I picked up one these because I wanted to see if the claims on the box were true. The packaging claims it’s “perfect for quick mending jobs, quilting, scrapbooking, costumes and doll clothing.” For $50.00 I simply had to find out for myself.
I also had an inkling that one of my students on Friday might show up with one of these sewing machines and I wanted to be prepared.
Honestly, this thing reminds me of the 1960’s era Singer Sew Handy sewing machine that I purchased at an antique shop. The Sew Handy is an electric toy sewing machine that can actually sew a nice straight stitch. To me, the Sew Mini is a modern version of the Sew Handy with a zig zag stitch.
The bottom line: if you like to embellish greeting cards or scrapbook pages with stitching, this will definitely fit the bill. If you need to repair lightweight seams or make simple doll clothes and felt crafts, you are probably okay. Restitching a hem on blue jeans? Probably not. Making buttonholes or inserting a zipper? Uh-uh. Piecing a twin size quilt? Nope.
Pros:
Good stitch quality with minimal tension adjustment needed
Uses standard Janome bobbins
Uses regular sewing machine needles
All purpose sewing foot included
Cons:
Only sews at one speed
No needleplate markings for seam allowances
Noisy
Bobbin winder does wind bobbin evenly (you have to help guide the thread)
No light
No carry handle
I know the price point makes the Sew Mini seem like a good investment for a newbie stitcher. Just be aware that if your little stitcher gets bitten by the sewing bug, you will soon be trading up to a machine with more features, increased needle power and greater stitch variety.
And yep, in case you hadn’t already guessed, the Sew Mini has already been boxed up with the receipt and is ready to be returned to the store.
Come Stitch With Me, LLC 