Sewing machine tables
 

Looking for suggestions and advice concerning sewing machine tables. I see Joann's has some very expensive tables (for me) that fun $500's to $800. Then I also see one in my google search that comes up at Walmart for between $100 and $200. Looking at the pictures (Walmarts you have to put together), the one at Walmart appears to be very similar to the expensive ones and I like the center shelf underneath it that I can store my surger when not in use. I did not see that feature on some of the more expensive tables.

The reviews on the Walmart table said it was well liked and not very difficult to assemble.

So, can some of you quilters and sewers out there give me some feedback as to your experiences with sewing tables and why are some so much more than others? Solid wood and cool features perhaps?

I like the price of the Walmart table and it looks like it would work out well for me in my basement sewing area. I'm just not sure. Please help.

The most important thing for me in a sewing table is the ability to recess the machine bed level with the table. The other important things are that the table is sturdy with no vibration from the sewing machine, and that it offers plenty of space behind and to the left of the machine to support the fabric.

I really like the stability of the SewEZ table - it is portable, but I leave it up with my embroidery machine sitting on it. I also have a Janome table that came with my 6600P. Also very stable - fits my height which is 5'9" - each one has the plexi-glass insert for the machine. Not sure what you are looking for. Are you looking for a piece of furniture? So if you put your machine away you have a desk? A friend of mine, had her husband make an insert in a desk, much like the table for the featherweight. It depends on what you want then the price can be determined.

And here is a thought, if you have a comfortable desk, find a wood worker in your area to convert it to a sewing table.

I just picked up my Walmart ship to store :)-- it is still out in the bed of my truck - it is the Sauder sewing and craft table for total 128.52 (tax included) I have great hopes for it - wanted something for the corner of the family room so i could sew and "watch" TV at the same time.....i'll be glad to let you know what i think on Monday after we've put it together and i get to decide what i think --- that is...if you'd like an opinion on it.

In terms of purchasing something to use with a sewing machine, stability is the #1 priority for me. It's not nice to sew on a table that shakes, rattles and rolls with your machine!

#2 priority is a flat working space. This is relatively easily (and inexpensively) achieved by creating a styrofoam surround for your machine. See these Youtube videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g14go...ure=plpp_video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yAS25...ure=plpp_video

I bought a sewing table from Walmart that I love. I mainly wanted something that when closed would look like furniture since I was going to put it in my bedroom rather than my sewing room. I really like it although I haven't "quilted" on it. My son put it together for me and it went together well (about an hour). We did "glue" the screw areas to add stability. It rolls so easily and there is lots of storage...with the shelf to store your sewing machine. I actually store 2 machines...one on the inside and then one on top. I'm please so far with it. The one I ordered came in 2 different finishes. Yes, it is made of a veneer covered pressboard but it's not cheaply made.

I have the Sauder one from WalMart - have had it for several years. I like it a lot for it's furniture look, the machine just sits on top and stores inside, not what a lot of people want. It opens out and the front part swings open and holds the extension. I have never quilted anything on it. Just use it for sewing/piecing.

I bought a sewing table from wal mart, probably the one you are talking about. I bought it about 5-8 years ago, it is cheaper than the one Nancy's Notions had and it is very strong. My four cats use the extension part to jump onto and off of. The machine does not recess into it. I couldn't live without it and I use it all the time. It fits into the space I have for it.

We bought a timber dining table off ebay and hubby cut a hole in it and made a well for my machine to sit in so it's flush with the table. I love it. Cost $150 for the table, which was probably a bit on the high side for an ebay table...lol.

I bought my table from Walmart for $199 and it is just like the $500-$800 kind. Exactly, except I had to put it together. I love it. It is very sturdy. I made sure of that when I put it together. It has a side flap that holds open with a door. I use that. It has a door with 3 shelves. I use those all. It has three rows of shelves on the door that holds the side up. They have cubby holes and I love those. I keep all kinds of things in them. I looked at the expensive ones first and couldn't afford them, so I went with Walmart's and am happy with it. It's perfect for me. Doesn't wabble or move. Very sturdy. You'll be happy with it.

I'm not sure what you are really wanting. Something for use only in your home so that the sewing area is flush with the rest of t he surface ... or ... something to take with you. I am guessing at the first one.

If $ is a concern and you don't want a cabinet where you can lower the machine when not in use, then miss_ticky2 has a good idea. Use an old table or desk and have someone cut out an area for you machine and build a lower shelf to place you machine. You can get a local plastic company to make you an inset if you want [we have a great one here in Phoenix.] With this you can set the size of the table/desk you want to use.

You could also buy a large extention table to fit your machine then use an adjustable Lifetime table for your base or a table/desk.

It all depends on the amount of $ you want to spend, the space you have, and the size quilts you make.

At the end of our annual Quilt, Sew, & Craft Show down here the vendors sell their cabinets for a discount.

I prefer my Horne cabinet because I have a 2 bedroom townhome and need the room. I can put an adjustable Lifetime table at the back end if I am working on a larger project and another on the side by me. I like that I can put my machine away when company comes. This esp since my studio [2nd bedroom] and a HQ16 in it as well as my sewing/quilting stuff.

ali

i have the walmart table and i love it it has a shelf underneath a door with shelves on the right hand side storage in the main door which i keep open all the time to support the drop leaf on the left side which gives you more table space it didnt look too hard to put together my mil has 2 and she put hers together hershelf but my hubby put mine together for me. id say its one of the best sewing purchases ive made.
carla m

I bought my table for my oversized machine back when they did not make tables for them. Only one called Bertha was made and boy was it a problem to put togather and cost over $500.
Now you can even get a Sew Ez table that fits.
Bertha is a big table with a back section that I dont even have room to use so it just hangs down. It is 7 feet long with both the extensions up. It also has a lift.

Yes, I would love to hear from you as to how you like the Sauder sewing table and how difficult it was to assemble.

Thanks for all the input and suggestions. Looks like I might be going in the direction of the Walmart sewing table so far, if PenniF gives me a positive feedback after hers is assembled in a couple of days. Thanks again to all.

Here's my solution: Use a "personal table" from office max - height is adjustable. Perfect for sewing machine. Then have your hubby cut a table that will fit the throat of your sewing machine. I used an 18 x 24 sheet of 1/4" acrylic available at Home Depot. Used 3/4" dowels cut to necessary height. This makes an ideal table. I had looked at the professionally available tables at all price ranges and came up with my own solution which I like even better. Now for the "quilting" part: I purchased two 2' x 4' folding, adjustable ht. tables from Sam's Club and this is the totally most perfect solution for sewing. Easily portable. Very functional. Good luck!!

I bought the Sew EZ table, primarily to take to workshops and retreats. However, I've had it set up at home and use it constantly to sew. You can order different inserts for the various machines you use. I bought an extra insert to go with my Featherweight sewing machines. There is absolutely no vibration and I love it. If you don't plan to be traveling with it, I would think the Walmart table would be just perfect though.

I am very short and have never had a table the right height for sewing. I bought a folding table at Costco with adjustable legs. Now I am going to purchase an extension table for my machine that will fit both my Bernina and my Janome 10001. It is wonderful sitting at the right height now!

I bought a perfect sewing table at a garage sale for&5.00. The recessed hole fit my machine with just a small space in the back which I sealed with contact. It has an extension so lots of sewing space. Perfect condition.

[ATTACH=CONFIG]369528[/ATTACH]I love my table. It is a dining table that I paid 2o dollars fo, used it 10 yrs. and then satarted using it for my sewing table. My son cut a place to set the machine down into and it is wonderful. plenty of room on the left side to spread out.

I would like to see pictures of some of these tables.

I would check resale shops in your area. Older tables are well made and sturdier than most new tables, unless you pay a small fortune for it. No way would I pay $500-$800 for a table.

I also bought the Sauder sewing cart through Walmart. I am in the process of putting it together, but can't find my Philips screw driver. The directions are very thorough and clear. Before starting, I separated all the nails, screws, etc into individual baggies (snack size) and it helped make sure I had the right count of each item according to the instructions. The extension top clearly states it is not for cutting use, probably because it only is attached to the cart with hinges and not sturdy enough.

For me, height is the important thing, if it is to short or to tall, you get bad shoulder and neck pain when sewing. Check out the height of any table before buying, also stbiolity is important. No wobbling.

I bought a table from Walmart that I had to put together. It is very stable and doesn't vibrate when I sew, but it is sitting on a rug in a bedroom. I was VERY, VERY limited with space so this table folds and I can store the machine underneath it. It has storage in the door that hides the machine underneath and a door that hides 3 shelves. I love it and am very happy. It is definitely not a large surface so I have a folding cutting table from Joann's to cut fabric on. When I am sewing a large quilt it is not laying flat except where I am sewing. It serves the purpose for a cost that you are looking for. I would love to have a Koala table, but I don't have the room or the money.

I solved this problem with a desk chair that has adjusts to a height that works perfectly with my table.

Sewing Machine tables
 

I have sewing tables custom made by Tracey's Tables, expensive, but real good. Also have a SewEz table, inserts for a couple of my machines, not expensive, do enjoy, take to classes. Also have a Walmart Sauder table/cabinet in our winter home, lots of storage, not expensive.

My daughter bought me the Sauder one from Walmart about 7 years ago. I love it. My machine Janome 6500 does not sit flush but the machine has an extention table. I love the stroage and the fact that the top is held open with the door which gives me more room. I have quilted on it and the excess of the quilt can be nicely rolled up and it stays on the extra part of the table top. I would love to have a recess cut into it but have decided not too. I also of course love the Janome Table that fits my machine and the other fold away table they are talking about on the board but at the time I was a bit short on the cash. But my dd gave me a great Christmas present when she got Walmart cabinet for me. I love it.

My table has the recessed feature, but every time I need to change bobbin thread, I have to lift the whole machine out of the table. As I get older, that's not gonna work! For right now, it's just a nuisance.

Got mine off Craig's list and I was in the same boat .. LOTS of monies for a piece of furniture. When I found mine on Craigslist I was in heaven ... Hubby is taking one of the doors off it and extending the table so I can do quilts when I want to and its moveable ...

It sounds like mine. Is there a board across the front? I had my husband cut a hole through it for my knee lift, and I think he could cut another opening to get to the bobbin area.

I bought one at WalMart and they put it together for me at no cost! Its a good table and quite sturdy. Have used it for several years and really like it. When I bought mine I got it on sale for $89, that's how long its been.

delma

Thanks for all the feedback. I'll be in the market for a new table soon and have been looking around and pricing. This thread certainly has helped!

I have the Sauder sewing cabinet from Walmart for several years and love it. Bought a craft center from Joann's for 199.00 and love it. Has locking casters and doesn't move. I have been very happy with both items.

I got a Sauder (like the Walmart one) sewing cabinet off of CL for my daughter and paid only $45 for it. She's just beginning to sew and she needed a cabinet for the sewing machine I got her for her birthday. It's nice and sturdy and I didn't even have to put it together.

It's all together and i used it this weekend. LOVE IT !!! It was really quite easy to assemble - and is very sturdy. Love the cubby on the side - i can just put my current work on the shelves and close it up at night....which keeps me from having to move everything back to my sewing room to keep the kitties from getting into things. The fact that the machine sits on top (not recessed) doesn't bother me cuz i've always had mine sitting on a table top. I think you will be very happy with it - as you have seen that other posters have had theirs for years. Good luck !!

You can see mine here...more pics on page 5

http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...on-t76568.html

My husband cut the hole for my machine so I could leave the hinges on and attach it. I can lean it back just like it was in a cabinet. It works very well.

Haven't read all the posts but I bought one of the tables from Wal Mart - put it together myself. Very pleased with it. Sturdy, lots of storage space. Keep one machine on top and one underneath. Good value for the money.

This is what my Dh made for me and it is great. It can be removed for storage is wanted. He also took an old table and cut the legs off to lower the height so it is comfortable for me. Also use an adjustable office chair with wheels and no arms. Still need to get up andf stretch once in a while.