FAQ Sew AdjusTables ®
Important changes to our website~
Starting 5-12-17 the following items have been discontinued: Surround 16, Mini Mate, circle & seam Wizard.
We will continue to sell our most popular size tables as well as our Grip-Its for free motion quilting.
Common Questions:
What is the advantage of a Sew AdjusTable over a custom made table? There are many advantages but a Big one is the price, because it will fit more machines!
A custom fit, non-adjustable table will only fit one machine, so even though it may cost less for the first table, you spend it twice when you get a different machine.
It does not matter if you own a Pfaff, Husqvarna, Singer, Brother, Elna, Bernina, Babylock, Viking, Janome or any other brand or brands, your Sew Adjustable advantage is it will fit them all, including your overlockers. (The opening in the table is straight sided so if your machine has curved or rounded edges you may not get a satisfactory fit, read the will it fit section below.)
More Sew Adjustable Advantages to consider are:
Sew AdjusTables feature unbreakable, heavy-duty legs, which add stability and durability to the table.
Sew AdjusTables will convert to L-shape to fit an extra large machine or overlocker.
Caring for your Acrylic Sew Adjustable could not be easier
Cleaning
Cleaning with a soft terry cloth, cheese cloth, or an old t-shirt works well to clean your table.
Do not use paper towels because the fibers are coarse and will scratch the surface.
A mild solution of dish detergent and warm water takes off stubborn dirt easily without harming the acrylic.
Polishing the Surface
Polishing the surface is not only caring for your Acrylic Sew Adjustable, but it makes sewing and quilting so much easier, giving a wonderful slick surface so your fabric glides effortlessly
To obtain a smooth, surface use furniture spray polish, such as Pledge.
We treat every table before it ships with a product called Quality Care Furniture Polish, it gives a smooth hard surface which will help your fabric glide easily.
When you spray, try not to spray in the cracks because it's hard to get it out... just spray lightly on the top surface and rub it clean with a soft cloth. You'll love the results!!
Other Plexiglass cleaners are available in stores such as Plexiclear or Brillianize which are also highly recommended.
Things not to do
Caring for your Acrylic Sew Adjustable also means NOT USING CLEANERS CONTAINING AMMONIA, ALCOHOL OR ACETONE such as Windex or 409 which will harm your new table.
Adjusting the Sew Adjustable requires no tools
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 set of holes to extend the range of adjustment, this can also be done without tools.
A little tip, when you are changing your table to fit more than one machine on a regular basis, mark the grooves in the legs with nail polish or similar, so that when you turn your table over for the height adjustment, you do not need to measure each time.
We also have some you-tube videos that will help you in Adjusting the Sew Adjustable please view below or head to our Video Page here.
Will the Sew Adjustable 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. (always keep in mind that you are able to have the legs at the front of the Sew Adjustable at a different height to the back.)
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, CLICK HERE, 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.
You can also head across to our "Sewing Machine Brands" page, for makes and models of machines, we know it is being used on. If your machine is not listed, it does not mean the Sew Adjustable will not fit. We have very few portable sewing machines or overlockers the Sew Adjustable will not fit.
The answer to Will the Sew Adjustable Fit My Machine ? is nearly always YES!!
What Size Work Area is Required
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 work surface to the left of your machine needs to be at least 10" for the 16 x 16 and at least 15 " for the two larger tables.
The 18 x 24 has been specifically designed so it will sit on a most sewing cabinets, counter tops or narrow work benches.
Please download our PDF attachments giving all the relevant dimensions on each of our Sew Adjustables, these will help you in determining what size work area is required for your particular portable sewing machines.
Each of the links below will open a downloadable pdf with all the relevant measurements you will require
24 x 24 What size Work Area is Required
18 x 24 What Size Work Area is Required
16 x 16 What Size Work Area is Required
How much will it cost for shipping and which countries do you ship to?
These questions are answered on our shipping page at this link:shipping information
What form of payment you you accept?
Our shopping cart will accept VISA, MC,Discover, Paypal, Money Orders or Personal Checks.
Make your check payable to Greer Mfg & Engineering and send with your order form to: PO Box 872, Molalla, OR 97038
What leg height should I order?
2-1/2" to 4-1/2" is our standard height and will fit nearly all portable sewing machines. If you have a vintage machine shorter than 2-1/2" you should select the short range of 2" to 3-1/2".
If you have both tall and short machines here are two options.
Option 1: Select the taller legs and raise your shorter machines by setting them on a rubber mat or cutting board to bring them up to table height.
Option 2: Select the shorter legs and also purchase the number of taller leg inserts to match the number of legs on the table. The number of legs per table are given when you order the inserts. This option will give you a full height range from 2" to 4-1/2" tall.
More Leg Details
The legs consist of two parts, a bracket which is permanently mounted to the table, and the grooved leg insert which slips into the bracket at the desired height. The shortest height is achieved by removing the insert to set the table directly on the bracket which has it's own non-scratch, non-skid rubber feet. When you choose a leg height range, you are actually choosing a bracket height of either 2 or 2-1/2 inches. We can make taller legs to give you a taller table, but once you have the taller brackets we can't make it shorter. The legs have been difficult to explain and if this is still clear as mud please let me know and I'll try to explain it again. The legs themselves are simple to use and give you a precisely level and sturdy table. I hope this helps. Please contact me if you have questions. Return to Table Order Page Here
If you have a top loading bobbin it won't be a problem, otherwise you simply pull the table out of the way to access the bobbin case. I found a simple way of placing a spool of thread under the two front legs to raise the front and easily access the bobbin case.
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 rounded 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?
Small 16 If you plan to take your table to classes or use it when you travel, the 16x16 is a very convenient size and is spacious enough for most sewing projects, it's handy to move around between my machines and it weighs less than 5 lbs. If you have a long sewing bed on your machine this table will not surround it completely but will fit 6" in the back and up to 7-1/2" in the front.
Medium 18 If your work space has room to the left of your machine but has less depth (between your machine and the wall), the 18x24 will give full-size width for big projects while fitting on a narrower work space. It requires a minimum depth of 15 to 18 inches for the table to sit depending on the width of the machine. This table is popular for classes.
Large Size 24 Best for free-motion quilting and large sewing projects, the 24 x 24 is ideal if you have a large work area, it requires a minimum depth of 22 to 24 inches for the table to sit, depending on the width of your machine. Weighing 10 lbs it isn't as handy to move around but many quilt instructors recommend it for classes, especially for free-motion quilting, and it has become our most popular size table!
Bonus Room The area underneath each table provides extra space to place notions, instructions and extra fabric nearly doubling your work space, so the table seem even roomier.
Need Help choosing a size?
Click Here to see dimensions of each table and scroll to the bottom of the page for comparison information.
Where else can I see these tables?
Occasionally you will see our tables in an ad or product review in a sewing magazine but you won't find our tables in stores. 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. Our tables were shown at the Houston International Quilt Show 2012 by our Sales Reps. Micky and Dan Rose.
Will the table fit my serger?
The Sew AdjusTables® 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. Many people order the Mini-Mate or Extender to use on their serger.
Which table fits best on 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 coverage 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 Size Dimensions link in the navigational menu above 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 may not be 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 accommodate 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 build to order and processing your order will take from 1 - 3 weeks depending on our current workload and parts in process. We ship our tables UPS ground unless otherwise requested which takes 1 - 7 days. We are in Oregon so the East Coast takes the longest. We will email your tracking number once your order has been shipped. Let us know if you need it for an upcoming even such as a birthday or class so we can meet your scheduled if possible.
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.
*The jog in the back adjuster is 1-1/2" deep, if your freearm is indented more than this amount from the back of the machine we can cut the jog deeper if you request it.
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 cases 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 of 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 are 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 Adjustable® 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 and questions. Contact us here
