So, you're sewing away on your UFO project and suddenly realize your shoulders hurt.
And your back hurts.
And your leg has fallen asleep.
What gives?
- Did you know you can find Ergonomics information for professional sewing workers on the OSHA website?
- Did you know that when you sew, your chair should be high enough so that you can sit up straight with your elbows at a 90° angle to the bed of your sewing machine?
- Did you know that your feet should rest flat on the floor?
- Did you know it's easier to manipulate fabric (and easier on your aching #quiltbod) if you have a drop-in sewing table or extension table so that the work surface around your sewing machine is the same height as the bed of your sewing machine?
Just a note to say there are many links below.
None of them or endorsements or affiliate links, we're just trying to be helpful.
Always use your best judgement when shopping for sewing goodies. ♥
There are several ways to achieve a healthy, ergonomic sewing surface.
One really great way is to have a table that your sewing machine can drop into.
You can purchase one made to fit your own machine, like the Arrow Gidget table above, from a local or online retailer, or if you are you a handy with non-sewing tools, you can make your own!
There are lots of great tutorials out there!
♥ We like
this one that uses an IKEA or other simple wood table.
Brother Brother XR3774, $101 (USD)
Juki TL-2000Qi, $649 (USD)
The price on machines with included extension tables runs from some of the least expensive, like this Brother XR3774 up to many machine quilter's favorite, a Juki straight stitch (this is just one model), right on up to the super duper fancy all-in-one sewing machines that sell for thousands.
If you're all set up with a table and sewing machine, but don't have an extension table, there are still options!
You can
buy an extension table from a your local retailer or from a website like
Sewing Machines Plus, where they can send you a table made to perfectly fit your actual sewing machine.
Or, your can make your own! Because of course we have to have the DIY option!
There are lots of great ideas and tutorials out there. Here are some simple ways to create an extension table. These are great for working with longer and larger pieces, but also for free motion quilting!
This one belongs to someone I know locally.
It's made out of leftover pegboard and a sliced up dowel rod!
Jewells found an extension table for a Simplicity Rotary Cutter & Embosser
on clearance and discovered that it will fit her Singer 301A! What an awesome find!
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How have you made your sewing space easier to use?
We'd love to hear your tricks for sewing more comfortably!
Kathy Borrelli
tested by Meredith Baldwin
12" paper pieced
Find this pattern & more in our pattern archive:
