The Upholstery Forum

Good morning,
I'm new to the industry and have purchased John's complete course and ordered my new Juki machine and basic tools. My machine will arrive later next week and a thought has come to mind. Many a hour will be spent sitting behind the machine stitching and learning the craft so comfort is a must. Would like to hear and see if possible others experience with seating for the task at hand. I'm 50+ and had back surgery several decades ago so comfort is a concern. Thank you in advance on your input, have a great Sunday!!!!

You're 50+? Well, I'm 50+++ :)

What I use is pneumatic stool that swivels and easily adjusts up and down. I actually have one on each of 3 different machines and I am very comfortable. I don't want or need a back to the chair, or arms. I think it's more important to have the swivel and height adjustment.

Welcome to the sewing hobby/business!

I use a drummers stool because that was the only thing I kept when I sold my drums to buy a sewing machine. Drastic career change

I see lots of guy using office chairs as well. Many guys modify the office chair foam and cover to make it more comfortable. You will be able to accomplish all that with the skills you learn in the courses. That would also make a great first project to practice on.

Good idea john, I have 3 foam headliners to do next week before the machine gets here so think I will comb the marketplace posts and even the goodwill and such. Thinking I should come up with the likes there.

My sewing space is small with a concrete floor. So I have my machine on casters to move it around out of the way. That gave it a lift of about 5 inches. I tried the office chair, but that did not rise high enough and I did not like the chair on wheels. The chair kept moving around when I didn’t want it to. I found this old shop stool, gave it a makeover and it has worked very well.

I use an old 24" high stool which I believe was from the WW II era as it was painted US Army olive green when I first got it. It's now got a bit of padding on the seat and back and works well for me. My machine is on casters which raise it about 4 inches so this arrangement is great for me. Nothing fancy by any means but very useful.

I have a mechanics "creeper" stool on casters, replaced the piston with a tall one and added more padding to the top. I raised my machines as high as the will go so getting up and down is easier. All my machines are on casters as well so that adds 3~4 inches to the table height.