Frequently Asked Questions

   

How does the table adjust to fit my machine?
The table-top consists of 3 main pieces which will slide to fit the length and width of your sewing bed. You simply loosen the wingnuts underneath the table and move the sections until they fit. Some machines may require you to remove the wingnuts and bolts and place them into a different sent of holes to extend the range of adjustment. These adjustments are made without tools.

How well can I expect the table to fit my machine?
Since the table opening has straight edges you will get the best fit if the sides of the sewing bed are straight also. If the outer case of the sewing bed is curved or sloped, small gaps may occur, or there may not be a level transition to the table. The closest fit is often obtained by removing the accessory case and placing the table directly around the freearm. The best way to see how the table will fit is by holding a straight edge ruler against the sides of the sewing bed to see if gaps occur. Use the dimension drawings on this link, http://www.sewingmates.com/table_dimensions.htm, to see how far the table will fit onto your sewing bed. Keep in mind that a perfect fit isn't always necessary to enjoy the advantage of the large level surface surrounding your machine.

How big does your work area need to be?
The 16 x 16 Sew AdjusTable requires a minimum depth of 14" on your work table for the front and back legs to sit. The 18 x 24 table requires a minimum depth of 16" and the largest size table, 24 x 24, requires a minimum depth of 22" for the front and back legs. (If your work table is against a wall, more depth may be required for the table top to fit.) The area to the left of your sewing bed needs to be at least 10" for the 16 x 16 and at least 15 " for the two larger tables.

How do I change my bobbin?
If you have a top loading bobbin it won't even be a problem, otherwise you simply pull the table out of the way to access the bobbin case. Sometimes it's possible to raise the front of the table slightly or block up the leg to reach under to access the bobbin case. Only a couple people have ever mentioned it and it isn't normally a problem.

Is there anything sticking above the tabletop to catch on the fabric?
No, all hardware is recessed into the table top to provide a perfectly smooth surface.

Are the edges beveled on the front and left side of the table top?
All four sides of the tables have been rounded and polished giving a smooth transition onto the table top.

Is it sturdy?
Yes, the tables are very solid and sturdy. Even our long-arm quilting customers report that the table stays put while quilting large projects.

Can I return it for a different size?
If you are satisfied with your table in every way except the size, we will exchange it for a different size if you are willing to pay the extra shipping cost.

What should I consider in choosing a table size?
Mini-Mate 12 For mending, small sewing projects and small spaces, the 12x11 is bigger than it looks and works great to support your hands while feeding the fabric through your machine. If you've been sewing on a narrow sewing bed you'll find the Mini Mate will double the sewing surface around your needle and give you full support especially under your left hand where you need it most.

Compact 16 If you plan to take your table to classes or use it when you travel, the 16x16 is the most convenient size and is spacious enough for most sewing projects. The 16x16 is my personal favorite because it's so handy to move around between my machines and it weighs less than 5 lbs.
Even if your work space isn't limited this may be all the table you'll ever need or want.

Space Saver 18 If your work space has room to the left of your machine but has limited depth (between your machine and the wall), the 18x24 will give you extra table surface for big projects while fitting on a narrower work space. You will need a depth of 15 to 18 inches for the table to sit depending on how wide the table is adjusted plus up to 6 inches more for the table to overhang. This is our newest size and we expect will become our most popular.

Full Size 24 The 24x 24 is ideal if you have a large work area to set it on, and if you don't plan to move it around very much. Weighing 10 lbs it isn't as handy to carry but we have had several customers who take them to classes with no problem. This size is best for free-motion quilting and large sewing projects. To accomodate the legs you will need 22 to 24 inches for the table to sit plus up to 6" more for the table to overhang.

The space underneath each table serves as an extra shelf to place notions, instructions and extra fabric nearly doubling your work space. This makes the table seem even roomier because of the extra space underneath it.

What is the advantage of an adjustable extension table?
The fact that you'll never need to buy another table if you upgrade or acquire more than one sewing machine. Our tables were designed with every fit requirement for all machine s in mind. Some machines will fit more perfectly than others, but a perfect fit isn't always necessary to enjoy the advantage of a larger surface surrounding your machine.

Another advantage is the time factor. We usually have tables on hand to ship within 24-48 hours of ordering. A custom fit table often takes several weeks to receive.

Where else can I see these tables?
Occasionaly you will see our tables in an ad or product review in a sewing magazine, but you won't find our tables in stores or shows at this time. Instead we suggest you give one a try and if you're not satisfied for any reason we make it very easy for you to return it for a full refund.

Will the table fit my serger?
The new Sew AdjusTable s are made with a removeable back adjuster allowing the table to be used in an L-shape configuration. This ensures a good fit on extra wide or deep machines and no matter which size table you purchase it will still fit your machine in front and to the left of the sewing bed to support your fabric where you need it most.

Which table is best for my embroidery unit?
The embroidery hardware to the left of the sewing bed takes up most of the opening in the extension table leaving less table surface to the right of the needle. If you have a large embroidery unit you will want to order the largest table you have space for which will provide a longer adjustment for the front edge of the sewing bed or freearm. We've had excellent feedback for the Viking, Bernina, Brother, Kenmore and Janome Embroidery units. The L-shape configuration is preferable when a telescoping embroidery arm is in use.

How do I get the best fit for my machine?
The table dimensions link on the home page shows each dimension in a printable format making it easy to compare the measurements of each table.

The most important thing to consider is the length of the freearm on your machine(s). The B and C dimensions show where the table meets the front and back edge of the freearm or sewing bed. The 16x16 has a shorter opening which may result in a gap between the right edge of the extension table and the right end of the freearm. This isn't always a problem, but if you need the table to fill the entire space in front of the machine, you may wish to purchase a table with a B measurement as long as the front edge of your freearm.

For example... If your machine's freearm measures 8" on the front edge, and you purchase a 16x16 table which has a maximum B measurement of 7", you will have a 1" gap at the right end of the freearm.

If this is a problem you have two options. You can attach the accessory box to the freearm and fit the table around the full sewing bed, eliminating the gap, or you may choose to order a larger table with a longer front adjustment to accomodate the freearm.

What if you still have questions?
If your question hasn't been answered please send it to us and we'll be happy to give you a personal reply. Our business has been built on customer input and feedback.

If I order a table from you how soon will I get it?
We ship our tables UPS ground unless otherwise requested. Shipping time is 1 to 7 days for domestic orders. Since we are in Oregon, the East Coast takes the longest and the West Coast is the quickest. We try to have tables on hand to ship orders the same or next day. Sometimes we have a parts shortage and delays occur, if this happens you will be notified of your estimated shipping date which could be up to a week. We will email your tracking number once your order has been shipped.

The pictures show a jog in the table top behind the sewing bed and my machine is straight all the way across the back, will it still fit?
Yes, the back piece of the table top is reversible to fit against your machine either way. The reversed edge is straight.

I am having trouble understanding the explanation of measurements because I'm not sure which part of the machine is the free arm, and how it has so many different measurements?
Not all machines have a freearm. The freearm is the smallest portion of the sewing bed when all accessory pieces have been removed. The full sewing bed is the largest dimension of the sewing arm with all hardware attached. Many machines have an accessory case in front of the bobbin which must be removed to change the bobbin. This accessory case also has the purpose of enlarging the size of the sewing area and it becomes the full sewing bed. If an extension table is fit directly to the freearm, it makes bobbin changing easier because the case is already removed. Also, some full sewing beds are curved or rounded hindering a close fit with the extension table.

On many machines such as the Bernina, the freearm and full sewing bed are the same thing, unless you have the clip on extension table that came with the machine, then it could be considered the full sewing bed. The Sew AdjusTable will adjust to fit around most full sewing beds.

The measurements consist of the width across the end, (A) on the dimension drawings, (this number could be 3" for the freearm, and 7" with the accessory case attached). The B & C dimensions consist of the length of the freearm (or sewing bed) on both the front and back edges. Again this will change when the accessory case is attached. The Sew Adjustables will adjust to fit most machines either way but it's a good idea to compare the table dimensions with your own machine measurements to assure the best fit possible.

How do the legs fold up for transporting?
The adjustable leg consists of two main parts: A bracket which is mounted permanently to the table by screws, and a retractable leg which fits into the bracket. The minimum thickness of the table is 2-1/2" which is the depth of the bracket. For transport, the legs can either be retracted into the bracket, or removed and carried separately.

Do I need to assemble the table when it arrives?
The table is fully assembled before shipping. You only need to follow the easy instructions to fit the table to your machine. We're always available should you have any questions.

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