I think, if you are on the short side, you need to tilt your machine forward. But, if you are on the tall side, like some of us, you need to tilt it back. It also depends on your machine. I mainly use a Janome Memorycraft 3000, & I have been noticing while sitting at it, since this discussion came up, I can see the needle just fine, so I guess mine is fine without doing either. I have the clear extension table, so my arms set up a little high, but I like the table, so not much I can do about that. I have just learned, when I start getting tired or achy, it's time to take a break....