The most important piece of sewing equipment I own is my sewing machine (I mean, we are talking sewing equipment) but the second most important, most appreciated and maybe the most used sewing tool I own is my cutting/ironing/work surface/table. Yes, it is all of those things and yet it is only a cheap door covered in quilt batting and muslin and perched upon two bookcases.
This is why it is the ultimate work surface
- It can be set up temporarily (put up and taken down as you need it) or kept up permanently depending on your space.
- It can be set at the height most comfortable for you to work at.
- Its padded surface can be used for ironing and can be pinned into if needed.
- It is large enough to layout a pattern for cutting (not all patterns will layout completely but a huge portion of the pattern will fit at one time).
- It is a hard, sturdy surface that will not bend when you put weight on it.
- It’s affordable to start and what the work surface stands upon can be upgraded as the budget and/or desire permits.
This is what you need to make the ultimate work surface
- A hollow core interior slab door from the hardware store. They come different widths (the wider the better for cutting patterns out on) and cost about $25.
- 100% cotton batting or wool felt batting. A Full Size roll of cotton quilter’s batting was enough for two layers of padding (minimum that you want). With a store coupon it cost $22. Full price was $29.
- Muslin or canvas of 100% cotton, linen or wool to cover the batting. I used 90″ wide muslin (the wide width gave me two layers) which I purchased when the mega fabric store was running a sale. It runs about $6 a yard when full price and you need 2 1/2 yards- the length of the door.
- A staple gun and 5/16″ up to size 1/2″ flat staples (my husband owned the staple gun. You could borrow from a neighbor) The staples cost $3.50 a box. You need only a small box.
- A hammer
How to make the ultimate work surface (the quick and dirty explanation)
- Cover one flat side of the door with at least two layers of batting. Wrap the overhang around the edges and staple on to the underside.
- Lay the muslin (or other 100% natural fabric) on top of the batting and also wrap around and staple to the underside. Tap staples down flat with a hammer
- Prop your ultimate work surface onto almost anything to get it at the height you need. Saw horse legs, your dining room table table, a folding banquet table with scrap wood placed on top at the corners, to raise your surface even more, book cases (file cabinets are too short or too tall) or even on the seats of four sturdy stools.
Keep this in mind
- Your batting and cover must be 100% wool, cotton or linen. Synthetic batting and fabric will melt under the high heat of the iron.
- For your safety be sure what ever you use to prop your ultimate work surface onto is sturdy.
- There’s no need to pre-wash your cover fabric.
- It’s great if you can walk around at least three sides of your work surface.
- The door maybe awkward to move around for you so ask for help if needed.
