Lizzie Bolton

One reason many people love to cross stitch is that it can be very relaxing. If, however, you are working in a dimly lit area, you can end up with eye strain and headaches. One way to prevent these problems is to invest in a good magnifying lamp. These lamps not only make it easier to see the fine details of your project, they also illuminate the area to reduce eye strain.

Before you select a magnifying lamp, first you should consult an eye care professional. A magnifying lamp should not be a replacement for good eye care. Discuss vision options with your doctor, who may give you pointers on the best magnifying lamp for you.

When selecting a magnifying lamp, you should consider these factors:

• the power level of the lens
• how large an area you want the lens to cover
• what sort of lighting you will need
• what sort of arm attachment you want, and
• naturally, the price of the lamp.

The power level of the lens refers to how much larger you want your project to appear through the magnifier. Power level is expressed in terms of "times" or shown with the symbol X.  For instance, 2X means that your project will appear two times larger than normal.

The size of the lens area can vary greatly with magnifying lamps. You will want a lens that covers an area large enough for you to do your stitching comfortably. You also should consider your work space. If the lens is too big, it may become awkward to use.

The lens will have a certain area that is in focus, which is called your field of view. The higher the power level, the smaller the field of view. This means that if you have an extremely high power level, you will see the work area magnified greatly, but you will see less of your project in the lens.

Even though the magnifying lamp has light, you should work in natural light or a well-lit room to maximize your visibility. You also will find that the more powerful the light used with the magnifying lens, the less magnification is needed. Since you will require a lower magnification level, you will have a larger field of view. Still, consider how you respond to extremely bright light when making your choice. Some people do better with a slightly lower light wattage because extremely bright light hurts their eyes.

Most magnifying lamps attach to a work table or chair, although some are free-standing. These lamps have a lens you can move to cover your work area. In some cases, the lens is attached using a gooseneck arm. In other cases, the lens is on a moveable metal arm. Some crafters prefer a gooseneck arm because it enables them to place the lens directly over their work area. The moveable metal arm, though, is useful when you want to illuminate a larger work area.

Prices of magnifying lamps vary and can be quite expensive. You should research your options before deciding. Many lamps have an additional lens and interchangeable light bulbs. Determine first what your needs are and then shop around to find the best price.

Ultimately, the easiest way to determine which lamp works for you is to try several. Most craft stores and many department stores carry a variety of magnifying lamps. If you decide to order a lamp over the Internet, consider calling first and discussing your options with a customer service representative. Be certain to find out the return policy in case the lamp does not suit your needs.

After you set up your magnifying lamp, remember to keep it clean. Dirt, grease, and smudges can limit the usefulness of your lamp. Most manufacturers include care instructions in their packages, but as a general rule, clean the lens with a soft, dry cloth.

Finally, remember to keep your magnifying lamp out of direct sunlight. Magnifying lamps, like any magnifying glass, can cause a fire if hit with direct sun rays.