Ergonomic Sewing: Chairs, Machines, Tables and More for Pain-Free Sewing

While sewing is a wonderful skill and an enjoyable hobby, it can be a pain in the neck, literally, or the back or hands. As people are becoming more aware of things like carpal tunnel, the need for better working habits, to avoid injuries and chronic pain, is important. There are a few simple changes you can make that will make a huge difference in your sewing. Ergonomic equipment, which is widely used by those who spend a lot of time on computers, is also being produced specifically for those who sew.

If you can afford an ergonomic chair, it is worth the money. Having proper posture will greatly decrease back pain. Any adjustable office chair would work as well as a sewing chair. It needs to have lumbar support and recline slightly. Make sure the chair height is set so your feet can rest comfortably on the floor. There are many styles available, so try out several before deciding what style works best for you.

Another important factor for pain-free sewing is your worktable height. The best height needs to allow you to cut without bending over, which stressing the back muscles. Stand with your arms in front of you, bend your elbows at a right angle, and the surface should be just a little below your arms. This is also a good height for your ironing surface. If you don’t want to buy a new table, you can adjust the height with blocks of wood. They also have leg adjustments for a metal folding table, so they can be raised to the right height.

The sewing machine itself needs to be at the correct height. The surface needs to be level with your forearms, just like the cutting surface. If your chair is adjustable, this is easier to do. Some people have also found that tilting the sewing machine toward you slightly keeps you from hunching over the machine while working.

There are a few less expensive things you can do to help relieve back pain. When working on your feet, either cutting or pressing, use a box about four inches high and put one foot up on it. Switch feet occasionally. This lessens the stress on the lower back. While you’re sitting at the machine, use a heat pack that can be wrapped around your lower back and fastened with velcro. The ones with rice that can be microwaved work nicely. This helps keep your muscles relaxed.

If you have hand pain, such as arthritis, a good pair of scissors is a necessity. They need to have comfortable handgrips. Keeping them sharp is also important. If they are dull, you have to work harder to make the cut. Using a pair of crafting gloves can also help. They help improve circulation while you are working. Using sewing pins with larger heads are easier to pick up, so you have less hand pain.

The simplest thing you can do to have less pain while sewing is to be sure to take breaks once an hour. Staying in the same position too long causes strain on the muscles. Arrange your sewing area so that you have to walk from one activity to another. Possibly even into another room (which I have to do, because I don’t have space for it all in one room). The exercise is good for you, not only physically, but mentally as well. Sometimes we make sewing errors simply because we’ve been going on automatic, and aren’t concentrating enough. During your breaks, do some simple stretching exercises, drink some water and relax.