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Member since 11/29/03
Posts: 234
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Posted on: 10/25/08 6:01 AM ET
Looking for a comfortable sewing chair. What type do you use? Is it specific for sewing? I need something with some lumbar support.
I have a Koala cabinet, are the Koala chairs any good??
  
Member since 8/24/02
Posts: 7941
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Posted on: 10/25/08 8:07 AM ET
In reply to Robbie24
I use a regular desk chair without arms. It's got a large seat (because I don't like to sit on my chair all the way), and an adjustable seat position. I got it at Sam's/Costco a few years ago and it's very comfortable.
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Member since 9/7/08
Posts: 20
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Posted on: 10/25/08 8:47 AM ET
This may sound strange but, I use a swedish exercise ball. I have a koala cabinet and the ball is the right height for me, also when seated on the ball the spine adjusts to proper position. Added bonus when I started to feel a little tired or strained I do some stretches on it and feel great.
  
Member since 7/11/04
Posts: 32
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Posted on: 10/25/08 10:57 AM ET
Having worked in an office for 24 years and sat for hours at a time on a variety of chairs I knew I wanted a really good chair for my sewing room. I checked the sewing chairs several popular brands and the chain office product type stores but did not find what I wanted. Finally found out about a furniture store which sold and leased new office furniture for large commecial offices and also had a variety of used office furniture. Found 2 really great used chairs in excellent condition with all kinds of height, back, arm etc. adjustments for $100. each. If you can locate a store like this in your area I highly recommend checking into this as an option.
  
Member since 7/25/08
Posts: 11055
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Posted on: 10/25/08 11:15 AM ET
I aslo have an office chair, armless style, with 3" thick seat and back cushions. Hubby bought it from his office when they remodeled. The swivel feature is great for spinning to ironing board or work table!
  
Member since 10/27/05
Posts: 5976
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Posted on: 10/25/08 11:23 AM ET
I use a fully adjustable office task chair with arms. The arms are great for resting your elbows, especially when ripping out seams.

  
Member since 2/28/05
Posts: 2181
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Posted on: 10/25/08 11:34 AM ET
Another vote for a high quality office chair --- I found a high end chair with multiple adjustments and movable arms at a used office furniture dealer. The chair has a large seat and exceptional padding on both the seat and back. It is in great condition and probably landed at the used dealer due to its color - purple. Oddly enough, purple is one of my favorite colors and it fit beautifully into my sewing room decor.

You get what you pay for.....I'm sitting in a chair that originally cost $600 (I paid about $200) and the ergonomic features of this chair are much better than the $100 models you can get at Staples or Costco. Considering the amount of time I spend in this chair (I use it for both sewing and home office) I deserve the best.
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2012 : starting stash 386, net additions 206, used 164, ending stash 428...I'm never going to get in front of this pile of fabric!
  
Member since 12/7/06
Posts: 653
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Posted on: 10/25/08 11:53 AM ET
In reply to Robbie24
I have the Reliable "Score" Sewing chair, which is made for the sewing industry by Reliable of Canada. It is one of two chairs that I have in the room. The other is an Alvin Drafting Chair which I have put to use as a sewing chair. It costs about $70 less than the Reliable chair and it does not have the back support adjustability of the reliable. I have found that if you are only sewing for short periods at a time, you probably could use a milk crate, to sit on. But, if you use the sewing machine for hours at a time you will be better off with a chair that is adjustable for height, tilt, and lumbar position. Whatever brand you chose, I would suggest that you do not get one with rollers. None of the professional Sewing Chairs that are used in the sewing Industry uses rollers. I know some people say they need rollers to move between machines, but that is a function of their choice of machine placement, not because rollers are "better" when you are sewing. The act of pushing on the pedal causes a corresponding reaction of moving your body away from the sewing machine, so what happens is that you are constantly having to reset your position to maintain the desired relationship to the sewing machine. This is not just my opinion, but has been established by the sewing industry, as one of the things that contributes to operator fatigue. If you must place your various machines in an adjacent position and feel you must roll between them you might consider the "U" shaped cabinet approach to multiple machine placement. That way, you only have to swivel the chair and not be constantly reseting your sewing position.
Just a few thoughts on the matter, hope they help.

John
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Member since 11/27/04
Posts: 53
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Posted on: 10/25/08 2:36 PM ET
In reply to neither
I see a new chair in my future!!! Thanks for the info! You are so knowledgeable about everything I visit the chiro twice a month for adjustments. I know it's the long hours sitting at the machine. I'm always looking for ways to avoid back pain!
  
Member since 11/3/03
Posts: 304
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Posted on: 10/25/08 3:21 PM ET
I have the Ikea office chair Verksam (Swedish for effective). I've had it for about 10 years and it's very sturdy and comfortable with many different settings. The secret to shopping smart at Ikea is buying their expensive top range models, they are usually really high quality.
-- Edited on 10/25/08 3:22 PM --
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