Sewing with chronic pain (or just ergonomics in general)

Over the last few years I’ve found some tools which help to varying degrees when sewing with my chronic illness. I thought I’d put that list here and ask what other people have found useful. I still haven’t mastered the art of avoiding pain flare ups after sewing, if that’s even possible - especially after cutting out - so every little suggestion helps!

Obvious disclaimer to say that some might be obvious to everyone, and not every tip will benefit every illness. However I’m a big believer in ‘accessibility helps everyone’, so any trick to make things easier is welcome whether you have a chronic illness or not. I can’t take credit for any of these, they’ve all been taken from the internet.

• Spring loaded scissors & snips - reduces wrist tension/exertion
• Rotary cutter & mat - especially if struggling with scissors, although it causes tension in my shoulder instead of wrist so swings/roundabouts 🤷🏼‍♀️ also, regularly changing blades
• Projector for cutting out - game changer for me but not a fix-all - removes/reduces the need for maneuvering a layer of paper. 10/10 on patterns that don’t need adjusting or you can freehand adjustments. Obviously you can trace off for bigger adjustments or learn to adjust in software (haven’t got that far yet, probably should put some effort in). Make sure your device is easy to reach so you can move the pattern around without incurring too many steps
• Wrap around waist apron with pockets for cutting tools & weights to reduce steps (the only one I thought of myself 😇 XD)
• Ergonomic chair, add a seat pad if needed
• Door wedges propped under the back of your machine to tip it forward slightly - reduces the hunch to see under the needle a bit
• Using a husband to cut out if possible/trusted
• Taking regular breaks, spreading out strenuous tasks - I should do this more but LOL my illness ain’t gonna tell me what to do (yeah it will)
• Machine sewing instead of hand sewing - I avoid most hand stitching as it hurts my fingers. I don’t care if it means extra topstitching
• Clips instead of pins where possible
• Using a husband to help with fitting if possible/trusted
• Mannequin to hang garments on to visualise changes - multiple try ons are exhausting although unfortunately my mannequin doesn‘t replace fitting (boo)
• Knee lift - I love the man who sold me a machine with one of these, I use it all.the.time. No reaching for the lever and two hands to fiddle with fabric instead
• Wrap around hot water bottle, particularly on my back
• Mini ironing board and small iron - these stay out out, the big honking versions only come out for big honking tasks & final press

I’m sure I’ll recall some others but would love if anyone can add to this list!