How to use handheld sewing machine? This article will give you a step-by-step guide and tips for using your handheld sewing machine. Today, we would like to introduce you to the handheld sewing machine as well as provide some guides and tips for using it!
It might sound strange but the name itself makes us confused about its functions. The handheld sewing machine is a kind of portable sewing tool for quick mending and/or sewing which shaped like an electric racket.
It’s not only used to sew but also to cut the fabrics, especially it’s used for cutting cloth, such as jeans, leather clothing, curtains, etc where big scissors can’t be used.
In this article, we will talk about how to use a handheld sewing machine. Handheld sewing machines are the most versatile of all types of machines and they can be used for almost every purpose.
What Is A Handheld Sewing Machine?
A handheld sewing machine is a portable and compact sewing machine that does not come with a stand. The machine’s design allows it to be easily taken from place to place.
A handheld sewing machine can also be used as an everyday sewing machine, without the need for a stand. Handheld sewing machines are great for simple tasks, such as hemming pants or curtains, repairing a small hole in clothing, etc.
Handle machines with care and treat them with the utmost respect because they are delicate devices. They are not meant to complete heavy-duty projects.
Handheld sewing machines are much easier to store than their larger cousins. It is very easy to stow them away when not in use. Even though they are smaller, they give you the same basic functionality as other sewing machines.
Some handheld sewing machines even come with an automatic needle threader, which makes it much easier. There is no limit to what the machine can do such as zigzag or buttonhole stitches.
The machine has a power source that is usually batteries or an AC adapter. These machines are generally easy to use for beginners because they come with many different stitches and accessories.
A handheld sewing machine is used for regular home sewing, camping, tailoring, fashion design, quilting, and much more. This type of sewing machine may be small in size, but it is a great alternative to traditional machines. They are also inexpensive and make great gifts for children or sewing enthusiasts.
Pros Of Handheld Sewing Machine
The handheld sewing machine is a portable and convenient sewing machine. It has various functions and can be used in multiple ways. As a result, it saves time and money when compared to normal sewing machines.
This device is lightweight and easy to carry from one place to the next which is a good thing if you’re on the go. For example, if you’re someone who likes to sew on the fly then this might be a good option for you! It’s also less expensive than some machines that are available on the market today.
Cons of handheld sewing machine
The downside of a handheld sewing machine is that it has only one hand and is not as stable and controlled as a foot-operated sewing machine. The other downside is that the sewers need to be skilled in using the sewing machine since there are no knee levers for control. The drawbacks of a handheld sewing machine do not outweigh the benefits.
Benefits of Using Handheld Sewing Machine
There are many benefits of using this machine, but one of the most important is that it’s easy to use for people who don’t like sewing machines. It is very easy to make small stitches with the handheld sewing machine. With this, you can do hemming on clothes or put in elastic without needing an ironing board.
Another benefit is that you can use it to sew an object with a hard surface. For example, some shoes are made of very hard plastic. A handheld machine has the advantage in that it can make stitches on these surfaces while other machines cannot do it.
This machine makes it easy to sew without needing too much space. Because there is no large foot pedal on this machine, you can easily use it anywhere. You can also get creative with its functionality by using this machine in new ways.
A handheld sewing machine is great for beginners who are just getting started. Even experienced sewers can use this device to get under way on a project. It’s easy to carry around and doesn’t require too much space.
This machine is small and compact so you can bring it with you anywhere you need to do sewing projects. You can also store the handheld sewing machine in a drawer when not in use if you need to save space.
It is also possible to do decorative stitches with this machine. You can use thicker thread to make the stitches and then decorate your clothing or other projects.
Another good thing about using a handheld sewing machine is that it has a small motor, so you don’t have to worry too much about the machine overheating. Your hands won’t hurt even after a long period of sewing with this machine because you hold it with one hand while making the stitches with the other.
It is also easy to make clothing alterations using this sewing machine, especially for children or people who are not tall. You can easily reach and lift fabric to the machine without any difficulty.
The handheld sewing machine has great advantages, but it also has disadvantages, so you need to consider your needs before buying one.
You should consider the weight of this machine if you want to bring it with you everywhere. You don’t want a heavy machine that is too bulky for storage or travel.
Since the design is very simple and there are not a lot of moving parts, the handheld sewing machine may break down quickly. This will be wasteful and inconvenient for you if it happens frequently.
How To Use Handheld Sewing Machine?
Set Up The Batteries And Bobbin
Setting up the batteries and bobbin are two of the first steps you’ll need to take in order to operate your handheld sewing machine. The selection of the appropriate battery size varies depending on the model of your handheld sewing machine.
Depending on the type of handheld sewing machine you have, this step can consist in placing a loaded or empty bobbin into its compartment and winding thread around it for later use.
After successfully setting up your batteries, you will then need to wind a bobbin. This is done simply by placing the thread in the little hole on your handheld sewing machine and then pushing it to the bottom so that you can wind the wheel.
Prepare The Fabric
The next step is to prepare the fabric for sewing. This is easily done by laying it on a flat surface where you will later place your handheld sewing machine.
You will want to place the fabric so that it is neither too loose nor too tight. Too loose fabrics will be difficult to control while sewing and will likely cause your stitches to not come out even.
Before threading up your handheld sewing machine, it’s important that you have your fabric prepared. You must lay out your fabric flat on a table or another strong work surface so that you can easily access the fabric as it moves through your machine.
Needle Threading
The next step is to thread the machine with a needle and some threading material. To do this, turn your handheld sewing machine face down so that you can see its compartment for holding the bobbin.
Then, clip the threader onto the top of your handheld stitching machine and pull it back toward you. Afterward, use this threaded needle to push your thread into the bobbin compartment.
In order to operate your handheld sewing machine, you must first thread it properly with a needle and some threading material. Simply open up the lid of your machine and start trying to find the bobbin compartment.
Once found, simply clip the threader in and pull it back so that you can use the threaded needle to push your thread into the bobbin compartment.
Get Sewing!
And at last, after following all of these steps you can finally get to sewing! Just place your handheld sewing machine onto your fabric and slowly start moving it across the material while simultaneously pushing the pedal down on the bottom. If done properly, this should cause your handheld sewing machine to make some stitches.
If your handheld sewing machine is having a hard time keeping up with stitching, try turning the stitch length down. Cool, so now you know how to sew using a handheld sewing machine! It’s really not very difficult at all.
The final step is getting started with your actual stitching. Simply place your handheld sewing machine on top of the fabric you want to work on and slowly lower it down as you push the button on its bottom. If done right, this should cause your sewing machine to start stitching!
Remove Fabric And Unwind Bobbin
Once you have completed a sewing project, the last step is to remove the fabric from your handheld sewing machine and unwind the bobbin. For most models of handheld sewing machines, this can be done by simply pressing a button that will cause the compartment holding the bobbin to open up.
However, if you have a handheld sewing machine with an automatic bobbin winder, keep in mind that this step can be very time-consuming and may require you to separate the fabric into multiple layers.
When you’re done using your handheld sewing machine, the final step is to remove your fabric from its compartment and raise its needle up out of the working position. To do this, most models of handheld sewing machines require you to simply press a button that will cause the compartment holding your bobbin to open up.
But if you’re using a model with an automatic bobbin winder, keep in mind that this step can be very time-consuming and may require you to separate the fabric into multiple layers.
Replace/Remove Battery
At the end of your project, if you have a handheld sewing machine with an electric motor, remember to replace or remove its batteries. If it uses rechargeable batteries, be sure to charge them up again before using your sewing machine for another round of stitching.
If you’re using a model that has an electric motor, the final step is to eventually replace or remove its batteries. If they are rechargeable batteries, make sure they’re charged up and ready before your next round of stitching.
If you’re using a model that runs on batteries, the final step is to eventually replace or remove them depending on how long your battery was lasting. If it’s rechargeable, make sure the battery is charged up before continuing another round of stitching.
Stitch Securing Button
If you have a handheld sewing machine with an automatic bobbin winder, always remember to move the stitch securing button on your machine to this position and only use the top speed setting. If you’re using a model that doesn’t automatically wind bobbins, keep in mind that this step is not necessary.
If you’re using a model of handheld sewing machine that has an automatic bobbin winder, always remember to move the stitch securing button on your machine into its locked position and only use the top speed setting. If you’re using a model that doesn’t automatically wind bobbins, keep in mind that this step is not necessary.
20 Tips For Using Handheld Sewing Machine
1. Adjust the handwheel while sewing to avoid the fabric from turning while stitching and use a seam guide for managing seam allowances and accurate marking.
2. Practice using a hand sewing machine with scrap fabric before using it on expensive and delicate fabrics.
3. Always start with a buttonhole stitch if you are going to be making buttonholes so that the stitches have a base to go through.
4. Keep the handwheel at a distance from the needle, keep hands well away from the needle, take care when pressing fingers against the needle, don’t press too hard or use too much pressure when pulling threads through the fabric.
5. Keep your hands well away from the needle when it is in motion, do not attempt to pull threads through fabrics until you are familiar with using a sewing machine and have made sure that the needle has moved forward to the end of its travel.
6. Be careful when adjusting tension settings or moving work position relative to fabric layers, use proper presser foot and guide when sewing different thicknesses of layers.
7. Use a handhold sewing machine at high speed only after getting some practice and use it for straight seams only on light to medium weight fabrics such as muslin, silk organza, batiste, and lace.
8. Do not pull the fabric while hand-holding tissue paper pattern on top of the fabric, hold the pattern in place with your other hand.
9. Do not use pins when cutting out tissue paper patterns, cut it using sharp scissors or a utility knife blade to avoid injury while sewing.
10. When turning corners, allow the fabric to turn freely under the foot instead of working against it so that all stitches are correctly tensioned and even this will avoid fabric puckering and creating a weaker seam.
11. Always use weight on the underside of your sewing projects such as bobbins, scraps of fabric, or quilting cotton to hold it in place while using a hand-held sewing machine, otherwise it could get out of control because you will not be able to stitch without any power from your machine.
12. When a seam is completed, backstitch only the ends and knot with hand sewing techniques to avoid creating a thick lump on the fabric’s surface by stitching over the same place several times.
13. Do not pull the fabric too tight towards you when using a handheld sewing machine as it may cause serious injury to you. When using a handheld sewing machine, take care to avoid injury and keep your work space clean.
14. Use a bright light to see the needle properly when stitching, do not use another person’s eyesight as it will be faulty and thus your sewing would imperfect.
15. Do not sew too fast as you might lose control over your machine and stitch incorrectly creating tears on the fabric surface.
16. Make sure that all the work pieces are correctly fitted together to avoid shifting them while stitching, this would create a poor finish.
17. Take care not to sew over pins as it might be difficult to remove the fabric from beneath the presser foot and could cause serious injury out of carelessness.
18. There should be enough space for fabric movement before and after sewing, if it is difficult to move the fabric for your handheld machine then use a walking foot on the underside.
19. To avoid tangling and breaking of thread or damaging the machine parts, remove all thread from tension disks and wind bobbins first and keep them locked in their cases when not in use.
20. When stitching large pieces of fabric, stretch them as much as possible and keep the seam allowances pressed flat.
FAQs
Do you need to oil or clean my handheld sewing machine regularly?
Yes, the sewing machine will need to be oiled and cleaned regularly in order to prevent any build-up of dirt and gunk. You should be cleaning your machine after every use. You can also choose to oil your machine, but it is not necessary.
What is the best way to clean a handheld sewing machine?
The best way to clean a handheld sewing machine is with a brush. The brush can be a toothbrush, a nail brush, an old toothbrush, etc. With the machine turned off and opened up all the way for access, lightly scrub along with the interior of each slot while also clearing away any lint that might have collected at the bottom of each one.
Surfaces should then be wiped down using a damp cloth or rag to remove any remaining oils from your fingers. Finally, there are products out there specifically designed to orient dust particles so they naturally fall away from surfaces over time without needing scrubbing efforts from you!
Can you sew with thick fabric using a handheld sewing machine or should it be limited to thin fabrics or knits?
Handheld sewing machines are best for thin fabrics and not limited to – you can sew with a handheld machine on almost any fabric.
If the project is going to be one that requires a lot of stitching then it’s probably better to use a conventional sized machine because the weight of the stitches will more than likely pull on the stitches, making them uneven and frayed.
This could result in excessive amounts of lint from wear from tightening threads as well as more difficulty if trying tight corners, pivoting, zig-zag stitching, or other things a conventional machine would do without an issue.
Conclusion
It is important to first understand the features of a handheld sewing machine. A typical one has several presser feet, which are different types for different functions such as gathering fabric or attaching lace.
The handwheel moves the needle up and down, while the foot pedal controls things like speed of stitching and reverse stitch functionality. You can also use it with other machines by using an adapter plate that converts your serger into a zigzag machine.
It’s best to read through an instruction manual before you start working on any project so you know how to make adjustments if necessary! We hope you know how to use handheld machine after reading our reviews in 2021.