How to Operate a Handheld Sewing Machine - Tutorial, by Easy Sewing for Beginners on YouTube. 12 min 22 s.
- Video length
- 12 min 22 s
- Time to do it
- 20 minutes
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Steps
- 9
What you need
Steps
Fit four AA batteries into the base, or plug in the mains adapter. Switch the machine on and check the light comes on when you press the button.
Wind a small amount of thread onto the bobbin by hand, keeping it even and not overfilled. Use the same thread as the top spool so the seam matches.
Open the bobbin cover at the front of the machine. Drop the bobbin in with its thread tail running towards the back, pull the tail through the slot and click the cover shut.
Push the spool onto the spindle on top of the machine. Run the thread through the thread guide and tension slot, following the small arrows moulded on the plastic.
Thread the needle from front to back using the needle threader, then pull about 10 cm of thread through so it hangs free behind the presser foot.
Lift the presser foot lever, slide your fabric underneath and lower the foot so the fabric is held flat. Keep your fingers well back from the needle.
Press and hold the start button. The machine feeds the fabric itself, so guide it gently with light hands and let it move at its own pace.
Release the button at the end of the seam, lift the presser foot and slide the fabric out sideways. Cut the thread, leaving a 10 cm tail.
Tie the top and bobbin threads together at both ends of the seam with a small double knot, then trim the tails. This stops the stitching pulling loose.
Tips and common mistakes
Practise on a scrap of plain cotton first, because the machine struggles with thick, stretchy or slippery fabrics.
Never pull or push the fabric while sewing; forcing it bends the needle and causes skipped stitches.
Unplug the machine or take the batteries out before changing the needle, and keep fingers clear of the needle area.
Batteries fade quickly, so switch to the mains adapter for anything longer than a quick repair.
Questions
What fabrics can a handheld sewing machine sew?
Light to medium weight woven fabrics like cotton, linen and thin polyester work best. Denim, leather, canvas and stretchy knits are usually too thick or too springy for the small motor and needle.
Why does my handheld sewing machine keep skipping stitches?
The most common causes are a needle that is not pushed fully up into its clamp, thread that missed a guide, or a blunt or bent needle. Re-thread the machine from the start and fit a fresh needle.
Can I sew a whole garment with one of these machines?
It is best for hems, seams on small items, curtains and quick repairs. Long straight seams are slow and uneven, so use a full-size machine for bigger projects.
This guide was drafted from the video's details and general task knowledge. It has not been checked against the full video. Check the video and relevant product instructions before following a procedure. Report a correction.
