You can learn how to use handheld sewing machine in just three steps. This article will teach you the easiest way to set up the handheld machine and even sew with it. You’ll also find out if it’s a machine suitable for your needs.
Besides modern models, our blog also teaches about traditional sewing machines. For example, we have an article on how to polish a vintage Singer sewing machine that you can check out for proper maintenance of this common antique.
How Do You Use A Handheld Sewing Machine?
Step 1. Set up the handheld sewing machine
- Refer to the manual of the specific handheld sewing machine you have and study it
- Note the type of batteries and how to insert them on the sewing machine
- Be sure to secure the machine beforehand for safety in case you accidentally switched the power on
Step 2. Set up the bobbin and thread the needle
- It’s easy to learn how to set up a sewing machine, and the process is applicable even with handheld models
- Start by setting the bobbin up, as this is something you’ll do each time you’ll have a new thread
- Thread the needle by having the thread through the guide, tension discs, and then into the loop
- Use the needle threader if you’re having trouble hooking the thread into the loop
- Secure the bobbin by turning the wheel located under the plate of the sewing machine
Step 3. Test and sew
- After preparing the handheld sewing machine, test it on a piece of scrap fabric to get a feel for it
- There’s a mechanism you must unlock before activating the switch
- Guide the mini sewing machine and observe how it moves to get used to it
- Secure the stitches you’ve made
- Turn the sewing machine off after every thread and reposition the plate before working again
How To Use Singer Handheld Sewing Machine
- Review the manual of your Singer handheld sewing machine
- Check if you’ve flicked the off switch
- Turn the wheel to raise the needle arm to the highest level
- Raise the fastening plate and place a cloth underneath it before releasing
- Pull around 2 inches of thread from back to front of the needle
- Flick the on switch with your dominant hand supporting the device and the other holding the cloth to control its movement
- Sew straight by following the line on the fastening plate
- You can adjust the sewing machine tension by turning the control right if it’s too loose and left if it’s too tight
- Once finished, raise the needle arm and pull the thread around 3 inches before cutting
- Lower the needle into the material and turn the wheel to raise the needle arm
- Lift the plate and remove the material to the left
- If you need to replace the needle on your Singer handheld model, use a screwdriver to loosen the set screw and remove the current needle
- Install the new needle with its flat side facing the front of the device
Are Handheld Sewing Machines Easy To Use?
Generally speaking, handheld sewing machines are very easy to use, even for beginners. If you’re someone who wouldn’t be spending extended hours sewing a project, you can save space and effort with the small handheld sewing machine over a standard one. It also works fast and consistently rather than sewing by hand.
Are handheld sewing machines worth it?
A handheld sewing machine works if you only see yourself doing simple sewing tasks every few months. It is also small enough to carry for travel and you don’t need an outlet since it’s battery-operated. Those who don’t have the patience to learn a traditional sewing machine can benefit from the straightforward handheld model.
How Do You Thread A Hand Sewing Machine?
- Study your mini sewing machine’s manual and familiarize yourself with the diagram
- Connect the bobbin to the spindle and then to the spring
- Place the spindle into the allocated hole and secure it in place
- Hold the thread of the bobbin and guide it through the hole above the spindle and into the tension control knob
- Thread the hole below the knob and thread the needle with a needle threader
- Pull some thread through the needle, and you’re done
Do Handheld Sewing Machines Work On Jeans?
Not all handheld sewing machines are alike, and some models can work on most fabrics, including denim. Check the features of the mini device to know if you can mend your expected materials with it. Some will even work on challenging fabrics such as wool.
Can You Backstitch With A Handheld Sewing Machine?
The handheld sewing machine can only sew in reverse. So you can’t expect the mini device to sew from left to right, but you only need to hold the fabric as it will work through the machine on its own.
Conclusion
And that’s it! We just discussed how to use handheld sewing machine, and it’s relatively simple. You only need to put on the batteries, thread the device, and practice sewing. However, always study the manual of the specific model you have before using it.
Do you also want to know the proper maintenance of sewing machines at home? Then, read our tutorial on how to service a sewing machine yourself.