OK, I will admit it, I am geting old. I spent most of yesterday at my machine doing a project for a friend. My back is killing me. My question is - What type of chair do you use? Is there any way to keep this from happening? any help would be helpful. Iva

I have an ordinary office chair, but have to admit I do not sew that much cos of a full time job, household and evening classes. What kind of chair do you have ?

1 comment

by mommadooks 14 Oct 2012

I have just an ordinary chair, I think its seen its better days.
Maybe Santa will bring me a new one.

I use a padded office chair that has a lumbar support for the lower back. This chair has padded arms, caster wheels, turns, and rocks, and can be adjusted with a lever for the seating height for leg comfort. I find it very comfortable and can totally relax, while I am waiting for my machine to finish stitching. As someone else stated, no matter which chair one uses, it is a good idea to get up and walk a bit after sitting for long period of time to keep the bloodflow circulating! Hope your back gets better soon!
Hugs, Angel

I have an a few office chairs. I have not found the perfect chair yet, however, It seems that most furniture if made for men! The seat is too big from the back to the front and puts stress just above my knees. A foot stool helps. Thank you for asking this question.

Totally different but good ? I saw one of these in a health shop the other day and thought that I might buy one soon. Say that it is certain to prevent backache from our "old" backs

2 comments

by momhome 14 Oct 2012

Interesting chair. I haven't seen one like that before. I would probably end up hurting worse as I wouldn't be able to stay on it. I would loose my balance and fall off. :)

by cherylgauteng 15 Oct 2012

I think that our weight (or mine anyway) would make a good size dent when we sit down and that is why you can stay on. No - I did not try it in the shop - was full of other shoppers !!

I find myself bending forward when I sew...I have to remind myself to sit straighter! I have wondered if one of those brace looking things I have seen in catalogs, like Nancy's Notions, etc...would help me sit up straighter & hold my shoulders back. Just a thought. I sat in several chairs at the sewing store before I bought one. It does have a lift on it that can raise it to a higher level & my machine can be lowered into a hole to make it at a more comfortable height. Hope you find something that works for you.

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by lynda53 14 Oct 2012

I purchased a draftsman chair which lets me sit higher & my legs arent bunched up.I havent had a problem since.

Also be sure to spend no more than an hour and move. Stand up and walk for a few minutes to give your back and shoulders a break.

I have a very good office desk chair. Also, at the recommendation of my Chiropractor, I have foot rests under each machine. Your knees should be level or slightly above your lap. This relieves pulling on your lower back. As for the shoulders an arms hurting, it's due to having your arms to high. This happens when your machine sits on top of a table that's at normal height. The bed of the machine should be at table height. If that's not possible, raise your chair and foot rest until your arms are working at table height. The rules of office ergonomics are helpful for sewists too. Check out this web site...

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by mommadooks 13 Oct 2012

Thank you, I sure can see several things I am doing wrong.

I use an office chair (I can spin around easily between my computer and sewing tables. When my back is bothering me or I have a more lengthy project, I sit on an exercise ball (at the suggestion of my physical therapist). Posture is very important to your back health.

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by AuntAnnie 13 Oct 2012

I also use a rocking foot stool under my computer desk.

thank all of you for your input. All I know is I am going to have to do something or quit sewing, (NOT). Could just buy more pain pills. LOL But honestly think I am going to look into geting a new chair. Iva

I find out it very useful placing a foot on a stool 15 cm tall, not continuously, it just helps me to change the weight on the legs and spine. When I sew a lot, I use a pillow under my butt to prevent inflammation of the sciatic nerve.
I hope that google has translated all right ;-)
Hugs, Sonia.

I have an office chair with a pillow to support my lower back, but I find it helpful to put my feet on the wheel supports to alter my position. No more back problems. Now my shoulders just hurt.

I also use an office chair with no arms, but I added one of those mesh lumbar supports. It helps, especially when I sit at my machine for any length of time.

I use an office chair with the arms removed. Gas lift to adjust the height is very useful.