Setting up a dedicated sewing station is a big step, and choosing all the furniture can be a bit intimidating.
One of the biggest challenges is choosing the right sewing chair.
Think about it — you’ll be sitting in this chair for hours at a time, especially if you are a quilter.
You need a great chair to support your back, hips, and legs.
A chair can make all the difference in your comfort level when sewing.
This article is exclusively dedicated to helping you find the best chair for you and answering the question, “What is the best sewing chair?”
What Chairs Are Good for Sewing?
If you were to do a search online for “sewing chairs,” you’ll find a few results labeled specifically for sewing, but most of the results are office or desk chairs.
What type of chair you choose depends heavily on your table. For example, if you have a regular height desk or table, I recommend using an office chair.
These chairs are made specifically to fit under a desk and make an excellent ergonomic sewing chair since most office jobs call for long hours sitting down just like sewing jobs.
Recently, standing desks have gained popularity, and if you are thinking about purchasing one for your sewing space, keep in mind you will need to sit for some sewing tasks.
In this case, I recommend a barstool since office chairs aren’t tall enough for a standing desk. I personally have a standing craft table and use a barstool when I need to sew sitting down.
What Height Should a Sewing Chair Be?
As mentioned previously, the chair height that you choose depends on the height of your table. Once you’ve decided the type of chair you want to purchase, I recommend using a chair that gives your legs 6”-8” clearance under the table to move around.
Having this clearance is another excellent reason that office chairs are an ideal choice for most sewists. Most office chairs are height adjustable, so you can find that sweet spot that works perfectly for you.
How Should You Sit On a Sewing Chair?
I don’t know about you, but I am guilty of not only not sitting up straight but also trying to sit cross-legged while sewing. I know it doesn’t seem like a big deal if you are doing a quick project, but imagine working for hours while slouching and with your leg in an awkward position. Your body will NOT be happy with you.
When sewing sitting down, you should try to make a mental note to keep your back straight with the back of the chair and have your feet straight in front of you with the foot that is not on the foot pedal flat on the floor. Trust me, your back, hips, and legs will thank you in the long run.
Sewing Chairs vs. Office Chairs: What's the Difference?
The few sewing chairs out in the market right now all have one thing in common. They are low to the ground and have a wide seat. These are a fair option if you are not planning on spending hours at your sewing station multiple days a week.
However, if you plan to commit several hours a week to sewing, an office chair will probably be a better choice for you since they are adjustable and usually more ergonomic. Office chairs make better sewing chairs with back support.
Does A Sewing Chair Need Armrests?
The answer depends on your personal preference. Some sewists and quilters like to have armrests to rest their arms while they sew, and others prefer an armless chair. Some chairs even offer movable armrests if you want the option to have them or not.
What to Look for In Sewing Chairs
Personal preference will play a significant role in your chair selection. Keeping that in mind, here are some features that I recommend considering when shopping for this vital furniture piece.
- Wheels (Do you want/need a sewing chair with wheels?)
- Adjustable height
- Ergonomic back
- Padded seat
- Armrests
- Weight Capacity
- Price
Best Chair for Sewing: 9 Great Choices for Your Sewing Comfort
I can’t stress enough how important a supportive chair is for your whole body, and I have searched for the best chairs available for my fellow sewists and quilters. I’ll go over each chair’s features, pros, and cons to help you make the best choice for you.
There we have it — 11 fabulous choices for your crucial chair selection. When choosing your chair, figure out which pros and cons are most important to you, and then go through this list to see which chair fits your list best.
Good luck and happy sewing!