Coachmen Beyond 22RB: A Tiny Living Sewing Station That Fits
The Coachmen Beyond 22RB is a masterclass in compact design, offering 22 feet of thoughtfully arranged living space. For those who sew—whether for mending, crafting, or creating custom decor—finding a dedicated sewing machine spot without sacrificing precious square footage can feel impossible. This article explores how to integrate a sewing machine into your 22RB, focusing on space-saving furniture solutions that preserve the tiny house’s open feel.
From fold-down tables to multi-functional cabinets, we’ll cover real-world techniques and products that allow sewing to coexist with daily tiny living. Whether you own a full-size machine or a portable model, these strategies keep your 22RB organized and functional.
What Is the Best Sewing Machine Size for the Coachmen Beyond 22RB?
The Coachmen Beyond 22RB floor plan features a rear bath with a slide-out, a galley kitchen, and a front dinette that converts to a bed. The key sewing challenge is the lack of a permanent dedicated table. Most owners choose portable or semi-industrial machines that fit under a dinette seat or on a fold-down surface. A standard home sewing machine (15–18 inches wide, 8–10 inches deep) works well, but a compact models like a Janome 2212 or Singer Start 1304 measures only 12×6 inches, fitting easily into a cabinet or the built-in closet.
For heavier fabrics (denim, canvas), a lightweight machine with adequate needle penetration is ideal. Avoid commercial-grade machines that require a dedicated stand—they consume too much floor space. Instead, choose a model with a retractable carrying handle that stows vertically in a shallow cabinet.
How Can You Create a Sewing Machine Workstation Without Permanent Furniture?
The 22RB’s dinette table doubles as a sewing surface, but the table is often reserved for dining. A better solution is a wall-mount fold-down desk installed on an interior wall near the kitchen or bath. One excellent resource is our guide on Coachmen Beyond 22RB: Space-Saving Wall-Mount Desk Ideas for Tiny Living, which details a 24-inch deep birch-plywood desk that folds flat against the wall when not in use. This surface provides a stable 18×24 inch sewing area, enough for most projects.
For those who sew frequently, consider adding a slide-out shelf inside a lower cabinet. A 12-inch deep drawer on heavy-duty drawer slides can support a sewing machine while storing thread and bobbins underneath. This keeps the machine always accessible but hidden, preserving the 22RB‘s clean aesthetic.
What Space-Saving Furniture Options Are Best for Sewing Machine Storage?
Tiny living demands furniture that does double duty. For the 22RB, these space-saving furniture pieces work exceptionally well:
- Multifunctional ottoman with hidden compartment: Store a folded sewing machine, cutting mat, and fabric inside a 18×18 inch ottoman that also serves as extra seating.
- Murphy-style drop-leaf table: A 30×24 inch table attached to the wall near the dinette that folds up and locks. When not sewing, it becomes a sideboard for coffee or a laptop workstation.
- Under-dinette seat drawers: Retrofit the dinette bench to include a pull-out drawer with a custom foam cutout for the sewing machine. The drawer slides out for access; the seat cushion stays put.
- Closet-mounted pegboard: Attach a wooden pegboard to the inside of the closet door to hang rulers, scissors, and thread spools, freeing up drawer space.
A comparison of popular storage solutions for the Coachmen Beyond 22RB is shown below:
| Furniture Type | Dimensions (inches) | Weight Capacity (lbs) | Approximate Price (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wall-mount fold-down desk | 24×18 (folded) | 50 | $80–$150 | Regular sewing with small machine |
| Under-dinette drawer slide | 24×12 (drawer) | 30 | $60–$120 | Medium machine storage only |
| Multifunctional storage ottoman | 18x18x18 | 40 | $70–$140 | Portable machine + supplies |
| Murphy drop-leaf table | 30×24 open | 75 | $150–$250 | Heavier machine + cutting area |
| Closet pegboard (DIY) | Closet door size | 15 (tools only) | $20–$50 | Small items organization |
Note: Prices reflect typical U.S. retail in early 2025. Custom builds may cost more.
How to Keep Sewing Supplies Organized in a Tiny RV Kitchen?
The 22RB’s galley kitchen has limited counter space, but vertical organizers can help. Install a magnetic knife strip on the backsplash for scissors, seam rippers, and rotary cutters. Use a wall-mounted spice rack (reversible) for thread spools—each tier holds up to 12 spools. For fabric storage, consider vacuum-sealed bags stored under the dinette seat or in the overhead cabinets above the cab area.
A cutting mat that folds in half (24×18 inches to 12×18 inches) stores flat in an ottoman or behind the shower wall. The 22RB’s bathroom has a small linen closet that can also house a sewing kit in a clear shoebox. For those who prefer electric machines, the 22RB’s standard 15-amp circuit can handle a typical sewing machine (0.5–1.5 amps), but avoid using it with other high-draw devices simultaneously.
If you plan to sew in cold weather, see our guide on Coachmen Beyond 22RB: Compact Window Insulation Guide to keep the workspace warm and comfortable without wasting propane.
What Are the Best Sewing Machine Models for the Coachmen Beyond 22RB?
Based on real owner feedback and space constraints, these sewing machines excel in the 22RB:
- Brother XM2701: Lightweight (12.4 lbs), 27 stitches, and a 6.3×4.3 inch workspace. Fits in a cabinet drawer. ~$130 USD.
- Janome 2212: Simple, mechanical, only 12 stitches but very reliable. 14.5 lbs. Storable in a wall cabinet. ~$150 USD.
- Singer 7258: Computerized, 100 stitches, but still under 15 lbs. Requires 2 sq ft of table surface. ~$160 USD.
- Baby Lock Joy: Compact 13×7 inch footprint, ideal for small hands. Easy to carry to the dinette. ~$220 USD.
Choose a machine with a retractable handle and a hard carrying case to protect it during travel. Avoid machines with large extension tables—they add bulk without benefit in a 22RB.
How to Integrate a Sewing Machine Into the 22RB’s Existing Cabinetry?
Many 22RB owners modify the passenger-side wardrobe or the overhead cabinets above the dinette to house a sewing machine. A custom shelf with a cutout for the machine’s base allows it to sit flush while storing thread underneath. The shelf should be at least 10 inches deep and 18 inches wide. If the machine is heavy (over 20 lbs), reinforce the cabinet bottom with ½-inch plywood.
Another popular spot is the rear bath linen closet—while unconventional, a small machine stored on its side can slide into a wire basket here, leaving the floor clear. For those who travel frequently, a hanging shoe organizer on the back of the door (inside the wardrobe) can hold machine accessories, fabric scraps, and patterns. Just ensure the door can fully close without pinching wires.
For propane-powered RV sewing in winter (e.g., using a treadle machine or a propane iron), see our Coachmen Beyond 22RB: Winter Propane Hookup Guide for safe hookup practices.
What Owners Say
“I bought the Coachmen Beyond 22RB specifically because the rear bath allowed me to use the dinette as a sewing nook. I built a simple drop-leaf table on the wall near the kitchen—now I can sew while watching the road through the windshield. The machine lives in an under-seat drawer when not in use.” — Sarah, full-time RVer, Colorado.
“We installed a wall-mount pegboard in the closet and store our Janome in a hard case on the floor. The case doubles as a step stool for reaching overhead cabinets. It’s not perfect, but it works for weekend projects.” — Mark and Jen, weekend warriors, Texas.
“My Singer is stored in a large ottoman that also holds my cutting mat and fabric. When we’re towing, the ottoman stays secure with a bungee cord. The 22RB’s slide-out makes enough room for me to spread out. Highly recommend a fold-down desk for serious sewing.” — Linda, crafts enthusiast, Oregon.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: Can I use a heavy-duty sewing machine in the Coachmen Beyond 22RB?
A: Yes, but limit weight to 25 lbs or less to avoid damaging cabinets. Machines like the Singer Heavy Duty 4452 (16 lbs) fit well on a wall-mount desk rated for 50 lbs. - Q: How do I protect my sewing machine from RV travel vibration?
A: Always store the machine in a hard case or thick padded bag. Place a non-slip mat under it during storage. Secure the case with a bungee cord or strap to a fixed cabinet. - Q: What’s the best way to power a sewing machine in the 22RB?
A: Plug directly into a 110V outlet. Avoid extension cords with low gauge. The 22RB’s outlets are rated for 15 amps; a sewing machine draws <1.5 amps, so no issue. For off-grid, a 300W inverter works for most machines. - Q: Is there enough light to sew in the 22RB’s dinette at night?
A: Yes, but consider adding a clip-on LED task light to the wall-mount desk. The overhead LED lights are bright enough for general sewing, but fine stitches benefit from direct light. - Q: Can I tow a trailer with extra sewing supplies in my 22RB?
A: Yes, the 22RB can tow up to 3,500 lbs. See our Coachmen Beyond 22RB: Compact Utility Trailer Towing Guide for capacity and safety tips. - Q: How do I prevent fabric from getting dusty during storage?
A: Use vacuum-sealed bags or airtight plastic bins. Store them in the overhead cab shelf or under the dinette. Avoid damp areas like the bathroom cabinet.
