As a new quilter, did you have a special table for your machine?

I am just starting out and am beginning to realize there is no way I can sew comfortably with my machine on my computer table because there isn't enough room. The office is small and I share it with my fiance and his computer. We both have 2 monitors so table space is at a premium.

I'm thinking about moving my machine and other quilting stuff upstairs to the guest room. I'm stuck about what kind of table to put it on. I don't want to spend a lot of money. I could get a folding table off craigslist or at Costco, or if it's worth it, spend more and get a special sewing table.

What kind of table do you use? How much did it cost? Where did you buy it?

Thanks!

I got a large folding table and it works fine for me. I got it from Target or Walmart for about $50.00.

Ditto. I bought two from BJs (about $50) and have them long side to long side (I have a sewing room). When I'm quilting all the layers together, it's great -- lot's of room. But, I find the one I use for cutting is a bit too short (I'm 5'11") and I'm thinking of using risers to make it higher.

BJ's has height adjustable melamine tables that would work great as sewing tables. I have one that is 2'X4' and have it on the highest height for a cutting table, but would put it at the lowest height to put the machine on. It's small enough that it's easy to carry and take with you on retreats.

I have two of the 18"x36" (?) tables and love them. One is to my left for when I'm FMQ and the other is kept in the sun room for when I sew during the warmer days. Either way, the small sizes are easy to store when the table is collapsed flat.

I went to a discount furniture store and bought a slightly damaged desk. I like it because it has drawers for storage.

Mine is 18" x 60", but I think would rather have two 18" x 36" instead of one long one.

Mine is from IKEA and it is roughly 2'x 4' It is nice and sturdy and the legs are metal tube, set at an angle which do not get in the way. I like it. Can't remember what it cost.

We re-purposed office furniture for my sewing room, and it works great! I have 2 computer desks, one of which Hubby cut out, installed a shelf and cut a piece of acrylic all to drop my machine down - I could never go back to it sitting on a table, I am so spoiled by the flat sewing surface! Here is a link to a pic of the machine table in the old house:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-17094-1.htm

When we moved, I moved everything into one room. I change the orientation of the 2nd computer desk depending on what I need to do; right now, they are back to back for quilting instead of in an L shape. Here's a link to the pic of them in their usual state:
http://www.quiltingboard.com/t-19566-1.htm

The best part is that we got the office furniture at an auction - very cost effective ;) The same thing could be done with lots of tables we've seen over at the thrift store!

Hubby also made me a wooden box that I can set up on the computer tables to raise my cutting surface - and I can lift it down out of my way. Who would have thought a simple box could save so much wear on my back?!!

Mine is in a cabinet, so I don't need a table.

I have a desk my parents purchased when I was about 10. I also have the diesk that my sister used-so I put the 2 together to make an "L"-it is great. I have drawers to put "stuff". Then, my other sister gave me her cutting table that is behind or butts up to the desk so now I room to spread out!. Whew-lots of space-I like the desk with the drawers the best!

I used a desk for a long time. I got a sewing table a while ago when Wal Mart had them on clearance.

What is BJ's?

I went to enards and got a 6' folding table.It's nice when your quilt is getting bigger to situate the weight of the faric.
Happy sewing,
Pegg

I have a very heavy duty banquet table that is 30 x 60. I bought it for $10! It does not wobble when the machine is operating. The ones on the market are flimsy in comparison. My machine and serger sit side by side on the table. This photo was taken last year before I acquired my serger. It does fit to the right of the sewing machine.
sandy

I purchased two adjustable height folding tables from Sam's - and have them in an 'L' configuration. I then purchased a Sew Steady Table to fit around my machine - I bought the largest one - pricey, but well worth it. In all, this was an inexpensive way to go and has worked well. The tables are sturdy and offer me plenty of room...No matter what you choose, you will enjoy having your own space!

I bought an older style table desk that is really really sturdy. Be wary of the new plastic folding tables since they don't handle a machine very well - they make my machine start to jump...

I love love love my old table desks. They have metal legs and a laminate top and are just fabulous. Sturdy as anything. I have two of them set up in a L shape and I sit on one side and my cutting mat is on the other - it's a perfect arrangement since my room is so small.

I use my dining room table and it's 45"x71" and hubby made it to fit the dining room, hence the odd size. I love it and can't imagine sewing on anything smaller. I have my cutting mats on it so everything is right there. It's sturdy too. I would think any kind of folding table would wobble. My sister has a banquet table with a hard plastic top and when I was using her machine the entire table wobbled and made it difficult to sew accurately. So I am grateful for my table.

Look for something sturdy or your sewing will not be accurate. And size is important too. I think a bigger table is better because once your quilt starts getting larger you need the table for support to avoid pulling. Good luck.

I just have a regular desk, that way there's enough room for a small lap quilt, if I need my serger there's room for it, plus I have so much other stuff on the desk that I wouldn't have anywhere to put it. LOL I don't use it as a quilting table for big quilts though, I use my cutting table for that and just move my machine to it.

Do a search for sewing tables. This has been discussed before and there were lots of good idesa. I used styrafoam insulation to cover my table to bring the table up to the height of the sewing machine. I posted a "u tube" site that shows how to make one. Cheap and needs no special tools to make. Also can be removed for storage.

Do you have a link to your video to share?
sandy

BJs is a big box discount store like Sam's Club or COSTCO. Sounds like they're not in your area.