Seeking recommendation for sewing machine extension table

You really need to get the Elna one that fits your machine, if they make one. As it's a quilty machine, they should. Warning: Cheap they ain't! If you can't find one, this universal type may suit:

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I made a homemade one. From work I was able to scavenge styrofoam box lids which were the same height as the machine platform. I taped four of them together. covered the whole thing with white mactac and then cut out a hole for my machine to slide into. The nicest thing (except for the negligible expense) was that I could make it larger than the usual extenders that I'd seen.

You could probably also make one by cutting up styrofoam insulation. Instead of taping box lids side by side like I did you'd layer the insulation to bring it up to the right height.

Just an idea for you! Allison

I have a machine like that. I bought my extension table from the dealer when I bought the machine. I seldom use it for piecing, but definitely a must for free motion quilting, at least for me. Mine says "Quilter's Rule Int'l, LLC PST-302. Mine is the standard size; I'm not sure the larger size was available when I bought mine. It's adequate, though not as nice as having the machine recessed into a table or cabinet. I don't remember what I paid (I'm thinking about $65), but I'm sure it was less than the price listed on the web site: . Nancy's Notions carries the Sew-Steady tables: or

I'm sure they are available at other online dealers, too.

Julia in MN

- dlm. wrote:

IMHO extension tables for free motion quilting are no match for a table that your machine can sit down into, so that the bed is flush with the table surface. This helps elimiate drag and pin snaggings on the edge of the extension table and it is less stressful on your shoulders and neck. I have extension tables for two of my Vikings, and now that I have a Koala table with the insert and lift (bought used about two years ago), I never use the extension tables.

But, there is no reason to buy a expensive table with a lift if you don't want to ---a very inexpensive table is the Arrow table that Leah Day offers on her website. I'm going to buy one of these for my birthday, to put my Juki TL98 into (same machine Leah uses in her table).:

It's adjustable to fit the height of the machine bed and if you need a bigger space, just add another table behind or to the side of it.

-Irene

I have the Arrow table, and it works very well! I do not have a dedicated sewing or craft room, so the table spends the majority of its time folded up and slid under the sofa. When I need a larger surface I just slide a card table out of its usual hidey-hole (in the kitchen, actually!) and put it behind the Arrow table.

This, definitely. I have a couple of Horn tables, but Koala, Horn or Arrow, it's the same principle. And it will make a world of difference in your free-motioning, as well as any other sewing.

Iris

On Jun 21, 1:01=A0pm, "- dlm." posed a query regarding a SM extension table for her Elna...

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I didn't realise that the extension tables would/could also pose a problem with additional drag. I will look into the Koala, Horn, and Arrow type tables. If those aren't feasible, then I will definitely try your approach Allison! Great idea and inexpensive, too!

Many Thanks!

- dlm.

On Jun 21, 1:01=A0pm, "- dlm." posed a query regarding a SM extension table for her Elna...

Thanks for all of the suggestions. I didn't realise that the extension tables would/could also pose a problem with additional drag. I will look into the Koala, Horn, and Arrow type tables. If those aren't feasible, then I will definitely try your approach Allison! Great idea and inexpensive, too!

Many Thanks!

- dlm.

I use a foldable computer table and set my machine on the drop down keyboard tray that I bought for $49 at one of the nationwide computer superstores years ago. The table is about 30" x 60" and leaves a nice amount of space on the right for tools, thread etc. My older Bernina works fine but my newer Brother's table is a little to large to fit completely in the keyboard area so the extension rests on the table top which I don't find too bad for free motion work. The additional nice feature of this table is that the keyboard tray height is adjustable up to about 4" so I can drop down or use free arm.

Diana - PA

I have a Horne desk that I love, it s 5'x4' when fully open. I also have a SewEasy portable table that I take to classes and my guilds BeeDay, it is very useful, but pricey. I believe that Nancy's Notions has a portable table that also has your machine sit down into it. Bonnie, in Middletown, VA

Woo Hoo, "dlm" is BACK! Good to see you hear and glad to know you are quilting again. At home I keep my SM in a dedicated sewing desk, Arrow Furniture. I can lower and raise the platform, and can close up the desk to 'hide' the SM, but never do. For traveling I do not have an extension, but would like to add one to my collection of traveling equipment. HTH. Pat in Virginia

Hi Pat! Great to "see" you again! It really sounds like I need something where I can raise/lower the platform and hide the SM away when not in use. The LQS did recommend bringing an extension table for their class. Sounds like I need ( okay, want! ) both. Thanks for your input!

- dlm.