Setting up a dedicated sewing station is a big step, and choosing all the furniture can feel a little intimidating. One of the biggest decisions is the chair. Think about it: you’ll be sitting in it for hours at a time, especially if you are a quilter.
You need a great chair to support your back, hips and legs, and a chair can make all the difference in how comfortable you are when you sew. This article will help you find the best chair for you and answer the question, “What is the best sewing chair?”
What Chairs Are Good For Sewing?
If you search online for “sewing chairs,” you’ll find a few results labeled specifically for sewing, but most are office or desk chairs. The right type depends heavily on your table.
If you have a regular-height desk or table, I recommend an office chair. These chairs are made to fit under a desk, and they make an excellent ergonomic sewing chair because most office jobs call for long hours of sitting, just like sewing.
Standing desks have become popular, and if you are considering one for your sewing space, keep in mind that you will still need to sit for some tasks. In that case, I recommend a barstool or drafting chair, because office chairs aren’t tall enough for a standing desk. I have a standing craft table myself, and I use a barstool when I need to sew sitting down.
What Height Should A Sewing Chair Be?
The chair height depends on the height of your table. Once you’ve decided on the type of chair, I recommend one that gives your legs 6 to 8 inches of clearance under the table so you can move around. That clearance is another reason office chairs are a great choice for most sewists. Most are height adjustable, so you can find the sweet spot.
How Should You Sit On A Sewing Chair?
I don’t know about you, but I am guilty of not sitting up straight and of trying to sew cross-legged. That seems harmless on a quick project. Imagine doing it for hours, slouched, with your leg in an awkward position. Your body will NOT be happy with you.
When you sew sitting down, keep your back straight against the back of the chair and your feet in front of you. The foot that isn’t on the pedal should be flat on the floor. Your back, hips and legs will thank you in the long run.
Sewing Chairs Vs. Office Chairs: What’s The Difference?
Chairs made for sewing are usually sturdy, with a wide seat, and many have handy storage under the seat. Newer ones, such as Arrow’s, have height adjustment, too. They are a good option if you sew often and want a chair designed around the hobby.
An office chair is often more adjustable and ergonomic, so if you plan to sew several hours a week, it may be the better choice for back support. Both can work well. It comes down to your table, your budget and how you like to sit.
Does A Sewing Chair Need Armrests?
It depends on your personal preference. Some sewists and quilters like armrests for resting their arms while they sew, and others prefer an armless chair. Some chairs even have flip-up armrests, so you can have them or not.
What To Look For In Sewing Chairs
Personal preference will play a big role in your chair selection. With that in mind, here are the features I recommend considering for this vital piece of furniture:
- Wheels: Do you want or need a chair that rolls?
- Adjustable height: This lets you match the chair to your table.
- Ergonomic back: Good lumbar support protects you on long days.
- Padded seat: Comfort matters when you sit for hours.
- Armrests: Fixed, flip-up or none, whichever you prefer.
- Weight capacity: Check the rating for your needs.
- Price: Sewing chairs cost more than most office chairs, so decide what’s worth it to you.
Best Chairs For Sewing: 8 Great Choices For Your Comfort
I can’t stress enough how important a supportive chair is for your whole body. I’ve gathered eight chairs for my fellow sewists and quilters, from chairs made for sewing to office chairs and tall drafting chairs for standing-height tables. I’ll go over what each one offers, so you can choose the best one for you. Prices change often, so check the current price on each listing.
Chairs Made For Sewing
1. Arrow H7013B Hydraulic Sewing Chair (Sewing Notions Print)
Best for: a dedicated sewing chair with storage and a fun print.
Arrow is the brand most sewists think of first, and this one has earned it. The hydraulic seat adjusts from 18 to 22 inches, the back has targeted lumbar support, and the base swivels a full 360 degrees. There is hidden storage under the seat for bobbins and notions. It is armless and comes with a one-year warranty. It costs more than a basic office chair, but you are paying for a chair built for sewing.
2. Arrow H8013 Hydraulic Sewing Chair (Bright Buttons Print)
Best for: the same Arrow comfort in a different print.
This Arrow comes in a bright button print and has the same hydraulic height adjustment and under-seat storage. Reviewers say it is comfortable and that the back support fits well. If you spend a lot of time sewing, a chair this supportive is easy to justify.
Office Chairs For A Regular-Height Table
4. DUMOS Armless Home Office Chair
Best for: a small sewing room and a table with no room for armrests.
This compact, armless chair has lumbar support and a PU leather seat. Without arms, it tucks under the table when you are done, and you won’t bump your elbows while you cut. It is well reviewed and affordable.
5. BOSS Perfect Posture Deluxe Fabric Task Chair
Best for: a padded, fabric-covered office chair at a moderate price.
Boss is an office-furniture brand, and this padded task chair is rated for 275 pounds. The seat height is listed at about 18.5 inches. As with any office chair, check the listing for arms and height range before you buy so it matches the way you sew.
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Drafting Chairs And Stools For A Standing-Height Table
6. Amazon Basics Drafting Spa Bar Stool With Wheels
Best for: a counter-height table and short sewing sessions.
This is the barstool I mentioned earlier. The seat adjusts from about 20 to 25 inches, it rolls, and it holds up to 250 pounds. It is a basic stool without much back support, so I would use it for shorter sessions. It is also one of the best-rated chairs on this list.
7. Primy Drafting Chair With Flip-Up Armrests
Best for: a standing-height craft table and long hours at the machine.
A tall chair with a back, a footrest and flip-up armrests. The armrests swing out of the way when you need elbow room, which is the best of both worlds if you can’t decide whether you want arms. It’s built for tall desks and tables, and it has thousands of reviews.
8. SUPERJARE Drafting Chair With Back And Adjustable Footrest
Best for: a taller table that needs a chair with a backrest.
This rolling chair has a backrest, a padded seat and an adjustable footrest, and it holds up to 250 pounds. Reviewers say it reaches a good height for high tables. A footrest makes a big difference when your feet would otherwise dangle.
Choosing The Best Chair For Your Sewing Room
There we have it: eight great choices for your all-important chair. Figure out which pros and cons matter most to you, then use this list to find the chair that fits.
If you’d rather skip the research, here is the short version:
- A chair built for sewing: Arrow H7013B
- Small spaces: DUMOS Armless
- Standing-height table with arms: Primy Drafting Chair
- Standing-height table on a budget: Amazon Basics Drafting Stool
- Taller table, backrest and footrest: SUPERJARE Drafting Chair
Whichever chair you pick, treat your back well. A good chair pairs nicely with a comfortable setup, so take a look at our picks for a sewing table as well.
What chair do you sew in? Do you have a favorite that isn’t on the list? Tell us in the comments, and happy sewing!