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Sewing Chair Buyers Guide

Those long sessions at the table can take their toll, even when using a quality machine with thousands of stitches per minute. The problem for a lot of people is posture, and a regular kitchen table chair just won’t cut it. This is why a lot of people search for the best sewing chair. These are designed for maximum comfort even when sitting for hours.

Not all products are suitable, which is why we have created the following buyer’s guide. By the end of it, you’ll know exactly how to find the perfect sewing chair.

What To Look For In A Quality Sewing Chair

Adjustable Positions

Trying to find a chair that only fits one person is a difficult task unless you have the budget to afford a custom made chair. For everyone else, the one size fits all approach doesn’t have to be so rigid. A quality sewing chair should have adjustable positions to find the one that feels most comfortable. This can be the height so the user’s feet are at the right position on the ground, to the backrest being able to tilt.

Lumbar Support

Any reputable brand selling a chair for long sitting sessions will talk up their lumbar support. This means a slight bend in the lower back of the chair or a pillow to support good posture. Anyone with pain in the lower back should seek this as a priority but even if you do not suffer, this is a sensible choice to help prevent pains and aches.

Lockable Tilt

Being able to change positions is going to mean the chair can be put to different uses. Sometimes leaning back a little is a matter of comfort. Your shoulders should be able to lean back slightly more than the position of the pelvis and locking a tilt is possible with some sewing chairs.

Storage Compartment

This is not a feature that is found with many chairs, so a specific sewing chair will be the best option when looking for a place to store spare thread, pressers, scissors, and other accessories. Usually, find under a seat cushion that can be lifted, it is a neat addition for any sewer.

Caster Wheels

A trait that has become standard with many office chairs, caster wheels give freedom of movement or swiveling to different areas of the craft table, moving closer when necessary is easy. The more wheels, the better the stability, and most offer anything from 4 to 7. Be sure to look for a product with quality materials as poor workmanship can result in damage to wooden floorboards.

Armrest

Not every sewing chair is going to have an armrest and any chair that allows you to lift the arms to move them out of the way can help get closer to the table. Still, for better posture, or to take some of the strain off of the back, quality armrests are a nice feature.

Weight Capacity

This won’t apply to some people as most reputable chairs tend to have a maximum capacity of around 250 lbs. However, it is worth checking to ensure it is safe to use. Some chairs are built a little differently, offering a higher weight capacity should it be required.

Benefits Of Buying A Sewing Chair

A lot of people think they are getting on fine with their regular chair, but the aches and pains that come with poor posture tell another story. The long term effects beg the question, should I buy a sewing chair? Here are the reasons why:

Less Pain

The first and most important benefit is that there is less risk of pain. Sitting for long periods in the same position can be difficult on the body, especially when in a seat that is not meant for prolonged use. Because sewing positions require the user to lean in and arch their back to get a closer view, the seat should help take some of the strain away, but most don’t.

Leaning in to create an intricate embroidery pattern or any other sewing-related task may start by causing the odd ache but over time can develop into something worse. Back pain can become chronic, and impact everyday movements such as walking. This is why it is important to find a chair that is helpful, not a hindrance to sewing.

Improved Sewing Positions

The ability to move seamlessly between positions should not be taken for granted. Not only can it help to make every reach and leaning closer easier, but also more comfortable. Any chair with a swivel can be put to good use when turning and searching a drawer for some more thread, or when using scissors close up.

It’s Yours!

It’s difficult to claim a chair from the kitchen table and use it in a home office or sewing corner. This is why a lot of people buy a sewing chair, designated for such tasks. There is something to be said for having a quality chair that is ready to be put to work at the craft table.

Are Sewing Chairs Easy To Assemble?

This depends on the brand and model as some are a lot easier than others. There are usually plenty of customer reviews that give a good indication as to how easily each product is to put together. Don’t expect to have to spend an hour when putting together a sewing chair.

How Much Does A Sewing Chair Cost?

For a product that ticks all of the boxes and will last a long time, expect to pay between $100 – $250. Others cost more, but you don’t have to compromise on a product that is fit for purpose. Anything more expensive than this is likely to be made from higher quality materials.

What Is The Best Sewing Chair?

After reviewing numerous products, we found the best to be the Arrow H7013B Adjustable Height Hydraulic Sewing and Craft Chair. Because of its storage compartment under the seat and seamless adjustability, it is one of the most practical available. The caster wheels are smooth, it swivels 360 degrees, and its maximum weight capacity of 250 lbs combined with comfortable lumbar support makes it any excellent option for any sewer.

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