use what you have - I bought a photo light box years ago to view slides but obviously I don't use it for that very often any more now I use it trading my appliqué... its smaller than the ones they sell for sewing - but I have never had anything I couldn't do on it....

What am I missing here? My mom and grandmother both did beautiful hand embroidery, but they just ironed the transfer directly onto the fabric. Is there a reason not to do that?

I use a window, or stick a light under a glass topped table. A piec of perspex is equally useful.

Go to the dollar store and buy a clear plastic container.
Also buy a push button light that runs on batteries.
Total 3.00 bucks. works great
Syl

I just placed a set of Christmas white lights on a table and put a Pyrex clear glass 9 X 13 dish over it and it works great for small projects. No cost involved!!

Another person who doesn't know what you are talking about?!?

Sometimes you can use a good bright light above your work space.If the pattern is dark enough and material is light it will work. I have done this but ,a window and a chair to sit in works ok. Get and tape your pattern as you sit in chair that way you know it is right height.I enjoy a light box and worth the little I paid for it . Maybe you can take it to printer so they can darken it so you can see the pattern better. Have a great time embroidering

Duster K.W.

Love the above ideas. Many moons ago, I used a real light box at an applique class, quilt camp, to draw the outline onto charcoal hand dyed fabric. After that wonderful outcome, I decided the light box was in my future. I previously used a window for a celtic outline, that was a pain.

If you have a table that you can put an extra leaf in, open the table, put a glass over the opening and a light underneath.

I set ,y sewing machine out of its floor stand, set a lamp under neath and place a piece of plexi glass over the hole for the machine. Been doing this for years. Works great.