Sewing Machine Tables

May 5th, 2011

What is a Sewing Machine Table?

A sewing machine table is a table specially designed to place sewing machines. Sewing machines are used to stitch and add patterns to fabric or other materials such as leather etc. Sewing machines were an outcome of the industrial revolution and are thought to be invented by Thomas Saint from England in the 1790s.

Sewing machines were earlier used only at sewing companies by trained tailors, but with greater innovation more easy to use machines were designed. Today, almost every household owns a sewing machine.

Sewing machines are often placed on specialized tables also known as sewing machine tables. These tables are specially designed to keep the sewing machine stable to prevent accidents. Many sewing machine tables also come with a walking foot attachment, which is a stationary foot presser used to propel feed mechanisms already existing in the machine.

Another interesting feature of these sewing tables is the extra storage for threads, textiles, needles and other materials. Most sewing tables have specially designed drawers designed in such a way that there is ample storage for the above materials and objects.

With growing innovation in sewing machine technology there has been a progressive change in the types of sewing machine tables available today. Now there are hand-made wooden sewing tables as well as tables that can be purchased and assembled at home.

Why Invest in a Sewing Machine Table?

This is a question many ask before wanting to invest in a sewing machine table. Why not use an ordinary table instead? The answer is quite simple; a sewing table is designed especially for sewing purposes. Therefore, one can work more efficiently on a sewing table as it keeps the machine stable, thereby preventing it from slipping from the side. Also a lot of thinking goes into designing a table that has just the right height and dimension for efficient sewing. So whether you are a mother wanting to stitch a pretty garment for your children or an industrialist wishing to increase productivity in manufacturing clothing, investing in a sewing machine table is definitely a great option.

With such a wide range of sewing machine tables available, there are many options to choose from.

What are the Types of Sewing Machine Tables available?

Although the range and variety of sewing machine tables is too many to mention here, they are modifications of these basic types.

There are tables designed for all kinds of spaces. This is determined by the type of lift mechanism used in the table design. There are quite a few lift designs available on the market today, the first one being a folding life mechanism. This mechanism is somewhat like an ironing board. Just like an ironing board, such sewing tables lift on their own just by unfold the top of the table. What is really great about such tables is that they require very little space and also keeps the sewing machine hidden when not in use and is cost effective at the same time.

Another type of mechanism is one where the table is lifted automatically. These tables with electric folding and unfolding mechanism are quite popular in regular households, as these tables just lift on their own and it is easy to raise or lower the sewing machine as and when needed. These are a little more expensive than the above as the manufacturing cost of such tables is quite high as well.

Another common type of sewing machine table is the one with a lever mechanism. Now in these cabinets, there is a lever on one side which enables one to raise or lower a machine (sewing machine) by pulling the lever. This is another very cost effective option and much cheaper that the one mentioned above.

In addition to these basic mechanisms, there is also a wide variety of options to choose from in terms of material, texture, cost, storage and style options.

Where Can I Buy a Sewing Machine Table?

One can decide to either go to a store with a wide variety of sewing tables and hand pick one that suits ones budget and needs or as most people, one can also decide to buy a sewing machine table online and have it delivered on the doorstep in little time. It really depends on every sewing machine owner’s preference.

How much would a Sewing Machine Table Cost?

Again; the better the features the more expensive the table. These tables can range from anywhere between $100 up to $1000.

Here are the features that determine the cost of the table:

Finish: Dark wood, Light wood, Medium wood, White etc
Lift Type: Air, Electric, Lever, Folding, Lever, Manual
Quality: Handmade Wooden Cabinets, Self Assembled Cabinets
On an average given below is the standard price range of sewing machine tables:

Under $200
$200-$400
$400-$600
$600 and above
Often stores and online stores offer attractive discounts as well.

There are some basic things that should be kept in mind while buying a sewing machine tables or cabinet:

Keep in mind the kind of sewing you wish to do: If you want to work on heavier and thicker materials like those used in making quilts etc, you will require a bigger table.

Accessories: There are quite a few things that need to be stored properly while sewing, little things such as needles and threads to fabrics and other dress materials and accessories. Therefore make sure you invest in a table that enables you to store all your materials and accessories.

Assembling: Some machines are fully assembled and ready to use whereas other come with an instructions manual and needs to be assembled. If you think you won’t have the time or the patience to assemble one, it is better to go in for a fully assembled one even if it is a tad bit more expensive.

Finish: Choose a sewing machines cabinet that goes well with the overall décor if the house, otherwise it will ruin the aesthetic appeal of the room.