height of sewing table
 

How do I decide what height a sewing table should be in order to be ergonomically correct? Obviously the answer is going to vary according to each person's height (I'm 5ft 1in). At the moment I'm sewing on a dining room table, which I suspect is too high. As well as the ergonomics, I would think that having a table that's the correct height would help my FMQ.

I have read up on this from various magazines, etc. If you are sitting on a chair that is comfortable to you and your feet are on the floor, say in regular low heeled shoes, bend your elbows at your sides. The machine should be at your hands. However, I am 4'10" and I would not want to bend by upper body down to see the needle because I feel the pain of that. I really like to sit on an adjustable-in-height chair, have a wooden 2" tray to put my feet on which allows me to be higher and comfortable at the same time. That way I can see my sewing and follow the 1/4" line that I have put on my machine. My eyes follow the line, not the needle. I know there has been questions about this on the board before and everyone seems to do whatever they need to in order to sew. I know I like lots of space at my machine, both sides, like in a "U" shape around me, since I had rotercuff(?) surgery on my shoulder. I just need to be comfortable because I stay at it for a few hours at a time. I don't have an ironing board near me but since I just got one of those small irons, I will be building something that works, but I will put it maybe inches lower so I do not have to raise my right shoulder. I would try different heights till you find something comfortable. Good luck

Thanks very much for such a detailed reply. I think I'm going to spend some time playing with an adjustable chair at the table I've got, and work out the most comfortable and effective position for me at that one (even if my feet are off the ground!): that should give me some idea of how high a table should be relative to my knees and legs in order to be comfortable.

I don't know the formula, but I know getting it right makes a world of difference
Quilters Workshop in Newport NH has a weekly Open Sew. I worked on my machine for 4 1/2 hours and my back was fine.
I could never sew that long at home without feeling it in my back