Low Vision Sewing Techniques

You do not have to give up sewing because you have trouble seeing. With the help of low-vision sewing aids, you can continue to perform the craft you love. Manufacturers of sewing products know that many people have difficulty seeing fine threads and small stitches and make low-vision products that are readily available at fabric and craft stores.

Lighting

Having a well-illuminated work area is probably the most important aspect to help people with low vision sew. Total-spectrum, incandescent and halogen lamps are recommended by the American Foundation for the Blind, while the fluorescent light is consider to create difficulties for people with vision problems.

Total-spectrum lamps are similar to natural light and provide bright light, high contrast and clarity. Incandescent lamps provide a warm hue with little glare, and halogen lamps provide excellent brightness.

Having extra light directly in front of the fabric or stitches also is a tremendous help. Look for seam rippers, snag fixers and needle threaders that light up. These tools have LED lights near the tip and are run by replaceable batteries that go into the tubular handles.

Magnifiers

Magnifying lenses are a good way to more easily see the object you are sewing. There are several different models that do not have to be held, leaving your hands free to hold your fabric, needle and scissors. For hand sewing and embroidery, consider a magnifier that hangs around your neck by a cord. The magnifier rests horizontally against your chest, and you keep your hands and your work below the magnifier.

For machine sewing, buy a magnifying glass that attaches to the front of your machine. The lens, which rests just above the needle area, is attached to a leg and foot that sticks to your machine.

For either hand or machine sewing, consider wearing a visor-type magnifier. The band slips around your head, and a magnifying glass is attached to rest several inches in front of your eyes. The lens can be flipped up and out of the way when you do not need it.

Needles

If you have trouble getting thread through the eye of a needle, try using a needle loop threader or self-threading needles. Loop threaders are fine pieces of wire that are shaped to have a large, flexible loop at one end. You can easily insert the thread into this large loop and then insert the loop through the eye of the needle and pull it through. Because the wire is more rigid than thread, it goes through the eye of the needle without multiple attempts. These work for both hand sewing needles and machine needles.

For hand sewing, self-threading needles are somewhat easier to thread than traditional needles. Self-threading needles have a slightly flat top and a slit at the top of the needle's eye. Instead of squinting to push the thread through a tiny eye, you lay the thread on top of the needle and pull the thread down to get it into the hole.

References

• American Foundation for the Blind: Illuminating Thoughts on Popular Low Vision Task Lamps