Hey sewing gurus: What do you think about handheld sewing machines?

[echoskybound]

Hello all!

I've been thinking about learning some really basic sewing to do some really basic hemming and fixes to some of my fraying clothes, but it would probably also be fun to do some projects. I don't know if I really want a full sewing machine though, and to be honest, I'm a little nervous about an electric needle moving really fast! So I'm looking into sewing options for a complete beginner.

I was wondering if any sewing experts here might have any thoughts about handheld sewing machines. I looked at some battery powered handheld machines that look nice:
[ame=http://www.amazon.com/Lil-Sew-ZDML-2-Lightweight-Handheld/dp/B0046U88ZY/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1343074788&sr=8-2&keywords=handheld+sewing+machine]Lightweight Handheld Sewing Machine: Amazon.com: Home & Kitchen[/ame]

...but I read some reviews about them dropping lots of stitches or the seams being really weak.

I also discovered these little powerless handheld sewing machines that are kind of like staplers:
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B006JRRLVE/ref=ox_sc_act_title_4?ie=UTF8&smid=AEIA97JX4LL2S"]Amazon.com: Sew-On-The-Go Portable Sewing Machine: Arts, Crafts & Sewing[/ame]

I love powerless tools! Maybe I'm just silly, but I feel uncomfortable with power tools and stuff... I even prefer a hand-crank drill and a powerless carpet sweeper to a vacuum :] If this little stapler-like machine is any good, I would really love it, but I wonder if they're just cheap and poorly made. Are these any good for small sewing jobs? Do they drop stitches, have weak seams, etc?

Thanks for your advice! :]

 

[dishgal1]

I do sew and I have never tried one. I can't see they would be very good. I guess on a trip in a pinch they would be handy but for everyday jobs I would doubt it.
Sewing machines can get out of adjustment (expensive ones) and drop stitches etc if their bobbin adjustment needs adjusting or if something is threaded wrong. I can't imagine these not making a complete mess of things. Maybe someone who has tried one can give you more info.

 

[PetoftheDay]

I cannot imagine they are any good, really. I have an old sewing machine that is one of the cast iron Singers that I got from my grandmother, and it still works great. If you go on freecycle.org for your area, I bet you'll see folks giving away old sewing machines, it happens all the time. And on most of them, you control how fast it goes, so it need not go too fast if it makes you nervous. I do have an old, ancient hand-crank one somewhere, but I don't even know if it works.

 

[Dipesh]

how do you handle sewing machine that good while I ma so bad with handling glass.
I am only good at using stapler at...

 

[SassiBird]

I would get a fullsize, no question. There are lots of good machines on craigslist. Many come from school home economics classrooms. PM if you want help finding one.

 

[GaleriaGila]

Hello, Dipesh... I need to remove your stapling link, as it gets a bit close to spamming practices, such as promoting purchases/reviews of products not associated with supporting vendors or other sanctioned venues. Thanks for understanding. I hope you get your sewing (and stapling) issues resolved.

 

[T00tsyd]

Many years ago I had a treadle Singer sewing machine. Gosh that brings back memories. I started really sewing on that and have been sewing now for about 60years - Gosh what a thought. These days I have a fully computerised machine but it doesn't have the speed that I used to get out of that old treadle. Before that I remember an old hand machine where you turned the handle so could really control the speed. Here in the UK you can occasionally pick one up, but the hand held ones really aren't strong enough. What about joining a sewing group or class to get some experience first with the different machines available. You would surprised how easy it is - much easier than driving a car. Start just sewing straight - don't try couture too soon.

 

[Betrisher]

I've got a handheld sewing machine and it's honestly more trouble than it's worth. Threading it is a nightmare and I find I can never get a decent tension established so my stitches don't actually pull apart, leaving a gaping seam. I'd be more than willing to offload - I mean - give you my handheld sewer (I meant that!).

The thing is, you can get an old-time second-machine for next-to nothing. In fact, they're probably much better than the new-fangled models because they have all metal parts and simply never die. I've still got the Singer I was given on my twenty-first birthday and it sews like a demon (will even sew 2mm calf-hide!).

Now, regarding learning a few basic skills.

Most sewing machines (including my nearly-fifty-year-old Singer) have 'fast' and 'slow' settings. You can govern how quickly your needle moves, so no need to be nervous there. It is possible to stitch along at a snail's pace if you so desire, but you'll be surprised how quickly you want to herb along like Jack Brabham (Australian race driver)!

If you want to hem or sew a straight seam to repair a split, most likely you'll want to sew in a straight line, yes? Well a handheld is not going to do that for you because it's all you can do to hold the blessed thing and guide its chomping jaws. Straight sewing is *not* easy! Also, a handheld machine can only cope with certain stable fabrics. It won't do heavy stuff like denim or canvas properly and it certainly won't do flimsy stuff like rayon, viscose, chiffon, etc. A proper sewing machine will.

Finally, if you get a proper sewing machine you have the option to keep extending those basic skills until you become a really accomplished sewist. Who wouldn't want that option? I made all my family's clothing when I was newly married and it saved us a lot of money as well as giving me a massive sense of accomplishment. Oh, and my kids were always receiving compliments for the clothes and being asked where they could be purchased. (Insert smug smirk here).

One other thing I must add is this: DO NOT purchase one of those tiny dinky chain-stitch machines they sell for 'ease of use, space-saving and simplicity'. They're even worse than the handheld jobbies! They skip stitches, break threads and generally cause untold grief. See if you can pick up an old dreadnought from a yard sale and you won't be sorry.

Important:
Ask to see the machine threaded and operated before you buy. Check that it makes proper stitches and doesn't skip any. Check that it's not noisy (could be a sign of a dodgy motor) and that stitches don't bunch up underneath. Ask to see different weight fabric used and compare stitches. Even if a machine is old, it's not worth buying if it no longer works.

If you need any help getting started in your sewing career, do feel free to message me. I *love* sewing and have infected many people with the sewing bug. :22_yikes:

PS. Forgot to add: good brands include Singers older than 1980, Bernina, Janome/New Home, Husqvarna, Toyota, Brother and a few others which I currently disremember.

 

[fiddlejen]

I’m Not a Guru of sewing but I do own a machine and know how to use it. I’ve tried to handheld machine and I could not manage it. I think they require very advanced skills. I would Not recommend a handheld machine ever, especially for a beginner.