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Magnifier
Mon, May 13, 2013 12:23 PM
Posted by Geo
I have started a project in 32-count in a dark fabric. I can't see the holes. I sometimes use 1.25 magnification glasses, but they aren't strong-enough for this. I bought some 1.5 magnification glasses, but they still aren't enough and they also hurt my eyes if I wear them for very long.

I had thought that a separate magnifier would be better because I'd be looking away and wouldn't get eye-strain so quickly. However, I went to look at the options and am overwhelmed.

This is the only project I've done where I have had this problem and don't anticipate a lot more of them, so I don't want to spend a whole lot of money on this. Also, I do not need to spend the extra money for the light/magnifier combination, as I already have a tabletop Ott-Lite.

Any suggestions? I'd like to find something hands-free that either clips onto my craft table or sits on it and that is not terribly expensive. Also, I have already tried the magnifier that has a lanyard to go across the back of your neck to hold it in-place but it seems to sit wrong for me and hurts my neck.

Any suggestions?

  • Reply from Judy
    Wednesday, May 15, 2013 10:54 PM
    Since you'r stitching on a dark fabric the lighting is very important, at least that's what I've discovered. Try putting a white pillow case in your lap while you stitch or on the table where you stitch so when you look at the fabric you should be able to see the white through the holes. The brighter the light is when I'm working on dark fabrics, which isn't very often, helps a lot. I use a headlight, one of those lights that you wear on your forehead and that helps because you can direct the light to the exact spot you're working on. I've even used it on the red lights (night vision?) and that works but my eyes get tired quickly.

    Hope you find something that works. Go to top

  • Reply from Geo
    Thursday, May 16, 2013 7:09 AM
    Thank you but I'm working on a white craft table and have plenty of light. My eyes are getting weaker and I really need better magnification for this. Go to top
  • Reply from Jan
    Thursday, May 16, 2013 8:58 AM
    I use a magnifier that I got at Michaels - it retails for $20 but with a 40% coupon only cost about $12. It clips onto your table. You can see it here:
    http://www.carsonoptical.com/Magnifiers/Hands_Free/AM-20 Go to top
  • Reply from Geo
    Thursday, May 16, 2013 10:21 AM
    Thanks. I think that Michael's has a 50% coupon for this week, too. Go to top
  • Hide Replies
    Reply from Busydebbie
    Tuesday, May 21, 2013 4:10 PM
    I think that it is time to see the eye doctor...you should not just use over the counter reading glasses Go to top
    • Hide Replies
      Reply from Geo
      Tuesday, May 21, 2013 8:50 PM
      It was the eye doctor that told me to buy the very lowest magnification of glasses over-the-counter that were possible and to rely on them as little as possible. And, actually, it wasn't a single eye doctor, either, I've been to several over the past ten years that have told me the same thing, as my eyes were starting to get a little weak even back then, although I've only starting using the glasses in the past 2-3 years, and only for stitching (not for reading). Go to top
      • Reply from Busydebbie
        Wednesday, May 22, 2013 3:00 PM
        I stand corrected....

        I am so glad that you first check with the professionals before you ask for community advise.

        Debbie Go to top