Wednesday, August 14, 2013

From my Quilty Studio...Ironing/Cutting Table Tutorial!!!


I know that today is normally Quilty Barn Along day...
but that will have to wait for a day or so 
until I get all caught up from the photo shoot:)
So instead...
I'm bringing you a much requested tutorial from my studio!!!


I have had so many ask me about my ironing table 
so today I thought I would tell you all about it.
Mr. Honey and I made it when we built my studio 20 years ago.

As you can see...I started with white cabinets underneath...
(cabinets and drawers open on both sides and the backs are against each other)
On the end is a bookcase that matches the cabinets 
with bins that I keep patterns and things in.
(the bookcase is not quite as tall as the counter)

On top of the whole thing is a piece of plywood 
that we bought from the hardware store.
It measures about 3/4"thick and is 4 feet wide and 6 feet deep.

Mr. Honey screwed it to the top of the cabinets...
(from the top down) 
We also cut the corners off of the ends a little so that
 there would be no dangerous sharp points.



(I undid this corner a bit so that you could see the layers underneath)
After the top was screwed on securely...
we used a staple gun and covered the whole top with a piece of 
Warm and Natural (100% cotton batting)

This is a good dense batting and works perfectly because it 
gives just the right amount of padding without being soft.
It's important that your ironing surface is not "puffy" because
 it's hard to get a good press on seams.

We cut the batting a little larger than the top and simply wrapped
 it around the edges and when it was smooth...
we stapled it from underneath the edge.


Then on top of the batting...we covered it with the silver ironing board fabric
 that you can purchase by the yard at JoAnns.

We also wrapped it around and stapled it too.
It didn't come as big as we needed it so we simply overlapped it a bit.



On the corners we folded it in sort of like wrapping a present...


like this. 
We stapled it down as many times as needed
 to make sure it was smooth on the top.


Then we covered it with fabric!
I usually use a 100% cotton decorator weight fabric for my covers.
(I'm always on the lookout for when it's on sale)
 It comes 54" wide  and then I just purchase 2 1/8 yards for the length.
I need to have enough to wrap around and staple.

The last few times that it has been time for a new cover...
we just kept the same batting, silver ironing board fabric
 and previous cover in place...
and cover over the top with the new piece of fabric.



We move everything off the table and start against the wall.
Centering the fabric... 
we fold it under a few inches for a finished edge
 and staple it into place from the top down.

These staples that are against the wall...
show at the top if you really look 
but I usually have things setting all along there anyway.


Then we start down one side and staple underneath.
As Mr. Honey staples...
I am on the other side keeping the fabric smoothed and in the right place.


We do both sides and leave the end for last.


When we get to the end we trim off the excess fabric...



Wrap it around...and staple.
We leave the corners until last and then we fold under and staple away!


This is what it looks like underneath..
This is where I keep my stool to reach the high cupboards...
My white garbage can and
the aqua container hold my leftover scraps when
 cutting that are too large to throw away.
When it gets full...I divide them by size and put them away.
(that's another tutorial for later)


A nice finished edge on the sides.


This is the other side:)


Once it's covered...
I put everything back on top.


I can put my cutting mat on the end or on either side...


I use the 24" x 36" cutting mat.
It's my favorite size 
to have on this surface. 


I can remove my mat when I need to iron a large piece of fabric...


but this is my usual way I do it...
I press my fabric on the right and move it over to the left on the mat for cutting.
(after it cools off of course...I don't want to warp my mat)


The view from the other side:)


I love this set up so much!!!
 It has served me well over the years.
I have lots of storage underneath and a nice large ironing and cutting surface.

I forgot to tell you that we made the plywood hang over
 the cabinets on this side by about 15" leaving me plenty of knee room
 when I am sitting up to it on my barstool for drawing!

The height of my ironing/cutting table is 36"...
the same as kitchen countertop height.
It's easy on the back when cutting at 
this height because you don't have to bend!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial from my studio 
and that you find it helpful for your very own set up.
Remember...it's not about how much space you have...
but how well you use it!!!

I have several more tutorials like this planned for you.
What would you like to know about the things in my studio???

Have a quilty kind of day...
xx
Lori



72 comments:

  1. Genius! I never thought about covering my cutting table with fabric like that and doubling it as a huge ironing surface. *skipping off to find hubby and tell him about his exciting new project*

    ReplyDelete
  2. Yes, yes, yes. I loved this tut and look forward to more!

    ReplyDelete
  3. No words..just amazing and so so cute!! Following you always and happy to!!
    Kisses from Spain, hope to be able to buy your new or old book as I didn't won the electronic version and you don't serve it in Spain!
    Let's wait to have them..
    Elena
    http://elenaysuslabores.blogspot.com.es/

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love your quilting studio and this cutting pressing tutorial.. The colours are fresh and inviting. My new room is great but my cutting table is too low low. Thanks for the inspiration.

    ReplyDelete
  5. So pretty & what a great idea! Thank you!! Instead of replacing the current table I cut off of, we will get cabinet!!!
    😊
    Diana

    ReplyDelete
  6. Lori I love your setup but am wondering if this much overhang makes it difficult to get into that drawer and cabinet? I have similar cabinets but have them single file along a wall. I'd love to move them out like you have yours. Do you know how wide the space is between your cutting table and the cabinet behind it? blessings, marlene

    ReplyDelete
  7. Iove that!theres; nothing worse than having to iron large pieces of fabric with it all over the floor lol!, every morning I visit to see whatyou're up to lol!
    Helen

    ReplyDelete
  8. Thanks Lori! My hubby says he is starting on my studio soon so I need all the ideas I can get to use the space that he has planned.

    ReplyDelete
  9. You have an absolutely beautiful studio. Everything seems to have a place and is in that place. Easy to find, easy to keep clean and organized. A fun place to go and create all your lovelies.

    Thank you for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Let me be the first to thank you for this excellent tutorial. I stumbled onto your blog and participated in the row along last year. I have a beautiful quilt waiting for binding! Since then, I have followed you and have your book on order! Can't wait to get it and do all of the projects! I'm not doing the barn along because I live in Florida where we don't have very many barns and the ones we have are not pretty like those you find in the northeast. Thank you!

    ReplyDelete
  11. Thanks for the tutorial on your ironing/cutting table. It's such a useful table and also doable, especially if you have someone like Mr. Honey to help.

    As far as I'm concerned, you could just keep working around your studio and telling us about every corner.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love it Lori. I use a Triton workbench with a cutting mat that covers the whole surface as my main work table and place a small ironing board on top for ironing smaller pieces. Under bench storage is so valuable and I love how pretty and practical your workspace is.

    ReplyDelete
  13. I like your cutting/ironing board. Just a note to share... I have a large, modern, collapsible ironing board, extra wide. I also have an antique ironing board made out of wood with a wood plank surface, covered with batting and fabric. When I am ironing quilt pieces, blocks, squares...I find the wood reflects the heat better from the bottom side and gives it a much better press. Just sayin'.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Awesome!
    I finally had my Row Along Qult professionally quilted and am now hand sewing the binding. I will show it at our local Quilt Show next February. I am so excited. I love the ooh and aaaahs I get when seasoned quilters see "our" quilt.
    I will submit photo when finished.
    I have preordered your book too. Gotta show everyone your creations.
    Kathleen aka Kathi Kraftyzales

    ReplyDelete
  15. Thank you so much Lori. I am settingup a studio
    and have been gathering info for cutting tables. I knew I wanted counter height, but wasn't sure exactly how I wanted the setup. This is perfect! I will see if I can fnd the ironing fabric here in Canada and if not, we are in Maine next week, so I will pop in Joann's. Your studio a d your whole house is just lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thank you so much Lori. I am settingup a studio
    and have been gathering info for cutting tables. I knew I wanted counter height, but wasn't sure exactly how I wanted the setup. This is perfect! I will see if I can fnd the ironing fabric here in Canada and if not, we are in Maine next week, so I will pop in Joann's. Your studio a d your whole house is just lovely!

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wonderful Lori thanks for sharing this. Patty in Ohio

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks Lori for the great tutorial. I love your workspace! I have a small sewing room and something like this would eliminate all the other storage spaces and give me room to walk around. Pat

    ReplyDelete
  19. Thank you for sharing all of your ideas. My cutting table is too low and need to find something else. Your idea is great and will help me when deciding how to change my room. The cutting and ironing in one is fantastic!!

    ReplyDelete
  20. I love your ironing table. When I was younger a few thousand years ago, I had a ironing table also made out of a sheet of plywood but had legs on it with wheels so that I could move it around the room. I also had a shelf about a foot off of the floor also made of plywood for storing my fabric. I could iron drapes on it. I love your idea of the dish drainage container to help you keep organized. Sure wish I was able to have that wonderful ironing table now. I will have to stick with my rectangle ironing board.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Thanks for sharing ~ I am working on organizing my sewing room (4 years now) and every little bid of advice helps ~ thanks again and especially for showing off your photos the last two days. Have a wonderful rest of the day.

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wow, great job! I wish I had the space for an ironing board like that too. Oh, well. Still, love your ironing board!

    ReplyDelete
  23. Such a great idea! Those ironing boards (even the large ones) never have enough room.

    ReplyDelete
  24. Absolutely beautifully organized. You mentioned that you sort scraps by size. How do you organize your scraps?

    ReplyDelete
  25. Thank you SO much! I already have a monster of a table... now to gather supplies to.cover it!

    ReplyDelete
  26. I love the cupboard space underneath! And your aqua can for big scraps...that aren't seen....is great.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thank you Lori! This is such a good tutorial!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. What a great tutorial! I only wish I had the space for one :) My little sewing room is jammed. I do have one question though - where or how do you store a cutting mat of that size when it isn't being used? Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  29. I have so enjoyed seeing all your photos in the last few posts. I am looking forward to getting your book!

    ReplyDelete
  30. OMG, I am just sitting here, gushing & whining & sighing over every pic & word. You are so lucky to have a hubby that can & will build such an amazing room for you! Thanks for the info about the cutting/ironing table. It's a real gem!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Thank You for this tutorial. I just love your cozy sewing room. Looking at your wall of fabric baskets gives me such a warm and happy feeling. Can't wait to receive your new book.

    ReplyDelete
  32. What an awesome setup you have...I am a bit jealous ;) But, I have to say that I am glad you have a great work space like that so you can keep creating wonderful patterns for the rest of us!

    ReplyDelete
  33. Lori I have serious iron envy going on here. But don't tell anyone how great they are or they'll be impossible to find and get expensive!

    ReplyDelete
  34. This is really wonderful. I live in an apartment so had to go with the Big Board ironing board for my own use, but if I were in a house, I would definitely do this. Brilliant. Thanks for sharing the tutorial. I will file it away for when I win the lottery (LOL) and can buy a little house.

    ReplyDelete
  35. This was a great tutorial and your pictures really did a good job to show how you made it. Your studio looks so efficient and holds so much. I would love more studio tutorials!

    ReplyDelete
  36. Great tutorial! Yes I would love to see some more things in your studio. It is always wonderful to have some one work out the bugs!

    ReplyDelete
  37. Your studio has so many great things down to the cupboards underneath the ironing/cutting area. Thank you for sharing your tutorial.

    ReplyDelete
  38. Lori, thanks for taking the time to show us your set-up and instructions for us to adapt to our needs. I am trying to create a special sewing space (and get off the dining room table)- this is so spot on for me. LOVE, love following your blog.
    Donna in TN

    ReplyDelete
  39. Lori, I love your quilting studio. Thanks for the tutorial, great ironing station.

    ReplyDelete
  40. Fantastic idea! I love that you explained that you created the extra overhang so you could use it as a drawing table too: great idea for a multi-functioned space!! Thanks! and yes, I'd love to see other ideas you have implemented in your studio!

    ReplyDelete
  41. Thanks for the tutorial. I'm about to take one of our old kitchen base cabinets (24 x 60) and cover it with a piece of plywood made into an ironing surface. I have always done a casing on the edge of my covers but I think I might just staple it this time. I also think, after seeing yours, that I will make the top about 2" bigger all the way around instead of an exact fit like I originally planned.

    ReplyDelete
  42. Genius!
    I'd love to see more of any part of your lovely studio.
    How do you remember where to find items that are stored in drawers and cabinets? I spend way too much time looking for things in my sewing room!

    ReplyDelete
  43. I enjoyed your tutorial so much. Your studio is so creative. I would like to see information on how you organize your books and magazines. I love to read about quilting/techniques etc. but my ever growing resources tend to get out of control. Keep the info coming and I also can't wait for your new book. So exciting!!

    ReplyDelete
  44. This is a perfect height, and I agree it's very practical and useful for like-minded quilters. Very good info and kind of you to share all the photos and instructions. Love you sewing studio and your quilt creations.

    ReplyDelete
  45. Thanks for this helpful information, Lori. Love your studio.

    Happy Sewing!
    Nancy

    ReplyDelete
  46. Hello I have just found your gorgeous blog through instagram- very happy to be your newest follower..... off to catch up a bit with your amazing posts x

    ReplyDelete
  47. Love the table! I spotted the dish drainer on your table as well -- very clever use for it too! I'd like a little more info on the smaller cutting mats that were shown in some of the pics the last couple of posts.

    ReplyDelete
  48. I love your bright and happy sewing room.

    ReplyDelete
  49. This was one of those, "Duh, why didn't I think of that!" posts!!! To be able to iron ON the cutting table is genius! I'm off to Home Depot and JoAnn's to get my supplies - thanks so much, you are always an inspiration for me, in one way or another! xo, Nan

    ReplyDelete
  50. Thank you for this wonderful tutorial on your cutting table in your sewing studio. Would you mind sharing what height your stool is for scooting under the 36 inch table? Can't tell you how much I love all your designs and fabric lines!

    ReplyDelete
  51. Is your vintage White sewing machine your fulltime machine or just for pics? I have several machine but prefer piecing on a 1955 Singer 301. I'm in love with all the red and aqua! Amie :0)

    ReplyDelete
  52. Hello, I'm follower of your blog. I love it very much.
    The ironing-table is such a good idea.
    I made a little one like this too.
    Greetings from Germany
    Olga
    *hansundgrete-shop.blogspot.com*

    ReplyDelete
  53. Great! Thanks - in a couple of years .... Why do you have so many irons, and which is your favorite? I love your shelves with the baskets.

    ReplyDelete
  54. Hi Lori Just love your sewing studio. Did you paint that pretty pink cabinet. I also noticed you have painted furniture in your living room. Did you paint that also? Thanks

    ReplyDelete
  55. I was so happy to see your lineup of vintage irons and the dry iron sitting on the ironing table! After giving up on today's expensive auto shut-off, never hot enough irons I have dug out a couple of wonderful old irons I hadn't used in years! They still work! They get hot! So now I search out old steam and dry irons in yard sales and thrift shops just so I'll have a reserve collection! Please talk about yours!

    ReplyDelete
  56. They just don't make ANYTHING like they used to, do they? Wood & metal have been replaced with particle board & plastic & they just aren't as strong or efficient as the stuff made from good ol' Mother Earth. I'm about due for a new iron myself - maybe I should seek out an old one as well! :)

    ReplyDelete
  57. Your studio is so cute and so functional. I made your small, individual design walls for my blocks. Great idea, especially if I have to change projects in a hurry. Next project- an ironing table.
    Keep the ideas coming!

    ReplyDelete
  58. Hi Lori,
    I loved seeing round your studio and how you made your ironing table. I do like an organised room, a lady after my own heart! I wonder if I could ask you about your machine? I see it is set into your table but has an insert round it. Is this metal and may I ask how you came about it? I want to do this with my large quilting machine so would be grateful for any guidance.
    Many thanks, going to read back through more of your blog now,
    Hen x
    (The posy-making lady from England!)

    ReplyDelete
  59. Used your tutorial to cover a wooden TV tray for a small ironing surface near my sewing machine.
    thank you!!

    ReplyDelete
  60. I love your Quilty studio, It's so sweet with all this colors !

    ReplyDelete
  61. As I was just finishing reading your post I spotted the repurposed dish rack,then I just had to scroll up to see all the other great organization ideas your space includes. I have only a 6 1/2 foot wall to use in a small room as my sewing space (hubby has a work bench on the other side of the room) so I am on the look out for any way to maximize the space. I may have to come up with a small and portable version of this, prehaps on a rolling metal cart...

    ReplyDelete
  62. I too have a Mr. Honey named Del :) he is going to help me create a sewing room in our spare bedroom this fall. My great friend Janey is giving me some base cabinets to make the ironing/cutting table! I CANNOT WAIT!! Lori, I hope you don't get tired of hearing this... Thank you thank you for your detailed, descriptive tutorials and your unselfish time and energy to help inspire and motivate all of us, your devoted followers:)

    ReplyDelete
  63. Oh, Lori, what a wonderful question to ask of a novice quilter who has worked in her space for two years and now wants to modify! Usually I buy prints in half metre pieces that I pre-wash, iron and fold in a certain way that fits my drawer units. But how do you store larger pieces, like full metres and greater (white and light neutral fabric goes out of the store so fast I buy it in three metre lengths. Also I buy potential backing fabrics in three metre lengths.) Thank you so much!

    ReplyDelete
  64. Thank you! It is great to see just how you made your ironing surface as I am currently working on putting one together for my sewing room but hadn't quite settled on padding/surfacing. What did you do for your design wall?

    Your studio is so cheery and inviting.

    ReplyDelete
  65. Great studio. IDK how you keep it so tidy. Looks like a good idea using the dish drainer- I see the pens in the silverware holder. What else is hiding in there? I'm doing a Primitive Gatherings SBOW & that drainer would be the *perfect* place to keep the weekly packs until they're sewn!

    ReplyDelete
  66. Lori,

    Thanks so much! I have been wanting a new cutting board and ironing board built... I can hardly wait to try this. I didn't realize I could purchase that large of wood..(Home Depot?)

    Love reading your blog!

    Joyce

    ReplyDelete
  67. A very nice sewing-room!
    I like it.
    Greetings from Germany
    Olga
    *hansundgrete-shop.blogspot.com*

    ReplyDelete
  68. Lori yoi are one of if not my most favorite quilt designer. Your fabric is so colorful and cheerful. Will sew cherry ever come back? Ive run out and have bought from various sites but I want More!! Any suggestions? Do you get to have your fabric made even if its discontinued. That is my all time favorite fabric line.
    Blessings
    Gmama Jane

    ReplyDelete
  69. Love it. Getting ready to redo my room. I will be doing this. Thanks for idea.

    ReplyDelete