Beam N Read Hands Free Lights get enthusiastic reviews from quilters, knitters, and other needleworkers. Especially those who have used other lights. (see below).
Beam N Read lights shine an extra wide, bright, and cool light for needlework. No need to sit next to a hot table or floor lamp or work in dim light. You can work anywhere - in a chair, bed, car, train, plane, or hotel room. The Beam N Read shines directly on the work in progress and doesn't disturb others nearby. The reflector head is adjustable for optimum positioning.
With Beam N Read Hands Free Lights a group of quilters, knitters, or other needleworkers can gather to work and chat and each can have a good, strong light for her own work without regard to fixed or environmental lighting.
Our patented lights provide a unique combination of features, accessories, versatility, and battery life unmatched by other portable lights. Accessories include clip-on filters, AC and vehicle DC power adapters and a clip-on magnifier. Knitters, for example, find the large magnifiers useful for fixing dropped stitches. (Note: The magnifiers are for short periods of detail work by those with normal vision; the magnifiers are not low vision aids.) Included accessories vary by model.
In our 6 LED light, standard Alkaline batteries last at full brightness for 50 hours using 6 LEDs, significantly longer than the 20-30 hours (to dim) claimed for better clip-on lights with comparable light. The batteries will last for 100 hours when using 3 LEDs. In our 3 LED model, batteries last at full brightness for 120 hours versus 20-40 hours for clip-ons with similar light.
Unlike "book" lights that were designed to clip on printed books, our lights also work with soft materials such as patterns or instructions on loose sheets as well as newspapers and magazines and, of course, for loose fabric and yarn. They also work with all models of eReaders. Unlike headlamps, they won't shine in a companion's eye's when you look up at them. Unlike floor or table lamps, they run cool and comfortable and won't throw heat on your shoulders.
The Beam N Read LED 6 Deluxe Hands Free Light with 6 LEDs in a row for an extra wide and extra bright is the most popular model for needlework. The new model BNR LED 6-3 features an elastic neck strap for greater comfort and the ability to switch between using 6 or 3 LEDs. The BNR LED 6-3 also gives a choice between cool daylight-type light or warm incandescent-type light. A clip-on orange filter shifts the LED light to a warm and softer light by reducing blue light. This is useful for those who find the daylight-type light from LEDs too stressful on the eyes. The filtered light is also more relaxing when stitching, reading or doing other tasks in bed at night.
Beam N Read Lights are very versatile and can also be used for a wide range of other tasks including reading, travel, walking in the dark, care giving, and during a power outage.
Buy Beam N Read Lights at Quilt Shops, Yarn Shops, and other Needlework Specialty Stores, or here on Readinglight.com ASF Lightware Solutions encourages you to support local & specialty stores
Product Reviews from quilting, knitting, & other needlework magazines and websites
Kelly Jackson of IHaveANotion.com
This personal, portable, hands-free light is perfect for hand stitching, reading, and knitting.
It has 6 LEDs that illuminate your work without disturbing others, making it perfect for traveling.
Fons & Porter's Love of Quilting, July/August 2011,
FonsandPorter.com (print magazine, not available online)
We discovered the Beam N Read Light a little over a year ago. Since then it has been one our best sellers not only at the quilt shows but also at the store. It's no wonder because this light is perfect for this industry, especially for those of you who work projects with your hands such as applique, crochet, needlepoint, or knitting. Of course Marilyn mainly uses it for the English Paper Piecing projects she is always working on. She loves it because it's brighter than any other light she has ever tried (trust me, there has been quite a few) and it doesn't need to be plugged into the wall! That means you can take it anywhere. She keeps it right in her project bag along with those lovely little hexagon papers, fabric, scissors, needle, and the all important reading glasses (they make her look so smart).
Marilyn Petersen, Owner,
Cotton & Chocolate Quilt Co., 2012 Featured Shop - Quilt Sampler Magazine
I don't know what I did before I had my Beam N Read 6 LED Light (the IHAN clan now has four in our emergency bag). Who would have ever thought that a portable light would come in handy for so many things. Certainly not me....but all of that has changed. The Beam N Read Lights are indispensable during bad weather. Our electricity went out and I grabbed our emergency bag and took out our Beam N Read Lights and each one of us put one on. Our hands were free because the lights are on an adjustable strap around our necks. It is tough to use your hands while holding a flash light...our Beam N Read Lights just hang around our necks...The Beam N Read Lights are perfect for all hand needle work, sewing, reading, taking evening walks, and camping. I use mine while we travel too.
Kelly Jackson, Owner I Have A Notion store,
IHaveANotion.blogspot.com
Oreo likes to read Simply Fat Quarters. Image courtesy of SewCalGal
Can you ever have TOO MUCH LIGHT? I don't think so.
This 6-light gadget is fabulous for "less than ideal" lighting in workshops, when you're traveling, or even at home...Great for hand sewing, machine sewing, reading, all sorts of crafts.
Ami Simms, Professional Quilt Teacher Of The Year - 2005, Author, & Award Winning Quilter,
AmiSimms.com
Whenever I am on the road traveling I take it with me.
If any of you have ever tried to hand sew in a hotel room I know you'll agree... the lighting is awful. This light has 6 led bulbs and throws off a nice amount of light making hand sewing much, much easier. It has a hinge to allow you to adjust the direction of the light. Love that... This would also be great for those of you who take classes. It does not weigh much, hangs around your neck and provides light right where you need it.
Karen Kay Buckley, Professional Quilt Teacher Of The Year - 1997, Author, & Award Winning Quilter,
KarenKayBuckley.com
As a quilting, sewing and embroidery enthusiast for many years, I've certainly used many well known brands of lights. Thus, I can truly say that the Beam n Read light is the great product. It has a bright LED light, yet soft on the eyes. To clarify, it is much easier on the eyes than any other bright light sewing light I've ever used previously...I found I enjoyed the Beam n Read for these easy feeling it left on my eyes. Truly it has become one of my favorite lights. And I love the portability. Great, great light and a very reasonable price.
SewCalGal,
Insights from SewCalGal
Madame Samm's Stamp of Excellence!
...well here are some reasons why I LOVE THIS...
#1 NO HEAT from the LED light Bulbs
#2 Lightweight around your neck
#3 Rests on your Chest ( love that when I am reading my Kindle in Bed)
#4 I can get up in the middle of the night without turning on the lights
and light my way with my Beam N Read ( or walk, stitch, camp, )
#5 Perfect for seeing my keyboard when I am on my laptop..
#6 Most important to me, in the heat of the summer, I don't have
other light sources heating me up. My Beam N Read is my favorite
New must have TOOL!
Madam Samm,
Sew I Quilt
Quite honestly, I probably wouldn't have given this light a second glance if it hadn't been sent to me for a review. I have a nice bright light next to my chair where I do most of my handwork, so why would I need to strap a light around my neck? It didn't take me long to figure out that this little light is invaluable for anyone who does any kind of handwork! The extra bright light directed towards your stitching (without obstructing your view) makes all the difference in the world while stitching, especially when there isn't any natural light available. The Beam N Read is lightweight and has a comfortable, easy to adjust neck strap. It only took a few minutes of use and I was hopelessly hooked on my Beam N Read!
Susan McConnell,
Hanging On by a Needle and Thread
This light is FANTASTIC!! LOVE* LOVE* LOVE IT!! I refuse to do any kind of hand stitching without it!!
...
If you have ever worked with dark fabrics and applique, whether it be wool or cotton, you know how difficult it is to see where one fabric ends and the other begins. The Beam N Read REALLY is the answer to this problem! It lights up the area that you are going to sew and you can see the two fabrics clearly. EUREKA!!
The Beam N Read is a MUST have and gets two thumbs UP from me!! Can't/Won't sew without it...
Paulette,
Sweet P Quilting and Creations
Boy do I love it!.
Let me begin by saying that as I just turned 61, my eyes aren't what they used to be. I began using the Beam N Read while I was sitting in my favorite leather lounge chair. I usually am sewing or crocheting in the evening, and the overhead light just doesn't cut it. The Beam N Read light illuminates perfectly!
What else can I say about the Beam N Read? Lots!
It is well built and a solid piece of equipment!
The head of the unit pivots up, so you can really adjust the light to the area you are working on, like hand sewing.
You can use Beam N Read with your laptop while you are are in bed.
It is lightweight to wear around your neck.
Far more superior to any head lamp or clip on light.
When used with the Kindle, it doesn't cause a glare.
So for all of you crafters, sewers, knitters or crocheters, and avid book readers, this is a must!
Micki Butler,
Irish Muses
Beaky likes she can adjust the neck strap & angle of the light for her body. With her long nose regular lights cast too much shadow onto her projects With the Beam N Read, she doesn't get shadows and has better visibility late at night. Image courtesy of SewCalGal.
I've spent the past month working this light - in the evenings sitting on the couch and knitting away at Christmas gifts, in the van on our recent adventures to SC/NC, in bed while reading the Kindle. The light is powerful... The lamp sits in the right spot for me and adjusts to work for my dh, too... This model comes with two filters - a red one for using in the car at night to avoid blinding the driver and a yellow one that diffuses the LED glow a bit to warm the light (which works wonderfully when reading the Kindle at night in bed)... One thing I REALLY like about this light... it takes four AA batteries... This means I don't have to try and track down specialized batteries... which are hard to find and expensive when you do! The light is still going strong on the originally-loaded AA's after more than a month of use... Not once did the lamp get heavy or uncomfortable. I could adjust from three LEDs (during the non-critical knitting sections) but if I had a problem, I could ramp up the light to the six. I used the magnifier a couple of times when I found I'd dropped a stitch and needed to remedy the situation immediately... The new light is a must-have for knitters or needleworkers, for those who enjoy reading in bed, or just about anyone else who needs a task-light. At less than $30, this would make a great Christmas gift under the tree or in the stocking... I highly recommend this product!
Mary C. Gildersleeve, Award Winning Design-Artist, Author, Knitting Teacher
By Hand, With Heart
I've had the opportunity to try out this light and peeps, It. Is.
Awesome!!
Of course I've used the Beam and Read for my knitting, but also
reading late at night and early morning. Then, just the other night, I
grabbed it and took it out to the chicken coop when I heard some commotion
out there. My knitting kit includes the Denise cloth knitting needle case,
which also has room for extra scissors, a tape measure, stitch and row
markers, extra dpns, row counters, even a crochet hook. And now...
this Beam and Read light lives there too, part of my permanent collection
(and safely hidden away from hubby, who has already asked if he can have his
own!).
Terrye Kinch, Knitting Editor,
CraftGossip.com
I Can See Clearly Now Crafters know that poor lighting just won't do when attention to detail is essential. Illuminate your workspace with the ingeniously designed Beam N Read. Knit Simple Magazine Holiday 2010 Issue (print magazine, not available online)
The Best Knitting Gadgets Beam and read lights My newest favorite gadget, wear it around your neck to shine light where you need it most. Some models come with 6 L.E.D. lights and some with 3, and there is a 2x, 4x, 6x magnifying attachment that really works well. Marjorie Colletta, Knitting Editor
BellaOnline.com
KNITTING TOOLS: NECESSITY IS THE MOTHER OF INVENTION
This is a GREAT light. It is very bright and powerful and quite nice when I'm sitting knitting in the living room or my room and the lights are low for ambience or reduced glare on the television. The light is also great for using with the Kindle (ooh, I want one of those Fire ones ... but the original with keyboard is working just fine too!) as it has wider coverage than many of the "book lights".
Mary Gildersleeve, Knitting teacher, designer, author.
By Hand with Heart
What an incredible opportunity I've had to review this amazing Beam N Read LED 6 Deluxe light. Not only is it great tool for sewing and quilting, you can use it to read at night, or in your car for sewing or reading or even reading a road map...
And I have to tell you that reading at night is so much easier with the BeamNRead light.
But most of all, this light has the best illumination for doing hand work.
Whether it is sewing on binding or doing applique, this light is incredible!
Joslyn Preus,
Happy Cottage Quilter
Wow, I love this light! I suffer from macular degeneration and as you might know, that means we need a lot of light to help us in our daily routine.
It has 6 LED lights, two filters, a magnifying lens and a strap for your neck that is adjustable so it can be set to your desired distance. It does not put forth any heat, unlike other lights that can make it too warm to work. Which is wonderful in the warmer weather.
Jane Remus,
Jane's Fabrics and Quilts
I just had to add that this light truly is a delight to travel with. It doesn't take up much space, is light to have around your neck, you can adjust it to where you need the light to be and it doesn't bother anyone else in the process... I used this light on my trip and I do believe it will be my traveling companion for now on. Thinking of getting my mother one and my older friend who has trouble seeing.
Barbara Gaddy,
Bejeweled Quilts by Barb
Think of all the sewing/quilting related tasks we do routinely that could benefit from this light, like hand applique:...or for doing the hand embroidery stitches of wool felt applique:... or sewing the binding to the backside of the quilt, or sewing a label onto the back of a quilt,...the list goes on and on. One thing that's really impressed me about this light is that it makes it possible for me to complete my hand work in places where it's previously been impossible to do so. Now I can do hand applique on long car rides after dark, or when I've traveled to teach and am spending the night in a hotel room with lousy lighting. Thanks to the Beam N Read Light, I can reclaim these lost hours and turn them into productive time!
Patsy Thompson,
Patsy Thompson Designs
I was happy to test drive this super functional light!...
I've added mine to my hexie supplies in my new pouch...
The Beam n Read is a great size to work into any bag, and perfect for handwork while sitting in a low light room or in the dark - while not disturbing anyone else around you...
The light wears like a necklace, and completely adjustable, so your light can be right where you need it, when you need it.
Amy Ellis,
Amy's Creative Side
Let's face it. Stitching in the dark can be painful! For those of us with mature to overly-mature eyesight, it is important to have good lighting when you sew. So I suggest a light like this one called the Beam N Read.
This handy little gadget has a comfortable neck strap for my dainty little neck. Not only is it light weight, it has those extra long living batteries, and it doesn't get hot. There are 6 LED lights to light your path to better stitching.
Laura Wasilowski,
ARTFABRIK
My husband likes to watch movies in the dark. So dark that I can't knit,
can't read, can barely see the cat sitting on my lap. So imagine his surprise
when the opening credits ran on our latest DVD rental and I flipped on my new,
handy "hands-free" light. It didn't bother him at all and I was able to make
great progress on the baby blanket I was knitting. Also included is a lightweight
Fresnel magnifier which worked like a charm on a night-time nature walk at a local
forest preserve. Who knew snowflakes were so beautiful at night. What a great product! DailyKnitter.com
I recently went on a road trip with 4 other knitters in a van. Knowing there would be knitting during the trip, I packed the sample Beam N Read I'd been sent to review. It didn't take long till the sun went down and we needed light to be able to continue to see our work.
I passed the light first to Cari, ...Cari proclaimed very clearly that she loved the Beam N Read and would absolutely buy one.
For Julia, she didn't like the light as a craft light. She found she did like it when she tried to read her book in the very back of the van, and continued to read for a long while.
One thing we all noticed: if any of us had been wearing [our usual standby, the camping headlamp], we'd get an eyeful of bright light when they faced us and would have to turn away. With the Beam N Read, the light is held on the chest, aiming down at what we're working on or reading, so we could chat and look at each other comfortably. We liked this a lot.
Me? I think it's a very handy tool ...I'm glad this product was sent in for us to test. It's the kind of thing I might not have tried out on my own, but now that I've put it to use, I think it's very useful and will likely find myself reaching for it more and more often. Amy Singer, Editor/Publisher,
Knitty.com
McCalls Quilting: McQ&A your questions...our answers: Emergency evacuation is ordered! Your sewing machine, pressing and cutting tools, and fabrics for a current project are already in your car. What 5 other items from your quilt room do you take with you?
Quilter's Rule® Quick Quarter for making pieced squares
An item you weren't sure you needed quickly becomes indispensable
Superior to book lights or headlamps
So useful is this little light, it should also be called Beam N Craft, Beam N Stitch,
Beam N Camp, Beam N Check-on-Baby, even Beam N Do-Latenight-Housework, as I did late
one night when the urge to sort laundry in our bedroom came over me as my husband and
kids drifted off to sleep. The manufacturers explain, "For Light Anywhere, Anytime That
Won't Disturb Others." Exactly!...
...I've used lightweight LED headlamps when camping to read and work, but the Beam N read
is vastly more comfortable. With the Beam N Read, the light is aimed down at the floor when
you get up from your work to stretch or get a snack...
...I really love the basic Beam N Read. Since I received it, I use it all the time for my late
night bouts of creativity. My sleeping husband is so grateful!
Susie Ziegler, Fabric Crafts Specialist,
CraftCritique.com
Notions for Quilting
Beam N Read from ASF Lightware Solutions -- This is a hands-free LED light that you wear on a strap around your neck. It has six LED lights set in a reflector hood. It also has a magnifier and a night-vision filter attachment that can be used. If you need extra light when stitching, this may be the product you are looking for.Quilter's World Newsletter
It's hands free feature does lend itself quite well to knitting and
crocheting or any other kind of needlework or crafting...
So, this light is a great idea!
A nice thing to have in your knitting or crochet bag if you do often knit
or crochet in the dark and don't wish to turn on the lamp (and disturb a
sleeping DH, for example).
Kathleen Lee,
Sweaterbabe.com
These lights really do provide more than sufficient light for crochet work. I used the LED 6 Light while chaperoning a high school band trip. We were on school buses, and it was quite dark on the drive back home. I was able to use the light with the yellow filter and not cause any vision problems for the bus driver. (I was seated two seats behind her.) I had more than enough light to crochet and read my pattern.
Amy Shelton,
Crochetville.org
I often stitch at night while we watch TV. Sometimes my DH doesn't like the light on, so off goes the light and thus my stitching ends for the evening.
But not now. With the Beam N Read LED Light, I can stitch without any other lights and see my needlepoint just fine.
Janet M. Perry,
Nuts about Needlepoint
We all need a little help at times seeing things clearly. And, as we, ahem, mature, we seem to need that help even more. In walks the Beam N Read light ... you're getting your money's worth, we think. Here's why: Besides the light itself, which is powered on 4 AA batteries and has six LED lights to show you the way, you have the option of using either three or six lights. The neck cord is adjustable, very comfy and truly leaves your hands free for playing. The light can be moved to adjust to your preferences. The Beam N Read comes with a special magnifying panel that can mount onto the light as it hangs around your neck. (We found this very handy when we worked with tiny seed beads on some embellishing work.) Last, it also comes with a couple colored filters that change the way the light will look. The orange filter softens light and reduces blue tones. The red filter will reduce night blindness when using the light in the dark. Both also will help to not wake your bed buddy while you stitch into the night.
Jake,
Generation Q Magazine
Beam N' Read light with magnifier. It costs about $25 and is
worth every penny.
Weelittlequilts.blogspot.com
Buy Beam N Read Lights and other ASF products at Quilt Shops, Yarn Shops, and other Needlework Specialty Stores, or here on Readinglight.com ASF Lightware Solutions encourages you to support local & specialty stores
Kelly Jackson of IHaveANotion.com
Oreo likes to read Simply Fat Quarters. Image courtesy of SewCalGal
Madame Samm's 
Quite honestly, I probably wouldn't have given this light a second glance if it hadn't been sent to me for a review. I have a nice bright light next to my chair where I do most of my handwork, so why would I need to strap a light around my neck? It didn't take me long to figure out that this little light is invaluable for anyone who does any kind of handwork! The extra bright light directed towards your stitching (without obstructing your view) makes all the difference in the world while stitching, especially when there isn't any natural light available. The Beam N Read is lightweight and has a comfortable, easy to adjust neck strap. It only took a few minutes of use and I was hopelessly hooked on my Beam N Read!
Susan McConnell,
Hanging On by a Needle and Thread
Beaky likes she can adjust the neck strap & angle of the light for her body. With her long nose regular lights cast too much shadow onto her projects With the Beam N Read, she doesn't get shadows and has better visibility late at night. Image courtesy of SewCalGal.
The Best Knitting Gadgets 
Think of all the sewing/quilting related tasks we do routinely that could benefit from this light, like hand applique:...or for doing the hand embroidery stitches of wool felt applique:... or sewing the binding to the backside of the quilt, or sewing a label onto the back of a quilt,...the list goes on and on. One thing that's really impressed me about this light is that it makes it possible for me to complete my hand work in places where it's previously been impossible to do so. Now I can do hand applique on long car rides after dark, or when I've traveled to teach and am spending the night in a hotel room with lousy lighting. Thanks to the Beam N Read Light, I can reclaim these lost hours and turn them into productive time!
Patsy Thompson,
Patsy Thompson Designs
So useful is this little light, it should also be called Beam N Craft, Beam N Stitch,
Beam N Camp, Beam N Check-on-Baby, even Beam N Do-Latenight-Housework, as I did late
one night when the urge to sort laundry in our bedroom came over me as my husband and
kids drifted off to sleep. The manufacturers explain, "For Light Anywhere, Anytime That
Won't Disturb Others." Exactly!...