HOW TO UPDATE A SEWING TABLE | MY VINTAGE SINGER CABINET GETS A MAKEOVER!
Hi, sweet #sifamily! Today’s makeover has some history. I picked up this vintage Singer Sewing Machine from my local ReStore over 20 years ago. Because there was no power cable to this machine, my Dad rewired the old girl for me. It came with a matching bench. And as an added bonus it had the original owner’s name, manual, and date included. I’m sharing below but before you read on – can you guess how old this Singer is?
Over the years I’ve used my sister’s new Singer and I bought a brand new Brother machine, but I still prefer sewing on this vintage machine the very best! I wish I had more time because my sewing skills are mediocre at best but I’d love to learn!
Here’s what I started with…
Here’s what my Singer Sewing Cabinet looks like now…
I dressed her up a bit! What do you think?
THIS POST IS SPONSORED/CONTAINS AFFILIATE LINKS TO PRODUCTS I USE. YOU CAN SEE MY FULL DISCLOSURE HERE.
SOURCE LIST::
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- Singer Sewing Machine Table – SALVAGED
- Paint Brushes
- Coffee Bean Chalk Mineral Paint
- Tobacco Road Stain
- DeWalt Orbital Sander
- Heat Gun [similar]
- WoodUbend Corner & Pediment Scrolls
- Titebond Glue
- Satin Clear Coat
PAINTED AND STAINED SEWING TABLE
I recently brought this sewing machine for a tuneup. A BIG thank you to Charlie at Charlies Sewing Machines! He not only gave the machine a maintenance-once-over but also fixed the sticking drawer free of charge.
TIP ~ When you don’t want to remove your sewing machine and disconnect the wiring, an easy solution is to wrap the sewing machine in a garbage bag before you sand or paint.
I wrapped mine securely and placed it back into the cabinet. This keeps it free of dust, paint, and topcoat.
After giving the cabinet a sanding with a 120 using this orbital sander, I added some extra detail using WoodUbend moldings. I love the added dimension and detail. It really takes this plain cabinet up a notch.
For extra detail on the legs, I cut the ends off this design. To cut these appliques, you warm them up with a hairdryer or heat gun and they cut easily with a sharp blade. If you’d like to see how to bend and apply them, I have a full video tutorial here.
And using a heat gun and some wood glue, I used the two ends for each leg and still have the middle for another project.
After the WoodUbend was dry, I masked off the legs with painters tape and gave this sewing table 2 coats of Coffee Bean. If you’re new here, Coffee Bean is one of my most FAVORITE blacks. It has brown undertones which gives it look much softer and warmer than other black paint.
I really wasn’t sure what I wanted to do with the legs. Leave them bare? Stain them? Paint them? It turned out I stained them with Tobacco Road and sanded them back … WOW… the sanded stain looks AMAZING!
Also, my friend Janet on FB was asking where to get these furniture wheels for easy furniture moving and painting. You can get them here.
I love the new look and can’t wait to sew something!
Here’s the original manual and ower’s card from March 9, 1945!
They don’t make things like they use to, do they?!
I see so many variations of old sewing tables and cabinets at yard sales and thrift shops. They make for amazing compact desks and side tables. And what a great piece of furniture to salvage and restyle!
I’m looking forward to sewing and I’m appreciating this new updated look… with her little black shoes and all! 😉
LET ME KNOW WHAT YOU THINK OF THIS SEWING CABINET MAKEOVER… OR FEEL FREE TO ASK ANY QUESTIONS YOU MAY HAVE… I ALWAYS LOVE HEARING FROM YOU.
ALSO IF YOU GET INSPIRED BY ANY OF MY MAKEOVERS AND GIVE THEM A TRY, BE SURE TO TAG ME ON IG OR FB WITH #SIBLOG — I’D LOVE TO SEE WHAT YOU’RE UP TO AND POSSIBLY FEATURE YOUR WORK!
Happy furniture painting my friends and stay inspired!
Denise x
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Salvaged Sewing Desk Makeover
RH Greige Finish on Sewing Cabinet
Stop Bleed Through When Painting
How To Paint Furniture WITHOUT Brush Marks
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Where did you buy your wood prices? I notice on the site they only sell to stockers. I love this price it turned out beautiful. I have 2 exactly like it.
Hi Vicki! You can find numerous sellers of Woodubend here on Etsy. 🙂
Absolutely gorgeous!!!! What a beautiful job on the makeover. Makes me think of “Cinderella”.
Cinderella eH?…. LOVE it!🤗
Hi Denise, this piece is so so beautiful! I have been looking for the perfect black paint to paint some furniture I purchased a few weeks ago! So, thank you so much for posting! I have one question because I didn’t see in your post if you used the satin clear coat over the paint or not. I want my paint color to look just like yours, so if you could let me know I would be forever grateful! This piece is stunning!! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks so much! And yes, I sprayed 2 coats of this satin clear coat. 🙂
The Woodubend mouuldings with the paint really made this little table a show stopper. Such a beautiful ornate piece!! Who wouldn’t want to sit down to sew there!..
Aw thanks, Leah! I still haven’t found the time to sit and sew yet…but I reeeeallly want to! 🤗
What an absolutely gorgeous machine with the silver metal on the end of it!!! I have not seen on so ornate as yours is…. and now, the cabinet…..SHE is BEAUTIFUL!! The Woodubend additions really dressed her up and those “shoes” make her even more special!! Love the 2 colors you used and I just love her new makeover. Great job!!
Thank you, Karolyn! I think she’s pretty special as well.💙😊
The work you did here is nothing short of phenomenal! I love the way you left the legs wood – the sanded stain is perfection and the matching knob is icing on the cake . You did this pretty sewing machine table great justice. It is now stunning.
Thanks so much, Christie! Much appreciated.🤗
Hi, I have a Singer just like it! My folks got it in 1947 when they bought furniture in the apartment they were renting in San Francisco! It is out in the garage now, because I downsized a few years ago & don’t know where to put it. I sewed on it and I think it still works. I have the same booklets. My cabinet wood is in great shape, mahogany, maybe. Great job in yours. The machine looks great too!
Liz – we have twins!😉 And I’ll bet money that your machine still works great! Have a good weekend my friend.
As a sewer, this is my absolute favorite!!!
You did justice to such a beautiful machine, now she has a home worthy of her.
Well done, my friend, well done!!!
Thank you Diane! I’m hoping to squeeze some sewing projects in soon. Unlike you, I’m not a sewer but if any of them turn out I might share. 😉
I love it! I loved to what you see too!
Thanks so much MaryBeth!😊
SO beautiful. WoodUbend moldings really transform this piece. I like everything about it… the color, how the sanded legs turned out after staining, and the little black shoes. . Like so many others, I also learned to sew on my Mom’s SInger just like that one. Still in the family but not sure how much use it gets now. I am going to share your makeover with my siblings. I bought my own Singer in 1974 – Golden Touch and Sew – and still sewing with it. But you can’t beat the look of those vintage SIngers.
Thanks for sharing your gorgeous transformation..
1974 eh? They just don’t build them like they used to… they’re tanks…lol. Thanks so much Joanne and thanks for sharing as well. XOXO
DI’d you have any peeling veneer to deal with? Or dI’d you sand all the veneer away? I cannot tell on my phones screen. But you did an amazing make over. I have a cabinet like yours but it has peeling veneer and am unable to find any matching. replacement. So plan to sand to bare wood and paint when I decide on a color. My personal preference is legs that match. I also have the bench with leather top in great condition.
Hi Jojo and thanks! I did give the entire piece a sanding. The veneer on this cabinet is in really good shape thankfully. Have fun with yours. 🙂 They are really beautiful pieces to work on.
First off, what a sweet Singer model you’ve got there and in such good shape too. Reminds me of my paternal grandmother who sewed clothing on one just like it for her eight children, including shoes! The sewing table makeover is very pretty and I’m really liking the warm brownish black color. I like the look of the stained legs and the little black feet. Very pretty!
She sewed shoes!?!😮 Now that’s impressive! And that’s another thing we have in common. My Mum came from a family with 8 kids too. Anyway, thanks so much my friend. Glad you like it and have a SUPER day! Hugs
Absolutely gorgeous! You are SO talented! I love you work!
Thank you, Nancy!💙
Absolutely beautiful!
Thanks Susan! XOXO
This is a classic machine and you’ve transformed the cabinet to match. Simply stunning! I always look forward to what you’re going to do next Denise. Thanks for sharing you creativity! ~ Nicki
Thanks so much, Nicki! XOXO
I think it’s absolutely beautiful!
Thank you Toni! x
Denise you’re extravagantly talented you’r eye is incredible that table is perfection as well as the machine from someone who is a seasoned sewer DO NOT GET RID OF THAT MACHINE! It will always work well for you and not disappoint you plus it’s beautiful. All my sewing friends have expensive machines yet are always on the lookout for those types of classic Singers and from someone who is a novice furniture painter wow! Once again you knocked it out of the park!
This puts a big smile on my face, Kim! I’m so NOT a sewer. And I’m not even sure why I fell in love with this machine but I did. You just confirmed what my heart told me… it’s a little gem. I’m so happy you like the makeover and thanks for the kindness.🤗
This…..is amazing. I pass up old sewing machine tables all the time because I can’t think of what to do with them. Problem solved! Wow.
Thanks so much and I see a lot of these in thrift stores and yard sales too. I’m happy it’s sparked some ideas for you, Chris! 🙂
Denise, I have a sewing machine cabinet that looks almost identical to the one you redid. Mine has a much more modern machine inside of it. It to is a Singer machine, I wonder if the company uses older versions of cabinets and put newer machines in them? It was given to me by my husband’s aunt when she got her new machine. I love what you did with the cabinet, by the way. Sandy
Hi Sandra! Thank YOU and how interesting. I’m not sure if they used similar cabinets for newer machines. ?? If Fran (previous comment) is reading this, maybe she would know as she worked at Singer! 🙂
Well what’s to say Denise except beautiful work on a beautiful Singer. I’ve been around a very long time and seen and had many Singers but this one is the prettiest I’ve ever seen, before and esp. after your creative hands got on it! I too look forward to each and every one of your posts. I don’t have a sewing cabinet but I think I’m inspired to redo my old vanity, thanks for all your inspiring redos.
Huge compliment Linda, thank YOU! Enjoy your weekend. XO
Just stunning! Beautiful job!
Thanks my friend! XOXO
You are so dang clever! You have a great eye for adding just the right touches to make any old piece of furniture look like a million bucks! I’d love to see you compete on a show like MAKING IT where you can apply all your great magic to a variety of projects.
On a technical note, I appreciate so much that you show us the after product right up front. It piques my interest and I always scroll down to see how you did it. Most bloggers make you scroll down to see the after. If I wasn’t interested at that point I am irritated I took the time to scroll through. It’s the little things that matter!
Thanks for sharing this Leslie! It wasn’t a conscious decision but I guess, like you, I like some indication of what’s to come. And as for a show like Making IT – thanks so much for the compliment but I’m HORRIBLE under pressure!!! I can’t create! I’d be the loser.🤣
So.beautiful! The wood moulds add such elegance. Now I need to get out the 2 old machines I have and get to work.
Another source for the dollies is Harbor Freight. They may possibly be a little larger than yours but they work just fine.
Thank you Kim and have fun with your old machines! And thanks for the Harbor Freight tip. 🙂
What an amazing transformation! It makes me want to find my own Singer…I’m inspired 😊 and that machine is 🎵gorgeous 🎵 It’s like a piece of art!
Aw, thanks so much, Annie!💙💙
Beautiful! I just moved my sewing machine – very similar to yours to my small entryway. I went into Lowe’s yesterday for paint samples….still hesitant – but after seeing what you’ve done, I’m going to paint mine too! How timely – thank you, Denise!!!
These are great for a small entryway table, aren’t they?! 😊 I’d love to see how yours turns out if you’d like to share Sue! Have fun!
So so glad you saved this beautiful lady and that it can still be used. I learned to sew on one of these and most of them are just discarded. Wonderful job!!
Thank you Sharon! 🙂
Wood U Bend made such a difference! My Mom bought my first sewing machine from a thrift store (thrifting is in my DNA!) and I was 15 years old. It was a Singer made in 1950—the year I was born! I took it to college and used it for several years. It was so darn heavy! I loved it!💕 I gave it to my niece to never see it again.😢 Thanks for stirring up sweet memories! Beautiful job on the cabinet.
Something else we have in common Cecilia, thrifting DNA! And YES, they weigh a ton, don’t they? So nice you got some good use out of it in college. If I need some sewing tips, I know who to call on my friend.😉😊
Love it! The cabinet looks so nice now. It really stands out. Great job!!
Thanks Lisa! 🙂
Beautiful! I have one almost identical…I plugged it in and it sparked…my goal is to rework electrical to make it ‘FUNctional’! Do you recommend a sewing repair shop for rewiring? I also have original operating manual and a box of assessories(feet)! And the plastic bag idea…Smart!
I don’t know much about rewiring or electrical Michelle. My Dad was great at those types of things and I wish I had watched and learned. If you’re unsure, maybe the best idea would be to bring it to a sewing repair shop to make in FUNctional…love that btw!!! And YES. I have the original box of accessories and feet too. I should have included them in the photo! So neat that after all these years our machines are intact with nothing missing, right?! 🙂
Wow!! This is gorgeous now, Denise!! I love how mouldings can take something form so so to stunning!! XO
Thanks and I agree! These wood mouldings can make a huge difference! XOXO
Ha! 1945 was going to be my guess because I have one just like that! I love what you did with the cabinet! It’s beautiful! You have inspired me to add some appliqués to mine! Once I can decide on what color to transform the cabinet with I can start, lol! My dad bought the cabinet unfinished and stained it for my mom. I think it is time for a change. Thinking of new handles too, but I am a bit sentimental. 🙂
Ha, funny that you say about the new handles! I was going to change out the knob on the front pull-out-drawer and then stopped myself for the exact same reason! Enjoy your 1945 Singer my friend. And if/when you get around to painting it, please please tag me #siblog so I can see your before and after! XOXO
Denise, this is just like the cabinet my mother has. She is 94. The look you gave the cabinet is just beautiful and I think I could actually do the same. What did you do with the machine? I hope you left it inside. Some of those old machines are real work horses and worth keeping. Thanks too, for your continued inspiration.
Does your mother still sew with hers? And YES, you could SO DO THIS Barbara. It’s a very basic makeover. And yes this old sewing machine is a real workhorse and still works perfectly. It’s inside the cabinet and I still use it to sew. I wish I had more time to hone my sewing skills… maybe one day. 🙂
Greetings Denise.
What a beautiful project. You knocked it out of the ball park. Job well done. I am so glad you shared your inspirational ‘piece of art’.
Warm regards,
Donna
Thank you so much, Donna!💕
That is a thing of beauty! And those legs! You did an amazing job on this one. ❤️
Thanks my friend! XO
1945 is how old I think it might be.
Spot on Dee! 🤗
I reallly love this makeover. !!!
Coffee Bean looks to be a great color. I love the Greige ish black. Definitely a nicer warm color.
Adding the details made this a wonderful piece. 🧡. I’m dying to to try these.
My gram was a thrift furniture shopper – but it was at auctions in her day. 😆.
I was lucky to inherit a few vintage sewing machines. They really are wonderful to work with.
I’m also loving your choice of stain !!! The lighter natural color is striking w the paint color..
I’m trying to find a natural / neutral stain that will tie all my random furniture finds together better..
As always – thanks for sharing !! I’m a real fan of your work. ☺️
P
Thanks so much! And stain is a funny thing. I tried a few colors on the back of the legs. Black. White. And then the Tobacco Road. I didn’t like ANY of them. Then when I went to sand the stain all off the Tobacco Road looked amazing sanded down and I LOVE IT! So beautiful that you inherited a few of your Gram’s vintage sewing machines! Cherish and enjoy them.💕
This is just beautiful. I will watch the tutorials because I have a table I would love to use those colors and I will look into Wood U Bend for detail pieces for an antique dresser from my great Grandmother. Thank you for sharing your insight and creativity..
Thanks so much, Anna! And have fun with your great Grandmothers’ antique dresser. It sounds amazing. 🙂
I learned how to sew on my mother’s Singer(pedal)machine and have loved Singer ever since. I would love to find a Singer and cabinet to paint. What a joy that would be. What you did is absolutely beautiful!! You’re so very talented. I enjoy reading your instructions and seeing your finished result.
Donna
Thanks so much Donna! And I’ve never sewed on a pedal machine but I’d love to try!
Oh my God! That is just fantastic.
You do such beautiful work and use gorgeous colors to all you products.
Love, love,love all your work.
Hi Cecile and thanks so much!😊
I have tbis exact machine and xabinet.. Rescued fron trash bin. I now know my next project. Your cabinet is gorgeous.
Kudos to you for rescuing such a gem from the trash bin!!! Have fun with yours, Jane! xo
I love this. Any plans for the stool that was with it?
Ah, I was hoping someone would ask! 🙂 The stool is painted in the exact same way right down to the stained legs and little black shoes. The reason I didn’t include it in the after pics is because I haven’t recovered the seat yet. And no matter how I tried to ‘stage’ a seat cover – it was really taking away from the sewing cabinet. Maybe I’ll have to sew a new seat cover for it!
Very Nice! I learned to sew on the same machine that was my mothers. Same cabinet, same bench. I would guess it’s from around 1945? She eventually traded it in for one like your newer Singer. I worked for Singer in New York City in 1968.. I wish I still had her old machine.
No waaaay, you worked for Singer in NYC?!? Well, I wouldn’t be able to stump you with the date then…LOL. 1945 spot on Fran!!! 😁
I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw hold the sewing machine was – amazing work as always.
Pretty old right!? And still works amazing! 😊
Lovely…..really like that paint color. I have redone a lot of antique treadle machines over the years. I don’t sew but have always appreciated the beauty of the machine.
Did your machine look that fantastic or did you refinish it too…..really nice.
Thanks for the post
Dara
Thanks, Dara! And the actual sewing machine, Charlie shined up for me when he did the maintenance tune up but other than that it’s 100% original. 🙂
This is one of my favorite projects I have seen you do…..perhaps because I love, love vintage sewing machines. As soon as this TEXAS weather cools down a little, I am pulling one of mine out to make it beautiful. Thank you for all the details you show . This one is just BEAUTIFUL. You are awesome….
YOU are awesome Libby! 🌸 I’m so happy you love this old girls makeover and if/when you restyle one of your sewing cabinets – I’d LOVE to see it! Please tag me #siblog 😊
Wow!!! this is gorgeous! it looks like a totally different piece with the addition of the designs and the color just makes it pop. I love it!
Hi Norma and thank YOU! XOXO
Beautiful! Are you going to do the bench too? I make over a lot of benches and would love to see what you’ll do with that one.
Hi Teri! Do you have a page/social outlet I can go check out some of your benches… I’d love to see it because I could use some inspo! I painted the bench exactly the same as the machine but I’m stumped on how to recover it. Or maybe I should sew a seat cover ??
A stunning makeover!
Thank you Sylvia! 🙂
Wow, you are an absolute artist. You have amazing vision.
This is outstanding! I’m so glad you are giving this old girl a face lift and still using this machine. i have an old Singer that I just love also.
Aren’t they great?! Enjoy yours… and thanks so much, Kathleen! xo
Looks gorgeous!
Thank you, Lynda!
Looks stunning! And the moldings just made it look even better. A beautiful sewing maching.
Thanks so much, Sami!😊
Hi Denise. Your sewing cabinet turned out absolutely gorgeous. The appliques, color, and little black feet really tie everything together. Not to mention what a beautiful old sewing machine! Wow. In love:)
Aw, thanks my friend! Funny, I wasn’t sure about the little black feet/shoes but now that it’s all finished, I love them too! XOXO