All Purpose Magnifier by Westex

Name of Cross Stitch Tool: All-Purpose Magnifier, by Westex. The magnifier offers hands-free operation with a bi-focal lens with 2x and 3x magnification.

Why to Use an All-Purpose Magnifier: The All-Purpose Magnifier makes stitching much easier for those who need help with seeing needlework. If you stitch on fabric with a high count, the magnifier will be an asset for helping to easily distinguish the weave of the fabric. The magnifier is great for reading small print on patterns or distinguishing between similar symbols on complex Cross Stitch patterns. The magnifier has two components, a larger circle with a magnification of 2x and an inset magnifier with a magnification of 3x.

How to Use an All-Purpose Magnifier: Place the cord around your neck, prop the magnifier on your chest, and then adjust the cord for proper placement. You can either tie a knot in the cord or wrap the cord around the tabs on the side, depending on how much shorter you need to make it.

More About Using the Westex All Purpose Magnifier: The first time I used the Westex All-Purpose Magnifier, I was astonished to notice the reason I was having difficulty with my current stitching project. The tip of the needle was damaged, but I had not been able to see it. I changed needles and began stitching again.

As I stitched, the magnifier enabled me to see the details of the weave of the fabric without having to bring it so close to my face that I would be in constant danger of putting my eye out. It also seemed to pull all the available light from the room and focus it on my needlework.

I was working on the free Cross Stitch Pattern, Happy Halloween saying, at the time. This project has a lot of quarter stitches. I used the small inset magnifier when stitching the quarter stitches. I was able to quickly judge where to place my needle for the stitch.

It took me a few moments to get used to the magnifier. I am a rather fidgety person, and I discovered that I had to be very still to keep the All-Purpose magnifier from slipping down, but the benefits of seeing so much better encouraged me to keep working with the magnifier until I got used to it. I was quickly able to use it without any problems.

The magnifier is light-weight, so it was not irritating to my neck. The cord is soft and the part that props on the chest is cushioned.

The magnifier is lightweight, making it portable enough to carry with you when you travel with Cross Stitch.