What is the difference between a Mini Sewing Machine and a Handheld Sewing Machine
There are many differences between a mini sewing machine and a handheld sewing machine. This educational article will shine some light on their differences, pros and cons of each and how to decide which one is best for you!
Mini Sewing Machine
Mini Sewing Machines have become extremely popular over the last decade for good reason.
A mini machine is an excellent way to get started in your sewing endeavor, especially if you don’t want to make a big initial investment. The beauty of mini machines is that they are small and light in size, so they are easy to store, carry and travel with. They can also be a great back up for smaller projects.
Mini sewing machines may be small in size, but they have great features and solid reliability. Their compact size makes them easily portable and a great option for beginners. Sew anywhere, at any time, and make your sewing practice a mobile endeavor! Many mini Sewing Machines have a battery powered option which makes this possible.
Using a portable sewing machine is also a wonderful way to teach a child to sew. These small machines have the option may use a slower speed, so they are very safe and easy to learn on whether you are a child or an adult.
Mini sewing machines are also easy to use right out of the box and are great gift ideas. They are compact and take up very little room, whereas regular sized sewing machines can be heavy and quite large.
Besides consuming little storage space, mini sewing machines have other excellent features that make them a must-have household item. They are fairly easy to operate, capable of doing a variety of jobs, consume less power and are stylish with a modern look.
Pros of Mini Sewing Machines:
Lightweight
Portable
Affordable
Easy Stitching – Wonderful for beginner sewing endeavors and for a first machine to learn on.
Easy to use right out of the box.
Usually comes with everything you need to begin sewing.
Easy to store.
Great for beginners and children, and experienced sewers may find them useful as well as a good backup machine.
Negatives of Mini Sewing Machines:
Slightly slower. It is not uncommon for a Mini Sewing Machine to be a little slower than a regular machine. However, most mini machines have two speed options, with one being slower and one being faster. Beginners and children will enjoy the slightly slower pace as it is easier to learn and control.
Difficulty with sewing thick fabrics and several layers of fabric.
Some mini machines may be built with cheap materials. It is important to check the reviews on any potential machine you may purchase and read up on it thoroughly before you purchase it.
Handheld Sewing Machine
There are a ton of Handheld Sewing Machines on the market today – they have literally taken over the sewing world!
Not everyone needs to sit at a table and sew for hours on end. Perhaps you are not a great sewer, or you have never even tried to sew. Maybe you just need to mend or repair something here and there. If so, a Handheld Sewing Machine could be your best option simply for the ease and price!
The beauty of these tiny machines is that they can be used while sitting or standing, and have the ability to make sewing more practical and easy for any individual. Anyone can use them, and you can also bring your Mini Sewing Machine traveling for enjoyment, or just in case you need a mending job done fast. You can even store them in a drawer and carry them in your purse or shoulder bag.
Handheld Sewing Machines are fabulous for quick projects around the house, such as mending curtains or drapes without taking them down. You can even use them to mend your clothes without taking them off! They are also incredible for sewing on buttons and other little tasks like this.
A handheld machine is also more convenient and much faster than sewing with a simple needle and thread. In general, they come pre-threaded so you do not need to worry about guiding your thread through the needle hole, which can be frustrating and time consuming. A handheld machine also does more accurate stitching, and you will not risk poking your fingers with the needle!
Positives of Handheld Machines:
Fits In Your Hand
Convenient
Portable
Easy to fix your clothing without taking it off
Carry it in your purse/travel bag
Don’t need much storage space
Many can be plugged in or used with batteries
Perfect for small alterations
Comes pre-threaded
Accurate and clean stitching
Negatives of Handheld Machines
Cheaply made and not very durable
Difficult to stitch thick fabrics or several layers of thinner fabrics
Stitches don’t hold as well as a mini/regular machine
Only helpful for small projects
It can be difficult to put the fabric in place
There are so many positives regarding Mini Handheld Sewing Machines. If you need some basic and speedy stitching at the fraction of a price of a Mini/Regular Sewing Machine, this very well may be the perfect fit for you!
All in all, the Handheld Sewing Machine is extremely affordable and will get small jobs done quickly. The small investment is worth having one as a quick back up if needed.
Challenges of Sewing Machines:
One of the greatest difficulties sewers have with all types of sewing machines is with understanding the instructions and how to use them. Often times new sewers use YouTube for quick how-to videos and find them to be a much simpler and less frustrating alternative to reading the regular instructions.
So, here’s the answer to the question if a Handheld or Mini Sewing Machine is worth getting or not:
It really depends on your needs and expectations. We highly recommend looking through the pros and cons lists of both the handheld sewing machine and the mini sewing machine in order to determine which machine best meets your needs. When it comes to purchasing a sewing machine, it is always worth the extra money to upgrade your machine if you require it for more extensive projects. This will save you from hours of frustration and wasting money.
Like anything, it can be helpful to speak with a friend who has experience using sewing machines and ask for their advice.
In the land of sewing, there is always something for everyone!
