Every professional who works at a desk or table can tell you that a good chair is fundamental for the quality of their work life. This is especially true for seamstresses as they spend most of their time sitting down and working on the sewing tables.
A bad chair can make you have a bad posture, creating problems with your neck and back. It could also lead to fatigue much faster than normal, and uncomfortable working conditions decrease our motivation and productivity, even when using the best sewing machine.
Thankfully, there are a lot of special chairs for a sewing or embroidery machine designed to make work easy and comfortable for professionals. These ergonomic sewing chairs make sure your work will not lead to any pain and discomfort.
Why Sewing Chairs Are Important
Chairs for sewing are especially important for a seamster’s productivity. Many sewing professionals tend to use a regular home or office chair to do their work, not considering the way it can impact their work.
Using a chair not designed for constant sitting can seriously affect not only the quality of your work but also your health. Sitting down to work for long periods can lead to compression on your spine, which in turn can cause chronic pain. Many people who do not use sew chairs experience aches in their neck and back, resulting from bad posture, which is determined by your chair.
An ergonomic sewing chair corrects your posture while you work, alleviating the pressure on your spine and preventing back and neck pain. A comfortable chair also increases your productivity as it is much easier to continue working for longer periods if you do not feel fatigued.
At the end of the day, when you start working, you want to feel like your working space makes your tasks easier and not more difficult. Therefore, if you feel that you get frequent pains and get tired easily during work, it might be time for you to consider purchasing a new sewing chair.
What To Look For
There are many things to consider before you select a sewing chair. Depending on the type of work you usually do, you should start looking for sewing chairs with features that will make those tasks easier for you. Let’s look at a few things you need to have in mind before you make a purchase.
Adjustability
Adjustability is an important feature in a sewing chair. You should be able to adjust the height of your chair based on your height but also that of your sewing table. Sometimes, certain tasks may require you to have a more elevated height, so it would be good to be able to adjust the height of your chair as needed.
Some chairs come with a backrest and have an adjustable depth, so you can modify it depending on your body type. An adjustable tilt is also nice to have as a feature as you can recline your chair when you feel you want to take some rest in between tasks.
Armrests are also a nice feature, but make sure they are adjustable as they might become obstacles during certain work tasks. Being able to lower them when you want to rest your arms but lift them when you want to move unrestricted will make your work much easier. A footrest can also be a nice feature to have as it can take some of the pressure from your legs and improve your posture.
Another thing to consider is to get a chair that you could fold and place underneath your table. This option is ideal for those who do not have a lot of available space, so having a chair that you can store away whenever you do not use it is a great feature.
A seamster needs a chair that will be comfortable during any task. Therefore, it is advised to look for chairs that you can at least adjust the height, though a chair with more functions is preferred.
Material
The material is perhaps one of the most important elements of a chair. The best sewing chair material determines your comfort, durability, and much more. Different types of chairs use different materials such as cotton, fabric, vinyl, mesh, and leather (or faux leather) for their cushions. You can find cushions on the seat, the backrest, or armrests for maximum comfort.
All materials have pros and cons, but your selection will ultimately be based on personal preference. Between vinyl and fabric, both are durable, but if you are not careful with your sharp scissors, you could tear them. Think of what material you prefer on your skin and how warm it can get during the warmer times of the year. Breathable mesh tends to keep you cool.
Of course, if you are interested in chairs that also look good in your space, then perhaps leather or faux leather would be a suitable option for you as they tend to look nicer than all the previously mentioned materials. Look for chairs with padded cushions for extra comfort, considering the amount of time you spend working.
Besides the fabric materials for your seat, you should also think about the frame material of your chair. Look for a durable material that will keep your chair stable and will not get affected by frequent use. Hardwood is often used, as well as metal, which also looks nicer within a space. However, many companies also use plastic, which is a cheaper option. While plastic is often used, it is always the most durable of materials.
Backrest
The backrest is something you should especially pay attention to. The seat size and the backrest should be comfortable for your body size as they determine your posture while working. The seat should not squeeze your hips as you turn, and the pneumatic height adjustment should allow you to keep your legs on the floor while sitting. Sewing chairs with back support are important as it will keep you from experiencing back pain while working.
Mobility
While stationary quilting chairs are available, sewing chairs with caster wheels are recommended. Stationary chairs are less expensive and easier to assemble, but they can become an obstacle in moving with ease in your workspace. Reaching for things can suddenly become a struggle if you have to get up every time you need to grab something. That means you will frequently interrupt your work, which can be frustrating.
For greater movement, you can also look for a chair with a 360-degree swivel seat, as you can easily turn around in your workspace at any angle. This is perfect for people who tend to utilize the entirety of their sewing table and do a lot of different tasks at once.
Weight
The weight of the chair can be both an advantage and a disadvantage. A heavier chair is more steady, so you will remain stable when using your sewing machine. However, if you are hoping to move on it frequently, a heavier chair has more restricted mobility, so it might require more effort from you to roll around.
A lighter chair is easier to roll with but will not be as stable, and you might move when you do not want to, which can be distracting.
In regards to weight capacity, this is something you should look for as you need a chair made for your own weight. Using a chair with a lower weight capacity can impact its durability and longevity. The majority of the sewing chairs have a capacity of up to 250 lbs.
Price
Most ergonomic sewing chairs cost between $250 and $500. While you can find one at a lower price, you should first think about what you require from your chair. If you are a professional, you probably require something comfortable that will last a long time. If you buy something cheaper, you might need to replace it more frequently. A good ergonomic chair costs around $300, which might sound pricey, but the value you will get in the long run is worth the investment.
Warranty
While most furniture does not last forever, it should last you for quite some time. Therefore, make sure that the sewing chair you buy has a good warranty that will protect you from any malfunction it may have from the manufacturer. Most products have warranties like that, as they are considered very standard.
If you choose to purchase a more expensive chair, the warranty will possibly be an even better deal. Well-respected companies tend to guarantee high-quality materials as there are fewer chances that you will need them.
Our Favorites
There are a lot of great brands that specialize in furniture meant to be used by seamsters. Arrow sewing chairs are perfect for people who have smaller spaces. They are very easy to assemble and come in fun colors and designs.
A Koala sewing chair might look closer to a regular office chair but it is also a great choice as it keeps you as comfortable as possible.
Arrow Sewing Chairs
1. Arrow Sewing Chair with Button Fabric on White 8011
This chair has an extremely charming and colorful design that makes the space around it more vibrant without standing out too much. The hardwood structure gives it a vintage-like quality, and it fits perfectly with a more traditional wooden sewing table.
Of course, its most important feature is how extremely comfortable it is. Being a seamster and having to sit all day and work creates a lot of neck and back issues. However, this chair is very supportive and alleviates the pain that can appear in the lower back.
The bonus storage that you get with the lift-up seat is a great feature as you can store many smaller items like pins, notions, and patterns and keep the sewing table cleaner and more organized. The assembly was also very fast and simple.
The only drawback is how pricey it is, at almost $300. However, considering how comfortable it is, it is definitely worth the investment, especially since you will not have to get a new one for quite some time.
- Solid wood design for strength and style
- Created with targeted lumbar support for better posture
- Extra storage compartment available under the seat
- Five wheels for lots of mobility around the sewing room
- Holds up to 300 lbs
- One-year warranty
2. Arrow H6103 Cat’s Meow Hydraulic Sewing Chair
This adjustable hydraulic sewing chair is perfect for sewing work. It allows you to move around the sewing table with ease and turn in ways that you cannot with the previous option. This is especially important considering the different postures required by various sewing tasks. The design is also very playful and gives some color to your space.
The back support is also excellent, alleviating any pain caused by constant sitting and the cushions are very comfortable to sit on as well. The design of the chair also helps to correct posture while working.
The biggest advantage of this chair is the ease of mobility. The wheels also roll very effectively on other surfaces such as carpets.
- Targeted lumbar support improves sewing posture
- Pneumatic seat height adjustment from 18” to 22”
- Extra storage compartment under the seat
- 360° swivel base for greater movement
- Non-marking heavy-duty casters
- Durable upholstery fabric
Koala Sewing Chairs
3. Koala Sewcomfort Chair Sapphire Cushion & North American Oak Base
This comfortable chair allows you to work consistently for hours without back and neck pain.
It is easy to move and turn around on it, which is very helpful while working. Moreover, it is adjustable, allowing you to change the height depending on the task performed.
At almost $400, it is quite expensive but a worthwhile purchase considering the benefits it provides during sewing.
One thing to note is that the sapphire color is not as light as it appears in the picture. Instead, it is a bit darker but still looks good within the space.
- Generous padded seat and back
- Cushions are upholstered all the way around
- Extra-high back seat cushion with forward and back tilt and adjustable height
- Lower lumbar adjustment
- 6 Adjustable Positions
Horn Sewing Chairs
4. Horn of America 13090C Deluxe Drafting Sewing Chair
This drafting chair is much better than a regular office chair, and it is especially comfortable as a task chair or craft chair in your sewing room. It allows for better posture and eliminates fatigue and pain.
Horn sewing chairs make it very easy to work at the sewing table and allow you to effortlessly move around the workspace as needed.
You can adjust the chair’s height from 24” to 34,” and it holds up to 250 lbs.
- Contoured thick padded seat and back with lumbar support
- Elevated height for use with Model 6479, Model 5680, and model 5580 tables
- Meets or exceeds ANSI/BIFMA standard
Reliable Sewing Chairs
5. SewErgo Score Ergonomic Sewing Operator Chair (200SE)
This craft chair is of very good quality and provides comfort while sewing. It is very supportive, allows for a better posture, and prevents back pain. It is also adjustable, making it easy to perform different tasks comfortably.
Price-wise, it is perhaps the least expensive on the list but maintains the quality provided by the previous list entries.
The only drawback is that it does not have caster wheels, making movement less easy, unlike all the other options.
- Large seat cushion
- Height, back, and seat are adjustable
- Waterfall seat edge
- Tilt and lock mechanism
- Pneumatic seat height adjustment 15″ – 21″
- Weight Capacity – 250 Lbs
Conclusion
Comfortable sewing chairs can be essential to the quality of your work and your health. Purchasing a good-quality chair will give you a better posture at your sewing machine to decrease fatigue and improve productivity.
Of course, there are a few things every sewing enthusiast needs to consider when choosing the best sewing chair, such as adjustability, mobility, material, and weight. Moreover, price-wise the best sewing chairs tend to be pricier, but the benefits you get from one are worth the investment.
