Suggestion for Handheld Sewing Machine?

Hello, Hello. I am a gluer, not a sewer.

It all started in 8th grade Home Ec. I plugged in my first sewing machine and BOOM! The wall socket blew. It set the precedence for the rest of the semester, and life for that matter when it came to using a sewing machine. Can't thread 'em, can't keep a straight line, nothin'. It's a mutual misunderstanding.

So, the problem is I discover this site, with these great projects, some of which I can manage sewing by hand, but, alas the really cute ones require the MACHINE.

Long story short, I have limited time, patience and space. Any suggestions for a handheld machine?

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4 replies since 10th April 2010 • Last reply 10th April 2010

Reply #1:

HI! What a funny story! My grandma had a handheld sewing machine, but it never really worked very well, and I don't trust the things either. I've had a lot of problems with my sewing machine, and what has helped me a lot a lot a lot is to have the manual right on the sewing table, especially when threading it. Also, It took me about 3 years to learn how to sew a straight line, and sometimes i still struggle with it. But I made a lot of pillows, and my most helpful tool was masking tape! I would mark about 3 places in the straight line i wanted to sew, then put the masking tape down one side of where i wanted to sew, so that i could just use the tape as a line. I hope that helps! If you have any questions, just ask! =] Good Luck!

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Reply #2:

All of my projects are done by hand. Remember that sewing was around before "the machine," and look at some of the things that were hand-sewn back in the day!

also.... im in the same boat about THE MACHINE. :-D

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Reply #3:

How about trying a hand wound sewing machine. I got mine from a second hand shop, with pocket money I had saved, when I was 9yrs old. The best thing about it is that you have total control over the needle. Most are really basic. Some childrens toy machines are really good too for small projects. I have a really old toy one that's cast iron Happy

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Reply #4:

I've used one before, it looks like a sewing machine but the user twists the wheel for the needle by hand. Its a bit quicker than hand sewing but obviously not as quick as a machine. Has the same 'neat' sewing as a machine though, just google for some. You might find one in your local area.

@Audrey F ~ Love the idea about masking tape! Never thought of that :p

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