Tables for sit down quilting
 

I’m getting a Bernina Q20 quilting machine, sit down. I’m supposed to get the folding table but I worry there won’t be enough surface area for larger quilts. Can anyone comment on this? Has anyone used the folding table that comes standard with the Bernina Q series sit down machines?

Just my opinion, but that seems to be the problem with sit downs. Never enough space to handle a larger quilt. I think these are better at wall hangings, runners etc. I've seen those tables at shows (back in the good old days when we could go to shows) and it sure wasn't roomy. Marcia

I have a Tiara for which I bought a similar-sounding table. You are both correct; even lap quilts hang over the edge of these tables. I end up folding the edges of the quilt up and over the rest as I quilt. This is less than desirable, but some of us purchased a sit-down machine because we didn't have room for a long arm set-up.

Same issue with sewing tables for any dsm. Room to the left but no "table" to the left of the sewer. I end up pulling out my drawer and lay a ruler on top so quilt won't drag stuff out of it. Only table I've seen that meets all my needs is a Horn 8390 https://www.sewingmachinesplus.com/horn-8390.php but so expensive.

You can keep your quilt from dragging by using a suspension system. I made one for my Sweet Sixteen table using dog grooming arms. These are available from Amazon. They are L shaped metal standards that clamp to the table. You will also need some clamps and bungee cord. Use the bungee cords to hang the clamps from the arms and adjust so that when you clamp them to your quilt edges they prevent it from hanging off the edge of your table. Works like a charm. I can (and do) quilt any size quilt using this system.

Rob

I have the same set up as Rob...and quilt Queen sized with no problem. I also have a table to the left of my sewing machine that takes up some weight.

Watson

I have a table to the left of mine and table to the back, it works perfect for me. I have done king size on mine with no problems. I do have a bungee cord on the left and one on the right, that come down from the ceiling. My sweet hubby made these for me.

My Brother 1500 is set into a small arrow table. First of all I turned the table around so there is more room
in front of me to support the quilt. Then I put an ironing board behind the table flush the with the arrow to support the quilt in the back. This butts up to a window wall which also gives light. Then I put one of those white tables to the left like an L nest to the left side of the arrow also pushes up to the window. I finally have my own sewing room which is small but I don’t have a stash so this system works great. I’ve done a queen size with this system. I also glue baste so quilt less heavy than with pins.

DH solved that problem for me. We found a large library table that is 6' x 4'. He cut a hole in it on the lower right side and made a support system underneath. My Juki sits in the hole and the bed is flush with the top. If you have the space, you might want to check out the second hand stores for a similar set up. As long as there are no drawers, it will work. The Bernina Q20, is such an awesome machine, Congrats!

There is a thread in the tutorials section that shows different suspension systems people have built.

https://www.quiltingboard.com/tutori...a-t303241.html

I have my Tiara table set up at a pretty high setting so I can actually stand at it rather than sit. I feel it gives me more mobility for better ergonomics and I can quilt from different sides as needed. With the suspension system I don't need a larger table.