By Julie on October 4th, 2020 This site contains affiliate links to products. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links.
Looking for FREE embroidery designs and PDF patterns?
Subscribe to the Machine Embroidery Geek newsletter
For tips, how-tos, loads of inspiration and access to the resource library full of free machine embroidery designs and PDF patterns.
Thank you!
You have successfully joined our subscriber list.
If you have been looking to buy a table for your embroidery machine but are finding the specialized tables for sewing and embroidery at your local sewing machine shop to be a bit on the pricey side, then maybe you are looking in the wrong place. A good embroidery machine table is essential, but it doesn’t need to be expensive. Here are some of the best, albeit slightly unconventional table solutions for embroidery machines.
Embroidery machine tables and table making supplies mentioned in this post
Different table needs for different types of embroidery machines
The type of table that is suitable for an embroidery machine is dependent on the embroidery machine you own. If you have a single needle embroidery machine, it makes sense for the embroidery machine to be at desk height. If the embroidery machine is a combo embroidery / sewing machine, you will want to have it at a desk level so that you can sit down and sew on the machine but also use it for embroidery. But, even if your home embroidery machine is strictly for embroidery, you may want to have it at desk height. I find that I often sew while I’m babysitting my embroidery machine so it’s nice to have them at the same height as a I can peek over at my embroidery machine while it’s running.
When it comes to commercial multi-needle embroidery machines, they are typically positioned a bit higher. The reason? You will not be sewing on the machine so it doesn’t need to be at desk height to allow you to operate any pedals. And, keeping it at shoulder height allows you to stand up straight while you are taking items on and off the machine.
Qualities of a good embroidery machine table
Regardless of what type of embroidery machine you own, you will want to make sure that the table is stable and doesn’t move around while the machine is stitching. You will likely find that a flimsy card table does not offer the support that your embroidery machine needs.
You should also ensure that the table, desk or cart you purchase or make has enough space for the hoop to move. On several occasions I’ve pushed my embroidery machine too close to some type of obstacle which caused a problem while my machine was stitching.
And finally, you need to find a table that will fit in your own space. We all have different space constraints in our embroidery work areas, so you need to find a solution that will work for you.
Minimalist carts
The tables sold specifically for multi-needle machines can get a bit pricey! Fortunately, there are a lot of less expensive but just as effective alternatives.
If you want the ability to move your machine around a bit, check out this tough rolling cart from Sam’s club. It’s made from steel with nice big casters and a solid maple top. You can cut the top as needed. I added a shelf, for more storage. Works great on my 10 needle and so much less expensive than the 700 bucks for their cart
Minimalist tables and desks
A corner table for your sewing and embroidery machine
When you are moving back and forth between a sewing and embroidery machine, a corner desk makes a lot of sense. There are a couple of really inexpensive options available on Amazon that totally fit the bill. This minimalist corner desk and this clean and simple corner desk will allow you to easily move between your different machines. And both are less than $200.
A simple big table
Sometimes a simple, big table is all you need, especially if you use rolling carts that can tuck underneath. It doesn’t get much cheaper than the centerfold table from Walmart. For less than $100, you can get the table plus a rolling cart with drawers to stash your supplies underneath.
If you are looking for a more modern table are are willing to spend a few more bucks, a simple computer desk will work.
If you like the idea of built-in storage with your embroidery machine table, check out this reasonably priced desk with tons of cubbies on the side. You may be able to store everything you need in this compact space while having ample room for your embroidery machine.
Embroidery machine tables that can hideaway
Machine embroidery can get a bit messy. So, if your workspace is also your living space, you may want to be able to hide it all away. Fortunately, there are some attractive armoire options that allow you to pull out a table for embroidering and provide storage for all your supplies. Then, when you are done, you can tuck it all away.
This craft hiding table has a super small footprint so when you are not embroidering, you’ll barely notice it’s there. However, when you open it up, you have ample room to set up you embroidery machine. The only downside is that you will have to store your machine on the shelf inside, take it out and set it on the table when you are ready to embroider.
DIY embroidery machine table solutions
Some of the best embroidery machine table solutions are ones that we invent for ourselves. These creative folks, repurposed different materials to come up with some pretty creative solutions.
Bookshelves and a door for a counter height table
Photo provided by Suzanne Sargent of the Stitch Witch and used with her permission.
One way to make a table for your embroidery machine is to mount a plain hallow door on top of two bookshelves. You can get two 3 shelf bookcases from Walmart for about $25 each and a plain hollow door from Lowe’s (about $40). It makes a perfect waist high table ever with plenty of storage on the ends.
If you really want to maximize your storage space, add more shelves for support. You can practically store everything embroidery supply you own in this clever table.
Photo provided by Kelly Banks and used with her permisison.
Cubbies and a door
Photo provided by Lindsey Veal and used with her permission.
You can do this same trick with cubby shelves instead of book shelves for more pre-defined spaces. If you buy the fabric boxes that fit into the cubbies you can hide away more of your supplies.
The cool thing about making the table yourself is that you can build it to any configuration.  You can use shelves as supports to even build an L-shaped table.
Photo provided by Lauren King and used with her permission.
File cabinets and a top
If you need a solution that is desk height, these shelves would obviously be too high. File cabinets are a great for supporting a door or pieces of laminate and provide storage on the sides. And guess what? You can even store your fabric in the file cabinets!
You can either buy the file cabinets or find them used. With so many documents going digital these days, file cabinets are a popular item at thrift stores. Check out your local Habitat for Humanity Re-Store as they often have salvage doors that make a great table top.
Ready to set up your embroidery machine table?
I’m certainly feeling inspired. I now see that I can get a lot more from my embroidery machine table and I’m ready to make some improvements.
Happy stitching!
xo
Julie
Essential Supplies for Machine Embroidery
Love free machine embroidery designs and PDF patterns?
A lot of great ideas. I usually have a preference for things on wheels. I try to find a way to break down the bigger table to smaller ones with wheels. Then you can move them out of the way and only use part of the system. I favorite is to have 3 tables on wheels and put them together with a ironing board cover I made , then prep large amounts of fabric at one time
“I recently took one of Julie Griffey’s, The Machine Embroidery Geek, machine embroidery classes. Instructions were clear with good examples of the step-by-step progress to complete the project. The tips she provided kept me from making some frustrating errors. I enjoyed the class and came away with an awesome and fun handmade craft.”
A lot of great ideas. I usually have a preference for things on wheels. I try to find a way to break down the bigger table to smaller ones with wheels. Then you can move them out of the way and only use part of the system. I favorite is to have 3 tables on wheels and put them together with a ironing board cover I made , then prep large amounts of fabric at one time