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I bought a new sewing machine last year and decided I needed a sewing table to go with it. I wanted one with a lift and custom insert for flatbed sewing. I ended up buying the Arrow Gidget II Sewing Table. I am happy with the purchase. I decided to write a review to help you decide if it will work well for you.
My mom had a sewing cabinet with a lift inside when I was growing up and I had always wanted one. The Arrow Gidget II Sewing Table was designed for large sewing machines. It has a lift with a 23.5”x12.5” opening where your sewing machine can sit. You simply raise the lift for freearm sewing and lower it for flatbed sewing. It is not a large table, but it has plenty of extra space on the right to place tools while you sew.
I bought the Gidget II Sewing Table and a custom insert to fit my sewing machine from SewingMachinesPlus.com. It was a great experience. I told them the make and model of my sewing machine and they sent me a plexi-glass insert that perfectly fits my sewing machine when the lift is lowered. SewingMachinesPlus.com also followed up to make sure I was happy with my sewing table and the custom flatbed insert. They were willing to make any adjustments I needed. The only drawback is that I had to wait about six weeks for the custom insert to arrive after my sewing table arrived.
The purpose of the lift is to lower your sewing machine so that the needle plate is flush with the surface of your table. This puts less strain on your back when sewing and helps minimize wrinkles and the amount of time you must spend on fabric manipulation when sewing.
Here are some pictures of my Gidget II Sewing Table:
Product Features
- Dimensions: 40” wide x 19.75” deep by 28.25” high
- Sturdy Legs: The legs are made of steel and they lock in place to create a sturdy base. I barely notice any vibration when I am sewing at high speeds.
- Folding Capabilities: The Gidget II Sewing Table folds up and has wheels for easy portability. This is great if you ever plan to take your sewing machine with you for travel. I don’t plan to move my sewing table very often, but it’s still a nice feature.
- Ruler Sticker: There is a sticker along the front edge of this sewing table that you can use for quick measurements. I find it very handy. I was nervous at first that the sticker would get in the way or peel off over time, but I haven’t had any issue yet.
- White Paint Finish: The Gidget II Sewing Table has a white, melamine surface with a slight texture. It matches my sewing space well. If you don’t want a white sewing table, you should look at Kangaroo products. They come in several wood finish colors.
- Adjustable Lift: All sewing machines are different sizes, but the Gidget II lift is fully adjustable. There is a chain and screw to help you get it in the perfect place for your machine.
- Custom Insert: There is a beveled edge on the opening of the lift where a custom insert can sit. For a small fee, SewingMachinesPlus.com will create the custom insert to perfectly fit your make and model of sewing machine.
- Size Capacity: The Gidget II Sewing Table can hold sewing machines up to 45 pounds.
Why I Chose the Gidget II Sewing Table By Arrow
My decision to purchase the Gidget II Sewing Table was based on two factors — price and space. I had just spent $2,000 on my Bernette b79 sewing machine and didn’t want to spend a lot more to get a sewing table. This sewing blog typically funds my hobby, but my new sewing machine and table would not entirely be covered. The Gidget II costs around $300 without a sale.
I also had limited space for a sewing table. When my husband started working from home, he took over our office space where I usually sewed and I had to move my sewing space to our laundry room. The wall where I wanted my sewing table to sit was only 42-inches wide. Therefore, I knew I couldn’t get one of the larger, fancy sewing cabinets that fold out. I went with the Gidget II because I have a large sewing machine. If you have a small sewing machine, the Gidget I has a small opening that would work better for you.
I was pleasantly surprised when my Gidget II Sewing Table arrived. It was already fully assembled. All I had to do was pull it out of the box, unfold it, and adjust the chain where I wanted my sewing machine to sit on the lift. It was easy to figure out.
Overall, I am happy with the Arrow Gidget II Sewing Table. It is sturdy and suits my purposes well. One thing I wish I would have considered before purchasing this sewing table is that my Bernette b79 came with a removable flatbed. I would have been fine setting up my sewing machine on a standard table. Most sewing machines do not come with the flatbed accessory. Additionally, I wish there was built-in storage on the Gidget II.
What do you use for your sewing table? Leave a comment below.
I bought the Gidget ii. After buying it, I saw on the Arrow website that the sewer should remove the machine, then raise or lower the position, then put the machine back on the Gidget ii. I bought this because I cannot lift my machine. Have you raised & lowered with the machine in place? I want to use flatbed, but would need to raise my machine to access bobbin.
I just leave my machine on the lift when raising and lowering… I’ve never had a problem.
Thanks!