Replies

1. 
   Crish | May 23, 2002 03:16am | #1

   The best size is the one that works for you.  What height is easy on your back?  How far is it comfortable for you to reach and have control with your scissors?  Should be wide enough to support most fabric so it doesn't hang over the edge.  Long enough to accomodate garment length and possible folded excess without hanging over.  We use 4' x 8' in the shop.  I use a library table (purchased from the school whae they replaced equipment).  Better size for home space (40" X 70" I think) and extremely stable.  Height can be adjusted with PVC piping cut to correct length as leg extenders.

2. 
   carolfresia | May 23, 2002 03:26pm | #2

   Barbanne, if you can get your hands on a copy of Threads, no. 99, there's an article by Jan Bones on cutting tables. She has some good suggestions for how to put one together from purchased items like doors, filing cabinets and the like, and guidelines on ideal heights. Of course, as the previous poster says, the size is really up to you: how much room do you have for it? Do you cut mostly little quilt patches, or ballgowns? Etc....One of my favorite ideas from the article is covering the table top with cork, which is pinnable and washable, and somewhat non-skid.

   Carol

3. 
   LizMaynard | May 27, 2002 05:05am | #3

   My cutting table is 54" wide X 8ft. long because I sew home dec as well as clothing so the wider width helps.  For me, when I need it, it's there.  It's pretty high, a few in. below my bent elbow& did take getting used to but I love it.  I never have a back ache now.  The surface isplywood, then ceiling tiles (to stick pins in), then several layer of washed wool scraps (or old wool army blankets-washed), then several layers of cotton knit, then pre-washed canvas over all and stapled all around under the lip of the table.  I then glued 100" in tape measures down the lgth on each side--if I re-do it I will start the tapes 4" from end to help with drapery work.  I read how to do the layers someplace and I can pin, cut or press on the surface.  My sweet husband suggested I add shelves below--can be accessed from either of the long sides and can see to other side so I can put large stuff.  My cutting tools, interfacings, etc. are all in easy reach.  I added 6 shutter doors (fabric inserts in shutters) opening in center and fan folded to sides  on each side of table and the ends are bead board just to look pretty.  I'm so proud of it and use it every day!

4. 
   SewingSue | Jun 02, 2002 03:30pm | #4

   I use a 4x8' piece of board and cover it with an old sheet.  The wood is similiar to particle board and a little rough.  I have it covered with an old sheet stapled at the two long ends.  I have cats and they have to help out so I get cat hair on it.  I just remove the staples and throw the sheet in the wash and then staple it back on.  I have it on two saw horses and it works out great.  Not glamorous but very functional.  I really like the 8' length.  Most of the time, 4' wide is wider than I need but it comes in handy at times.

5. 
   Guest | Jun 02, 2002 06:10pm | #5

   I have a homemade one that rolls. I took a 32 x 60 piece of thick insulation board and padded it with wool , batting and heavy white muslin, then I affized it to plywood attachedto four rolling carts with drawers set at 32 inches high.  ( I am five feet tall) I found a large ironing board cover made for craft tables and put that on top and tightened it. When I want to use a rotary cutter I slide my 32 by 60 mat out of it's hiding place and set it on top.

   my pressing and cutting and measuring tools are kept in the drawers.

   This way I have a pressing/cutting table that can roll to access all four sides when I need to.