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Buying guide

Best sewing machines with an extension table

Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick

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Top picks at a glance

Compare them all

  • Best overall

    Janome MC8200QCP SE: extra wide table and 11 inch space

    The listing states an 11 by 4.7 inch work space, the longest harp given in this guide for rolling up big quilts.

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  • Best value

    bernette 38: extension table and thread cutter

    An automatic thread cutter and tie-off finish each seam neatly at the press of a button.

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  • Most features

    Janome 5270QDC: wide table plus knee lifter

    Twelve buttonholes give a style for shirts, coats, knits and heirloom work.

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An extension table turns the small bed of a sewing machine into a flat surface level with the needle plate. That support stops heavy quilts, curtains and long seams from dragging, which keeps stitches even and saves your shoulders. Buying a table separately can be awkward, because each one fits only certain models, so a machine with a table in the box is often the easier route. Beyond the table, look at what else helps with large projects: a walking or dual feed foot for layers, drop feed for free motion quilting, a long workspace and a hard case for storage. This guide compares seven machines whose listings say a wide or extension table is included. They are judged on the table, stitch count, quilting extras, case or cover and weight. All facts come from the listings, and where a size or extra is not stated we say so.

All products compared

Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.

The products in detail

No. 1 · Janome

Janome MC8200QCP SE: extra wide table and 11 inch space

A Janome quilting machine with the largest stated workspace here at 11 by 4.7 inches, detachable AcuFeed Flex feeding, 170 stitches up to 9 mm wide and a bonus extra wide extension table.

In its favour

  • The listing states an 11 by 4.7 inch work space, the longest harp given in this guide for rolling up big quilts.
  • Detachable AcuFeed Flex feeds the top layer as well as the bottom, which helps keep quilt layers aligned.
  • The bonus kit adds an extra wide extension table with cloth guide set and a 2 spool thread stand.

Good to know

  • No stitch regulator is listed, so free motion stitch length depends on your own hand speed.
  • At 15.9 kg it is heavy to move and wants a permanent, sturdy table.
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Listing title: Janome Sewing Machine Memory Craft Horizon 8200QCP Special Edition wit...

No. 2 · Janome

Janome 5270QDC: wide table plus knee lifter

A full sized Janome with 270 stitches, 12 buttonholes, an auto thread cutter and a knee lifter, plus a wide extension table and hard cover. It suits regular dressmaking and home sewing.

In its favour

  • Twelve buttonholes give a style for shirts, coats, knits and heirloom work.
  • A knee lifter raises the foot hands free, which helps when easing sleeves and curves.
  • Foot pressure adjustment, a wide extension table and a hard cover are all listed.

Good to know

  • At 10.7 kg it is heavy to carry to a class.
  • The listing does not mention a dual feed or walking foot in the box.
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Listing title: Janome 5270QDC Sewing Machine

No. 3 · Bernette

bernette 38: extension table and thread cutter

The computerised b38 with an LCD display, automatic thread cutter, automatic tie-off, adjustable foot pressure, an extension table and a set of feet. The best all round Bernette sewing machine here.

In its favour

  • An automatic thread cutter and tie-off finish each seam neatly at the press of a button.
  • Adjustable presser foot pressure suits fabrics from fine to thick.
  • An extension table and a full accessory set are included.

Good to know

  • The listing does not give the stitch count or buttonhole styles.
  • Some listing text mentions embroidery, but it has no embroidery unit.
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Listing title: Bernette 38 Swiss Design Computerized Sewing Machine

No. 4 · Brother

Brother FS100WT: wide table and free motion foot

A 100 stitch Brother with a lettering style, quick set drop-in bobbin, drop feed, start/stop and speed limiting. It comes with a wide table, a hard case and a free motion embroidery foot.

In its favour

  • A wide table and a free motion embroidery foot are included, ready for patchwork and free motion work.
  • Start/stop and speed control with speed limiting help beginners stay in control.
  • One hundred stitches and a lettering style give plenty of decorative choice.

Good to know

  • The number and type of buttonholes are not stated in the listing.
  • Needle up or down and a thread cutter are not mentioned.
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Listing title: Brother FS100WT Free Motion Embroidery/Sewing and Quilting Machine

No. 5 · Brother

Brother FS200CE: wide table, walking foot, hard case

A feature heavy Brother with 200 stitches including two lettering styles and eight one-step buttonholes. A walking foot, concealed zipper foot, wide table and hard case come in the box.

In its favour

  • Two hundred stitches and two lettering styles give the widest decorative choice in this guide.
  • A walking foot is included, which helps with quilting layers and slippery fabrics.
  • The wide table and hard case are both listed as included.

Good to know

  • The listing does not mention speed control or needle up or down.
  • Stitch width and length limits are not stated.
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Listing title: Brother FS200CE Sewing Machine, 200 stitches, 2 lettering, Wides Table...

No. 6 · Brother

Brother FS40WTS: wide table on a lighter machine

A computerised Brother at 5.9 kg with 40 stitches, a 1 step buttonhole, backlit LCD, speed control, needle threader, drop feed and a wide extension table.

In its favour

  • A wide table extension is included for quilting and larger pieces at home.
  • Backlit LCD and adjustable speed control are listed.
  • Drop feed allows free motion embroidery and quilting.

Good to know

  • The wide table adds bulk to carry if you take it to classes.
  • No cover or case is mentioned in the listing.
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Listing title: Brother FS40WTS Sewing Machine with Wide Table

No. 7 · Janome

Janome Skyline S6 AE: extra wide table, AcuFeed foot

A Janome quilting machine with an 8.25 by 4.7 inch workspace, 196 stitches including 10 one step buttonholes, an automatic thread cutter, AcuFeed dual feed foot and an extra wide table in the box.

In its favour

  • An 8.25 inch workspace to the right of the needle is stated, aimed at quilts and home decor.
  • The box includes an AcuFeed dual feed foot and holder plus an extra wide table, the listing states.
  • An automatic thread cutter saves trimming at the end of every quilting line.

Good to know

  • The workspace is smaller than the Horizon models above, so king size quilts will be a squeeze.
  • No stitch regulator is listed for free motion work.
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Listing title: Janome Skyline S6 Anniversary Edition Computerized Quilting Machine

More buying guides: Quilting

Stitch and Hem chooses every product independently, based on what its Amazon listing states. We may earn a commission on purchases made through the affiliate links above. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.