Can I just buy any extension table for my sewing machine? What measurements do I need? No, you cannot simply buy any extension table; it must be sized correctly for your specific machine. You will need several specific measurements of your sewing machine’s base, free arm area, and the area around the throat plate to ensure a proper fit for an extension table. This guide will show you how to get these correct measurements so you can find or order the perfect table for your machine.
Adding an extension table to your sewing machine can change your sewing experience. It gives you a much bigger work space. This extra flat area supports your fabric better. It stops heavy or large projects like quilts, curtains, or garments from pulling down. When fabric hangs off the machine, it can mess up your stitches. An extension table helps your fabric stay flat and even. This leads to better stitches and a happier sewing time.
Getting the right fit is very important. A table that is too big or too small will not work well. If there are gaps, fabric can get caught. If the table is uneven, your fabric won’t feed smoothly. A custom extension table gives you the best fit. But even for tables made for many machines, you need to check the size. Knowing how to measure your machine yourself means you can be sure about the fit before you buy. It helps you pick the best table for the work you do.
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Tools You Will Need
You do not need many fancy tools. Simple items you likely have at home will work.
- A ruler: A clear plastic ruler or a metal ruler works well. Make sure the markings are easy to read.
- A flexible measuring tape: A sewing tape measure is good. A metal construction tape measure can also work.
- Paper: To write down your numbers. Graph paper can be helpful for drawing diagrams.
- Pencil or pen: To mark your paper.
Having these simple tools ready makes the measuring process easy.
Preparing Your Machine
Before you start measuring, get your sewing machine ready. This makes sure you get accurate numbers.
- Find a flat, steady place: Put your machine on a table or counter that is flat and strong.
- Clear the work area: Remove anything around the machine. Take off threads, pins, scissors, or fabric scraps.
- Remove the free arm cover: Most machines have a cover that slides off to show the free arm. Take this off. You will need to measure the machine with and without this cover.
- Lower the needle: Turn the handwheel to put the needle down into the throat plate. This is safer and helps you see the throat plate area clearly.
- Lower the presser foot: Put the presser foot down. This also helps clear the space and shows the area you need to measure.
- Unplug the machine: For safety, unplug your machine before you start measuring. You will be moving around it and reaching parts.
Now your machine is ready for measuring.
The First Steps: Measuring the Flat Bed
The main flat area of your sewing machine is the base or the flatbed. This is the largest part the extension table will likely rest on or connect to. Getting these flatbed sewing machine measurements right is key. We will measure the length and width of this flat part.
Measuring Length
Measure the length of the flat part of the machine. This is usually the distance from the front edge to the back edge.
- Place your ruler or measuring tape on the flat bed.
- Start at the very front edge of the machine’s flat part.
- Measure straight back to the very back edge of the flat part.
- Do not include parts that stick up or curve away.
- Write this number down. Note if it is inches or centimeters.
Example: Your flat bed might be 17 inches long.
Measuring Width (Sewing Machine Bed Measurements)
Now measure the width of this same flat part. This is usually the distance from one side to the other side.
- Place your ruler or measuring tape across the flat bed.
- Measure from the left edge of the flat part to the right edge of the flat part.
- Make sure you measure across the widest part of the flat bed area.
- Write this number down.
Example: Your flat bed might be 7 inches wide.
These two numbers give you the basic rectangle shape of your sewing machine base measurements.
Noting Key Features on the Bed
While you are measuring the flat bed, look for anything important on this surface or close to its edges.
- Are there screws on the top surface?
- Are there buttons or dials on the top surface?
- Are there any parts that stick up slightly?
Note where these are. An extension table needs to fit around these things or have cutouts for them. Just note their position relative to the edges you just measured.
Focusing on the Free Arm
Most modern sewing machines have a removable part on the left side. When you take it off, you see a narrow arm sticking out. This is called the free arm. It is used for sewing small tubes like sleeves or pant legs. Extension tables must fit around or over this free arm area. Measuring the free arm dimensions correctly is vital for a snug fit.
First, make sure you have removed the cover from the free arm.
Measuring the Free Arm Length
Measure how far the free arm sticks out from the main part of the machine.
- Place your ruler or measuring tape at the point where the free arm connects to the main machine body.
- Measure straight out to the very end of the free arm.
- Write this number down.
Example: Your free arm might stick out 10 inches.
Measuring the Free Arm Height
Measure how high the free arm is off the surface it sits on (the table).
- Place your ruler or measuring tape straight up from the surface the machine is on.
- Measure to the top surface of the free arm.
- Make sure the ruler is straight up and down.
- Write this number down.
Example: The top of your free arm might be 4 inches off the table.
Measuring the Free Arm Width
Measure how wide the free arm is.
- Measure across the top surface of the free arm.
- Find the widest part of the free arm and measure that width.
- Write this number down.
Example: The widest part of your free arm might be 3 inches wide.
Noting Features Below or Around the Free Arm
The space under the free arm is also important. The extension table will need to bridge this space.
- Look under the free arm. Is there anything hanging down?
- Are there power cords or foot pedal cords coming out from under the machine base near the free arm?
- Note the position of the hole where the free arm cover usually slides in. This is where the table will often connect or rest.
Assessing the Throat Plate Area
The throat plate is the metal piece directly under the needle. It often has lines on it for guiding fabric. The area around the throat plate is where the needle goes down. This is a critical area for the extension table to fit around. Getting the sewing machine throat plate area measurements precise ensures the fabric feeds smoothly right next to the needle.
Measuring Around the Needle
You need to measure the shape and size of the opening in the table that will go around the throat plate.
- Look closely at the throat plate area.
- Note the shape of the machine body around this plate.
- Measure the distance from the edge of the flat bed part to the needle.
- Measure the distance from the sides of the flat bed part to the sides of the throat plate area.
- Imagine a shape that would fit snugly around the throat plate and needle area. This might be a rectangle with a smaller cut-out for the needle itself, or a more complex shape.
- Measure the length and width of this shape.
Example: The throat plate area might be 3 inches long and 2 inches wide, centered on the needle.
Marking the Opening
It helps to draw this area on your paper.
- On your drawing of the machine base, mark where the needle is.
- Draw the shape of the throat plate area around the needle.
- Write down the measurements you took for this shape.
This detail is very important for custom tables or tables made specifically for your machine model.
Accounting for Machine Heights
Sewing machine beds are not always one perfectly flat level surface from front to back. Often, the front edge or the back edge might be slightly lower or higher than the main sewing surface. An extension table needs to match the height of the main sewing surface area around the needle.
Front Lip Measurement
Look at the front edge of your machine’s flat bed. Is there a part that is lower than the main sewing surface?
- Place your ruler on the main flat sewing surface.
- Let the ruler extend over the front edge.
- Measure the distance down from the bottom of the ruler to the lower front lip.
- Write this number down. If there is no lower lip, write 0.
Example: The front lip might be 0.5 inches lower than the main bed.
Rear Height Measurement
Look at the back edge of your machine’s flat bed. Is the area behind the sewing surface lower or higher?
- Place your ruler on the main flat sewing surface.
- Let the ruler extend over the back edge.
- Measure the distance down or up from the bottom of the ruler to the area behind the sewing surface.
- Write this number down, noting if it’s lower or higher. If it’s the same height, write 0.
Example: The area behind the bed might be 0.25 inches lower.
These measurements tell the table maker how high the table needs to be built or how the legs need to be set to match your main sewing surface.
Gathering All Machine Details
Besides the flat bed and free arm, other parts of your machine stick out or are important for how a table fits. Gathering all sewing machine base measurements involves noting these features.
Recording Knobs and Buttons
Many sewing machines have knobs, buttons, or levers on the front or sides of the machine body, sometimes below the main sewing surface or on the free arm.
- Look all around the front and sides of your machine base.
- Note where any knobs, buttons, levers, or doors are located.
- Measure how far they stick out from the machine body.
- Measure their position: How far are they from the front edge? How far from the side edge? How far up from the bottom surface?
- Write these down or mark them on your diagram.
Example: There might be a stitch length knob on the front, 2 inches from the left side and 1 inch up from the bottom edge, sticking out 0.5 inches.
Noting Power and Foot Pedal Points
The places where you plug in the power cord and the foot pedal cord are also important. An extension table should not block access to these points.
- Locate where the power cord plugs into the machine.
- Locate where the foot pedal cord plugs in.
- Note their position on the machine body. Are they on the side? The back? Underneath?
- Mark these on your diagram.
These might seem like small details, but they are part of getting correct sewing machine measurements for a perfect fit. The table needs to fit your machine dimensions for table fit without getting in the way of using your machine.
Assembling Your Sewing Machine Dimensions
You have taken many measurements. Now it is time to put them all together. This helps you see the full picture of your machine’s shape and size. This collection of numbers and notes is your sewing machine measurement guide.
Drawing a Diagram
Drawing a simple picture of your machine from above and from the side is very helpful.
- On your paper, draw a simple rectangle for the top view of your flat bed.
- Draw the free arm extending from the side.
- Add the throat plate area and needle position.
- Draw dots or circles for knobs and buttons, marking their positions.
- Draw a side view showing the different heights of the front lip, main bed, and back area.
- Add arrows and write the measurements you took onto your diagram.
This drawing is like a map of your machine. It helps you and anyone making a custom table understand the shape.
Listing the Numbers
Organize all your measurements in a clear list. This makes it easy to read and use.
You can use a table format.
Example Measurement Table
| Measurement Area | What to Measure | Your Measurement | Notes (like position) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flat Bed (Top View) | Length (Front to Back) | From edge to edge | |
| Width (Side to Side) | Widest part | ||
| Free Arm | Length (From body to tip) | ||
| Height (From surface to top) | Make sure ruler is straight up | ||
| Width (Widest part) | Across the top surface | ||
| Throat Plate Area | Length (Around needle) | Part the table must fit around | |
| Width (Around needle) | Part the table must fit around | ||
| Machine Heights | Front Lip Drop (Below main bed) | Measure down from main bed level | |
| Rear Area Drop/Rise (Below main bed) | Measure down or up from main bed level | ||
| Features (Knobs, etc.) | Knob/Button 1 Position & Size | Front/Side, Distance from edges, How far out | |
| Knob/Button 2 Position & Size | …and so on for all features… | ||
| Power Cord Plug Location | Side/Back/Under | ||
| Foot Pedal Plug Location | Side/Back/Under |
Fill in this table with your specific machine’s numbers. This is a good way of getting correct sewing machine measurements all in one place. This full list of sewing machine dimensions for table fit is what you will use.
Grasping Table Options
Now that you have your measurements, what do you do with them? You use them to find or order an extension table. There are two main types: generic and custom.
Generic Tables
Some companies make extension tables that are designed to fit a range of machines. These tables often come with adjustable legs or clips. They are usually less expensive than custom tables. However, the fit might not be perfect. There might be small gaps. They work best if your machine has a very standard flat bed area and free arm shape. You need your basic sewing machine base measurements to see if your machine falls within the size range a generic table can fit.
Custom Tables (Custom Extension Table Measurement Guide)
Custom tables are made to fit one specific model of sewing machine perfectly. You usually provide your machine’s make and model number. Sometimes, you might need to provide the detailed measurements you just took, especially for older or less common machines. Custom tables have a cutout shape that exactly matches the outline of your machine’s base and free arm. They sit snugly around the machine. This provides the best support and smooth surface.
Why Custom Fits Best
A custom table is built using a detailed custom extension table measurement guide based on your exact machine model or the specific measurements you provide.
- No Gaps: The table edges sit right against your machine body. Fabric cannot slip into gaps.
- Even Surface: The table surface matches the height of your machine’s main sewing surface exactly. Fabric glides smoothly.
- Clear Access: Cutouts are made for knobs, buttons, and plug-in points. You can still use all parts of your machine easily.
- Stable Support: The table is designed to rest on the machine’s unique shape and on its legs. It provides solid support for large projects.
For serious quilters or sewers who work on large items often, a custom table is often the better choice because of the precise fit.
Using Measurements to Find a Table (How to Size Sewing Machine for Extension Table)
You have your measurements and possibly a diagram. Now you can use this information to choose the right table. This is how to size sewing machine for extension table buying.
Checking Table Descriptions
If you are looking at generic extension tables, check the product description carefully.
- Look for the size range the table fits (e.g., “fits machines with base up to 18 inches long and 8 inches wide”).
- Check if the table has adjustable legs that can match your machine’s height.
- Look for pictures or diagrams to see if the table’s shape seems like it could work with your machine’s free arm area.
- Sometimes, generic tables list specific machine models they are known to fit. See if your machine is on the list.
Compare your sewing machine dimensions for table fit to the table’s listed size. If your numbers are outside the range, the table will not fit well.
Ordering a Custom Table
If you are ordering a custom table, the process is usually simpler.
- Go to a company that makes custom extension tables. Many specialized sewing shops or online stores offer this service.
- You will likely be asked for your sewing machine’s make and model number (e.g., “Brother CS6000i”, “Bernina 790 Plus”, “Janome HD3000”).
- The company likely has a database of measurements for many machines. They will use their stored measurements for your model.
- For very old, rare, or new machines, they might ask you to provide some or all of the measurements you took. Use your measurement table and diagram.
- Confirm details like the position of the needle or any specific features you noted.
Providing your machine’s make and model is usually enough for custom makers because they have the sewing machine measurement guide for many models. But having your own measurements means you can double-check or provide info if your machine is not in their list. Getting correct sewing machine measurements yourself empowers you in the buying process.
Tips for Achieving Accuracy
Measuring can seem simple, but small errors can lead to a table that does not fit right. Here are some tips for the best results.
- Double-Check Everything: Measure each part at least two times. Write down the numbers. If they are different, measure a third time. Use the number that appears most often or measure more carefully.
- Use a Straight Ruler or Tape: Make sure your measuring tool is straight. Do not let flexible tape sag. Do not hold the ruler at an angle.
- Measure from Clear Points: Start measuring from defined edges or lines on your machine. Do not guess where an edge might be.
- Write Down Units: Always write down if your measurements are in inches or centimeters. This stops big mistakes later.
- Note Highest/Lowest Points: When measuring height differences, find the highest and lowest points around the main sewing surface.
- Account for Curves: If your machine body has curves, the table might need to follow that curve or sit slightly away from it. Note these curves in your diagram and descriptions.
Taking your time and being careful with these steps makes sure you get getting correct sewing machine measurements.
Avoiding Common Mistakes
Knowing common mistakes helps you avoid them.
- Forgetting to remove the free arm cover: The measurements will be wrong if the cover is still on. The table needs to fit the machine’s body shape without the cover.
- Measuring from the wrong point: Always measure from the machine’s physical edges or the points where parts meet.
- Not measuring height differences: If you do not measure how much the front or back of the bed is lower than the main surface, the table might not be level with your sewing area.
- Ignoring knobs or buttons: A table made without knowing about these will cover them up or not sit flat.
- Assuming the machine is a perfect rectangle: Many machines have rounded corners, curves, or parts that stick out. The table needs to fit these unique shapes.
- Measuring at an angle: Always hold your ruler or tape measure straight and flat against the surface you are measuring or straight up and down for height.
Being aware of these points helps you get precise sewing machine base measurements and free arm dimensions.
Interpreting the Measurements (Synonym for Understanding)
Once you have your list and diagram, take a moment to look at them. This is about interpreting what your measurements mean for a table.
- The main flat bed measurements: This is the basic footprint the table needs to cover.
- The free arm measurements: This tells you how big the cutout area in the table needs to be and how high the table surface needs to be off your actual table surface to sit level with your machine bed.
- The throat plate area measurements: This shows the shape of the opening needed right where you sew.
- Height measurements: These tell how high the table’s surface needs to be to match your machine’s main sewing area.
- Feature locations: These show where the table needs to have cutouts or avoid certain spots.
Your full sewing machine measurement guide paints a clear picture of the table you need. It must fit snugly around the free arm and the main bed, match the height of the sewing surface, and not block any controls or plugs. This is the key to a functional extension table.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: My machine is old. Can I still get an extension table?
A: Yes, often you can. If it is a popular older model, a custom table maker might have the measurements. If not, you can use your own detailed measurements to have one made.
Q: Do I need an extension table if I only sew small things?
A: For very small items, it might not be needed. But for anything that requires moving fabric around or has some weight (even a simple shirt), an extension table helps support the fabric and improve stitch quality.
Q: Can I make my own extension table?
A: Yes, some people do. You would need materials like acrylic or wood and tools to cut precise shapes. Your measurements are critical if you plan to build your own.
Q: How snug should the extension table fit against my machine?
A: It should fit snugly, but you should not have to force it. There should be no large gaps where fabric can fall through. A very small gap (like the thickness of a postcard) might be okay, but the goal is a smooth, continuous surface.
Q: What if my machine has a built-in accessory box that slides off instead of a free arm cover?
A: This is the same idea. Remove the box. The narrow part left is the free arm. Measure that narrow part as described in the free arm section.
Q: My machine has a front-loading bobbin case. Does this affect measuring?
A: Yes. If the bobbin case access is on the front of the machine bed, the extension table will likely need a cutout or design that allows you to still open that area easily to change the bobbin. Note this location when you measure features.
By carefully following these steps and using your sewing machine measurement guide, you can confidently find or order an extension table that fits your machine correctly. A well-fitting table makes a big difference in your sewing comfort and the quality of your projects. Enjoy your larger work space!