Use Sewing Machine Standing up
 

I’ve often wondered about raising the height of my sewing machine then standing to sew. I’m sure my back would appreciate it!

But is this possible with a pedal controlled machine?

I have a small Brother machine I place at the end of my cutting table when I need to add long borders and/or binding to my quilts. I have to stand up to do this and though its easy on the back, its hard on my feet and legs. Its easier to manuveur the quilt around though so I put up with it.

Some of the ladies from our group have higher tables. You may need to use a small step stool for the foot pedal.

Another option would be to use a knee lift if you have one for your machine.

No knee lift I’m afraid .

The idea of a small step stool for the foot pedal is a good one, it would relieve stress on the back, legs and knees. Balance of course would be a bit more of a challenge! Maybe the start/stop button would work better?

My machine doesn’t have a start/stop button but I wish it did!

You probably could get the cord to the foot pedal lengthened, in order to stand and sew.

I've done all my sewing standing up for nearly 3 years now and it's been great for my bad back and hips! I use a pedal and I switch back and forth between which foot is my pedal foot. I use a huge electric adjustable height desk. Can't imagine sitting to sew now, I hardly sit for anything except the movies and driving.

ETA: I've never had an issue with cord length but I'm not super tall.

Yes, I have a friend who stands to sew. Works well for her. She doesn't have any special setup, stool or otherwise. Her quilt room has a counter that her machine sits on.

I don’t think I could do that, I don’t use a pedal though I just use the stop/start button and I could never sew without a knee lift, so very handy!

I tried that once at my kitchen counter. I prefer to sit.

I sew standing up most of the time. No problem reaching the foot pedal which is on a standard length cord.

I prefer to sit because I usually have been standing and trimming or pressing.

I have a friend who uses regular furniture risers with a sturdy board across to raise the height of her sewing machine and allow her to stand. She does it due to back issues and she definitely feels better this way.

yes! i did it for years. my dh built me a sewing table for my height (5’3”). it's too long, wide and high and doesn't fit in any room of current home which breaks my heart and my back :) ..i have degenerative spinal disease and can stand to sew much more easily than sitting like i do now ...when pain lightens up enough to permit me to sit and sew :(

I have a friend who uses her ironing board to put her machine on so that she can sew standing up. Works for her.

I sometimes put a machine on the top of my cutting table (which is raised) and use a foot pedal with it. Generally only use when having back/hip problems . I do use a fatigue mat to stand on.

I may give it a try! Interesting! I know I sit more than I should. I do keep my fabric and cutting table downstairs so I have to run up and down pretty often.

I saw a rather beautiful cabinet at a dealer's showroom that was for standing and sewing. I tried it with the unthreaded demo and found it really easy and comfortable. I, however, use 2 machines when I sew and like to swivel from one to the other.

I always use my serger standing up. Usually I have a longer area of straight sewing to do when using the serger so standing is less back breaking. The only other machine I use standing is my Brothers 1500se on a Grace Frame. It sometimes is hard on the back and so I take periodic rest periods. I don't think I would like to do piece working for making blocks or piecing a quilt together or for FMQ standing up. Good question for a physical therapist.

Thank you for your replies and suggestions they were very helpful.

I’m going to give it a try when I start my next project.

I have never tried it. I do have a coworker that sews on her kitchen counter, standing. She seems to think everyone does!