At a traditional sewing machine workstation professional operators worked at ten different combined adjustments of table height, desk slope, and pedal position. Working posture and workers’ perceptions were measured. Two recommendations were formulated in order to minimize the load on the musculoskeletal system during operation, i.e. (1) the table desk should be adjusted between 5 and 15 cm above elbow height in a seated posture, (2) the table desk should be given a slope (indication: 10°) and the pedal should be positioned as far under the table as considered comfortable (indication: pedal axis behind the needle)