Handheld and mini sewing machines are cheap, small and easy to store. Lots of people get one as a gift, try it once, and give up when the stitches fall out. It’s not you. These little machines work differently to a full-size sewing machine, and nobody tells you how.
Here’s how to use a handheld sewing machine and a mini sewing machine, step by step, and what each one is really good for.
Handheld vs mini sewing machine: what’s the difference?
A handheld sewing machine looks like a big stapler. You hold it in one hand and feed fabric through with the other. Most use one thread and make a chain stitch. A chain stitch is quick, but if you pull the loose end, the whole row can unravel.
A mini sewing machine sits on the table like a full-size machine, just smaller and lighter. Most use two threads, one on top and one in a bobbin underneath. This makes a lockstitch, the same strong stitch a full-size machine makes.
How to use a handheld sewing machine
Every model is a little different, so keep your instruction leaflet nearby. These are the steps most handheld machines follow.
- Power it up. Put in fresh batteries, or plug in the adapter if it has one. Weak batteries cause skipped stitches.
- Put the thread on. Pop the spool onto the spindle and follow the thread guides, usually marked with arrows or a picture on the machine.
- Thread the needle. Turn the wheel until the needle is at its highest point. Thread it in the direction shown on your machine and leave a tail of about 10cm.
- Put the fabric in. Open the clamp, slide the edge of your fabric under the needle, and close it again.
- Sew slowly. Press the switch and let the machine move the fabric. Guide it gently with your other hand. Don’t pull or push, or the needle can bend.
- Take the fabric out. Stop with the needle at its highest point, open the clamp and slide the fabric out.
- Tie it off. Cut the thread, leaving a long tail. Pull the thread tail through the last loop to the back of the fabric and tie a knot. This locks the chain stitch so it can’t unravel.
Top tip: Sew a test row on a scrap of fabric first. If the stitches are loose or skipping, rethread from the start. Nine times out of ten, that fixes it.
How to use a mini sewing machine
A mini sewing machine works much like a full-size one, so these steps will also help when you upgrade.
- Wind the bobbin. Most mini machines have a small winder on top. Wind the bobbin evenly and not too full.
- Put the bobbin in. Drop it into the bobbin case under the needle plate, in the direction shown on the machine.
- Thread the top. Follow the numbered guides from the spool, through the tension discs and the take-up lever, down to the needle.
- Bring up the bobbin thread. Hold the top thread and turn the wheel towards you once. The needle will catch the bobbin thread and pull up a loop. Pull both threads to the back.
- Sew. Lower the presser foot, then press the pedal or button. Most mini machines have a slow and fast setting. Use slow.
- Finish. Stop, turn the wheel so the needle is up, lift the presser foot and pull the fabric out to the back. Snip the threads.
What are they good for?
Handheld sewing machines are best for quick fixes: taking up curtains, a dropped hem, or a fancy dress costume the night before. They’re not strong enough for clothes you’ll wash and wear a lot.
Mini sewing machines are fine for small, light makes like coasters, scrunchies and simple bags. They’re a nice first machine for children. They struggle with thick fabric and several layers, like denim seams.
If you want to make clothes, a simple full-size machine is worth it. A budget one is fine. I explain what to look for in my best sewing machine for beginners UK guide.
Common problems and quick fixes
- Stitches falling out: on a handheld, you haven’t tied off the end. On a mini machine, check the bobbin is in the right way round.
- Thread snapping: rethread, and check the thread isn’t caught on the spool.
- Fabric not moving: make sure the clamp or presser foot is down.
- Needle bent or broken: you may have pulled the fabric. Fit a new needle and let the machine do the work.
- Skipped stitches: try new batteries and a new needle.
What to sew first
Practise straight lines on scrap fabric, then try something small and flat. Coasters and scrunchies are perfect on a mini machine. Find more ideas in 16 easy beginner sewing projects, and learn which stitch to use for what in my guide to types of sewing stitches.
Learn how to sew the Nanna Betty way
Nanna Betty Sewing School starts with how to thread your machine, how to start sewing, and what to do when it won’t sew. Short videos you can watch on your phone, and every make takes 2 hours or less.
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