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After struggling to work on a project working with black adia i got over the problem by putting a white pillowcase on my lap it was a great solution and also a cheap one.

Welsh wendy

Yes, me too.

If you're lucky enough to be able to stitch during the day, sit facing a window, and the light shines through the fabric. I find this helps, too.

i don't know if this will help but try to get a light bulb called a Z bulb (thats what they are called here in canada) they are a blue type of bulb that gives off a high wattage of light but no glare they are expenseive but they a very worth it especially against the eye strain that coloured cloth can cause.. it is great for any project because of the no glare

Hope this helps as well

debbie

Hi there,

Im not sure if its the same type of bulb, but I have just bought myself a day light lamp. I have to say I am very impressed by it. I most stitch in the evenings, as I have to study in the day when I have the quiet time. Lately I have been getting headaches and thought it may be due to eye strain as artificial light isnt good at the best of time.

I saw an offer for this table top lamp, and thought Id treat myself. It is absolutely brilliant, it is flexible and adjustable in lentgh, and also comes with a clip for the chart and a magnifier, plus has a little tray to put bits and bobs in.

It aarrived at the weekend, and since then my stitching has markedly improved, Im making less mistakes and can see much clearer. In fact I havent even found the need to use the magnifier, just having the daylight bulb has been sufficient.

Sue

its probably the same type of bulb because i know i don't have eye strain anymore
i am glad that you have found something that helps
happy stitching
debbie

Thanks you too!

I was browsing the internet yesterday, and found somewhere selling replacement bulbs - I nearly fell off my chair, the bulbs are £10. each!!

i know there are about that price here in canada but they are well worth the money and you will get more stitiching time in because you will have less eye strain i figure the price of the bulb is the lesser of the too evils

More stitiching time!!!!!

As I was looking through this URL anyway, here are the tips TW Designworks has for working on dark fabrics.

www.twdesignworks.com/Resources/Tips/black.html

As you can see, they're not much different to the one's we have all mentioned. How experienced we all are!

There is a new item on the market that helps when stitching on dark fabrics -- it is a rectangular box that has a light in it. It is placed on your lap, and the light shines through the dark fabric you are stitching on. Michaels has this product. I don't remember the name of it, but you could check their website for it.

When sewing on dark fabrics, I try to sew in natural light, but if I am sewing in artificial light, place a white towel on my lap. A lot cheaper than the light boxes

I have always been intrigued by this design and wanted to share it with all of you that have stitched on dark fabric. I have placed an image in my Gallery called "Night Flight". This pattern was cleverly designed to minimize stitching on dark fabric by omitting portions of the design that are the same colour as the fabric. It was featured in the BHG Holiday Crafts Fall/Winter 1996 issue and designed by Barbara Core.
I have trouble working on dark fabric too but really like the dramatic effect a dark background brings out. The simplest way for me is to have a really good light source on my work and at the same time to stitch during daylight hours in front of a window. I use a stand so that makes it possible to place it in front of a window and have light coming through from the back. I have tried lamps underneath too but that causes the lighting to be to harsh.
I hope this tip will help those that have found beautiful patterns they wish to stitch on dark fabric.
Elaine

Great tips for stitching with dark fabric. Everyone has given lots of great tips. now maybe i can get started on my Night to Remember kit that I got from Mary Maxim about 8 years ago. Now I might not be afraid to start it. I to like to stitch using natural light the colors look truer and better in that type of light.

I must admit: when I made that engagement present, it was hard to stitch the black emblem, but somehow I managed to do it. But I admit it was a relief, when it was finally done, and I could move to the white outer border. Phew! Now I'm stitching the wedding present to the same couple, and there is no black in that, not at all. When I had to stitch that black part, it was easier to see where to put the needle if one had something light colored under the canvas. But somehow I managed to stitch even I wore black pants. I just had to look at my work very carefully and concentrate 110%.

I have tried to stitch on dark fabric with no success and mega frustration. I have tried a white cloth underneath, lighting underneath. Lighting above. Everything. Now I just change me background to a lighter shade. Not as effective but still good all the same.