Quilting Tables for Your Sewing Machine
The simplest sewing machine can attach two fabric squares together. While the same kind of sewing is done on the entire quilt, the job becomes more difficult as the project becomes larger. Sewing together two strips is quite different than adding the same seam allowance on the border of a completed, full size quilt. The weight of the project can pull against the machine tension and cause uneven or crooked stitching. Quilting tables for your sewing machine can help distribute the weight of the quilt and keep your stitching true.
Machine Attachments
Quilting tables may be available for the model of sewing machine that you have. They are attachments for the area next to the presser foot to take up the weight of the project while you guide the seam being done at the time. It creates a small table to hold the fabric that doesn’t require your attention. An alternative to the quilting tables is a sewing machine cabinet with a large area to the left of the machine.
Although this type of table is not on a level with the presser foot, it will still take some of the weight of the project. You will be tempted to use this area for keeping some tools and supplies. Fight this temptation. Having the quilt snag on a pair of scissors or knocking over a box of pins will destroy your concentration. Maintaining concentration is, after all the very reason for having quilting tables in the first place.
Some quilting machines have a long arm to sew quilts mounted on a quilting frame. This makes quilting tables a quaint little notion rather than a break through technology. While the long arm quilting machine with the quilting frame is a dream for us all, the reality is that few hobbyists can afford the price or the space that it requires.
Planning is the key to using quilting tables. Design the room you use for quilting so that you can give the same attention to the smallest pieces as you can to the big, thick, nearly-finished quilt. This means a good table with good light, accurate tools and good supplies. Make sure that all surfaces are at the best height for your work. A tired back usually results in badly cut or sewn panels. The key is to make your tools do their share of the work so that you stay fresh to do your best work. Among those tools are quilting tables.