Help with sewing table height
 

Hello quilty friends! My DH just finished converting an old table to a sewing/quilting table for me. We haven't cut the legs yet and I'm not exactly sure how to calculate the correct height to reduce strain on neck/back/shoulders. I'm 5'4". I've read differing things and just wondered if anyone else has undertaken designing a workspace and how to calculate the height. Appreciate any input so much! So far, I'm thrilled to have the needle right at the table top, which may improve my FMQ. So excited to try some new designs. :-)

Everything I've read says that when you sit down your elbows should be at a 90 degree angle so you aren't reaching up or down with your arms. so sit in the chair that you plan to use, bend your elbows so at a 90 degree angle and have the DH measure distance between your bent elbow and the floor--that should give you the correct height.

Here's a link to the osha guidelines
https://www.osha.gov/SLTC/etools/sew...iondesign.html

I LOVE adjustable legs. We have ordered several sets frm Ikea. That way, you don't have to commit to a single height, and if your floor isn't level, you can easily compensate for it.

Hugs,
Charlotte

I like my table a bit taller than OSHA standards. If I have it lower I tend to round my shoulders looking down at the machine bed. If it's a bit taller, I don't do that and it's easier on my back.

I used the OSHA standards for my table. Wanted to add that when measuring, be sure to measure with your foot on the pedal. Some pedals, like the one for my Bernina, are quite thick & significantly change the angle of your knees when in use. Others, like the one for my Singer, are low profile & make almost no difference at all.

I am using a banquet table with bed risers. It works perfectly for me and I'm 5'4. I use the table for cutting and attaching the binding prior to sewing.

And if you like to slope the bed of your machine towards you for greater visibility, these would be a great addition!

My desk cabinet for my 401 is at 31". My cutting table is at 36" with a 48" x 28" top. I don't have to lean very far with the cutting table. I sometimes use our kitchen table which is 36" x 60". Depending on how I feel determines what space I'll use. I have used my other machine on the 401 desk cabinet. Has a lot of space. I also have a 3' x6' folding table and use that for sorting and a bit of a catchall.

I want my cutting table to be elbow high. I like my ironing table to be low so I don't have to bend my arm to press.

My cutting table and ironing board are both fairly tall (I'm 5'6") and keep me from having to lean over (sure hate to cute at a dining room table which I did last week when cutting out flannel jammie pants for Christmas). But my sewing table is right at 31" and I still think it's too tall--my machine does not sit in it but on top--so that means the machine bed is at about 34" and my elbows are not at that 90 degrees--and my shoulders and neck know it! I plan to literally take a saw to it and cut it down over the winter! Do any of you ever set the machine on a higher surface and stand up to sew? I sometimes do on my cutting table--makes for a nice change for my body.

Another thing to think about.... an office chair that can go up or down is a must for me. I am 5'2" and I sew at the height of a regular dining table, which is the same height as the normal sewing machine cabinet. This, also, allows me to put a folding table up close to my sewing table and let it help support the weight of a quilt when I am sewing the longer rows or putting the binding on. Or, I can use the extra space as ironing area or trimming area. When you start changing the height of the typical table, it can throw other things off.

Now after having said all that, if you can do a cutout for your sewing machine and bring it down to level with the table, then that is the best solution. This is one way https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mbE48Saa-Pc
Another idea http://www.instructables.com/id/Make...able/?ALLSTEPS

There are more out there. I searched for "flat bed table for a sewing machine"

I am also 5'4" and my sewing table height is 27" which is the best I can do and comfortable. (Any lower and my legs won't fit under the machine--Lol.) My machine is set flush with the cabinet top. The cabinet top was 29 3/4" high when I bought it. I removed the casters and put on sliders to lower it so that my shoulders and back wouldn't hurt. You may need yours a bit higher if your upper arms are waist length.

Hope that helps!