How to Make a Sewing Machine Cabinet

Calculate the dimensions of your workspace and how large you would like the top surface of your cabinet to be. The size depends on how much room you have. From there you can decide how high to make your cabinet. An ideal sewing table height is 28 inches.

Purchase the wood. Three-quarter inch plywood works well for this project. You will need a piece for the top surface, approximately 48 inches by 20 inches; four pieces for the cabinet to stand on (two for each side, so you can make smaller nooks between them for storing materials), approximately 20 inches by 28 inches; one piece for the back, approximately 48 inches by 28 inches; and smaller pieces to make shelves, each approximately 14 inches by 20 inches.

Purchase hardware and other supplies. Six-penny or 8-penny finishing nails work well for this project. You will also need wood stain if you choose to finish the wood. You might also consider buying fabric or plastic storage bins to place on the shelves for organization.

Measure each piece of wood to ensure the pieces fit properly, using the dimensions provided in Step 1. Use the saw to make adjustments, if necessary. You will have one piece for the top, one piece for the back, two pieces for each side of the desk, and extra pieces for shelves if you desire. Wear protective glasses and gloves when working with the wood.

Attach the back piece (48" x 28") to two of the side pieces (20" x 28"), which will serve as the outer side pieces. Hammer the nails through the back piece into the side pieces so the nails are flush with the wood. Attach the two remaining side pieces (the inner pieces) about 14 inches inward from the outer side pieces. You should place a nail about every 6 to 8 inches to make the desk secure.

Attach the top piece (48"x20") to the back and side pieces using the hammer and nails. Again, nails should be placed about every 6 to 8 inches and hammered flush with the wood.

Measure the space for shelves if you choose. Fit a shelf piece (14" x 20") in between an outer and inner side piece at the midway point between the floor and top of the desk. Hammer the shelf piece into place. Repeat these steps for other shelves you wish to have.

Sand down any rough edges with the sander. Finish the wood with the wood stain if you choose.

Place fabric bins on the shelves for organizing.