Black Aida

[Ann_]

Now I am working on a project that is stitched on black aida. It is difficult for me to see what I am doing. Has anyone any helpful advice please?

[Sarah Gixxer]

I've worked on black and navy blue Aida quite a bit - for me personally I just hold it up to the light a bit, but a couple of people have said before that a good plan is to spread a white or similar pale coloured cloth over your lap so that it shows through the holes in the black fabric when you're stitching.

[willow]

Place a white t-towel on your lap or use a lap light.

[tattyted]

I agree with the above advice. Although I haven't had any problems with dark aida unless the light is particually poor, then a daylight lamp is deffinately a must.

[Midge]

You can buy daylight lap lamps for about £50. They are very good I believe for showing up the holes. There are also some craft embossing light boxes for about £10 that you could sit on a cushion on your knee.

[dollystitcher]

I agree with the majority and say a white towel or pillowcase.

[Lisa]

i used my laptop lol.

i hold my stitching level with my chest, and have my laptop on, on the arm of the sofa lol

[Mumof3]

I found working on black quite hard at first and had to use a white pillowcase on my knee to see the holes. Once you get used to the colour you probably won't need the pillowcase.
Good luck.

[Kute Kitty]

I agree, having something white or light under your stitching makes it easier to see the holes, once you get used to it you might not need that any more though

[coffee_freak]

i hold a small flashlight between my thighs pointed up to the back of the fabric not very technical..but it works..lol

[Mabel Figworthy]

Must be an interesting sight... !

[Busy_B]

I agree with what everyone else has said. When I worked on 18 ct black a while ago, I was fine with something light colored on my lap and my normal lighting. When I work on my Castles project that is on 28 ct (which might be a higher count since I washed it before starting and the holes are tight), I have to hold the fabric up at an angle a little more so it catches more of the light and more of the light colored fabric on my lap.

[mauveme]

I found also that it is better to stitch on black in the evening. The TV shines through the holes really well ((spoken by a true TV-acholic))

[mandymop]

I love working on dark fabrics and I think the laplight is quite expensive to buy.
Therefore the teatowel wins hands down!!!!!!!!

[Dazbo666]

White cloth on your lap, and make sure you also have adequate lighting preferably a daylight lamp to illuminate your working area

[*barb*]

I'm using black 14 count at the moment and generally hold it up ion the hoop frame or do the towel underneath trick but only during the day, I can't see it at night so it's a day project and I dont watch tele much, it irritaes the living daylights out of me.

[freelady]

I find that if I use my normal stitching light then I also need the room light on if I'm working on black. Other than that I second everyone else's suggestions. I enjoy working on black now but at first it was a nightmare.

[coffee_freak]

I found also that it is better to stitch on black in the evening. The TV shines through the holes really well ((spoken by a true TV-acholic))

[Busy_B]

I found also that it is better to stitch on black in the evening. The TV shines through the holes really well ((spoken by a true TV-acholic))

I completely agree!!!!