If you are looking for a quick and instant gadget to do your garment’s repairs or some craftwork, then all you need is a handheld sewing machine. It is a perfect item to add in your tool kit for traveling or emergency purposes. Have your fallen hems fixed anytime and at any place? Don’t be frustrated if you don’t know how to use a hand sewer because here, I’ll guide you step by step on how to use handheld sewing machine.
But before we learn how to use handheld sewing machine, it’s good to understand what it is and the kind of projects it can handle.
So, What is a Handheld Sewing Machine?
A handheld sewing machine is a portable device that you can use for simple stitching. it is perfect for sewing small tasks like repairing, mending tears, or simple crafts. It is battery-operated, or you can use an adaptor to connect to a power source.
However, this hand stitching machine is not ideal for bigger projects especially when you want to use heavy fabrics. Hence, if you want to purchase a portable handheld stitching machine, you should consider which projects you want to handle.
For instance, handheld sewing cannot produce even and good looking stitches compared to when you use a standard sewing machine. Portable handheld sewing machines comes in different models, and have different capabilities of handling tasks.
For example, some are a bit bigger and can handle relatively larger projects as compared to much smaller ones in size of stapler which handle small tasks. When you understand what their pros and cons are, you will be able to get one that will meet your needs.
Although these handheld machines come in different models, they perform the same and use the same concept. So, no matter which brand you have, this guide is relevant to helping you learn how to use handheld sewing machine.
Parts of the Handheld Sewing Machine
First you need to understand the parts of a hand stitching machine which are;
Rotary wheel – it rises or lowers the needle when turned in either direction.
Safety lock – controls the machine stitching by locking to prevent stitching or unlocking when ready to start sewing.
Fastening plate – used to holds the fabric in place when sewing.
To start, get the handheld sewing machine ready.
How does Handheld Sewing Machine Work?
Handheld machine works using chain stitch. From the top, the stitches looks like ordinary straight stitches, but when you turn the fabric, it’s actually a chain stitch.
This is a major difference from the conventional sewing machines which requires two threads, the top thread and the bobbin thread. The portable sewing machine only uses one thread thus creating a chain stitch.
The chain stitch is formed when the needle goes down through the fabric, the thread hooks underneath leaving a loop as you bring it up. When you lower it again, the needle catches the loop, and leaves another loop when you rise the needle.
The cycle continues creating chain stitches.
Steps on How to use Handheld Sewing Machine
1. Load the Batteries
First engage the lock to avoid pressing the power button accidentally when you are threading the machine. You don’t want to be stitching your fingers. The locking keys are located just beside the power switch.
Then you can load in your batteries. The number of batteries varies between machine brands. Most machines use four AA batteries. There is a space at the bottom of the machine.
Slide open and put in the batteries. There are disposable or rechargeable batteries, you can buy them according to your preference. Check your handheld sewing machine instructions manual to see the correct way to load the batteries into the machine.
You can also use a handy stitch power adaptor, which can be bought at online stores.
2. Thread the Machine and Set up Bobbin
Next step, turn the rotary wheel to rise the needle. And now it’s time to thread your handheld sewing machine.
How to Thread a Handheld Sewing Machine
The machine comes when it’s already threaded, but if not, here are easy steps on how to thread your portable handheld sewing machine.
Step 1: put in the wound bobbin. The machine comes with two pins, a long one is used when you want to use the standard spool of thread. If you want to use the threaded bobbin, then use the small pin.
Put the pin into the spindle hole until it locks or you hear a snap. Be sure not to lose the spring found beneath the bobbin holder.
Step 2: pull the thread end in clockwise direction and pass it through the first thread guide. This guide is just above the spool pin. Pass the thread from the bottom to top.
Step 3: then guide the thread through the tension discs. The thread should run through between the two discs, the tension disc has a knob that you can use to adjust thread tension to give you the desire stitch tension.
Step 4: just below the tension discs there is a hook. Pass the thread through this needle hook.
Step 5: pull the thread and now you can thread the needle. Please note, unlike in the conventional machines where you thread the needle from front to back, threading a hand sewing machine, you pass the thread from back of the needle to the front.
Use a needle threader that comes with the machine to make it easier to pass the thread through the needle eye.
3. Sew Your Garment
And now your machine is properly threaded and ready to sew.
Tip: To make it easier when learning how to use handheld sewing machine, you can place your hand stitching machine on a table.
Then, turn the rotary wheel ones to lower the threaded needle just beneath the fastening plate. Then lift the fastening plate and place the fabric underneath. Finally, lower the needle to the point where you want your stitches to be made.
Disengage the lock and press the power button to start stitching. Note that the fabric will not sew from left to right, but in reverse. Hold the fabric using your left hand when starting to make sure you stitch at the right position.
Once you start stitching, the fabric will pass through the machine easily.
4. Secure the Stitches while using Handheld Sewing Machine
The final part on how to use handheld sewing machine is learning how to secure the stitches.
Because the handheld sewing machine uses chain stitches, you need to be careful on how you secure the ends. The seams can unravel at the slightest pull when left hanging.
The Safe Way to Secure your Sewing to avoid Unraveling
Follow these points
- After you have stitched to the last point in your fabric, hold the last stitch with your thumb and stitch about 6 inches more.
- Switch off the power button and engage the lock to stop sewing, then snip the thread using a seam ripper
- Rise the fastening plate and remove the fabric from the machine.
- Turn the fabric to the back side, then pull the last loop until the thread end comes through to the back side.
- Then pass your needle threader under the last stitch from the back of the fabric leaving a loop. Pass the thread through that loop and pull it tight enough to see it creates a knot.
Conclusion
For all your DIY crafts, hem repairs, having a portable handheld sewing machine will save you a lot of trouble. You will be able to carry it along any event be it on vacation, to seminars, weddings. You don’t want to be embarrassed when an outfit needs to be quickly fixed and you are not in a position to get home.
Having a portable sewing machine in such occasions gives you confidence. Learning how to use handheld sewing machine will help you make quick repairs around the house in no time.
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