NewbyBetty

New to sewing and quilting. My current chair is killing my back and neck. Suggestions for a good ergonomic sewing chair? Thank you in advance for your recommendations!

donna13350

I asked a question about saddle chairs..this is the thread.
Has anyone here tried a saddle chair?

It may or may not be your chair. Do you have your machine at a height that is making you stoop/bend to see your sewing area? That is the 1 thing that always makes my back hurt. Is your lighting good? If it's not, you may be sewing with your eyes very close to the sewing area just to see, which results in bending. You can google ergonomic sewing machine height and see how you should be set up. In general, I was taught to sit at a table and bend my arms..so that your hands are level with your elbow..your hands are now at the height that your sewing area should be..NOT your table top..the actual top of your quilt or fabric. There are many tips/tricks to raise your machine height, bed risers come to mind..I'm sure other posters will chime in with what they do. Good luck, welcome to the board and to quilting !

Tartan

I have a good adjustable height office chair from Staples. I don’t like arms on my chair as it can interfere with elbow placement and how close I can get to my table. Go to a good office supply store and try out a few.

NewbyBetty

Thank you so much for your response to my question. I definitely think that I am stooping over. I have a koala table. I think maybe I need a height adjustable chair to put me at the right angle for my table.

NewbyBetty

Thank you!!!

juliasb

I use a small office chair that does not have arms and I also sit to the side of the chair with legs on each side of the corner. This gives good balance. I adjust the chair so it is at a good height for myself and maintain good posture when sewing. This seems to help a great deal on my back when sewing for hours, which I do frequently.

AprilM

I agree with everything that has been mentioned already! I have an adjustable office chair with no arms for my regular sewing machine adjusted to the right height for me (i am 5’2”). I use a fully adjustable saddle chair at my sitdown longarm. Both work great for me!

HettyB

I bought my chair from an office supply shop. It has arms that flip up so out of my way when I don't want them..
Oddly enough the flip up arms in the down position are quite useful for holding the weight of the quilt rather than it pooling on my lap.
Underneath the chair is one of those large plastic floor protectors so the chair casters don't wreck the carpet. It has adjustable lumbar support and rake (tilt forward or back).

The only thing I don't like about it is ghastly red and black faux leather and looks racing car seat but it was marked down to an almost give away price as the shop was going out of business. (And they delivered it the next day for free!).

https://www.amazon.co.uk/MORE4HOMES-.../dp/B012HNP44Y

But go and try the chairs to see what is best for you. Because I am tall, I found a lot of the seats too short and 'cut' me in the back of the legs

GEMRM

In addition to the good points made re ergonomics of your workspace, also consider using an exercise ball vs a chair - I use one and I love it. Makes all the world of difference in my body position and comfort.

Jingle

I have a regular office chair with arms and it works great for me.

Welcome from Missouri.