Awesome, thank you so mcuh.

I think I recall somebody said to go over the writing on the needle with a sharpie pen and it would make is easier to read. I haven't tried it yet.........

Thanks for all your replies. I think I like the tomato idea best. Then I'll know what size it is and that it is used. :-)

I work for the importer of SCHMETZ Household Needles into the North American Market. We have asked SCHMETZ to re-introduce the little magnifying area on the top section of the plastic cover. We're not sure why it was ever discontinued. Unfortunately I don't have any time table as to if, and when, they may reintroduce this feature.

I wish there was a gauge - like for knitting needles - that I could stick a needle in - and then I could determine what size the needle is.

I can't read that fine print either. About all I can tell is if I have a spike (like a denim needle) or a finer one.

I like the color coded ones so if they aren't I use fingernail polish & create my own. Heck you can even get green fingernail polish now.

I've done this with other items with embossed/ engraved writing, it works well. The trick is not to press hard so you don't get ink in the impressions.

Nope, you're NOT the only one. Lately I find that I reach into my sewing box often for my ... magnifying glass. It came in an accessory box for one of my used machines and honestly, I simply cannot read that fine print without it. In fact, sometimes I can't read it with it!