does anyone use a magnifying glass when ripping out seams?
 

I'm thinking that's what I need. I was trying to rip out a section of thread yesterday and it was driving me crazy! A magnifying glass that goes around your neck and hangs over your work? A magnifying glass that sits on a stand on the table? Any suggestions?

Take a piece of a sample you have that is sewn together or a piece of clothing such as from jeans or? Take that to a store where you know they have glasses on display. Or if you go to Wallyworld or a office supply store. They may have what you're looking for. My own ophthalmologist suggested I could get them just as inexpensive as he could prescribe. Just try them on. Last time I purchased a set of 4. They work for the computer and sewing/ripping. There are some seam rippers that have magnifying glass on the end also.

Sadly, I need the glass for some of my ripping. I have the large one with the light that hangs around your neck (got it at Joann's). It helps, but not as much as a pair of new eyeballs would! Also, I bought a small electric razor (for mustaches, I think) at a quilt show, and it rips seams very quickly and neatly. You can get one through Nancy's Notions, or possibly through your local Sally Beauty Supply store.

I wear glasses and still need to use a magnifying glass. Call it getting OLD! lol

You'd be better off using a seam ripper :)

They sell mag lights that clamp too. Check Home Depot or Lowes or an office supply store.

Me too! :)

Maybe you could just take bigger stitches instead? ;)

I got a table Ott light years ago that has a magnifier that folds down from the cover. Works pretty well, but working that close to the light is almost too bright for me now that I do have "new eyes" - that is the implants from cataract surgery. Cheap 2 or 2.5 power reader glasses do it for the real close up work like that.

Thanks everyone. I found something cheap at Harbor Freight that might work. The electric razor is interesting. Call me stupid, but I don't know how you would do that. It's like the people that use their rotary cutter. I know it works, because they swear by it, but I can't picture how it works.

Luckily, I can see up close better without my glasses. My husband has one of those Ott lights with the swing down magnifier that he uses for fly tying. He is blind as a bat without his reading glasses or magnifier.