Thread: hand sewing machine?

A student sent me this--anyone heard of it and how it works?

"Just a question about sewing machines - do those little hand held sewing machines work? I've seen them in magazines and am wondering if they would work on hemming and other easy things."

i'm going to hem a veil for her--at least she's trying to figure it out for herself.

That would be something like this: Singer Stitch Sew Quick Hand Held Sewing Machine*: craft sewing machines*: sewing machines*: sewing & quilting*: Shop | Joann.com

I have played with them once or twice in a theatrical setting where it was used for emergencies and the costumes couldn't be removed. I found them to be clumsy at best. But I am sure there is a learning curve and some people are going to be able to use them with out a problem.

I would think that most fabric we use for veils would be difficult at best simply because of the fact that it's slippery and doesn't really have much of a form, which seems to be a requirement for really proficient use of the hand held jobbies.

{{{HUGS}}}

I think the short answer is, "You get what you pay for." An inexpensive sewing machine designed for people who don't do much sewing is not going to do the same quality work as a "real" sewing machine. The ones I've seen are not much better than toys, and in the particular case of handhelds, it is difficult to get a straight seam, because you don't have the two hands and stable surface for feeding fabric that you have when using a conventional machine. You can buy a low-end, traditional sewing machine for $75-$100, maybe less if you hit it lucky at a garage sale/eBay/Craigslist.

Walmart offers a decent, inexpensive sewing machine for appx $80.

i wonder who will teach her how to sew-----i guess if she's really determined.

This is a beginner---has been to 3 classes. It's the wife of my nice mailman that i've had for years. My class attendance has been down(like everyone else!!) so i am going over backwards to be a good teacher--thoughtful, never crabby!!!( i can try!!)

hopefully she knows someone who can help her, i'll hem the veil for her this time.

I've used the hand held machines- not impressed at all- it will give you a decent stitch, but, if I remember correctly, it is just one thread source, so if you miss one stitch, or something pulls, there goes the whole line (like when you snag/break a crochet or knit item) I thought they were pretty pointless since I can hand sew about as fast as the machines go. Gimmick.

Originally Posted by Lara L

...it is just one thread source, so if you miss one stitch, or something pulls, there goes the whole line...

Yes. This is called a chain stitch, as opposed to the lock stitch most "regular" machines do. Think of the sewn closed end on a large bag of pet food, this is a chain stitch. They have their place, but not on a BD costume!

I'm actually looking for a "real" chain stitcher.

My daughter, who is BIG into Amine conventions and cosplaying has one of these that she takes to all the conventions she goes to. She has done numerous 'on the spot repairs' for many people. She LOVES hers!!