I have a Babylock Crown Jewel that I am just starting to get acquainted with. I am having trouble seeing well enough to backtrack, to meet a feather at the stem without going beyond it, or coming up too short, etc. I am practicing with high contrast thread on muslin, I can imagine it will be much more difficult with matching thread.
I do wear glasses with bifocals, but it's not enough. I also need lots more practice as well. My question is, is there a magnifying glass or some such device that anyone uses to help see better? Would the micro handles be better? Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Some say a black light works. Also some change out their hopping foot. Here is the foot idea http://freemotionquilting.blogspot.c...achine%20setup

Good luck!

I'll be checking out that blogspot, too. I have the same problem, midwifehc. You actually have it EASIER when you use the same color of thread. Start looking at all your magazines/books on quilting and REALLY look at what their quilting looks like. You'll be surprised....they don't always backtrack exactly. And PPP (practice, practice, practice). Take whatever classes you can. I always thought you had to go back to the stem on a feather, but actually, the "pros" don't....they leave a slight gap so they don't have thread build-up. As for lighting....the more lighting you can get, the better. I also use a stronger pair of reading glasses. I go up to 3.75 and buy them at the dollar store. I only use them when I need to be up close and personal with the machine.

Check out this website: www.mqresource.com. You'll find some videos there that you can see without joining. If you join there's more videos and classes.

dee

I never needed the "reading" [magnifying glasses] til after my recent cataract surgeries. I got a stronger pair for quilting.

My first real quilting class we were each given a tablet of children's drawing paper. We were told to practice drawing first ... the start practicing the quilting. Dollar stores have cheap drawing paper pads.

I can practice my drawing while 'listening' to TV.

ali

Linda v. Taylor has a magnifing glass that hooks onto the handle and has a goose neck arm, you can point where you want it. NICE www.lequilters.com

there are also magnifiers that clip onto your own glasses and flip down when you need them. the micro handles are nice if you don't mind getting nose-to-nose with the head of the machine. if getting closer will work for you, then that might do it.