I have severe back problems and sometimes I just cut one or two cuts as I pass by going somewhere else and then sit for a few minutes. You do have to go to the bathroom and kitchen and it works for me when my back is particularly painful.

I also cut a little, sew a little, press a little. I do better cutting while I stand but the old back is begging for a change. I'm pretty awkward cutting while sitting, but occasionally I will trim up blocks, etc. while seated. The TV tray sounds like an idea I will try.

I have a disability and before I got my cutting table I cut on the floor and leaned over a laundry basket to take the weight of my knees/hips. The laundry basket might not be practical for you (I am very short), but maybe a similar idea would work? I know someone who can cut sitting at a table, I have no idea HOW she does it. I can't get enough leverage when I sit.

Here is a photo of my set -up in a blog post I wrote recently. http://blog.unlimiters.com/2014/01/0...ited-quilting/

First, I'm very hopeful that you will fully recover, so hang in there.

Second, I always cut sitting down and it's not a problem. Just adjust your table, or chair so that you can reach and see your ruler clearly at the far end. Also, keep a sharp blade in your rotary cutter, so you don't have to push so hard. I have a feeling that once you start cutting while sitting down, you'll never cut standing up again. Good luck with your recovery!

~ Cindy

After my knee surgeries, I kept my knee propped up. It does not have to be held level [your knee] just elevated to help . I used a small waste basket at m sewing machine or table. Diane C

Let me tell you what problems I have before I tell you how I compensate. (1) I have a fractured L-5 vertebra, so can't stand for long; (2) I had a torn meniscus repair in my left knee last year; and (3) I have cubital tunnel syndrome, which is the same as carpal tunnel syndrome, except it is in the elbows. To compensate for (1) and (3), I lower my ironing board so I can sit at it and at a height that my elbows barely bend. I took the padding off so the cutting mat stays stiff, but if you have a wooden cutting board or a piece of plywood that will support your mat, you won't have to take the padding off. After my knee surgery, I found I didn't need to elevate my leg, just keep the joint straight, to keep pressure off my knee. Having the cutting mat lower means that you can use your weight more effectively to do your cutting. I've been cutting sitting down for over 5 years, and don't have any trouble.

The Martelli ergo cutter is really great. I got one for Christmas, and I can't believe how different it is from other rotary cutters. Instead of leaning down and pushing, which was hard on my wrists and shoulder, you just sort of roll it along and it cuts like a dream. It's a better product that I expected, and that's sayin' something...

I'm pretty much a "newbie" and I dislike cutting. (I screw it up most of the time):mad: Soooooo....I use mostly precuts. Just my thoughts. :)

I have been placing my cutting mat on the kitchen table, and cutting there. The most important thing is to use a new sharp blade, as you don't get as much pressure sitting as you would standing. It is working well for me.

I sit down and cut my material. I have a office chair/w rollers. My sewing area(table) is 29 3/4'' high. I have my sewing machine to the right. My cutting mat to the left. And behind that is my 4ft fluroscent light attached to a wooden shelf. That way my 2 of my 3 dogs, can get on that shelf. And look out side. Take care of yourself.