The Ideal Dimensions for a Cutting Table for Sewing

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Woman at cutting table with fabric.
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People who do a lot of sewing know there is nothing comparable to having a table designated for fabric cutting. When planning to put a table in your sewing room, think about not only the length and the width but also the height. Having a cutting table at the proper height can prevent backaches.

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Types of Cutting

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Ideal dimensions depend on your projects. Creating clothing requires a table a little bit longer and wider than a table for cutting out quilt pieces. When cutting clothing, you spread normally out 2 to 3 yards of fabric, which requires a longer space. When cutting out quilt pieces, you use smaller pieces of fabric.

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Length

If you use a roller and cutting mat to cut out quilt pieces, make sure your table is at least 6 inches longer than the mat. Many standard tables range from 4 to 8 feet in length. Choose the length of the table according to what type of cutting you do and how much space you have. A table that is 4 feet long works best in a smaller sewing room. However, if you have the space, an 8-foot table is ideal for laying out longer pieces of fabric for cutting.

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Width

While the width of the table is important, it is not as important as the length. If you use a roller and cutting mat, your table must be at least the width of the mat. The mat should not hang over the edge of the table. The ideal width of a cutting table is about 30 inches.

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Height

The height of the table top from the floor is a very important measurement. This measurement varies for each person because it has more to do with a person's height than any standard measurements. For best results, find a table that has adjustable legs. Unless you are building the table yourself, it is almost impossible to find one at the exact height you need. The height of a cutting table should be at your waist or slightly below, which is higher than most standard tables. At this height, you do not have to bend over as much and strain your back. Depending on how tall you are, the average height of a cutting table should be between 36 and 40 inches high, but you may want to lower it for children.

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