Quiltingboard Forums

Quiltingboard Forums (https://www.quiltingboard.com/)
-   Main (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/)
-   -   Light Box Suggestions?? (https://www.quiltingboard.com/main-f1/light-box-suggestions-t204141.html)

My time 10-26-2012 08:04 AM

I bought mine at micheals using my 40% off coupon.I do a lot of hand embroidery and appliqué. It works great. Plus when I'm done with it I just put it back in the box. Fits neatly on the shelf.

MimiBug123 10-26-2012 08:27 AM

I kept the top of my old coffee table. When I need it, I drag it out and invert 4 flower pots for legs. I use a bit of the sticky stuff used to put posters on walls to keep the legs steady and put a light under it. I love the large size and when I don't need it, I drop it against the wall behind my cutting table. Works great and didn't cost anything!

catmcclure 10-26-2012 08:49 AM


Originally Posted by Nanamoms (Post 5609540)
My eyes are growing old (!!) so I'm thinking about getting a light box to mark fabrics and for embroidery design placements. I think it would help me a lot...and save me time, too!

If you have one, will you let me know where you bought it? I'm not very handy in making one so don't want to go that route. :( And I have no SO to make one for me!!

You can buy a small sheet of plexiglass cut to size and one of the undercabinet fluorescent lights or one of the small touch closet lights. Put the light in the bottom of a drawer and put the plexiglass on top. You have whatever size lightbox you want, depending on the drawer size. In a pinch, you can get one of the touch closet lights, put it in your sewing machine drawer, and use one of your larger rulers (I have a 15" square) for the surface. Using your ruler also gives you a way of measuring the placement of whatever you're copying.

Cam22 10-26-2012 09:00 AM

I have done the taped to a window, the Crayola box, battery operated light under tote box, also picked up a overhead projector like they use to use in school for a few bucks at a thrift store but my fav for smaller things. I have pic and drawings on my laptop that folds out flat and I place a clear clipboard over the top of the screen and trace. It protects the screen and also the chipboard helps me hold paper in place

Quilts&Angie 10-26-2012 09:02 AM

I use my window! just tape pattern and fabric to the glass, the sunlight creates the perfect "light box" effect. Only problem is this doesn't work very well on cloudy days.

Gerbie 10-26-2012 10:03 AM


Originally Posted by Nanamoms (Post 5609540)
My eyes are growing old (!!) so I'm thinking about getting a light box to mark fabrics and for embroidery design placements. I think it would help me a lot...and save me time, too!

If you have one, will you let me know where you bought it? I'm not very handy in making one so don't want to go that route. :( And I have no SO to make one for me!!


I have one that I purchased from Nancy's Notions. There were two sizes when I purchased mine, and I purchased the larger size. I love mine. I have used it for many things.
What I have used it most for is my US Quilt. I marked all of the blocks front and back on my Us state and stars quilt, haven't finished the quilt, but did get the blocks all marked. Both sides quite intricate- because the front had state moto, entrance date, name, flower, and bird, plus the outline of the state and the star for the location of the capital. Each block on the back came from the 50 Fab. Stars book. I outlined with permanent marker everything on each block front and back, and am using crayola crayons to color each block. Very time consuming, but I just put each block on the box, turn the light on and get busy.

Corky 10-26-2012 10:23 AM

Great idea!



Originally Posted by feline fanatic (Post 5611170)
This thread shows a picture of how I improvised one using a clear tote.

http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...2-t145622.html


cherrio 10-26-2012 10:27 AM


Originally Posted by SewSassy (Post 5609675)
I took an old 1/2 storm window, placed it on 4 cans and put a light under it.....works wonderful

good idea here

Corky 10-26-2012 10:30 AM

2 Attachment(s)
My hubby took an old scanner and replace the light, put a gridded surface (graft paper) under the glass to cut the glare and help me center my motifs. Great way to 'upcycle' Love it!

Just Me... 10-26-2012 10:39 AM


Originally Posted by sassey (Post 5609562)
I put a light underneath my glass table top and beem it upwards, works great for me

That's what I do too! Works like a dream!!!


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 04:47 PM.