DIY Network

Sewing Nook & Keyboard Installation The Suhocki's sewing center gets some special touches. From "DIY to the Rescue" episode DTTR-708

DIY to the Rescue and Anne Marie Suhocki put the last minute touches on the sewing corner, including a nook for the sewing machine to fit under so that it is out of the way when not in use and a keyboard drawer to hide the keyboard when the family isn’t on the computer.

The sewing center is complete with a drop box for the machine...

...and a computer section complete with a keyboard tray.

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Materials:

router
drill
paddle bit
drawer glides
2- 1 x 3 pieces of plywood

Steps:

1. Trace around the sewing machine onto the countertop to give an outline of where to cut the counter.

2. First drill holes in each corner with a drill to give the jigsaw an entry point (Figure A) and room to round each corner as you cut. Then, cut out an opening on the top of the counter for the sewing machine using a jigsaw in between the four drilled points (Figure B).

Figure A

Figure B

3. Then, screw in some hinges that will allow the box to drop away and hide the sewing machine when it’s not being used (Figure C). Also, install two 3 1/2-inch barrel bolts (also called slide bolts) underneath the desktop. These are available in the hardware section of any home store. These work to hold the sewing machine in the "up" position and keep the machine from dropping down. Simply retract the bolts to drop the sewing machine.

With the sewing machine in the "down" position, there is a separate hatch that fits directly into the hole to create a continous counter top. This piece is stored underneath when not in use.

4. Finally router the edges for a smooth finish (Figure D).

Figure C

Figure D

5. To install a keyboard drawer, drill two pieces of plywood (approx. 1x3) vertically underneath one side of the desktop.

6. Before actually drilling them into the countertop, install a standard cabinet glide to each piece. Then when installing make sure each glide is facing towards the inside.

7. Measure out the distance between the two pieces of plywood and cut another piece to that measurement.

Figure E

8. Install the other part of the drawer glide onto either edge, and install underneath the countertop (Figure E).