NoraB

Hi.....I've been doing lots of sewing lately and that involves lots of pressing. I've got a big board ironing board that my husband made and I just had him heighten it. I am not sure if it needed to be higher or not...but my back was aching. I am 5'4" and would like to know if you are about 5'4" tall......what height is your ironing board or ironing surface from the floor? Right now, mine is heightened to 36" high. I always stand when pressing. If you stand when you press.........can you please measure your height and post it?

I know I need to take frequent breaks and I usually sew about 6-7 hours a day. So, instead of lessening my sewing time, I'm trying to get my stuff set-up for best ergonomics.

So, get out those tape measurers, measure 'em up and post the height. Meanwhile, I'll "rest" a bit.

Thanks everyone!

Mariposa

My big board sits on my ironing board, and I just measured it. Mine is 35.5" tall. It works well for me. I don't like having to look down too far. ( neck issues). And I am about 5'4".

QuiltE

Sorry, I am not your height, however, ergonomically ..... you shouldn't be bending to iron/press.

The other factor is your arm should be slightly bent (not straight, and not a 90°) bend while pressing.
Too low, and you will tend to bend for the comfort of your arm and shoulder.
Too high, and you will start scrunching your shoulders.

If you're looking for more comfort, consider an anti-fatigue mat where you stand.
Or at the least carpeting.
They can make a big difference towards comfort too.

bj

I’m 5’2” and my board height is 34” from the floor. I get tired if I press too long at time. But I think it’s because I don’t like to do it much to begin with! (0:

Dina

I am 5'3" and my ironing board height is 36 inches.

Dina

NoraB

thank you all for being so prompt! I think I'll keep it at 36" then since it looks like what you guys do. It just looks so high! Yes........I'm thinking about an anti-fatigue mat....that will hopefully also save the carpet from being matted down with my footprints! Thanks again everyone....happy sewing!

QuiltE

If it's comfortable and causing you less discomfort than in the past .... then it must be right.

If you want to try other heights, stand on a piece of plywood (or two) to see if there is a difference.
Or try the ironing board on the plywood riser.
Just be sure to stay safe ... not falling off your perch, or the ironing board tipping.

Just a slight difference of 1/2" can make quite a difference .... positively or negatively.

Also, are you consistent in the height of your footwear?
That can throw off all the careful planning .........

cashs_mom

If you are sewing 6 or 7 hours a day, that could be the culprit. No matter how ergonomically correct your tables/sewing machines/ironing boards are, you can only do one thing for a certain amount of time especially as you get older. My chiropractor suggests getting up and moving around as in walking up and down the hall a few times every 1/2 hour at least. I've found that helps me more than anything else. If I spend too much time in any one position, it can get uncomfortable and lead to problems. Just keep moving.

DeneK

I have an anti-fatigue mat in front of my cutting table and one in front of my ironing table. It makes a World of difference.

Kitsie

I'm also 5'2" and my cutting and ironing surfaces are at 30". Just regular kitchen table height. I make sure not to spend more than 30 mins at a time doing either cutting or ironing .