The Best Task Lighting for Sewing

Do you struggle to see what you’re doing when you’re sewing? Do you notice yourself squinting your eyes as you try to pick out stitches or hand-sew something? You’re not alone! I’m the good old age of 25 but, I still can find myself struggling to see what I’m working on without good daylight or task lighting.

To resolve this issue you may be looking into buying a task light to help you see. I want to walk you through what you may need to look for in a good task light and which options I believe are the best task lighting for sewing.

Why is Task Lighting for Sewing Important?

This may be an obvious question but the lighting in your sewing room is one of the first things you should upgrade when you have the funds. I will list out the reasons I believe task lighting is so important.

Improves Your Posture

If you find it hard to see what you are working on you may find yourself hunching over your project to see clearly what you are doing. I have terrible posture when I’m hand-sewing especially when I don’t have good lighting.

Task lighting will help you to see what you are working on and allow you to sit up straight while you are working and save your back some aches.

Avoids Eye Strain

Good task lighting will keep you from straining to see your project and help keep your eyes healthy for years to come. Constantly straining to see things can cause issues with your eye sight later on in life.

Eye strain can also cause headaches and fatigue. Anything you can do to prevent straining your eyes for long periods will be beneficial for you.

Improves the Quality of Your Sewing

If you can see what you are doing, it will be easier to sew more accurately. You can sew straighter and just overall create much higher quality sewing projects when you can see exactly what and where you need to sew.

Helps Accurately Match

When you are sewing you often have to match things. Whether that’s matching thread and fabric or matching up pattern pieces. Having good task lighting can help you see the colors accurately and match well.

Avoids Errors

When you can see what you are doing, you may save yourself some tears. Have you ever ripped into something you didn’t mean to? I know I have and it’s the worst feeling! If you can see what you’re picking out and cutting you can avoid errors that may otherwise occur.

What Makes the Best Task Lighting for Sewing?

There are a few things you may need to consider when choosing a task light.

Adjustable

Unlike the light pictured above, you will want an adjustable light. You may need to aim the light in a different spot depending on what you are doing. I recommend getting a light that is easy to tip or move around to where you need it. This will help you out when you are sewing and help you avoid having to move your body into awkward positions to see.

Daylight or White Light

When you are choosing a good task light I highly recommend getting a daylight or white light. Do not get a yellow or warm light. This will cause you to struggle to see what you are doing and obscure the colours of the fabric or thread.

Where Should You Place Task Lights?

You may want to place your task lights in different places. Here are a few places to consider lighting with a task light.

By Your Cutting Table

I suggest getting a task light for your cutting area if your overhead light isn’t bright enough or creates shadows. You want to see clearly what you are cutting.

By Your Sewing Machine

You probably have a light on your sewing machine as most do already come with a light however, if it’s not bright enough don’t be afraid to get a extra task light. You will likely also be cutting or picking at things beside your sewing maching so this is a great place to add a task light.

By Your Comfy Chair

If you’re like me you may take your sewing to the living room or your kitchen where your family is so you can work and be with them at the same time. If this is you I highly recommend getting either a task light that stands on the floor or something you can easily bring with you to your chair or your favourite spot to sit.

You may think to light your sewing space but you may not consider the lighting in other parts of your house. But if you are sewing there, consider getting a task light for that area.

My Best Task Lighting Recommendations

Below I’m going to give you some of my best recommendations for lighting. This will hopefully give you some great resources to help you choose the best light for your sewing projects.

OttLite

The OttLite brand is a good daylight option for sewers. This brand is good quality and provides bright light that mimics daylight. OttLite has been around for many years and is a tried and proven brand! They even have a line of lighting specifically made for crafters and sewers.

My aunt who struggles with her vision has used the OttLite brand for years and loves it! I really recommend this option for your sewing space. OttLite claims to reduce eye strain by 51%!

Click here to shop the OttLite!

The Daylight Company

The Daylight Company is another great option for sewing task lights. They provide high-quality daylight lighting for sewing and crafting as well. They also have a great selection of lights for any sewing task you may have.

Click here to shop The Daylight Company!

There are so many good options for lighting that you can choose from. Ultimately, choose the best light for you and your space! I hope this article was helpful to you! Let me know in the comments what types of task lighting you have in your sewing space!

If you’d like to learn more about the best pressing tools for sewing check out this post!