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Sewing projects can involve hours of sitting while drawing designs, cutting fabrics, and working at the sewing machine. A sewing chair is key to a complete sewing room setup, as it can make these labor-intensive and often time-consuming tasks more comfortable by helping prevent pain in the sewer’s neck, shoulders, and back.
The best sewing chair is ergonomic and supportive to encourage proper posture while seated at a sewing machine. Read on to discover the important features to consider when shopping for a sewing chair and then explore some of the top-rated models on the market for a seamless sewing experience.
- BEST OVERALL: Lorell Multitask Chair
- BEST BANG FOR THE BUCK: Boss Office Products Perfect Posture Delux Task Chair
- UPGRADE PICK: Arrow Adjustable Height Hydraulic Sewing and Craft
- BEST ERGONOMIC: Space Seating Office Star Synchro & Lumbar Support
- BEST WITH FOOTREST: Modway Veer Drafting Chair
- BEST ADJUSTABLE: Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair
- BEST FOLDABLE: Flash Furniture HERCULES Series Metal Folding Chair
- BEST BALL CHAIR: Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair
- BEST OFFICE CHAIR: MOLENTS Armless Office Chair
What to Consider When Choosing the Best Sewing Chair
A sewing-specific chair isn’t a necessity for comfortable sewing—the best sewing chair is any chair that offers optimal support to work comfortably. Personal preference will come into play when choosing the ideal chair for sewing tasks. Whether you prefer a task chair, office chair, or a ball chair, read on to learn more about important considerations to keep in mind when choosing a sewing chair.
Size
Size is a crucial factor in selecting a sewing chair. First, consider the available space in your sewing room or craft corner. An option like a padded, ergonomic office chair will take up far more space than a swivel stool.
When it comes to task chairs or office chairs, one that can tuck under the sewing table will free up floor space. Give some thought to available storage space as well. A folding chair can tuck away after use for those with limited room.
Comfort is one of the top priorities when deciding on the size of a sewing chair. The chair should be supportive yet roomy so it won’t pinch or squeeze your hips as you move. An oversize office chair is a suitable option for heavier or taller individuals or anyone looking for a wider seating area.
Material
Sewing chairs are available in a range of materials, including fabric, mesh, leather, and faux leather. The ideal material primarily comes down to comfort as well as the aesthetic and ease of care.
Mesh is budget-friendly and breathable to keep the seating area and backrest cool and comfortable. Fabric is also affordable, relatively breathable, and comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and styles to suit the decor of just about any space. The textured surface can be tougher to clean since mesh and fabric hold on to trimmings and bits of thread; however, a good lint roller brush will usually make for quick cleaning.
Leather and faux leather look luxurious but are not as breathable as mesh or fabric. Their smooth surface makes them very easy to clean; bits of thread and fabric clippings can be simply swept off into a wastebasket or onto the floor.
Padded cushions are a plus when sitting for hours on end. Mesh is often shaped into ergonomic designs rather than used to cover padded cushions. Fabric, leather, and faux leather chairs are more likely to feature padded seats and backrests.
Type
Many sewers choose task chairs or office chairs for sewing: they are easy to find, comfortable, and often ergonomic. Task chairs are multifunction chairs that are popular for a wide range of purposes. They usually provide a backrest without a headrest to offer support without being bulky. A high-quality task chair keeps the spine in an upright posture without being restrictive.
Task chairs and office chairs are often used interchangeably, and the two can have overlapping purposes. Task chairs are common in workplaces and schools, while office chairs usually refer to a wider range of chairs found in work settings, like executive chairs and conference chairs.
Other options include foldable chairs, stools, and ball chairs. Foldable chairs collapse for easy storage, but they usually have a less ergonomic design to reduce their footprint. Stools offer a simple design, are easy to move, and are smaller in size to easily tuck away, but they don’t offer back support. Ball chairs feature an inflatable stability ball as the seat, usually on top of a secure base.
Ergonomic chairs are designed to support the body and encourage optimal alignment of the spine. Some ergonomic chairs provide basic lumbar support, while others include armrests, headrests, backrests, and footrests. Regardless of the chair type, choosing an ergonomic design can promote good posture and reduce back pain and stiffness.
Adjustability
Ergonomic chairs can include a range of adjustable features, including the seat height, the backrest, and the armrests. For a sewing chair, consider an option with an adjustable seat height at a minimum.
Chairs with an adjustable seat are lowered and raised with a simple lever so the user can align the chair height with the top of the workspace. Having the proper height allows sewers to comfortably rest arms on the sewing table without straining their shoulders.
Adjustable backrests, lumbar supports, seat tilts, and armrests are additional features to consider to further customize the seating position. If choosing a chair with armrests, look for the option to push them back and out of the way to allow unrestricted movement, if needed.
Comfort
A comfortable chair is a must-have when immersed in a sewing project. An ergonomic design can increase comfort. As mentioned above, ergonomic chairs are made to keep the spine in proper alignment for comfortable seating—even through long days—by preventing slouching and the aches that result from improper posture.
Mesh chairs may offer an ergonomic design that has some give, mimicking a cushioned seat without the padding. Fabric, leather, and faux leather chairs often feature cushions in the seat, backrest, or armrests to reduce sore spots on pressure points like the hips, tailbone, spine, and elbows.
While armrests can add to comfort by giving arms a spot to rest, they can get in the way during sewing tasks, making adjustable armrests an option that provides more freedom of movement. For those who like to prop their feet on a surface while working, a footrest provides a small perch to relieve lower leg pain and improve posture.
Mobility
Rolling caster wheels are the most common mobility feature on a sewing chair. They increase the ease of moving around a room without having to leave the chair to slide between a supply cabinet and the sewing machine, for example. A sewing chair with a 360-degree swivel seat can also provide mobility, making it easier to shift from side to side or completely turn around in the chair.
The overall weight of a sewing chair also impacts mobility. Freedom of movement is important for comfortable sewing and crafting. A heavily padded leather office chair will likely be heavier to move around than a lighter mesh office chair, even with wheels. A lightweight chair provides the flexibility to easily move about when handling large, cumbersome fabric swaths or heavier objects.
Our Top Picks
The best sewing chair can prevent discomfort and offer support while tackling hours of drawing, cutting, and sewing, making the difference between a sore back and a productive and comfortable sewing day.
These top picks take into consideration the abovementioned factors and offer a selection of some of the top-rated sewing chairs available today to make the next sewing day a success.
Best Overall
Lorell Multitask Chair
The comfortable cushioned seat and padded backrest, in addition to several adjustable features, make the Lorell Multitask Chair an excellent sewing chair. The seat adjusts from 22 inches to 32 inches with the use of the pneumatic lever. To provide back support exactly where it’s needed, the padded backrest is also adjustable, and the chrome foot ring adjusts to ensure the distance between an individual’s hips and feet doesn’t put strain on the lower back.
The durable shellback build provides a 250-pound weight capacity. With rolling caster wheels on a five-star base and a 360-degree swivel, this chair offers increased mobility. Since the chair does not include armrests, it is a suitable pick for sewers who desire total freedom of movement. The seat covering is made from a black microfiber material to match the decor of any sewing room. The microfiber is also available in blue.
Product Specs
- Seat Adjustability: 22 inches to 32 inches
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Swivel: Yes
- Wheels: Yes
Pros
- Highly adjustable
- Comfortable cushioned seat
- Padded backrest
- Built-in footrest
- Available in 2 colors
Cons
- Assembly required
Get the Lorell sewing chair on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best Bang for the Buck
Boss Office Products Perfect Posture Delux Task Chair
Comfort doesn’t have to come at a high cost. This task chair from Boss Office Products features a contoured, padded seat and backrest for an affordable price. The backrest provides lumbar support to reduce stress on the back, while the seat has a molded shape to support the legs.
Both the backrest and seat are covered with blue tweed fabric for a classic look and a soft surface. Black and burgundy fabric are also available. To ensure proper posture, the seat adjusts from 18.5 inches to 23.5 inches via the pneumatic lever. A swiveling five-star base with double-wheel casters makes it easy to move this chair around the room. It can support up to 275 pounds.
Product Specs
- Seat Adjustability: 18.5 inches to 23.5 inches
- Weight Capacity: 275 pounds
- Swivel: Yes
- Wheels: Yes
Pros
- Affordable chair
- Contoured, padded seat
- Lumbar support backrest
- Comes in 3 colorways
Cons
- Assembly required
Get the Boss Office Products sewing chair on Amazon and at Walmart.
Upgrade Pick
Arrow Adjustable Height Hydraulic Sewing and Craft
This compact chair from Arrow Sewing Cabinets is comfortable and supportive for a small sewing setup. It boasts a padded seat and a targeted lumbar support backrest on a sturdy wood frame. Both the seat and backrest feature a colorful, sewing-inspired pattern to add personality to a craft room. Choose from nine additional color and pattern options.
The five-star base includes caster wheels and a 360-degree swivel for easy maneuverability. The seat height adjusts from 18 to 22 inches with the levered hydraulic system. A small storage compartment under the seat holds items like scissors, bobbins, thread, and other sewing kit items. Combining storage and supportive seating in one, this compact sewing chair is an excellent pick for small spaces.
Product Specs
- Seat Adjustability: 18 inches to 22 inches
- Weight Capacity: Not specified
- Swivel: Yes
- Wheels: Yes
Pros
- Padded seat
- Lumbar support backrest
- Easy to assemble
- Built-in seat storage compartment
- Multiple colors and patterns available
Cons
- Assembly required
- Unknown weight capacity
Get the Arrow Sewing Cabinets sewing chair on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best Ergonomic
Space Seating Office Star Synchro u0026 Lumbar Support
Mesh office chairs can provide support without growing warm or sticky on your back or bottom. This office chair from Space Seating features a contoured mesh backrest and seat that are both ergonomic and breathable. The backrest includes built-in lumbar cushioning to support the lower back and the curve of the spine. By encouraging natural spine alignment, this ergonomic chair can help prevent or reduce aches and pains from long sewing stints.
To align with a user’s size and personal preference, the chair boasts an adjustable seat height and adjustable tilt tension. It also features padded armrests that deliver comfort but can also flip up and out of the way to allow more freedom of movement. For easy mobility, the five-star base features dual-wheel casters that roll smoothly, even on carpet. The maximum capacity of this chair is 250 pounds. Choose from black or white mesh.
Product Specs
- Seat Adjustability: Not specified
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Swivel: Yes
- Wheels: Yes
Pros
- Breathable mesh backrest and seat
- Lumbar cushioning backrest
- Padded, adjustable armrests
- Comes in 2 colorways
Cons
- Assembly required
- Unknown seat adjustability
Get the Space Seating sewing chair on Amazon.
Best with Footrest
Modway Veer Drafting Chair
Constructed for drafting, this tall chair from Modway adjusts from 21.5 inches to 29.5 inches, making it an ideal pick for those with taller sewing tables. The chrome-plated foot ring is also height adjustable and provides a comfortable place to rest the feet, so users can maintain optimal sitting posture, even when the chair is at its tallest height.
The two flip-up padded armrests are also height-adjustable, or they can simply flip up and out of the way to offer more freedom of movement. The chair features a cushioned foam seat and a breathable mesh back with an ergonomic shape to provide lumbar support. With a 360-degree swivel and sturdy wheeled base, it is also easy to move. This drafting chair boasts a maximum weight capacity of 330 pounds.
Product Specs
- Seat Adjustability: 21.5 inches to 29.5 inches
- Weight Capacity: 330 pounds
- Swivel: Yes
- Wheels: Yes
Pros
- Ideal for tall sewing tables
- Cushioned foam seat
- Adjustable foot ring
- Padded, height adjustable, flip-up armrests
Cons
- Assembly required
Get the Modway sewing chair on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best Adjustable
Duramont Ergonomic Adjustable Office Chair
With an adjustable seat height, headrest, backrest, and armrests, in addition to targeted lumbar support, this ergonomic office chair from Duramont is a top pick for those who need a fully customizable seat for sewing tasks. The breathable mesh back and padded seat are both made to support the full body for long project days. The recline feature permits users to sit up straight or lean back, whichever is most comfortable.
With rollerblade caster wheels and a capacity of 330 pounds, this versatile chair is designed to suit a wide range of uses and is a worthy choice as a comfortable sewing and crafting chair.
Product Specs
- Seat Adjustability: Not specified
- Weight Capacity: 360 pounds
- Swivel: Yes
- Wheels: Yes
Pros
- Highly adjustable
- Targeted lumbar support
- Breathable mesh back
- Padded seat
Cons
- Assembly required
- Unknown seat adjustability
Get the Duramont sewing chair on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best Foldable
Flash Furniture HERCULES Series Metal Folding Chair
For those tight on space, a foldable chair can be tucked away for storage after completing sewing tasks. To make them more compact and easy to store, foldable chairs don’t offer the same ergonomic features as task or office chairs—but that doesn’t mean they have to be uncomfortable.
This foldable chair from Flash Furniture features a padded backrest and a 2.5-inch foam padded seat. Both the backrest and the seat are upholstered with a burgundy patterned fabric. Black, grey, and navy fabric options are also available. With a sturdy steel frame and triple-braced, double-hinged legs, this compact folding chair still provides a 300-pound weight capacity.
Product Specs
- Seat Adjustability: N/A
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Swivel: No
- Wheels: No
Pros
- Foldable and easy to store
- Padded backrest and seat
- Sturdy steel frame
- Multiple colorways offered
- No assembly required
Cons
- Lacks adjustability
Get the FLASH FURNITURE sewing chair on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best Ball Chair
Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair
A balance ball chair is a popular alternative to traditional task and office chairs. While some users choose to sit on an exercise ball, it isn’t necessarily the best pick for sewing: an exercise ball can slip or roll, which can be dangerous while operating a sewing machine or a serger.
The Gaiam Classic Balance Ball Chair is a better sewing chair option that provides the core-engaging benefits of an exercise ball but on a sturdy and secure base. This chair features an easy-glide caster-wheeled base that holds the balance ball. A built-in backrest also adds to the safety and provides back support.
Designed for users from 5 feet tall to 5 feet 11 inches tall, the chair holds a maximum weight of 300 pounds. Leg extenders are available for taller users (sold separately). Choose from nine vibrant colors to match the aesthetic of just about any space.
Product Specs
- Seat Adjustability: N/A
- Weight Capacity: 300 pounds
- Swivel: No
- Wheels: Yes
Pros
- Sturdy base; safer than a standard exercise ball
- Built-in backrest
- Comes in 9 colorways
Cons
- Leg extenders available separately
- Assembly required
Get the Gaiam sewing chair on Amazon and at Walmart.
Best Office Chair
MOLENTS Armless Office Chair
Office chairs are a common pick for a sewing setup: They are widely available, and most are designed to sit in for long stretches of time. This basic office chair from Molents is a simple and comfortable choice.
The armless design includes a padded and height-adjustable seat with a weight capacity of 250 pounds. The seat adjusts from 16 inches to 20 inches to allow users to find the ideal seated position at the sewing table.
For added comfort, the midsize mesh backrest features an S-shaped design to provide spine support. Quiet and shock-absorbing caster wheels and a 360-degree swivel allow this office chair to easily glide around the craft room.
Product Specs
- Seat Adjustability: 16 inches to 20 inches
- Weight Capacity: 250 pounds
- Swivel: Yes
- Wheels: Yes
Pros
- Padded seat
- Breathable mesh backrest
- S-shaped backrest provides spinal support
Cons
- Assembly required
Get the MOLENTS sewing chair on Amazon.
Our Verdict
With a highly adjustable design and built-in footrest, we recommend the Lorell Multitask Chair. If you’re on a budget, consider the adjustable Boss Office Products Perfect Posture Delux Task Chair with lumbar support.
How We Chose the Best Sewing Chairs
We researched the best sewing chairs in a variety of categories with high customer satisfaction. The featured list takes into account adjustability, weight capacity, comfort and support, and other features like a swivel function and wheels.
The list focuses on chairs with a high degree of adjustability in the seat, backrest, and arm rests if included. The chairs have ample weight capacities ranging from 250 to 360 pounds. Each chair is designed for users to stay comfortable for hours working at their sewing, with features like a contoured back, breathable mesh components, and built-in footrests. Additionally, most of the sewing chairs have wheels to give you freedom of movement.
FAQs
With a wide variety of options from which to choose, a large part of selecting a new sewing chair will come down to personal preference. Some sewers might prefer a comfortable office chair, while others may opt for a core-engaging balance ball chair. If you’re still weighing the right pick for a sewing setup, check out these frequently asked questions to learn more.
Q: Should a sewing chair have arms?
Choosing a sewing chair with or without armrests depends on personal preference. Armrests may restrict movement and get in the way of performing sewing tasks, but they also provide a comfortable spot for the sewer to rest their arms. An armless chair provides more space for the user to move around and won’t snag on long fabric swaths.
Q: How should I sit when sewing?
To ensure proper posture while sewing, sit up straight with feet on the ground to maintain spine alignment. The sewing table should be at about elbow height so arms can rest comfortably on the table.
The chair should be an appropriate distance from the sewing table so that elbows are relatively in line with the body, as opposed to being pulled away or pushed in too close.
Q: How should a sewing space be organized?
A variety of storage solutions can help organize a sewing space, including shelves, pegboards, and cabinets. A sewing table or a sewing chair with built-in storage can also increase available space.