Sewing Room Work Table Tutorial: Measure, cut, pin, press, sew, and create on this custom made table

Along with my sewing machine, this table is the most important and time saving tool in my workroom! This tutorial explains the features of the table, gives resources for building the table, and step by step instructions on how to make and mark the specially designed top.
This table allows me to measure without a ruler or tape measure, square up fabric without a T-square, and cut straight lines without making a mark. You can pin right into it and iron with steam directly on it. Ideal for all types of home dec sewing, it's perfectly designed to quickly and easily make curtains, drapery panels, and shades. It is easily customizable for all types of sewing, including dressmaking, quilting, and crafting.

[@bettygentry9672]

A Million times over ... THANK YOU!!! I am setting up a tiny sewing area and needed an ironing/cutting table. After research I realized it would need to be a DIY in order to accommodate the small space effectively. Alas, I searched and searched for information on what materials to use for the layers. I was mentally EXHAUSTED. And then along comes "A square pillow isn't square." I am elated beyond words and ready to move forward, thanks to your wonderful video!!! Again THANK YOU!!!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

You’re welcome! So glad I could help you ☺️

[@lyn7841]

Thank-you so much! I'm opening a sewing center and with 900 sq ft it does not allow a big table but a modified one of the one you have made. It's perfect!

[@hannamarybredenkamp3544]

Wow... This was so worth watching😊 Thanks so much. You totally inspired me. I amactually looking for a 2 meter by 2 meter table for cutting etc, but a 60 inch can also be fine. It took me 2 and a half hours just to cut 2 pieces of fabric because I am work on a 90 centimeter by 1 meter table.😢 and I have ODC. So... I am so furstrated and started praying for getting ideas for a bigenough table WITH MEASUREMENTS on😂😂 Thanks for the inspiration.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I can’t make anything without my table! I just made a 2 piece portable table top for my new space - I’ll have to make a video on that one too :)

[@JoAustin-nr1lt]

THANK YOU sooooo much for this video. I have watched it so many times and have now, FINALLY, finished making mine. I made a topper which sits on top of my dining room table, so portable, even though it is 5 foot wide by 7.5 feet long!! I have covered it exactly the same as you. Drawing the lines was definitely a challenge but I drew them all in pencil first and then went over with the permanent marker when everything was correct. There was plenty of rubbing out - it is much harder than it looks!!. But I got there in the end and it is perfect. Really looking forward to starting my first project now - full length, interlined drapes. Thank you, you are a brilliant teacher x

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Awesome!! You will LOVE LOVE LOVE working on this table! (Yes, the lines are the hardest part but soooo worth it)

[@elementgypsy]

Glad to hear. This is my plan too

[@HeikeHaber]

Hello, I'm from Germany and so glad I found this video. Here I only find building instructions with IKEA furniture. I have now built a mix using the table setup from you. Thank you so much for sharing. Greetings from Germany 😘

[@cheriefletcher7217]

WOW! Thank you so much. You are soooo thorough. I appreciate the time you took to create this video. It is such valuable information.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

😊

[@IMOO1896]

You’ve put a lot of thought into the work table!

[@pjnewbee]

Wow, Thanks I can see one of these in my future!

[@susanrodesky9872]

This video has become my most treasured tutorial! I am doodling and designing a sewing studio for a new residence (to hopefully happen this year) and I have always wanted a large cutting and pressing table. Then suddenly,...there you were at my rescue! Making a table per se is the easy part but how to prepare and cover the top was an issue that always mystified me. Thank you, thank you, thank you! With all this information, I am chomping at the bit to get started. Gotta' get the new house first though!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I'm so glad this will help you!! It was a tough video to make and I procrastinated making it for a long time, so it's nice to know it made a difference for someone 🙂

[@angiesc9169]

Amazing table and amazing tutorial!! I have table envy!! 😂

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Well if you're going to have envy this is the good kind 🙂 I do love my table!!

[@marshatwiford4230]

The addition of the work table to my sewing room is the BEST investment. I have had two made (one for my primary residence and one for a vacation home where we spend a good bit of time.) I used all of the Rowley products from start to finish and could not be more pleased with the quality and it took the guesswork out for me. Yes, it's pricey, but after hiring a carpenter to put it all together with the explicit instructions, he was easily able to produce the kind of tables I had only dreamed about. My husband is talented, but handy he's not!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Good for you for doing it right!! Yes, it is absolutely the best investment. I spend more time by far at the table than I do at the sewing machine!

[@Grumplestitskin]

This is exactly what I was hoping to find! Thank you very much for all the info!

[@LeahHa8]

Thank you! I thought searching for “curtain work table tutorial” on KZbin would have no results but, voila, your video appeared!

[@kerrylynnwyszynski3251]

OK - watched this video more than once... THANK YOU - my husband made me two tables and I followed your instructions and am in love with my new gridded tables - what a time saver!! Not sure how I worked without one!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I love this! Yup, once you work on one of these there’s no going back 😁

[@sydneyduque8986]

By the way. Love 😍 NO ANNOYING MUSIC AND VERY NICE VOICE . THANKS!

[@jafallica]

Great video. I would love a table like this if only I had the space.

[@nannettejohnstone7281]

THANK YOU SO MUCH. I have very limited space and have been trying to find something I can put over the twin bed in the room to use for layout and cutting surface. This has given me a good idea to make a sturdy storable top. Thank you so much for this tutorial!

[@Whistlewalk]

Excellent inspiration. Don't have the space for a table as big as yours, but then I'm not making curtains on a regular basis either. Awesome working table. Thank you.

[@suzannerheault9122]

Thank you for this tutorial! So helpful in making my workable💕

[@jenicemarroquin2842]

Im so glad i found ur channel.. as i am planning to make a working table… a million thanks

[@stephaniehacking1657]

EXCELLENT!! Beautiful. Thank you!!

[@debm6507]

I LOVE your table! Thank you for your very generous information!

[@faithwalker5196]

Wow! Excellent instruction! You are a great teacher.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Wow what a nice comment :) Thank you!

[@williejmiles6749]

You inspire me to want revisit an old passion of mine. Very thorough and easy to follow. Thank you

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I love that!!

[@TaiyabaNaziya]

Mam tell me address table market

[@hafsafossie7074]

Wow your table is awesome .I just got my table builded recently this is the perfect ideal table top

[@DreamyBohemian]

What an amazing table! Thanks for all of the wonderful information!!

[@todddouglass8603]

Great video!!! The shop I used to work for (and what I used for my home worktable) uses 1/2inch homasote for the pinnable layer. It comes in 4x8' sheets and is pretty inexpensive, around $20. Home Depot and Lowes both carry it.

[@carolg.6838]

How fascinating. I thought "this is what (close to 50 years ago) I should have chosen for a vocation". Of course in this big retrospective dream I armed with this table information and have jyou as a mentor! 🙂

[@lindaf1365]

Thank you so much for this! Again, lots of useful information and tips. It must save you so much time. Ideas for me are to create a removable top for my dining table. Brilliant video.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Yes it saves me SOOOOO much time!

[@ilkyway5854]

Fantastic video! Thank you SO much! Greetings from Germany.

[@joclark3702]

You could probbly use a C-clamp to hold the straightedge in place, if you have to do it alone.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Yes, I’ve done that! It’s A LOT of walking 😂

[@BooBel949]

Such fantastic information. Thank you so much 😊

[@LoveAnnnie]

Incredible job! 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@dianeewoldt3035]

Homasote sound dampening fiber board is an excellent underpayment for the table top and comes in 4x8 panels and is inexpensive and doesn’t dent like the foam.

[@suesmallwood6187]

How wonderful - thank you for the clear and concise instructions! Going to give it a go! Thank you!

[@jwstanley2645]

Impressive table.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

It’s my most important tool!

[@marilyn9501]

Your table is amazing!! Wish I had room for a large one like yours. I will make an ironing surface with your instructions. Thank you!!

[@howardpennpenn]

Fabulous! I really appreciate those helpful tips....just moving house so busy thinking about my next sewing room! 😃

[@sydneyduque8986]

Blessings! Oh my goodness!!! You're Amazingly talented and a great concise teacher. I thought my made it myself table was Kool. Yours ROCKS. Am definitely making one . Thank you for sharing. Subscribed about three weeks ago. Glad I did. Be Blessed!!!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you! I will say this was the hardest video to make and edit so far so I’m glad you approve 😁

[@sydneyduque8986]

Blessings!!! Thank you for taking the time to read our comments. Appreciate you greatly. Keep up the good work. Am going to watch a few of your videos now. You know? am a night owl. Be Blessed 🙏🙏🙏💅🤗

[@sydneyduque8986]

You make it look SOOO EASY IS NOT EVEN FUNNY . I know is hard though. Loved it when you climbed up on the table 😍🥰😂🤣😅 I do the same thing!!!

[@vegababes123]

Lol well boy I ent no how the lines will go but will try this .... an ur table is beautiful made an kudos to u drawing in of the lines ❤

[@greatpianomusic9457]

Thank you. Excellent video. ❤❤❤ the table. 🇨🇦

[@Carmen-dd4lb]

Truelly Amazing Blessings

[@lindad.6850]

Thank you for the table tutorial! Been waiting to see how you did it. Truly appreciated. ❤😊. Best, Linda of Cambridge

[@lindad.6850]

BTW, my outdoor pillows with the invisible zip came out fantastically because of your instructions that I copied exactly. Thanks!!!!!! 😊

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

You are very welcome!

[@marciaweiss7551]

Thank you! Great job. I learned a lot.

[@granitfog]

Great tips, and presentation. You covered all the areas where a person might have made a mistake, but now won't thanks to you!!

[@bronwynreed5184]

Hi, this helpful hint when using a cord to gather. if you use a cording foot when you zig zag over cord it stops the cord from moving away. enjoy your videos.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

That’s a neat tip!

[@rebeccarenner8927]

Awesome, thank you!!!

[@jaimiller3134]

I am so glad I found this video. I have a bad back, and you table height is exactly what I needed to know.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I have a bad back too so the way we cut and the height of our sewing chair can make a big difference!

[@rachaelb9164]

The insulation sheets are a great idea. I have some spare ones in my garage. I wish I could use a rotary cutter on this but I suppose just throwing a cutting mat on top is easy enough. It would be really nice to be able to iron large pieces of fabric. I think I’m going to make a smaller version of this to make a portable board to keep near my sewing table. The foam makes it light enough to easily move around.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

If you get a piece of sanded plywood (smooth) to put under your cutting mat that would work great. The top surface might have too much give to cut without one. Good luck!!

[@peliciablackmon8200]

Thank you

[@leeannoneal4847]

Thank you so much for this tutorial! Very helpful!

[@Mspurrier88]

Great tutorial!

[@sonjanordahl3158]

Thank you so much!

[@vonneywright4028]

Fab video, thank you

[@xeniaendris3010]

Amazing just amazing ❤❤

[@sewtritionistrdn1956]

Great video. But, I had to return the underlay you suggested back to Home Depot as there was too much out-gassing of the material that was affecting me. I'll have to try another way. I'm so sad that the Rowley company is out of stock for theirs.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I’m sorry that happened! Unfortunately the off gassing can be a problem for a while, until it dissipates. The plywood is the thing that always gets to me so I try and keep the room ventilated until it wears off.

[@esga3207]

Thank you so very much for sharing your experience and expertise through this video. I'm a home sewer and a hobby quilter. I'm considering making this top to put on a table. A couple of questions: 1. I'm somewhat surprise that most DIY ironing tables don't include an aluminized cotton layer. Why not? What would be the pros and cons? 2. Quilters use wool pads when ironing. I thought I'd find DIY iron boards incorporating a wool pad layer, but I haven't found a single one. Perhaps a large wool pad is cost prohibitive or isn't made. What would be the pros and cons of using a wool pad instead of the insulating board? Again, thank you so much for the time and energy you put into this helpful video.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I'm afraid I can't answer your questions! I've never seen nor heard of an aluminized cotton, nor have I seen a wool pad the size these tables need. I'm sure it's because they are cost prohibitive, and wool is unnecessary because the table padding available toady works great, is affordable, and comes by the yard in several widths. You do have to put the dense table padding on top of the insulating board to protect it from the heat and steam, but the addition of the insulating board further protects the wood underlayment. As I'm sure you know, wood does absorb moisture and swell, so the board and pad are both necessary.

[@esga3207]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare, aluminized cotton is the greyish, silver fabric typically used for ironing board covers. Thank you for confirming my thoughts on the wool pads.

[@esga3207]

​@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare , aluminized cotton is that silvery, grey material often found on ironing boards. Just came across an idea for wool batting. Carpet padding is felted, so it's wool. Or an old wool blanket.

[@Lilgyrlie1]

@asquarepillowisn'tsquare, this is wonderful and I am lovin it! So you did not put numbers on the short edges of the table? I like the hip bone tip for your own personal height! I'm looking forward to giving this one a try! I am glad I found your channel and your videos are great! Thanks!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you! No, I never have put numbers on the short edges. There are only a few inches of lines in either side, so you don't really need them.

[@Lilgyrlie1]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare Thank yo so much for responding!

[@Ottensander]

Hello! I am a big lover of your content, it is very helpful and easy to follow. Unrelated to the sewing table, I had a question. If you make products for a client such as pillows or curtains, do you prewash the fabric to prevent shrinking? I would imagine the fabric is prewashed, but can’t recall ever having bought a product that smells “washed” haha. I’m very curious to hear from you, thanks in advance! Sander

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

So glad you enjoy my content! To answer your question I rarely prewash fabric. I work exclusively with home dec fabrics, and they are only rarely made to be washed. There is normally a finish applied that protects them from dirt, and can give them a certain sheen or appearance. Washing it removes both of those things. I recommend vacuuming dust off and dry cleaning unless it specifically says it’s washable. Having said that there are exceptions. I sometimes opt to prewash and preshrink in the dryer fabrics made from cotton or cotton/polyester that I use to make duvet covers and shams that I know the customer will want to clean that way. It always changes the appearance a little so I make sure they are aware. I also charge for that service :)

[@paulettekilgore8518]

you are fabulous

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Well? I don’t know about that, but thank you! 😊

[@LeejaClane]

Where I live, that is known as OSB (oriented strand board) and particle board is called that because it's mostly made from sawdust. Just throwing this in there in case someone needed the heads up. ☺️

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you for the mention of particle board so I can discuss it a bit more. Some places do sell It as a work table surface, but it is a different product entirely than plywood. For my table top and storage shelf I prefer to only use plywood. It is better for load bearing (I climb onto my tables and the lower shelf supports hundred of pounds of fabric) and the unsanded grade is very inexpensive. It has irregularities that particle board does not have, but the insulation and padding correct that completely. Thanks for watching! :)

[@theatreofshadows]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare The material you show at about 10 minutes is OSB, not plywood. Plywood, made from 'plies' of wood veneer, rather than shards or chips as in OSB, is flatter but more expensive thans OSB for good quality types. Particleboard is what is known as chipboard in Europe. It's usually denser than plywood, but is commonly used as a flooring material in 22mm thicknesses so would be perfectly adequate as a table top as far as load-bearing is concerned. However, it's much more fragile on the corners since the basic elements are much smaller. OSB is similiar in this respect, so would need lipping if used as a table top to prevent tear-out when the edge catches on something. That's just a few chippie technicalities that don't detract from your excellent table!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@theatreofshadows You're right on all counts. I do know the differences but didn't express them very well!

[@bekind6196]

Thank you so much for your hard work on these videos! What iron do you use here? Would you recommend it?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I use a Rowenta Perfect Steam. I would definitely recommend it as long as you either suspend it on a shelf above your table or have a portable cart you can put it so you can always reach it.

[@cindyjhathaway]

Amazing. Working on mine now. Did you sand the edges of your board? Also, does the wood smell go away or should I Kilz it? It smells so strong. Thanks so much. I love this table idea!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I did not sand.The layers cover up the edges enough. The wood smell shouldn’t be too bad unless you used exterior pressure treated lumber. If that’s the case you may want to reconsider! The off-gassing of those chemicals is not bad and only meant for outdoors. Otherwise it will fade :)

[@cindyjhathaway]

Thanks so much! I’ll check into that to be safe. I don’t want chemicals in my house. I appreciate your help!!

[@Felicia-h4p]

Thanks for this. I've been thinking of what to do with my small space. However, I can't get insulation/pinnable board in my location. What can I use instead of these two?😢

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Can you order homasote online?

[@sherrygrigg7028]

I love your table and the thorough instructions however I do have a question. I sew fashion not home decor so I'll need to use the table surface not only to cut and pin but also to trace/transfer pattern marking from pattern to fabric. Is the surface hard/firm enough to use tracing wheel or chalk and transfer marking from pattern to fabric?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@sherrygrigg7028 It is pretty firm, but if it’s not firm enough for you, you can always use your cutting mat if needed :)

[@sherrygrigg7028]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare I have watched your video several times. I love the fact that you can pin on it. I'm trying to decide if this top is better (or if laminate top is better) for cutting out fashion fabrics from pattern pieces vs home decor. Is the top is firm enough to lay out/cut out fashion fabric/patterns?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@sherrygrigg7028 I use it to cut out fabric using patterns quite often. It’s firm enough, and I just stick pins straight through the pattern and fabrics to cut stuff out.

[@sherrygrigg7028]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare Thank you

[@pammyjnz]

This video is fantastic. What brand of iron do you use? Tia

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Thank you! I’m currently using a Rowenta Perfect Steam

[@pammyjnz]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare Thank you for letting me know. i like how powerful that shot of steam is. I'm in the process of designing a new workspace which will include a cutting table similar to yours. Can't wait. I've been working off of a pool table. lol It's better than nothing though. Thanks again.

[@vickiestgeorge314]

Is there a complete supplies list? Thank you

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Sorry no actual list, but I go through all the supplies in the beginning of the video

[@ketayunketayun382]

Confused! Where/what does one buy for the marked tabletop? Ty.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I mark my own top but Rowley Company sells it already marked

[@Lilgyrlie1]

@asquarepillowisn'tsquare, can you tell me about your steam iron and where you purchased it from?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

It’s a Rowenta Perfect Steam. I’m sure you can find one online!

[@Lilgyrlie1]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare Thank you so much!

[@herbertbell9438]

I use a rotary cutter and I've seen this kind of hard plastic that has a grid printed on it that you can use a rotary cutter on. I use it on my old linoleum floor and it works OK but I think the linoleum is a little too soft so I end up having to push really hard sometimes. Do you know what that material is and where to get it?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

I don’t use a manual rotary cutter so I don’t know much about them, I have considered an electric rotary cutter though. That could be a solution for you!

[@herbertbell9438]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare I did not know they existed until your post. I checked out some videos there is even one with it's own sharpening stone built right in. There is also an electric scissors but it's really loud and won't cut anything very thick. It might be worth a try.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@herbertbell9438 The ones with the built-in sharpening stone are great and the can cut through quite a lot but beware…they will cut your finger right off!

[@herbertbell9438]

@@ASquarePillowIsntSquare I found out that Makita makes one. All my tools are Makita so the batteries and charger should be compatible. It's advertised more for cutting carpet etc but I don't see much difference between it and the ones in some of the videos I've looked at. I'm not surprised that it can cut off a finger. I've got a ton of stuff that can do that, I use PPE and try and pay attention. I'd like to get a 4X8 sheet of plywood and make a work bench so I can cut what I want up on that instead of on my floor.

[@JoAustin-nr1lt]

Hi, this is an amazing video and I am ordering the components to order my own table vi have just one question - why do you use canvas fabric for the top layer? Is that the best type of fabric to use?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

It’s tough, durable, inexpensive , and comes in the width needed. That’s not to say you couldn’t use something else but I can’t think of anything I’d switch to. Good luck with your table!!

[@JoAustin-nr1lt]

Thank you so much for your reply. Sorry, I have another question. Please could you give me some tips on the padding. I live in the UK and cannot order from Rowleys. Would pre-shrunk interlining work? Thank you for your help.

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@JoAustin-nr1lt Hmmmm, the only thing I can think of is there is a thick 100% cotton insulating padding that’s used for quilts and shades. It’s not polyester batting, it’s all cotton. Maybe check that out? A couple layers of that should do the job!

[@Dotty71at]

Look for ironing board cover padding or molleton.

[@ermelindagarcia8119]

Like your table and I thought I had seen some storage under underneath I saw a video about bias tape can you tell me if it can be used for regular fabric?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Sorry I’m not sure I understand your question. Are you asking if the table storage shelf can be used for storing regular fabric or is the question about bias tape?

[@ermelindagarcia8119]

I am sorry I was saying if table has storage at the bottom but I was also asking about a tutorial you had on bias tape of it can be for regular fabric cause yours was for upholstery

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Oh! Yes there is TONS of storage space on the shelf below the table and also on the floor under the shelf. And yes the bias take trick works for all fabrics!

[@wandyrful4601]

it doesnt look like id be able to use a rotary cutter on here, is that right?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

That is correct. It’s designed for cutting, pressing, and pinning large scale drapery and bedding. Can’t use a cutting mat for big stuff like that. But you can certainly lay a cutting mat on top of it!

[@lindaeverley4463]

Can you use a rotary cutter on this table

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

You mean on a cutting mat? I think so! Everything I cut is so big a mat is useless to me so I never use one!

[@dimples7334]

Could you please tell me where you purchased the plain canvas?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Rowley Company. I like the quality of their canvas better than the other kinds I've found, plus it comes in several widths to accommodate different kinds of work tables.

[@TaiyabaNaziya]

How much prece this table please tell me mam

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

@@TaiyabaNaziya I can’t really answer that because it depends how big the table is, where you source your materials, what products you use, etc. I can tell you the one I built probably cost about $250, but the table pays for itself in one day of working efficiently!

[@corinneferguson8118]

What make is your iron?

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Rowenta Perfect Steam

[@cristobalriquelme7669]

YOU ROCK LADY!!

[@ASquarePillowIsntSquare]

Haha! Well thanks!