Crochet is fun, but without a magnifying lamp it can be difficult. Particularly if you suffer from low vision. Using one of these low vision solutions can make a big difference to the results you get with your crochet.

1. IMPROVE YOUR
CROCHET WITH
MAGNIFYING LAMPS

2. AN ARTICLE BY
TOPLEKA.NET
Low Vision Aids & Magnifying Lamps
© 2014 Topleka.net

3. In the art of crochet, the crochet hook dances in and
out of the loops, weaving the yarn into beautiful
patterns. Crochet requires vision- both creative and
biological. Since you are reading this article, you
most probably possess the former but are limited by
your eyesight. This article discusses lighted
magnifiers for crochet as a solution for weak-sighted
admirers of the craft.
What are Lighted Magnifiers for Crochet?
Crochet magnifiers are devices that enlarge the
section of the crochet pattern that is seen through
them. Thier power (like 2x, 4x etc.) is indicated by
how many times the device enlarges the original
pattern. Crochet magnifiers can be either lighted or
unlighted. The lighted ones come with an inbuilt
white light that illuminates the pattern, making it
brighter and hence easier to see. The exact power
that a crocheter will require shall depend on their
eyesight, age, thickness of the thread used and the
intricacy of the design being crocheted.
How Lighted Magnification Helps Crochet
Most veteran crocheters turn to magnification aids
around their middle age when the natural eyesight

4. begins to receed however, people who have
premature weak eyesight can start using them
earlier. You will no longer have to use thicker
threads (like number 10, 12 threads) out of
compulsion; thicker threads weave chunkier designs.
This means that you will be able to experiment with
many new stitches and designs. Many crocheters
also report that full spectrum/white lighting makes it
easier for them to concentrate.
Types of Lighted Magnifiers for Crochet
Fortunately, lighted magnifiers for crochet won’t
burn a hole in your pocket. Discussed below are their
most popular types:
Pendant Magnifiers with Lighting- These are first
hung around the neck like a pendant on a thread and
then propped on the crocheter’s chest with the
attached little feet. These use battery-run flashlight
for illumination and cost around $20. These set up
neatly but provide very little magnification -around
1.5x.

5. Mag Eyes – Lighted magnifying lenses are attached
with a hinge on a plastic headband that the
crocheter wears around her head. These can be a
little tricky to use, cost around $35 and can provide a
magnification up to 2.75x.
Fluorescent Magnifying Lamps – These are lamps
with a movable arm that are fitted with a fluorescent
bulb and the lenses. The lamps give the brightest full
spectrum white light and can cost $20 for the bulb
alone. However, these last for many years and
therefore are preferred by regular crocheters. Be
wary of purchasing a cheap fluorescent lamp; these
hum while burning and give spurious light.
LED Magnifying Lamps – These are by far the most
advanced magnifying equipment that crocheters
have at their disposal today. These include multiple
LED (Light Emitting Diode) bulbs arranged in a line,
much like a camera with flash. These exclusively
include clip-on filters for controlling the ambiance of
the light. The magnifying lenses are also clipped on
and hence can be rotated for various designs or
users. The unit is hung around the neck and costs
less than $30.

6. Many lifelong pursuers of crochet tend to abandon
the art in their old age because their receding
eyesight makes the loops harder to see. Additionally,
many young people interested in crochet never
come around to learning it because their
prescription glasses can’t provide the magnification
that crochet demands. If you are a veteran crocheter
or looking to plunge into the craft but are limited by
your eyesight, look into lighted magnification tools
for crochet today.