Best chair to use while sewing?
vicky4x4
16 years ago
Featured Answer
Sort by:Oldest
Comments (14)
aixia
16 years agoRelated Discussions
best sewing machine for quilting
Comments (15)In 2016, I asked for a fancy sewing machine for a holiday and my husband took me shopping (awww, isn’t he sweet?). I figured that because I used my sewing machine so much, I should invest in an expensive machine. I purchased a fancy Husqvarna Opal 690Q. I took the classes that came with it. It had lots of fancy stitches and all the bells and whistles. I hated it. If only someone had explained to me how to choose a sewing machine that met my needs– not theirs. Buying the most expensive sewing machine with new-fangled features is not necessarily the best move you can make. Before buying a machine, always ask yourself what you’re going to use it for, whether or not you need all the extra features or if they are something you can live without, given the kind of tasks you intend to do with your machine. Also consider what future use you may have for the sewing machine. For instance, if you aren’t doing embroidery stitches now but you are planning to do so in the near future, then getting in a machine that can handle embroidery might be a good idea. The best advice I can give is to look on Amazon (I know I know...local dealers are great too but the choice between machines is not the same). On Amazon you can kind read the reviews, and even test the machine during an entire month. Look atthe ones I've selected for you on Amazon...See MoreSewing chair???
Comments (4)I went to an office furniture place and bought a used one...don't remember how much I paid. Mine is secretary style with low back support and no arms. I can't stand arms in my way when I'm pulling up to the counter and such....See MoreBest chair to use when using a sewing machine?
Comments (2)RSI is not caused by chairs. It's caused by awkward arm and hand positions held for a long time, or muscle tension held for long periods of time. 1 - Check that the chair, table and machine combination height lets you hold your wrists straight while you are sewing, with your shoulders relaxed and your feet flat on the floor. It's going to be surprisingly low. Lower the table or raise the chair. 2 - Learn to sew with a minimum of hand grip and wrist twisting. ============== This shows typing, but it's the same for sewing ... it's all in the wrist position And to get that wrist position, it's the chair and work surface ... in your case the sewing machine's bed instead of the keyboard....See MoreHow to handle fabric while sewing...
Comments (7)Schnurke - It depends on the kind of seam and the material. For almost all fabrics, the feed dogs should be pulling the material under the presser foot, not your hands. 1 - "easy" material (non-stretch, not heavy) on straight or gently curved seams, with nothing to the right of the needle except the seam allowance. I was taught that the right hand "steers" the fabric through the feed area by making TINY right-to-left movements, while the left hand moves the bulk at the right to prevent the weight of it from dragging the seams crooked. Just let the fabric run between your thumb and forefinger. I was also taught to NOT look at the needle - base your guiding on where the material is relative to the seam line markers. I extend the marks (with masking tape) so I have a couple of inches in front of the needle to use for alignment. When I'm doing these seams, my right hand is usually 6" or more away from the needle and my left hand is to the left of the needle, pushing the fabric as needed to keep it from piling up. On a skinny piece, such as a sash, it's just the right hand guiding while the needle is moving. The material is held very lightly, so the feed dogs are pulling it through my fingers and I'm sewing as fast as I can and maintain control. EXCEPTIONS: For extremely curved seams, such as collars and armholes, I have my right hand just in front of the feed dogs and the left hand is right behind them, holding the parts flat, the seam straight and/or rotating it ... very slow stitching, and the feed dogs are still doing all the pulling. For stretchy material that has a tendency to bunch up the top layer, I use a special presser foot (walking foot) that moves both layers ... if I don't have one of those, I use a 3-finger guiding technique with the top layer between thumb and forefinger and the bottom layer between the next two fingers, with slightly more pressure on the top layer (takes lots of practice, it's easier to buy the special foot.) Try this: Take some striped fabric and an unthreaded machine and practice guiding the material until you are confident. See how fast you can sew and still sew straight. TIPS: For a beginner, firm woven fabrics in a medium weight are easiest, as are firm (low-stretch) knits. Avoid slinky knits, super stretch jersey, satins, crepes, fake furs and all that fancy stuff for a while. Make a few bathrobes, cushions or caftans first. Then learn to handle stretch by making something in fleece or sweatshirt fabric, or modify a t-shirt. For a cheap way to learn in a fancy fabric, find something in a thrift store that has a similar feel and make a small something out of it. Then make up the pattern in a CHEAP material to get the laterations right ... then and only then, cut your expensive French silk jersey. When I was a lab tech I used to make my trial patterns in white polyester knit or woven cotton and wear them to work. I was the best dresses one in the lab, because they were Vogue designer patterns....See Moregrammyp
16 years agolola99
16 years agomarty_mo
16 years agoUser
16 years agomary_c_gw
16 years agoboxersandkoi
16 years agonanajayne
16 years agomaryliz
16 years agolove2sew
16 years agoamy_d-r
16 years agocalliope
16 years agocpulen_comcast_net
13 years ago
Related Stories
LIVING ROOMSNew This Week: 3 Living Rooms Mix Wild Patterns While Keeping Calm
Go neutral for the main furniture pieces and crazy with curtains and pillows for a comfortable space with just enough energetic character
Full StoryMODERN HOMESHouzz Tour: Updating an Eichler While Preserving Its Spirit
Architects and builders keep this home’s integrity intact while remodeling the kitchen, creating a master suite and adding energy efficiency
Full StoryWINDOWSPhoto Flip: 85 Window Seats for Whiling Away the Day
Grab a good book and settle in for a spell in one of these amazing window seats
Full StoryLIFEMake Money From Your Home While You're Away
New services are making occasionally renting your home easier than ever. Here's what you need to know
Full StorySELLING YOUR HOUSE9 Tips for Living a (Semi-)Normal Life While Your Home Is Being Shown
Preparation, routine and treats help you make the house you’re selling presentable at a moment’s notice
Full StoryDECORATING PROJECTSQuick Fix: Reupholster a Chair Seat
Take a chair from drab to fab, no sewing or special skills required, in just a few simple steps
Full StorySTUDIOS AND WORKSHOPSA Stitch in Time: Creative Sewing Spaces
Sewing rooms have become popular again as people of all ages embrace simple crafts they can do at home
Full StoryPRODUCT PICKSGuest Picks: Superstylish and Comfy Desk Chairs
Yes, you can have a great-looking office chair that works as hard as you do. File these under ‘Smart Selections’
Full StoryDIY PROJECTSSew a Pair of Easy Sag-Top Curtains
Create a custom window treatment on the cheap with this simple DIY curtain panel project
Full StorySponsored
geezerfolks_SharonG_FL