Has anyone used a sewing machine extension table--I am interested in getting one, but wanted input first!
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Has anyone used a sewing machine extension table--I am interested in getting one, but wanted input first!
Do you mean a table that goes around the machine but still sits on top of another table? My machine came with one. It was ok but my husband took an old computer desk and cut a hole in it, put in a shelf and now my machine is flush with the top of the desk and I have lots more room around the machine. But the extension is better than nothing.
It does help until you can do something like what Roxanne has...if you have the room check out what Eleanor Burns did with an old table...actually her son did the work but it is a great idea, could also use a desk or an old door, cut out hole, put legs on it and voila, a sewing table! But you have to know someone handy with power tools and know how!
I have an extension table which has worked fine for me, but would really enjoy my machine being flush with the table. BUT...all things considered, very glad I have the extension table! Maybe some day I can get my son in law to fashion my dream table. In the mean time, it's an 8 ft utility table for my machine and extension.
I have one and love it............A Sew Steady extension table and I ordered through Allbrands. If you plan to do FMQ'ing it will help a lot! Do a search on the forum on extension tables.........there should be more info.
Same as pcbatiks...I also purchased my table from allbrands. Best deal out there at the time. Delivery was also very prompt.
One came with my machine, but it also came with a custom table, so I don't need the extension table, it sits in the corner with the plastic still on it. I think doing anything to make the bed of the machine flush with an extension of some sort of table is essential if you want to do FMQing. I say go for it.
SewEzi has tables that can be customized for specific sewing machines. And they fold down and have wheels on them if you want to take it to class. The machine sits down in a lower shelf, and they make a plastic insert to go around the machine bed to make it flat with the table. They aren't exactly bargain basement price, but they are very well built and you can get inserts for various machines if you want to use it for several different models.
What size do you have--I was thinking of the 24 X 24.Quote:
Originally Posted by pcbatiks
This is the one I have and I got it from AllBrands
The name on it Sew Steady made in the USA 18x24
Attachment 37668
Thanks you so much for the picture--that is exactly the brand I was looking at--does it make your managing of the quilt easier? Thanks so much!Quote:
Originally Posted by grannyann
Here is what I just got to fix my new sewing area -- I think it's Terrific, and a very cheap way to go :-)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g14go...5C338341F28BF9
What is that bar across the bed of the machine? Is that part of the table? What happens if you take the legs off?
I have a cabinet with a lift. I can't find an insert for it. I have the PQ1500. Koala doesn't have an insert, neither does Horn (same opening dimensions), and the inserts at Allbrands don't match my cabinet. I don't see why I would have to buy another table like a SewEzi when I already have the cabinet. I have another machine that had an acrylic table, I took the legs off of that and it lays flat but the cutout doesn't make it so using a table with the right cutout without legs would work. The Brother is tight lengthwise in the cabinet, but a lot of room the other way. I'd like to slide the table around to fit the cutout so I can move the machine closer or farther away from me as needed.
I don't like the machine sitting on top of the cabinet, it's too high. The table that came with it isn't flat.
I purchased a 24x24 for my Ruby. I told my hubby that I didn't know HOW I was able to sew without one all these years. lol What a difference it makes when piecing quilts or just piecing blocks. I love mine.
I have the Sew Steady table for both my machines and it's wonderful. Buy the largest one you can fit for your sewing area. It's great for laying your pieces out while piecing. I believe I also bought it from AllBrands.
It does make a big difference when no matter what your sewing. And the leggs are there to support the extension and so the extension will be the same height as your machine.The bar I ordered extra as the little box underneath. The bar is used as a bumper for your seams so you sew them straightand evenly.
I have one and love it. Mine is made by Sew Steady and was custom made for my machine model. My machine sews and embroiders, so this is the perfect solution for me since the carriage for embroidery moves in and out and can't be confined inside a permanent opening. When I want to embroider, I just remove the extension table and put it back when I want to sew normally. It was worth every cent I paid for it.
No - I have a Horn cabinet with an automatic lift/cutout. . The machine goes flush with the cabinet top to make the machine a flatbed.. If I use a table with legs, the table is too high since the machine is already at the same level as the cabinet top..Quote:
Originally Posted by grannyann
Yes.....it does make managing the quilt easier. I have my machine sitting on a 5 or 6 foot table and I put my ironing board on the left side of me if I need more support for the quilt to sit on. Buy at least the 18 x 24. You will love it. :)
Ah! you see mine is not in a cabinet It is siting on top of a sewing cabinet so I have to have the legs on mine so it will be flushed with my machine. And yes they do make them for your make and model.
I have the same one that Ann has too, and it does make an obvious difference managing your quilt. A good investment indeed.Quote:
Originally Posted by georgiabaughman
I have a Sew Steady 24 X 24 to go with my Janome machine. I bought it from sewingmachinesplus.com. I could not imagine trying to sew or quilt without it. It sits on my kitchen table perfectly and everything moves so well across it. They will make it fit whatever machine type you have.
I agree w/ those that have the sew steady extension...mine came with my Singer sewing machine purchase from HSN.
Only problem is it doesn't fit any of my other machines.
I got an acrylic sheet cut to my specs at Lowes. Eventually I would like to find a place to make a 1/4'' thick surround. I was worried that I couldn't change the bobbin, but I can get my hand in to change it. The bobbin on the PQ1500S is on the side, not the front and the cabinet is made for a more traditional machine like my 2170, Brother PC 6500, Babylock Ellure.
I put a board on the lift as both cabinets were set for a Pfaff 2170. This way, I can just remove the board and put the Pfaff and its inset in the same cabinet. The prototype is working pretty well.
I have 2 cabinets, but only one has enough room in back of it to sew a binding on a quilt.
