How can I temporarily convert my dining table to a sewing table?

Question

We are not using our dining table for the moment and I'd like to use it as a sewing table in another room. I just took up sewing and anticipate using the table relatively lightly to house my machine (I'm not a regular sewer, if that's a word). I'd also like to use it for cutting fabric. It's a 60 x 36 inch table. How can I protect the top of the dining table and also make the table more useful for sewing projects? It's not an antique or anything, but I don't want to cut, gauge, or screw anything into the table. I'll probably be using the table exclusively for this purpose for the next 6 months to a year. Thanks!

Answer 1

I've used mine for cutting out and sewing on for years. Since the "feet" of my portable sewing machine are rubber coated, just covering the table with a plastic tablecloth (with foam backing) protected it well.



My table is an oval shape and a bit shorter than yours. What I used to cover it for cutting things out is a piece of foam insulation, cut and then duct-taped at the seam so it folds for storage (it's 4' x 8' opened up but you could cut it smaller). http://www.homedepot.com/Building-Materials-Insulation-Rigid-Insulation/h_d1/N-5yc1vZbaxx/R-100572981/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051

Answer 2

This method will be simple, and will allow you to reuse it again.



Make a pattern out of cardboard (duck-tape multiple pieces of cardboard if you have to) equivalent to the width and length of your table. Then, place it on your table, and cover it with a picnic table cloth, and use special picnic table cloth clips on the four ends to hold it down. This way, you will not damage or mark up your table, and allows you to find an inexpensive method. You can even fold it up to use for the future.



Also, if you do not want any needles or pins to roll off, simply flip the tablecloth over to the fuzzy side, and prevent them from doing so.



I hope this helps! :)

Answer 3

Get a board like this http://www.joann.com/superboard-40-x72-open-14-x40-folded/zprd_01025055a/

They're made of corrugated cardboard and have a one-inch grid and other markings on them. I put one on top of my dining room table when I need to cut, pin, etc.