I bought a battery operated light, a clear tote and put the light in it and you have an instant light box without spending too much money. You can easily do this for under 10

Lots of great ideas here!

I've been using my window, I have the tip out type so I'd pull the top down and rotate it all the way, so that I had a nice slanted area to use. However that stopped being a good idea when the days got short (no natural light) and the weather turned cold.

I've been doing this mostly for my labels. I will set them up using the computer and then print them out. I put the printed paper on the glass and put the fabric over the top so the light will show the printing through the fabric. Then I use my permanent markers (pigma) to follow the letters to get them uniform in height and spacing. I'm not good enough to do it free hand.

I have a clear scrapbook box ( my project boxes). They are also called craft boxes. Often on sale 3/$10 at Michaels. I use one of those. The box is 14x14. I have a small Led light I toss in. I keep tracing paper and the led in the box and it's ready to go. Even at $9.99 and the $3.00 led still cheaper. If something happens to it, I can use another one. I have a 12 total. I can set it on my lap while watching tv and trace all I want. I canstore my tracing supplies in the box also. Also I can tape the paper in place so it doesn't move. All I have to do is tap the led and the light comes on.

I haven't found that problem with mine yet. I used it not long ago to trace on dark brown fabric. If I used it a lot or needed a bigger surface area I'd buy a nice light box designed for applique.
The problem I've found with using the plastic inverted tub is the bottom is not flat. Glass dishes have a logo pressed in the glass right in the middle of the bottom.

This is what I do. I have a plastic storage box with my embroidery threads inside, and I put the image on the lid, put the fabric over, and trace. I used to use the window but my arms would get tired. Then I bought a fancy light box on Craigslist, but actually…I've never used it, the plastic storage box is too convenient!

I made my own light box by using a piece of plexiglass, fairly thick so it won't bend, sit it on top of 4 cans of vegetables and put a string of while Christmas Lights under it and for me it works perfectly.

Mine came from Hobby Lobby with a 40percent discount. It is pretty large about 20 or 24 inches wide. I love it and so do my grandchildren. They have used it for projects from time to time.

can't you use your front door like I do?

i use a clear plastic picture frame, lined with parchment to diffuse the light, and toss in a string of led x=mas lights, put the cardboard in upside down and run the cord out the hang-up hole. fast, cheap, easy to store and works great!

Another option is to use an enclosed shower door with the light in the shower turned on.