Question re Set In Machine
 

I am a quilting/sewing newbie and after reading all the posts about set in machines, I have to ask the question...what is the purpose? I'm sure there must be a reason since so many have this, but I don't know what it is. Please enlighten me.
Thank you.

It gives you a large even surface to sew on which is wonderful for quilting!

IHMO, some of reasons to have my sewing machine 'set in' ~

1) the machine are (ergonomically) at a proper height
2) having the flat surface is a plus when FMQ
3) the 'flat' surface in front of the machine helps me hold by fabric straighter/flatter

Grammy Dwynn is right. Back in the olden days when I first learned to sew, most machines did have a flat surface surrounding the sewing area. My mother's and grandmother's machines were in cabinets that provided this feature. Then portables became more popular, and free arm machines. If you haven't sewn with a machine that is set into a cabinet, you don't know what you're missing. It makes sewing so much easier!

When you sew on a machine that's not set in, there's only a small area where the machine bed supports the fabric. If you are making something small, or light weight it's not an issue. If the machine is set in a table, the fabric is supported by the larger table surface so there's a lot less drag on the fabric. It makes it easier for the feed dogs to properly move the fabric and can result in better stitches.

I used to have an acylic table on my machine and the fabric kept getting caught on the edge of the table. Now it sits in the closet as an expensive mistake. Bought a cabinet so my machine sits inside and level with table. Love it.
For free motion quilting it is a must have.

[QUOTE=Rose Marie;6331818]I used to have an acylic table on my machine and the fabric kept getting caught on the edge of the table. Now it sits in the closet as an expensive mistake. Rose Marie, put a piece of tape (any kind) along the edge and the fabric will not catch on the rough edge.

I have both types of machines, but prefer the set in machine as it stays where it should be when FMQing ,the portable moves around too much for me, have been looking for a table or cabinet to use for my embroidery machine to set into.

I agree with grammy Dwynn ... and add that the portion you have sewn remains on the surface longer. In my case I put a small Lifetime adjustable table behind my cabinet so the quilt top or whatever I am sewing never drags or drapes downward. If whatever I am sewing is really big, then I can also put another small Lifetime table to my rleft and it then carries the weight of whatever I am working on before I sew.

Well all of this makes total sense!! Now I have to add to my "honey do" list.
Thanks!!