Mini Sewing Machines: Worth It? | The Daily Sew

[@TheDailySew]

A little Update: Last week I got the $$$ Machine (Doyner) out to use. My (large) dog ran into the cord and the machine fell one foot from the table onto the padded chair. The machine broke. The take away: These machines are not heavy-duty. Be gentle with them.

[@zehryx]

This is so, so helpful! We have a big, fancy machine somewhere in storage, but I'm sure it comes with a big learning curve :) Hopefully a smaller machine with less functions would kickstart me in sewing!

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks! Big machines with a hundred functions do have a huge learning curve. Or you can be like me and learn how to do the 3 things I need most, and then stop learning ;-) One day, I tell myself (for over 2 years), I will get out the manual, sit down and learn the embroidery function.

[@andyruina]

The big machine may well be as easy or easier to learn. Really.

[@mahmutersincrpc2016]

Moy son interetested as birthday gift and he doesn't know English require enough to check international channels. To help him have broad prspective, I run into your channel. I'm so glad your methodology. Best review for novice enthusiastics.

[@TheDailySew]

thank you

[@barnabyvonrudal1]

I have a machine a bit like the magic fly. I couldn't even thread it and gave up (I'm a complete novice). That was the end of my sewing machine experience. I'll have to dig it out and try again.... I really liked the comparisons, really useful.

[@TheDailySew]

They are a bit fiddly to thread. I find using long tweezer s helped to get the thread through the tiny parts that are hard to see. - Well, there you go - tiny holes in places you can't see well is exactly why it's hard to thread these mini machines ;-)

[@andyruina]

First: Great job overall. Interesting. Second. I think that when you got puckering it might be because the bobbin tension is/was too high. If the bobbin tension is too high, when you balance the tensions, the top and bottom together are to tight, gathering the fabric. I don't know if the machines give you control of the bobbin tension.

[@TheDailySew]

thanks for the tip - I know on my pricey machine I can adjust the bobbin tension (It's a little screw on the bobbin case) But these machines don't have a way to adjust the bobbin

[@mojoomla]

Thank you for this exhaustive comparison of portable sewing machines. Very painstakingly and passionately done. Very useful.

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you

[@mojoomla]

@@TheDailySew My pleasure. Your video is really very neatly done. So much relevant info and lovely presentation. Please continue your good work. Whether you know it or not, it helps people all over the world. I am from India.

[@TheDailySew]

@@mojoomla💛💚💜 thanks

[@coldnosecollege]

This was an excellent review, both with information and your filming) and filled with solid information for a soon-to-be beginner who's trying to learn about today's sewing machines before I purchase one. I enrolled in your Garment Pattern Drafting class in November in JCCFS and may be in over my head. I sewed prolifically as teenager, but haven't touched a sewing machine in 50 years. It'll be a huge learning experience for me. Thanks for recommending other more substantial machines too.

[@TheDailySew]

Oh! I'm so excited you'll be coming in November!!! You will not be in over your head. I promise. I will bring my "student" machine along (a Bernette machine) so you can try it out. It's a great machine for the $$. And thanks for your kind words about this video ;-)

[@caryInfoXX]

Well done and send thanks and good health. Again, thanks from a beginner; just the level of detail needed.

[@TheDailySew]

Thanks for watching the video. 😊

[@fritzferrante]

I think that writing a review is tough because you have to develop the criteria that forces you to be objective. You did a great job in this case. I thought the feature comparison was super informative, but as you tried them out, I could see the obvious issues and I'm not even a person that sews. I'm going to stare over my wife's shoulder as she's making a quilt and point out all the features. She has a Vignorelli. I'll probably get an elbow for my troubles.

[@TheDailySew]

Oh, a Vignorelli? I wouldn't mind a spin with that machine - Some people dream about driving exotic cars- I want to try out sewing machines ;-) Thanks for the feedback. I thought going into the video it was going to be pretty easy, but I was once again mistaken.

[@raindrops_falling]

Thank you so much for making this video. I wish I had seeing it before I bought my Singer M1000. I am finding out that I enjoy sewing and lot and I should have saved a little more for a better sewing machine. Thanks again.

[@TheDailySew]

I'm really glad you are enjoying sewing because my selfish mission is to get everyone sewing, and then fabric stores will come back ;-) The Singer you bought is pretty good though and buying it was worth not spending $500 on a really good machine and then realizing you don't enjoy sewing. (bright side, right?) Maybe you don't have to wait until it dies to replace it. Perhaps you could sell it? I would think other folks want to try sewing without investing too much in case they don't really like it.

[@raindrops_falling]

@@TheDailySew Thank you very much. Fabric stores are so much fun to visit!!! I found your channel today and I am looking forward to checking other videos. I know that I have much to learn but it does look like a lot of fun and you explain things in a way that is easy to understand. Thanks again and all the best.

[@TheDailySew]

@@raindrops_falling Thank you!

[@qormi1000]

Great review. Thank you. I am after a new machine as my work horse is getting tired, and I agree better to spend more money and get a better one.

[@TheDailySew]

yes!

[@jenniek4617]

Thank you this was exactly the review I was looking for. I am thinking about getting a very small machine to take on holiday so I can make patchwork and I’ve looked at all of these options. To see someone actually using and comparing is perfect. You’ve confirmed my suspicions in that you get what you pay for. The top end Singer is definitely the way to go for my needs. Many thanks indeed. Oh by the way, I’m a pretty experienced sewer but still managed to sew through the tip of my finger rushing to get an appliquéd letter on an apron! I wasn’t using the foot pedal and couldn’t get to stop button quick enough! I said quite a few choice words I can tell you…thankfully it’s all better now but I’m not sure about the machine 😂

[@TheDailySew]

ouch! I'm glad your finger is better now. And I'm glad the video was helpful. Another good less expensive machine would be the "beginner" machine from Brother. When I did this video it was slightly over $100. It's a full size machine but would be a good one for traveling or taking with you to any classes or sewing sessions away from home.

[@mariepla1370]

About 10 years ago. I bought a regular size Brother Machine for $ 47.00 at Walmart, and I still use it. About 5 years ago, I bought a Molly machine . Cost was $ 450.00. I used it for a while. I find myself using the Brother more. LOL.

[@TheDailySew]

Funny! Brother certainly makes good sewing machines. Sometimes the basic machines, because they only do the basic stitches + a couple and not dozens of stitches, they do them really well. And the machine itself is designed to be simple to use. I think I know which Brother model you mean because a student I taught had one. They're great machines for the money. The Babylock Molly model looks good though. A lot like my old New Home (now Janome) and that last 33 years of heavy use and abuse. You got some nice machines

[@tomasfarfan48]

Great explanation, your information was really useful

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you. I try not to blather on too much (I have been guilty of it though)

[@jwall6006]

I actually sewed through my finger. My 4 year old grandson reached up to my sewing machine and I grabbed his hand and it continued to sew because I don’t use my presser foot, and the needle went 3 stitches through my pinky finger before I could stop it.

[@TheDailySew]

ouch! That hurts just reading that.

[@abbienetvisions]

Thanks for all the great info

[@TheDailySew]

I'm glad you like it!

[@clairemarie-peterson2411]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@TheDailySew]

Thank you!

[@EviMlcak]

Which ones are less noisy? I believe the bigger ones.

[@TheDailySew]

😆 You are correct! The Singer M1000 was the quietest and smoothest. Some sewing machines bounce as they sew (especially the lighter-weight machines) but the Singer did a good job of holding steady

[@ShirleyReid-l5m]

Where do you oil these mini machines

[@TheDailySew]

I would apply a drop to the bobbin hook and the shaft that lifts the needle up and down. The bobbin hook spins inside another ring and those two metal parts shouldn't be rubbing against each other without lubricant. Where the needle shaft moves in and out of the upper part of the machine also needs lubricant to move smoothly. Great question

[@Kaila999]

Re the Donyer machine, perhaps the finger guide is for children.

[@TheDailySew]

Yes, it probably is. But you have to remove it in order to thread the needle - and figure out how to put it back ;-)

[@artnatureandlife1850]

I am in Pakistan and 300 dollars is a fortune for me. If you are willing to discard one of the machines you've reviewed in the video, I'd be happy if you send it to me. I'm ready to settle for any machine, no matter how frustrating.

[@TheDailySew]

$300 is a lot of money. As far as the machines in the video one took a tumble and broke. Two others have gone to young people where I live so they can mend and make clothes. I mailed a machine across country and it broke so I really don't believe the cheap mini machine would survive a trip around the world.

[@artnatureandlife1850]

​@@TheDailySew😢😢😢 Thank anyway for replying. Stay blessed.

[@fZionists78]

Beautiful woman.