A reader's question on sewing room ergonomics

A comment was left by Linda J from VA concerning sewing table ergonomics discussed in the video below by author Marguerita McManus. Like many quilters, Linda finds herself sewing at the dining room table, and wants to know if Marguerita had any suggestions for making her situation more ergonomic.

Great video,, learned so much, BUT, the only thing I have to sew on is the Dining room table.. I do have an office chair that raises or lowers and I do notice my back aching after an hour or sew of sewing quilt tops.

Any suggestions for those of us that only have the Dining room table to use?

Marguerita generously took the time to respond to Linda J's comment, which will be of interest to many quilters who find themselves in the same situation as Linda J.

Hi Linda J,

I struggled for many years before coming up with my cheap table system, so I know what you mean about having to make do with what you have!

I think it's great that you have a height adjustable chair and I would suggest raising it up high enough that your elbows are at just about a 90 degree and you feel comfortable. Then take a look at how high this makes your feet off the floor and go searching for some foot support. I have chatted with ladies who have used foot stools, milk crates, plastic storage containers and for some hubby built a platform out of plywood :)

The big deal, I believe, is that your back and shoulders be in comfortable positions, your elbows and knees be at near 90 degrees and that, if possible, you have a flat surface around your sewing machine.

I have also chatted with ladies who, like you, must use the dining table, but they still put the foam (like in my other video) around their machine, with a vinyl cover, and raised their chairs up and they love it!

Now, all that being said, I can't even get my own daughter to believe in this. She's very tall and she just uses her dining table, but she gets up a lot chasing a toddler around, and she's young so she doesn't feel the discomfort like I do :)

I sure hope that this helps and I would love to help in any other way possible - just let me know - and thanks so much Joan for featuring my video - you are a sweetheart!! :)

Marguerita

Make sure you take some time to visit Marguerita's other quilting videos on YouTube and visit her website and blog, CrazyShortCutQuilts. And thanks, Marguerita, for taking the time to leave your informative comment!