One of the things that has been on my mind over the last year is sewing and ergonomics. There seems to be no good way to mash that into one word, but if you do the first, you ought to think about the second. True?
I tend to sew in sessions rather than every day. But since my 2012 back injury, I get stiff and uncomfy after a few hours of sewing. In fact, after a few long sessions, I inexplicably would have a back ache at night that I tried to attribute to other things. Not sewing!! But when I took a good hard look and thought about things, I realized that sewing was probably to blame. My chair - originally part of a breakfast set - was probably the chief culprit. It predates the idea of "lumbar support".
I'm thinking about a Craft Lounge overhaul in the next year and don't want to invest large sums right now. But it is important to have a comfortable work station. So, I decided that it was time to try sitting on a physio ball instead of a chair. I'm pleased to report that my back is much happier. Seriously, the change was immediate and marked.
I realize this is not for everyone. It takes practice to sit on a ball; I already use one for core training and so am very comfy with it. The gist is that the ball encourages you to sit straight, supported by your core muscles. But maintaining proper posture while sitting - whether in a chair that does have some lumbar support or on a ball - is the most important factor for back comfort and health. For "beginners" 20 minutes at a stretch on the ball is what I've seen recommended, and standing at least every 40 min is suggested no matter what it is you sit on. This is pretty ideal for sewing; even if I do things in a very efficient order, frequent switching between sitting at the sewing machine and standing at the ironing board is the norm.
An unintended consequence is that a physioball is fun. You can bounce when you get excited or a good song comes on the radio. And you can stop and do some stretches, like a supported bridge.
Anyway, eventually, I'm going to buy sewing specific furniture so that I have a dedicated cutting area (not the dining room table), a better table for sewing and an ergonomic chair. I'm actually thinking more and more about a sit-stand work station. But in the interim, whether I use it all the time or alternate between a ball and chair, my back is thanking me.
What about you? Are you aware of ergonomics in your sewing space? What are some of your solutions?
I tend to sew in sessions rather than every day. But since my 2012 back injury, I get stiff and uncomfy after a few hours of sewing. In fact, after a few long sessions, I inexplicably would have a back ache at night that I tried to attribute to other things. Not sewing!! But when I took a good hard look and thought about things, I realized that sewing was probably to blame. My chair - originally part of a breakfast set - was probably the chief culprit. It predates the idea of "lumbar support".
I'm thinking about a Craft Lounge overhaul in the next year and don't want to invest large sums right now. But it is important to have a comfortable work station. So, I decided that it was time to try sitting on a physio ball instead of a chair. I'm pleased to report that my back is much happier. Seriously, the change was immediate and marked.
 |
| Eventually I'll replace the desk, too. |
I realize this is not for everyone. It takes practice to sit on a ball; I already use one for core training and so am very comfy with it. The gist is that the ball encourages you to sit straight, supported by your core muscles. But maintaining proper posture while sitting - whether in a chair that does have some lumbar support or on a ball - is the most important factor for back comfort and health. For "beginners" 20 minutes at a stretch on the ball is what I've seen recommended, and standing at least every 40 min is suggested no matter what it is you sit on. This is pretty ideal for sewing; even if I do things in a very efficient order, frequent switching between sitting at the sewing machine and standing at the ironing board is the norm.
 |
| Sitting tall instead of slumping |
An unintended consequence is that a physioball is fun. You can bounce when you get excited or a good song comes on the radio. And you can stop and do some stretches, like a supported bridge.
Anyway, eventually, I'm going to buy sewing specific furniture so that I have a dedicated cutting area (not the dining room table), a better table for sewing and an ergonomic chair. I'm actually thinking more and more about a sit-stand work station. But in the interim, whether I use it all the time or alternate between a ball and chair, my back is thanking me.
What about you? Are you aware of ergonomics in your sewing space? What are some of your solutions?
