Acrylic extension table vs sewing table
 

I have a large acrylic extension table for my Viking Opal but i am thinking about buying a sewing table to replace it. Leash Day has a Mother's Day special on a table that comes with an acrylic insert so the machine is flush with the table. So my question to all you experienced quilters is, will it make a difference? I do get my quilts caught on the edge of the extension table but wonder if I would also get thm caught on the edge of the table itself. I do not do large quilts, only throws at this time. Thanks for your help

Not sure what your set up is or why your quilts are getting caught when quilting. I have my Bernina 1530 sitting inside the well of my old Singer sewing desk using an insert. It is a better height for me. There are articles on what height your DSM should be at with yourself for good posture.

No they will not get caught when using a table with the insert.

I have a large Horn table with inserts for all my machines. The table makes it so much easier, the quilt getting caught probably depends on the size of the table. With mine being big, the entire quilt is always on the top.

I find that I sew so much better when my machine is level with the table so I have my machine dropped in a desk so it is flush with the top of the desk. It really makes all the difference for me.

Yes, it will make a big difference. The ergonomic improvement is amazing. I had my machine on a dining table with a large acrylic extension table. I hadn't sewn on a machine in a fitted table in years but when i switched I was amazed at how much more comfortable it was. There is a lot less possibility of catching on the table.

I have seen those tables at quilting retreats, and the owner/users love them. I have had a portable acrylic extension table for my older pfaff for many years, and yes, often get anything larger than a placemat caught on the corners. One advantage of having a drop-in cutout and insert for the machine is that you are not reaching up so high to sew. Before settling on the Affordable Table, check the measurements and consider whether or not cutting a desk or table you already have and buying the acrylic insert would work better for you, certainly more economical. Those tables have been discussed on this and other forums, as have the alternatives. Having a dependable, portable table at that price may be preferable to cutting and fitting your own.

I have one machine sat on a table with an extension and one machine dropped into a portable table (Sew-Ezi table). I much prefer to sew with the machine dropped into a table as I find it far more comfortable.

My acrylic table sits in the closet. What a waste of money.
I now have a sewing table with my machine flush with the top. So much better.

I have both. I love my Horn table with the machine set flush that I leave setup at home, but when I go on retreats, the acrylic extension is very helpful.

I've had my Viking Rose in a table/cabinet since 1996. I think it is so much better that I now never use my machines that have to sit on the table. It is easier to sew and hold your hands flat on either side of the needle and definitely easier to machine quilt. The height is also much easier to work with.

I purchased the smaller utility table, 47" long, used in most offices etc. from Staples. My husband was able to cut the legs down so the table now stands at 27 inches. That makes my Bernina Artista 185 the perfect height to use the slide on clear acrylic table with my machine. It makes it the right height for me. I love the clear table addition because I can store my supplies under it and still see them. The acrylic table supports my work perfectly. I am primarily a hand quilter so that is more than surface enough for the many Linus quilts I work on by machine.

I have my Bernina in my old singer sewing desk also. The small acrylic tray sits above the top of the machine cabinet so it is not flush. Can you please tell me where you purchased your insert to make the machine flush to the cabinet? Thank you so much!

Don't you just love it though to take with you to classes? Otherwise why not sell it.

A glass company will cut an acrylic tray for you......I just drew the size on to a piece of cardboard and took it to them. Works great!!!

I have an acrylic table I use and the quilts get caught on the rounded corners. Maybe someday I will get to looking for a table to set them in.

I have this table also, and it makes a world of difference. I hesitated to spend the $$, but would do it again in a heartbeat.

I bought a table top and adjustable legs from Ikea. Took it to my local cabinet shop and a wonderful man made it a drop in table for my machine. The top is large, lots of room for quilts and room on the side of machine for stuff also.

A table with a cut out for your machine is far superior to an acrylic extension. Sew perfect tables sell tables that are height adjustable and very sturdy with a cut out made for any machine on the market, They are very reasonably priced too I have two and love them

I have an Arrow Olivia table that looks a lot like furniture rather than a sewing table. I loooove having my machine set into the table!! That's my vote!

I would bet you will find sewing with the machine flush to the surface so much better. With the machine dropped down in a cabinet you are not reaching up and causing your shoulders and arms to be in an awkward position.

I prefer my machine to be flush with the table, all of my acrylic tables are stored away and my machines sit in their tables with an acrylic surround. It makes sewing for me easier and less tiring. When I first stared I bought a Sew EZ table just so I could sew in comfort, I did not mind that it was small, comfort was key for me. I think we all have our own preferences and certainly the extension tables are must of you do not have the ability to sit flush with the table.

I have a large acrylic extension table around my machine setting on a height adjustable 5' long Wal-mart table.It's set up to be at an ergonomic height for me, the needle and my line of sight are exactly lined up, and knees bent about 90-degrees. Very comfortable and the quilt doesn't hang. I also have a machine in a cabinet which would be fine except the opening for my legs is a little too far to the right for the line of sight to be lined up with the needle. So I much prefer the extension table setup. So I think the answer to your question is that you can make either setup work well. My quilts do not hang on either one. I think you would enjoy watching Margaret McManus address this topic at this youtube site: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hbmQ2riM7Yo. All of her videos are very informative.

Thanks, I will ask my local glass co.

Sewing flush is more comfortable and your shoulders will thank you.
Sandy

I have both. My favorite is my kangaroo table. It is adjustable to different heights and has an insert that keeps my diamond at the right level. The table was expensive but well worth the money. I can also order different inserts for other machines...but I love the diamond so much that I rarely use any of the others!

I have one of Tracy's tables. My husband gave it to me for my birthday. I just love it. Best money spent. There's no comparison to insert.

I want a table so the machine will be flush with the table. Have my newer machine sitting on top of old Kenmore cabinet, it has the extension thingy, but I just quilted a lap size quilt yesterday and it nearly killed me! Hurts my shoulders, back, and the quilt gets caught on the extension thing. I love that sewperfect table, but cant afford 400 dollars right now, think I'm gonna start looking around for something.