Tips for Quilting with Decreased Vision!!!

If you struggle seeing when quilting, then this video is for you! In this video, I share tips on how to quilt when you are having difficulty seeing!
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Video:
Quilters Light it Up!
• “Quilters, Light it Up!”

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Amazon Affiliate Links: Slimline 3 Daylight Desk Lamp amzn.to/49gytSy Sewing Machine Strip Light Box Shape, Energy Saving LED Machine Light amzn.to/3SRqtQD Sewing Machine Light Strip, LED Light Strip amzn.to/3wl7Ixu Ottlite desk lamp amzn.to/49pXgTY LED Headlamp Rechargeable, Bright 230° Wide Beam Headlight, Headlamps with Motion Sensors amzn.to/49LpnNu Spot On Dot Magnifying Lens Set amzn.to/4bHP977 Dritz magnetic pin wand amzn.to/4bKTu9r Taylor Seville Originals Comfort Grip Magic Pins Patchwork Extra Fine amzn.to/3ST6MrV Clover Ultimate Needle Threader amzn.to/49rabFd Video: Quilters Light it Up! kzbin.info/www/bejne/rJmXkqqdqLyfppI

[@jeanetten6908]

One product that has helped me tremendously is a quarter-inch sewing machine foot that has a small guide on the right side. This foot has enabled me to sew with a much more consistent quarter-inch seam and makes quilt blocks fit together much better! Thank you, Michelle, for this very beneficial video!!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are most welcome! I use one of those sewing machine feet! It is great!!!

[@margealbanese1818]

Great video, Michele! A lot of your tips will help make my life easier and I will be able to see better too.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I hope so!

[@sandradavis815]

I have the Ottlite seam ripper with magnifier. I love it!!! The light shines right on the seam and the magnifier helps to better see where to rip! Thanks for all your tips!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I’m so glad you shared!!! I think I am going to order one!!!

[@jenmckitrick]

1. I have a double-sides mat (by Martelli). One side is yellow the other purple. I turn it over depending on the color fabric I am cutting. 2. When I need to cut the same measurement many times in a project, I mark the line on my ruler with tape (such as painters tape) so I don't have to try to read the markings on the ruler every time.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Excellent tips! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@sherrelstroot3034]

I just found your channel. Thank you so very much for this video. Thank you to your viewers who commented. I have Macular Degeneration and have lost sight in my left eye. To continue my activities of daily living requires more light!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Glad it was helpful!

[@faithsteinberg]

I purchased an 80w 8000 lumen, 3 panel adjustable light that screws into my regular light socket. I purchased it on Amazon for $8. Lights up the room like a football field at night. For traveling I have a light that twists at the base and folds at in half and essentially folds into a flat piece. I put it in my to go bag because of its low profile yet bright lighting. I also have a small green spinning tool caddy I take with me on retreats. Last year I did a week long retreat at a friends house with two of my bffs and it was a retreat gift from one of them. I have cateracts at a young age but they are far enough for them to get removed. So I deal with shadows a lot. On my sewing desk I have a light I purchased at Harbor freight. It is an adjustable lamp but it also has a magnifying glass in it. I use it to help me see when picking out seams. And lastly speaking of picking out seams. A new tool I found that I am now loving is a small battery operated eyebrow trimmer. I tossed the little guard that came with it. But mine was $10 or less at Walmart and it even came with the battery. Hope this helps someone.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you for sharing all of these great tips!

[@Brineytoes]

I am a legally blind mostly bag maker. I use the Large Ott magnifying lamp to see the entire stitching area. I wish I had a machine that has an automatic needle threader! My Bernina is still the most amazing machine, but she was born in 1988, so she does need those lights just above the machine’s desk. I am slow as molasses, but I love sewing so much that I refuse to give it up until macular degeneration finishes the act of blinding me. I have to have two eye injections monthly, and I’m hoping something will come along to reverse the disease process and give me back my sight.

[@louisevannorden2001]

OcalaBrew…do you have md in both eyes? I have it in one eye. If you have it in one eye, you can take a supplement called Lutein. My eye doctor recommended it to save my good eye, which is healthy. If you have it in both eyes, I’m so sorry. I wish there was something to heal it too.😢

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Way to persevere!!! Quilting truly is our therapy!

[@annelumsden5775]

I stuck an LED lighting strip in the throat of my sewing machine, (game changer). The LED strip has a USB fitting on the end of the cable. I recently bought an extension cable that also has USB slots (I never knew these existed). Thanks for all the tips.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are most welcome!

[@user-dw5jm7jv1o]

Thank you so much fir this video - so helpful to me!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome!

[@marycreed-pallone9732]

Just want to say thanks for this great collection of ways to assist our eyes when we sew!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are most welcome!

[@karenlittle2905]

I have been visually impaired since birth. I learned to sew while in Brownies (age 8 - 11) and have sewn ever since. I am now 75. I have learned a lot of the things you suggested through trial and error over the years. The most useful "tool" I ever learned about was self threading needles! Not the old ones that had the slit at the top of the needle -- they destroy thread if you have to tug on it at all! Las week I was introduced to the self threading needles for the sewing machine!!!! Game changer! I have struggled with various magnifiers (none of which really worked for me) and relied on using the metal needle threaders (which I destroyed with one threading!). I have yet to order the self threading machine needles, however the concept is sound and I hope they work well. I sew clothing and quilt tops. I no longer quilt my own quilts, I prefer to send them to a long armer. Good light is the most important thing -- get rid of any shadows that will interfere with using what vision you have. Thank you for this video -- I will recommend it to other sexists who struggle with limited vision. You made some really good points.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you so much for sharing your experiences! I will check out those needles!!!

[@louisevannorden2001]

Sexists???

[@karin0963]

@@louisevannorden2001 I'm sure she meant sewists and it autocorrected the wrong word.

[@cindyroman5126]

Great tips!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Glad it was helpful!

[@gaylekush1332]

I put 4 shop lights in my sewing room. I removed the overhead fixture and replaced it with an outlet. I plugged two of the lights together and then plugged both sets into the outlet. One above my cutting table, one down the middlemof the room, one above my pressing station and the last one above my machine. Tons of light!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Great idea!!! Thanks for sharing!!!

[@susanrichtarcik5672]

My husband made me a strong table for cutting buti did have problems with lighting. Then he bought me a shop light . It is a flourisent light that hangs from chains over my cutting table. The light is fantastic and very inexpensive. Thanks for all your tips

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are most welcome and thank you for sharing!

[@phyllisdippert2216]

Love your tips! I bought a magnetic bendable led light that I put on the end of my sewing machine( body of machine is plastic, so I E6000 a big washer on first) . I came bend it, raise it and transfer to my other machine that I added a washer to. Needs must!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

That is awesome!

[@karin0963]

Great tips! My husband installed VERY bright shop light in my room. It is a little too bright but works well. I also have a flouresent lamp that clips on the table and can swivel and bend. The top flips open and has magnifier. I got that at Harbor Freight. I bought the EverSewn light strip to go under the sewing machine. It doesnt fit well under the Juki, so now stopped working after a month.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing those great tips!

[@nbc911]

Great ideas. Thanks I have a rechargeable neck light which is great extra lighting at my machine and also at the cutting table. It only cost $10 on amazon so I take it to retreat and don't have to worry about breaking it. I also use it for reading in bed at night on retreat😊

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Great idea!

[@franpatzcraig6713]

What a helpful video! Thanks so much, Michele

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome!

[@user-vh8hs5ls8w]

All of these suggested tips are right on. A large number of quilters are seniors so it seems logical that there should be some helpful tips for us older folks. Thanks for bringing this to the attention of the quilting world as well as the normal world. I enjoy your posts.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome! Thanks for sharing!

[@jacquelinesmith3450]

It’s very thoughtful of you to post a video like this. Thank you, you’ve included useful tips. 😁

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome!

[@markiecrossmandixon7343]

These are great tips! I have to admit my quilting has changed over the years because my eyes and hands change. I've been a hand quilter up til now, but at 60 i'm learning to machine quilt and i love it. Thank you for the video- ordering a slim line light now.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are most welcome! Machine quilting is fun!

[@connieking9873]

I have the strip attached to my machine and a 3 way Ott lite I purchased at Costco as well as a standing 3 way from Amazon. All three work very well. In my new sewing room the wall behind my sewing table is two 3 foot windows so I am now getting tons of light. I love it.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Good light makes a huge difference!!!

[@moirae.anderson7079]

What a fantastic, thoughtful video to share with everyone. I suffer with various eye problems which reduce my vision considerably, and was amazed to listen to you and realise that I have gradually, over time, adopted ALL of the methods you describe - apart from the head torch. You will have helped so many sewists by so generously highlighting this information. Thank you!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you for sharing!!!

[@carriemayer2980]

I find that a reading light that you wear around your neck is very helpful. The ends are flexible so you can position the light just where you need it. Love the suggestion of turning your fabric over if it's hard to see against your cutting mat.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Great tip! Thanks for sharing !

[@rosemoore5364]

Hi. Thank you for the tips. You always have great useful videos. Have a nice day.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you! You too!

[@sandrafisher8512]

I try to put the darkest fabric piece on the bottom when stitching, if possible, because the contrast helps me to see when the pieces are lined up and the light fabric doesn't blend into the bed of the machine.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Great tip! Thank you for sharing!

[@deewinston5651]

Thank you so much for sharing. I am 74 and I am a rather new quilter. I do have trouble seeing at times when I’m sewing. I did get the Led strip light and it has helped so much. Thank you for the helpful tips.❤

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are most welcome!!

[@Carol_Sews]

This was one of your best videos - so many great tips. I use a headlamp for cutting, machine sewing, and hand sewing. I use souvenir refrigerator magnets as needle minders. When I bought my Clover needle threader many years ago, I was told during a class to be sure to buy a pink one. Back then I think the threaders came in pink and brown, and the brown ones didn’t work as well. I hope the problem has been corrected by now. I really like that threader.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I like it too!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for taking the time to share!

[@fransak2723]

Thank you for the tips. Very helpful. I’m waiting for my cataract surgery. Sewing has been a struggle the past year or so. I too use the Ott lights, desktop and floor styles. I also use a light which I wear around my neck, it is shaped almost like a headband and it has lights at both ends. I’ve meaning to try the magnifying dots for the rulers.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing!

[@jannyrosario9720]

So many nuggets in this video - thank you for all the tips

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Glad it was helpful!

[@colleenquiltstoo]

“Turn the fabric over!” I’ve been quilting 20+ years and never thought about that! Thanks! PS I have the same machine as you. I have the Bernina magnifier and love it!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I was so happy that subscriber shared that tip!!!! Why didn’t we think if that before!!! Thanks for sharing about the magnifier!!!

[@fernlamberson565]

I have a rechargable Halo Glo Daylight lamp it has a magnifying lens also. It is very portable. I take to retreats, stitching groups. I also have a Stella light for hand stitching cutting fabric at home. Love both of them! ❤Thanks Michelle for another informative video!🐝🐝🐝

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing Fern! I will have to check both of those out!!!

[@lisaulrich8549]

My husband recently bought me a Brightech magnifying lamp and it is clamped on my cuting table. This light has a long arm and I reposition it to give me additional light when I am sewing. I highly recommend this lamp. He has a black colored Brightech in his pole barn. It comes in handy when he is working on his projects too! 😊

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing!!!

[@sue8319]

Thanks Michelle, great tips. For hand sewing needles or beading needles (those with a regular eye), I use an eye magnifier like a monocle. Available at Harbor freight in my area. There are several 4-5 in the box. Allows both hands are free, needle in one hand and thread in the other. The black light is a good suggestion and I lay the fabric in my lap so far that has helped. I do have the Bernina magnifying lens. They help. And for my machine that doesn’t have automatic threader, In place my left thumb nail, behind the needle at the eye. Some have said they use a white piece of paper to see the eye. I was told 20+ yrs ago to avoid magnets close to my machine. Perhaps things have changed with the newer ones. I am referring to the pins in the magnetic dish. Thanks again. And unless contraindicated keep eyes hydrated, drops ……the fabrics are drying. Just like your hands get especially in winter in the north. 🪡🪡

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you for sharing what is working for you! I will have to take a look at those products from Harbor Freight!

[@rosewhaley3588]

Great video- thanks! I am visually impaired and use ALL of the things you mentioned in order to keep sewing 😊

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you!!!!

[@joyfuljan77]

What a great video!! I struggle with close up activities such as reading, making cards and quilting and use many of the things you suggested. Even with good lighting sewing after dark is so difficult. I have discovered that I can actually see better doing close up things with my glasses off. It's frustrating constantly taking them off and on since my vision is very blurry more than about 12 inches away. Unfortunately my ophthalmologist says there is nothing that can be done. However I am very thankful for my vision and will use whatever aids are available. Thank you for sharing the things you have found to help.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Lol! I have to take my glasses off or look over the top of them a lot too!!! I fully understand!!!

[@sshirleyks]

I got a magnifying seam ripper. It’s a little up handy because the magnifier rotates so it’s a little hard to keep it focused on the seam. But when it works, it’s handy.

[@sshirleyks]

Un-handy is what I meant to say.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing!

[@pamsury3969]

I have found that if I make the background black and the words white on my iPad that I don’t have near as much eye strain if any. It’s so much easier to see and I appreciate all the tips you have given us I shared a copy with my sister.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you for sharing that tip! I may have to try that because I am on the computer quite a bit! Also, thank you for taking the time to share and comment!

[@meacadwell]

I use inexpensive clamp lights with the aluminum 'umbrella' behind the bulb. They can be clamped anywhere and you can't beat the price on them. I tend to move them around where ever I need extra light. Working on black fabric? I can clamp 2 of them right beside me. Need more overhead light? I clamp them on higher shelves in my sewing studio. I got the magnifiers that clip onto my glasses that come with different magnifications. They're great to use. I prefere the clamp on lighted magnifier, with goose neck though. I like using this because I can clamp it in several spots - over my sewing machine or my cushy chair for handsewing.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you so much for sharing!

[@delwacker8187]

Wonderful show…very helpful

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@carmenlabarge8495]

This was great! Thank you. I love to read as well. I use my table to read books. I've got a library card for my local library and check out books through there so I don't have to buy them.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Yes! I have saved a lot of money doing that through our state library! I do buy quite a few too!

[@cathylombard964]

I have Ott lights over my sewing area and my cutting table. I also have on old desk lamp behind my sewing machine. I might get those led stripe lights to replace this old lamp.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I think you will really like the LED strip lighting!!!

[@cheryleaston6820]

Agree that the neon yellow templates are difficult to see. Love the idea of the LED strip under your sewing arm. Just ordered 1. Thanks for all the info.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are going to really like it I think!!!

[@vickichandler5872]

Great tips! Thank you for sharing the links. Take care. Blessings.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you! You too!

[@beckyvillines1613]

Oh, i also bought an led light strip from Harbour Freight that i cut down to the correct length to fit under my machine throat.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Excellent!

[@normaholmes8909]

can purchase an ott light bulb (joann with coupon)they startand install it in a goose neck work light. (home depot).cheaper than buying an off light!!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for the tip!

[@emmagifford8186]

My eye doctor suggested using my computer glasses for sewing.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing!

[@Butler-hp9ej]

The Daylight Lamps are a game changer. I got rid of my ott lights. I got my 1st one in 2017 and I've transition to all Daylight Lamps. I purchased 2 at different quilt shows and I got one on Amazon.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

They are amazing!!!

[@kathylee1261]

Thank you! This is very helpful!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You're very welcome!

[@wandawalker4191]

Some very great advice Michelle!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you!

[@tinaross6009]

Thank you for the video. Great information!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Glad it was helpful!

[@deemoody1954]

I’ve been using a head lamp for years. It’s great for hand work while I’m watching TV at night and the light doesn’t bother anyone else looking at the TV.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing!!

[@beckyvillines1613]

Great tips!! I did switch to big stitch quilting lately. I bought a 10 pack of 12 wt. Quilting thread, it is much easier.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thanks for sharing!!! I will have to check out that thread!!!

[@apiecemaker1163]

I did the same thing. I use a contrasting thread and big stitch with 12 wt thread. It makes it so much easier to see the thread because it contrasts and I like the intential result of making big stitches on purpose instead of tiny crooked stitches. 🧵🪡💙

[@nancya4179]

This is a wonderful post! Thank you for shedding a light(pun intended) on what so many of us have had to deal with for a long time. Just found your channel, subscribed and will be visiting often.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

You are so welcome! Welcome to my channel!!!

[@maureentaphouse5206]

As for lighting my optician said it has to be LED and did a simple test on me and it was amazing how much clearer I could read the text simply by switching from Halogen to LED. For those of us developing cataracts this is vital to keep us going as long as possible before they get so bad that surgery is needed.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Thank you for sharing! LED has made a huge difference for me!!!

[@jeannineguenther6755]

My mother has very limited vision. She says it also depends on how much experience you have. Her sewing machine and serger are in a room by itself with two windows. My mother doesn’t let her limited vision get in the way of sewing. She has accustomed to adapting her vision when sewing. My mother sews just about anything like boat covers, wedding dresses, leather jackets, AC covers, quilts, school costumes, putting new zippers in reversible jackets, etc. Don’t let your limited vision get in the way of sewing. My mother had done sewing for over 50 years. I have quite faith in her abilities.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Great success story!!! Thanks so much for sharing!!

[@livingweirdestherc6644]

I read on my kindle so I can blow up the print

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Me too!!!

[@louisevannorden2001]

I have macular degeneration in my right eye. My left eye is healthy. My eye doctor recommended a supplement called Lutein that I take to save my left eye. It might help with other eye problems. That would be great!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

I hope it will really help your vision in both eyes!

[@maryspeth3469]

Oh get the eye surgery. Its painless and if you"re worried about some surgeon in your eye you never see it coming. Do it. You're brave, you're an American. Love ya's!

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Lol! Thanks for sharing!

[@linetteevans8337]

Get a cat! They never fail to find the pins! I have to be very vigilant in the sewing room. I purchased a new Jamone machine that has an overhead light built-in and the needle threader. Love it.

[@thesimplequilter7499]

Sewing machine manufacturers need to install more and the best lighting possible!!!

[@linetteevans8337]

@thesimplequilter7499 I saw this machine at a quilt show, and the built-in lighting was what drew me to it. I believe manufacturers are listening to us,slow but sure. However, you have given us many alternatives.