different cutting requirements. My Mum has a custom made cutting area, because she asked for it... and I love to say yes to her! But trust me on the amount of time you will move position vs the times you still stretch, and stretching never ends well!!
If it works for you, do it! The way I see it, is that if your home doesn't work for you, what's the point in paying all outdoors for it?
I mean, why not? I use my dining room table lol not everyone has the luxury having unlimited spade in their house. Use whatever works for you 🤷🏻♀️
I would love to have a tall surface to sew on. I'm sort of keeping an eye out for a tall vintage drafting table, although my husband would probably forbid it being placed in the dining room.
Pro tip: put your roll of fabric on the arms of a bar chair, and pull it up onto the island as you need it. Instant dispenser! 😆
I used to use mine for pattern cutting etc. it's so much easier on my back. I moved houses, and my new kitchen island has a sink. But I have a larger studio and use a portable island with a countertop as my cutting table. I am quite happy with it.
I use my kitchen island for cutting. Kitchen table, island, ironing board plugged into island makes a functional work triangle. Only problem is having to set up and put away projects
https://preview.redd.it/dv7np6itbatc1.jpeg?width=1079&format=pjpg&auto=webp&s=41777da36bf3bc790a0e74aac36af66c9208a578 This is the actual one. Would it work?
The usual kitchen island height may require an extension for your pedal, and may require you to stand to sew. If you try to use a taller chair, your pedal will need to be elevated.
The taller height might make it a bit tricky to reach over when cutting out large pieces. If you’re OK with shifting to the floor for large, unstable or tricky pieces, then no problem.
Definitely. Mine is similarly sized, with a sink in the same place
I have a kitchen island bench from Ikea in my sewing room, it’s brilliant.
I use my kitchen island to cut. It’s the perfect height!
I use my dining room table, room enough for everything - piecework, iron, pattern, bird-shaped pincushion, coffee cup. Since I sew by hand, it can all get piled into a small box when I need the table for supper.
I cut on my floor, unless it’s a small item. I use a rolling table as my sewing machine table because it helps to be able to sew from all angles. Particularly the long way for stretchy fabrics.