Good magnifier for sewing machine?
 

I can't bend over anymore to get my eyes closer to the needle when doing machine applique. Does anyone know of a good magnifier that I can attach somehow to my machine or cabinet? A lighted one would be especially nice, but not sure I can afford one. Aside from quality of the lens, I'm wondering how the lens can be mounted so it does not interfere with sewing, especially if one needs to swing it aside.

Anyone have any recommendations???

I use one that I bought at Habor Frieght($6.00) for a short time. I now use clip-ons for my glasses.($14.00-16.00) The H.F. clipped onto the sewing table . I also had to play with it to see properly. If you do not wear glasses, try reading glasses in 1.25 strenght. If you try using stronger ones Everything will be blurry. Tinker

I use two layers of glasses. Haven't tried a magnifier on the machine, didn't know there was one.

I use a daylight lamp. It's on a long lead and I position it wherever I need it at the time, next to my machine, on the cutting table, on the couch arm when I'm hand sewing etc. The light is fabulous. I've had it 10yrs and not needed a new bulb yet(hope it's not listening).
Annie

Check out Sewing with Nancy for this item which is under $20. You might also find it on Amazon for less $$.

Mighty Bright Vusion Light

See small details up close and personal. This light and 2X magnifier are on independent arms. Position the lens and the light where you need them the most.
Use as a freestanding light or as a clip-on light; 2" x 2-1/2" base; 10" tall
Powered by an AC adaptor or three AAA batteries
Batteries included

At my sewing machine I'm able to get away with just 'reader' magnifying glasses. I have them all over the house in different strengths for different purposes. I also have 2 table-style halogen lamps. One next to my chair for hand-sewing and one in my sewing room to put whereever I need it. I find the light from halogen lamps to be amazingly clear and bright. I have yet to replace a bulb. The one downstairs for handsewing I've had for probably 20 years now.

ditto here. i also have a clip on lamp behind the arm [so there's no glare] that shines on the needle. it clips on the sewing cabinet.

I use Magni-clips. Clip on magnifiers for my glasses. You can buy many different magnifications, and they flip up out of the way if you want to leave them on your glasses. I buy them on-line.

I found one that attaches to my sewing machine. I love it. It was cheap too. I bought it at walmart. Here is a link to what it looks like: http://www.simplicity.com/p-5219-cc-...magnifier.aspx It's on sale at the link!