The Sewing Place

Tools of the Trade => Sewing Spaces and Furniture => Topic started by: Efemera on March 18, 2019, 14:29:34 PM

Title: Height?
Post by: Efemera on March 18, 2019, 14:29:34 PM
I’m sewing on my new table... I’ve put castors on it so it’s a little higher than it was..it’s as low as it will go... 69cm. What’s the height of your sewing table?
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Ploshkin on March 18, 2019, 14:42:25 PM
Horn Cabinet is 75cm.  Machine on top makes another 9.5cm.  I can drop it down flush with the cabinet top but generally only do that for quilting or big stuff like curtains.  Chair has variable height.
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Ellabella on March 18, 2019, 14:47:37 PM
Mine is 72 cm and machine is set into the table top, fine for me but I wouldn't like it much higher.
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Nevis5 on March 18, 2019, 15:05:45 PM
Mine's 74cm high but I have stupidly long legs.....
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Efemera on March 18, 2019, 18:02:48 PM
As I said mine is 69 but then the machine is at least 10cm deep, I’ve tried raising the chair but then my legs can’t reach the foot pedal!...may have to take the castors off.
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Renegade Sewist on March 18, 2019, 20:17:33 PM
@Efemera , your chair should be at a height where your thigh is about parallel with the floor. Then your table should be at a height where your arms  can rest comfortably with your fore arms parallel to the top while sewing.

It will all vary depending on how tall you are, your upper back length, i.e. how tall you sit in the chair, the table, the chair, etc. It can take awhile getting it all sorted out.

Sounds like you need your foot pedal raised up on a platform. Just put something non skid on it and it works fine. Ask how I know!  ;)
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Efemera on March 18, 2019, 20:25:54 PM
I’ll try all those things next time I have the machine on the table.
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: BrendaP on March 18, 2019, 21:48:08 PM
My desk with the Husqvarna, the overlocker and cover stitcher is 72cm plus about 10cm for the machines and the table with one of the 201s is 69cm plus 8cm for the machine.   The table/desk downstairs with the other 201 is 76cm plus 8cm - a bit higher than ideal but when cleared of all the clutter it has a lot more space for dealing with big items like quilts.
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Gernella on March 19, 2019, 11:17:56 AM
I use a 'banqueting' table covered with a fleece top and a desk for cutting.  Both are 75cm, which is fine for sitting and sewing but higher would be better for cutting.  I've got a Brabantia ironing board that is 98cm on the top height, that is fabulous for ironing but maybe a bit too high for a cutting table height. I usually finish up taking my shoes off to make me smaller, which is an improvement, but my back still aches when I stand up.  Once I know where the pattern is going I generally cut out what I need first and the rest later.

It must be a nightmare for anybody who is not one of the little people.
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Ellabella on March 19, 2019, 11:32:20 AM
@Gernella I also have a 'banqueting' table and find it  little low for cutting but now I use those things like upturned flower pots that are used as chair raisers for the elderly.

Those extra few centimeters make all the diference.
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Gernella on March 19, 2019, 11:50:49 AM
Thanks @Ellabella, I use the desk for cutting out but the way it is made it's not suitable for increasing the height.  There was a middle bit joining the two together but I took it out and butted them up to save on space.

I keep hanging my nose over the cheap Horn table but there is always something else I want.  I've seen something probably similar on Erica Bunker's blog for increased her cutting out table height.


(https://i.imgur.com/xWjT7tw.jpg?3)
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: annieeg on March 19, 2019, 12:16:10 PM
I just came across this, which looks interesting ...
http://www.churchbuyinggroup.co.uk/polyfold-height-adjustable-table?gclid=EAIaIQobChMIv_-oupaO4QIVmpntCh0TKQhUEAQYBSABEgKlGPD_BwE

Is the "cheap cutting table" from Horn the one that costs £500?

Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Kad on March 19, 2019, 12:48:07 PM
I recently bought a new gas-lift sewing/office chair from IKEA, it was only £49,, came in a variety of colours ( incl pink and turquoise) and has castors  that only roll freely when you're sat upon the seat - it's to stop the chair from rolling away from you as you sit so you're less likely to land with a bump on the floor  0_0 

I also bought one of their height adjustable tables, not the electrically powered one but the 'wind up' version with the larger of the two available tops, and a stack of drawers also on castors that will store under the table or provide extra working surface. The table winds up with a handle to sufficient height for me to us as a cutting out table, winds down as low as you'd ever want and came with a choice of 2 sizes of table top too

So much better than my Horn cabinet which wasn't the right height for me and didn't have enough space for my legs to fit under ( I'm 6' tall with long legs).
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: snoozi soozi on April 17, 2019, 12:54:31 PM
My sewing table is 79cm, made for me by the OH. Smug, moi?  :loveit:  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Acorn on April 17, 2019, 13:38:31 PM
Ooh that is lovely - you want to keep hold of him!   0_0
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Surest1tch on April 17, 2019, 19:07:57 PM
My sewing table is 79cm, made for me by the OH. Smug, moi?  :loveit:  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]

That's fab, do you lend him out for sewing room DIY  :S
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: snoozi soozi on April 17, 2019, 20:35:54 PM
@Surest1tch  @Acorn thanks, i loves my little sanctuary. The OH could probably add any jobs to his list, his list is never-ending btw so you'd be waiting a wee while  0_0
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Sara-S on September 05, 2019, 13:27:55 PM
My tablet is adjustable. For sewing, I set it at 72 cm.  For shutting, I like it at its maximum height of 94 cm. (I am tall and at this setting, I do not have to lean down too much.)
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: ClareInStitches on September 06, 2019, 18:12:35 PM
I recently bought a new gas-lift sewing/office chair from IKEA, it was only £49,, came in a variety of colours ( incl pink and turquoise) and has castors  that only roll freely when you're sat upon the seat - it's to stop the chair from rolling away from you as you sit so you're less likely to land with a bump on the floor .

How are you getting on with your Ikea chair, please, Kad?  I am considering getting one for my re-organised sewing space and looking at the Bleckbergett and the Orfjall. Was yours either of these?

Thanks.
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Kad on September 06, 2019, 18:20:14 PM
@ClareInStitches , mine's a FLINTAN chair.
It's got a good range of height adjustment and hasn't faded noticeably despite living in the conservatory.
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: ClareInStitches on September 06, 2019, 18:27:06 PM
Thank you, Kad. I'll add that to my list.
Clare
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: MargoLondinium on July 11, 2020, 08:14:00 AM
I recently bought a new gas-lift sewing/office chair from IKEA, it was only £49,, came in a variety of colours ( incl pink and turquoise) and has castors  that only roll freely when you're sat upon the seat - it's to stop the chair from rolling away from you as you sit so you're less likely to land with a bump on the floor  0_0 

I also bought one of their height adjustable tables, not the electrically powered one but the 'wind up' version with the larger of the two available tops, and a stack of drawers also on castors that will store under the table or provide extra working surface. The table winds up with a handle to sufficient height for me to us as a cutting out table, winds down as low as you'd ever want and came with a choice of 2 sizes of table top too

So much better than my Horn cabinet which wasn't the right height for me and didn't have enough space for my legs to fit under ( I'm 6' tall with long legs).

Hi Kad - newbie here. I know this is an old post but am just researching sewing tables and noticed this post. I am also 6ft and new to sewing - need to purchase a table/desk. Can I ask which particular height adjustable desk you purchased at Ikea? Is it the Skarsta or Bekant? TIA!
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Efemera on July 11, 2020, 08:22:00 AM
I bought the electric Bekant...it’s fabulous.
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Kad on July 11, 2020, 08:53:33 AM
@MargoLondinium
I got the Skarsta table, I like the wind up mechanism and use the handle as a handy place to hang my 'scrap/bit/thread' rubbish bag whilst I'm sewing. It also raises high enough to cut out at without backache.
I use it with the Flintan gas lift chair.
Hope that's helpful  :flower:
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: jintie on July 11, 2020, 16:48:12 PM
Check online for ergonomic typing measurements- much the same for sewing
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: MargoLondinium on July 20, 2020, 09:14:00 AM
@MargoLondinium
I got the Skarsta table, I like the wind up mechanism and use the handle as a handy place to hang my 'scrap/bit/thread' rubbish bag whilst I'm sewing. It also raises high enough to cut out at without backache.
I use it with the Flintan gas lift chair.
Hope that's helpful  :flower:
Thanks so much, Kad  :)
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: UttaRetch on July 20, 2020, 10:32:29 AM
My new cutting table has been set at 98cm. 
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: HooliganHeart on November 13, 2020, 16:20:23 PM
Sewing table is around 29½" / 75cm high. Old Singer table so i guess these guys knew something as it doesn't give much aches and pains (old age does that) when sitting at it for longer spells. Have another table around the same height that is used for the portable machines but not comfy for long periods because of the extra height of machine bases sitting direct on top.
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: UttaRetch on November 13, 2020, 16:45:51 PM
I sew standing up at my huge cutting table, which takes up most of the room with just enough space to walk around.  If I had a sewing table, it would just get in the way.  :D
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: mudcat on November 13, 2020, 18:45:19 PM
I may have posted about this before but in high school I sewed on my bedroom floor using my knee on the foot pedal.  I can't imagine doing that today.  I'm not limber enough. 

I would like to know what is ergonomic for sewing though.  I am getting instant back aches when I sew.  It usually goes away about an hour after I'm done. 
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: WendyW on November 14, 2020, 02:18:56 AM
in high school I sewed on my bedroom floor using my knee on the foot pedal.  I can't imagine doing that today.  I'm not limber enough. 

I sewed on the floor in high school too! Couldn't use my knee though. My mom's Singer had a "pedal" that just had a big-toe size button. I think I put my leg straight out next to the machine and put my heel on it.
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Sara-S on May 05, 2021, 17:15:55 PM
Since last I posted on this topic, I have bought a new table.
  [ You are not allowed to view attachments ]  

It is 35” high. That’s great for cutting but a little high for a typical sewing chair. So I solved this by getting a drafting chair (meant to be used with higher tables) and put my foot pedal on a cigar box, so my foot reached it comfortably. I put some rubbery shelf liner on the top & bottom of the box, so it doesn’t slip away from me.
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Gernella on May 05, 2021, 17:26:43 PM
My proposed cutting out table is 36inches.  I think I might find it difficult to work at that height with a sewing machine, I'm on and off all the time and the current chair (taken home when I retired from work), is worn out on the front seat area, I'm only short so I think I might have trouble but then if you are much taller should be fine (I've got short legs as well).  Nice table though.
Title: Re: Height?
Post by: Sara-S on May 05, 2021, 17:57:01 PM
I am tall-5’8”. So that table is a great height fo me to stand & cut/measure.

 With a drafting chair (to sit & sew), I needed to raise up the pedal for my foot to reach it. (My shorter friends loved hearing a story that ends with MY feet not reaching the floor). I am not sure how someone much shorter would raise up the pedal to a usable height.