Sitting Pretty: A Guide to Comfort and health
I remember this one time—pain and exhaustion didn’t matter, I was just determined to finish the project. Sure, it was late, and yeah, I’d been working nonstop for hours without a break, but I was this close to being done. So, I pushed through. Then, to my horror, I woke up the next morning with hands that looked like the claws of a giant hawk! I could barely open my fingers. It was scary, to say the least.
Looking back, it’s clear I wasn’t taking care of myself—physically or mentally. At the time, I was in my 40s, but now, nearing 60, I see just how crucial it is to listen to my body. Because of my “push through” mentality, I ended up needing carpal tunnel surgery on both wrists. One of my wrists had gotten so bad that I developed a ganglion cyst that needed to be removed.
Lucky for me, the surgeries went smoothly, and healing was almost painless. I did struggle a bit with my pinky at first, but with stretching and continued use, I regained full function. Looking back, I realize it could’ve been so much worse—imagine if it had been my back, which is a big concern for many crafters and sewists!
The truth is, sitting for long periods can cause a range of musculoskeletal issues, including carpal tunnel syndrome, muscle strain, tension neck syndrome, and even back and shoulder pain. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor reports that 30% of worker injuries are musculoskeletal. And let’s be honest, as sewists and crafters, we spend as many—or even more—hours sitting as the typical office worker. It’s something we need to pay attention to!
Here’s a little secret: the most important piece of equipment in your sewing setup isn’t your machine, it’s your chair. Yes, really. When it comes to sitting properly, there are a few things to keep in mind: seat, cushion, height, and wheels.
Backrest: It should be adjustable to support your middle and lower back.
Seat: Comfort is key. You want a cushion that’s about 3 inches thick, wide enough, and structured to support your weight. Soft materials like cloth, vinyl, or mesh are way more comfortable than hard surfaces.
Height adjustment: A pneumatic handle underneath the seat is ideal because it lets you adjust the height, so your feet can stay flat on the floor. If you need to sit higher to maintain the proper arm angle, be sure to add a footrest.
Chair type: I personally prefer a five-legged chair for extra support, and one with wheels can be a game-changer for ease of movement. That way, you can turn the chair instead of twisting your back, which helps reduce strain.
Another tip? Get up and move every 60-90 minutes! I know it’s tempting to keep working, especially if your ironing station is just within reach, but keeping your health in check should always come first. Set a timer if you need a reminder, and try to avoid waiting until the last minute to tackle your projects. Trust me, your body will thank you!
