Tips for Healthy Sewing

Making just few small changes to your space and adding a few of my tips for healthy sewing into your routine can help improve your health. When you’re more comfortable you’re more creative and who doesn’t want that?!

In early 2020, I started working from home due to CoVid-19. I brought everything home from my office and set up my new workspace. During this time, it occurred to me that while I had always created a healthy and comfortable space at the office, I hadn’t done the same for my sewing area. I decided it was time for some improvements!

Here are a few tips for healthy sewing to help increase your comfort

Table, Chair and Foot Rest for Posture

This is the foundation of everything! Try to be seated so that your elbow is at 90 degrees and close to your body. Legs should be at 90 degrees too. My legs are a little short, so I use a foot ottoman. It’s easy to move around, flip over and exercise my calf muscles. It’s got a washable cover too.

Mobility Ball Exercise

Rounding the shoulders forward can create pain. Something that helps me improve my posture is a mobility ball exercise. I love this little pink ball that I keep on my desk. I reach for it a few times a day or anytime I’m feeling a little stiff. To perform the exercise, pass the ball around your back and grab it with the other hand behind your back, repeat several times and then do it in reverse. This motion opens up the chest and helps prevent poor posture.

Hand Health

My hands and fingers get a lot of use when sewing. If you have a knee lift attachment for your machine, use it so you can be as hands free as possible. I use a gadget called The Purple Thang for pushing fabric through my machine and for poking and pulling fabric. This can help relieve stress on the hands and fingers.

Good Lighting

My sewing machine has decent lighting but I prefer really bright lights. I have an Ott light by my machine. I’ve been know to borrow/steal my daughter’s big ring light which really lights up the whole room!

Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!

Treat yourself to a pretty water bottle for your creative space. I get really thirsty with all the fibers flying around when I’m sewing and having a water bottle nearby keeps me hydrated. Water is great for your skin too so drink up sewing beauties!

Apple Watch for Health

I love my Apple watch! It does so many cool things, but my favorite feature is that it reminds me to get up and move around! Time really flies by when I’m sewing so I really do need that handy reminder.

Leave a comment and share your favorite tips with me!

Jayne