Sewing should make you feel happy, productive and totally in the zone. What it definitely shouldn’t do is kill your back. But without a sewing-machine table that fits your body, all that hunching forward is eventually gonna cause some misery. You need a table that gives you support in all the right places.
Start by checking out the Occupational Health and Safety Administration’s ergonomic tips for sewing tables; these suggestions are aimed mainly at industrial garment workers but are just as useful for home sewers. Then, when you’re ready to go table-shopping, keep these five key rules in mind:
1. Your Table Should Keep Your Work at Elbow Height and Your Wrists Straight
If your sewing-machine table is too low, you’ll end up hunching forward and straining your back, neck and shoulders (ouch!). If the table’s too high, you’ll have to raise your shoulders to work — not so fun for your neck and upper back either. Your work should be at elbow height when you’re standing. (Same is true when you’re at a cutting table, by the way.)
The size of your work surface also matters: It should be large enough to comfortably fit your machine, plus any task lighting you need. Oh, and let’s not forget your legs: There should be enough room between your thighs and the table so you can easily work the foot pedal without feeling like you’re being crushed.
2. The Perfect Table Width Depends on the Type of Work You Usually Do
If you sew a lot of full-length ball gowns, you’ll want a wider sewing table than if you’re dealing with kids’ clothes. Either way, you don’t want to be leaning way over or scrunching up.
3. Your Sewing Table Should Work With Your Height
Since everyone has a different elbow height, a custom-made sewing table is ideal, especially if you’re on the tall or short side. If custom isn’t an option, see what’s available at your nearest craft store. And you don’t actually have to go with an official sewing table. A regular table can be perfect for sewing or cutting, if its dimensions make sense for your size and project needs.
You might even find a small kitchen table that works perfectly for you. If you want to furnish your sewing room on a budget, scour garage sales and thrift stores to find a table with the right dimensions to fit your size — and make sure you take a tape measure along when you’re shopping.
4. The Chair You Use Makes a Big Difference
When you’re sitting in your chair, your feet should rest flat on the floor and the work surface should still be at elbow height. If you get an adjustable height chair, you’ll have more leeway in getting the perfect fit and making tweaks if you need to.
5. A Simple Adjustment May Be All You Need
If you find a sewing table (or chair) that feels right— or almost right — try altering it so it’s spot-on perfect. For example, can you cut the table legs down a little. or use wooden or cinder blocks to raise them a bit? The table you’ve got your eye on may be just one quick fix away from an A+ in ergonomics!
<strong>A couple of comments: First, thanks for not giving a hard measurement. I'm tired of being told the "ideal" height for a sewing table which is based on someone about 5'4". I speak for myself (6'2") and all the rest of the taller and shorter than average who do NOT find this kind of advice helpful. Second, when you're picking out your chair the first thing you should do is throw vanity straight out the window. Weigh yourself. Be honest (wrote the woman to whom 285 lbs is the best she gets after steady gym attendance. Let's not dwell! ) Then be sure to look at the weight rating for your chair. If you are heavy and there is no weight rating, it's probably too light. No it won't collapse under you. But you'll spend the money and it will "fail" after about six months. Office furniture places will usually tell you. Believe them and, if you are right at the top of the chair's range, get the next bigger size. We move a lot on those chairs. Sturdy is better. I myself (6'2" and weight around 300) go for the 400 pound rating. Where to find them: there are places on line for big and tall (usually men, but who cares?) If you don't like to sew with handles on your chair, don't install them (or take them off). Simple screwdriver (and possibly allen wrench) are the only tools you need. Problem solved. Also, when you are buying the chair look to see if they sell replacement wheels by the set. If they do, get one and keep it handy. They are easy - just yank the broken one out and push the new one in. You'll thank me!</strong>
Perfect seeing table is at The Home Depot. Husky adjustable height work beanch, wood top, available in various e lengths, can add drawers under the top.Sturdey flat top.
I decided to start .back sewing crafts.
I need a portable/foldable table to take to the cabin where the only table is a round table that is used to all meals .
I got a great sewing table from Amazon for about $150! Just had to put it together which went well. Just added a spacer piece to fill in the gap between my machine and table. I am very happy with it. I am 5'6" and it fits well.
I really need a sewing table, I use the kitchen table and my back starts hurting immediately.
My sewing machine is broken, and I can't figure out how to fix it.
What am I supposed to do if my elbow height = the top of my thighs... ?
Down sizing our living quarters and my beautiful corner sewing table must go. Good info for a replacement. I guess I won’t order a new table on line.
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