DIY Custom Machine Quilting Table – Cheap and Portable!
A flat surface around the bed of your sewing machine can make the difference between struggling with quilting and quilting with ease. Here’s one way to achieve that custom surface with some construction rigid foam insulation and a piece of flexible clear vinyl. I have also seen a blog where a quilter used this method, but set her sewing machine perpendicular to her body (needle close to her and motor farthest away). No matter what system you use, you will find that you are more comfortable and your machine quilting is easier with a flat surface for the quilt to lay on while you are quilting it.
Here’s how to adjust it for machine quilting a large quilt.
Here is a full write-up of the process as well.
4 Responses to “DIY Custom Machine Quilting Table – Cheap and Portable!”
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Thanks so much for your two videos. I’m makeing a twin size quilt for my granddaughter and don’t have the time to handquilt it. I decided I was going to do it on the machine, but am at a lost as to how all that works.
Your table ideas with the foam are GREAT! I’ll be getting some!
I am hoping to find a video of someone giving tips on how to actually work with a large quilt under a regular sewing machine.
Thanks again for sharing your ideas!
Darlene
Hi Darlene, I am glad that you like my table and videos! Check out this one I made about quilting a big quilt on a home sewing machine:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U60Y_FJ5UGc
Marguerita
Thanks so much! I’m taking sewing back up after a 20 year lapse, thanks to a Christmas gift from my mom….but my tiny apartment won’t accommodae more furniture (nor my budget)
This looks perfect! I have from the costco “not quite a rectangle” x-leg table that I should be able to adapt your method for.
The foam idea is brilliant..I didnt’ even know about this kind of foam!! I may just see if I can’t use the White oak sewing machine table that was my grandmothers (sadly gutted and detreddled by dear old gramma–and painted to boot. )
I’m thinking that by layering the foam, as you’ve illustrated, I can have a flat surface most of the time, and just remove certain pieces (and perhaps an extra layer underneath to elevate the base) when I need the free arm, which is going to be such a small fraction of the time. I’ll be sure and check that it meets your suggested 24″ height. Thank you!!!
Hi Kathy, sounds like an excellent plan. Post here if you have any questions and I’ll do my best to help you, Marguerita