What are the proper heights
#1
Junior Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: West Michigan
Posts: 101
What are the proper heights
Can someone please help me?? I have tried to Google this and to no avail nothing. How do you figure out the proper height for your sewing chair, sewing table, cutting table (while standing) & ironing board. I'm trying to set up my sewing room the proper way. I'm not any good at figuring out the proper floor plan of my sewing room either. That will be for another thread later. One thing at a time for me. Lol thanks a bunch
Sue
Sue
#2
Super Member
Join Date: Feb 2013
Posts: 2,657
I have my chair sitting higher than a regular chair since my sewing machine isn't recessed, but sitting on a table. My cutting table is the standard cutting table ad it works for me. I'd say whatever works for you is the way it should be. Arrange things te way you want. Don't worry about proper, it's your space and if you're like the rest of us, you'll rearrange several times to suit you.
#3
Power Poster
Join Date: May 2008
Location: MN
Posts: 24,666
A lot depends on your height and body.
If it's your space, have it designed for you. A six foot tall person with very long legs would have his knees touching his chin in a chair that I'm comfortable on!
I think there are charts and illustrations for ergonomics - how high should YOUR chair be, etc.
I think the heights have to do with where your elbows bend, etc. as far as cutting tables go.
Google: ergonomics - you might find some useful info there.
If it's your space, have it designed for you. A six foot tall person with very long legs would have his knees touching his chin in a chair that I'm comfortable on!
I think there are charts and illustrations for ergonomics - how high should YOUR chair be, etc.
I think the heights have to do with where your elbows bend, etc. as far as cutting tables go.
Google: ergonomics - you might find some useful info there.
#4
I tried adjusting so that while at my sewing machine, my elbows would be at right angles like what is recommended. I hurt so bad after 30 minutes I went back to my old bad posture and was able to sew for an hour before I started to get a little sore. So I guess it depends. My "stock" cutting table is about 34" high. I'm shorter than average so I'm going to make my new cutting table 32" since I do have trouble cutting on the stock table sometimes.
#5
Power Poster
Join Date: Dec 2008
Location: Western Wisconsin
Posts: 12,930
A lot depends on your height. Here are the OSHA guideliness for a professional sewing station:
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/sew...iondesign.html
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/sew...iondesign.html
#6
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Central NJ
Posts: 5,572
Generally speaking, yes, your forearms and thighs should be parallel to one another when seated with your feet flat on the floor and your thighs should be parallel to the floor at that point. If you're looking for a sewing table height, then your forearms should still be parallel to your thighs when they are placed on the top of your sewing table/machine. Same principal when standing at a cutting table. With your back straight, these positions will put the least amount of strain on your back; shoulders; arms. None of us cut/sew with our backs straight. But something close to those measurements should get your close. Is there a way you could maybe take some heavy duty boxes and duct tape and build some mock ups to see how comfortable those positions are for you before you start investing in tables and chairs?
#7
When sitting in your chair hip should be at 90 degree angle/bend with your knees 90 degrees bent when your feet are placed flat on floor this keeps your pelvis in a more neutral position . Your table should be at a height where shoulder's are able to be relaxed so you are not using your upper trapezius muscles and elbows are at 90 degrees bend.
#9
Junior Member
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: MInnesota
Posts: 131
If you are short like me, to make the thighs straight and the right height for your sewing table you may need to raise your chair seat and get a platform to put your feet on so they create the proper relationships.
#10
Super Member
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: Thornton, Colorado
Posts: 1,023
I do the same thing for my sewing chair and DH rigged an old printer stand so I could put my foot pedal on it. Perfect! For ironing, cutting and quilting, I use a few layers of interlocking floor pats so that my arms are at a comfortable 90 degree angle. It is far easier to raise my self than it is to cut down the frame, ironing board, etc.
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