Mini sewing machines

I know these have not received the best reviews from what I've seen in the past, but I'm wondering if anyone has had any positive experiences, or if you could recommend one. I'm not expecting an awesome machine, but my full sized Singer just broke... And I was just starting to use it on cards! I'd like to have something small for my craft room that can do a straight and zigzag stitch and that I don't have to fight with constantly (like I did with my singer). Any help would be greatly appreciated!

I love my Janome Sew Mini. It's a pretty small machine, especially compared to full sized ones. You can get one at Hancock Fabrics. They go on sale every once in a while. I got mine for $40. It does both straight and zigzag.

The only down side is that it doesn't have a light. It's not a big issue for me, since I have Ott Lites in my scrap room, but it could be an issue for others, so I thought I'd mention it.

I had a small craft sewing machine (not sure of the brand) from Michaels. I didn't like it and have gone back to using my good old Kenmore.

Most people I know use their regular sewing machines. I don't use either but have both bazzil stitches and the new sew easy tool.
I had no luck w/the mini machine but I'm kinda sewing-challenged!

I think it depends on your personal preference. I really want a mini sewing machine! As much as I love my big awesome machine; I used to have a mini as a kid and I found it easier to manage, less complicated and in the end, because it was so easy to use - I was able to get more creative.

It is definitely on my to buy list.

Be careful not to buy a machine that does a chain stitch, like the new hand-held Singer. I got one at Michaels for less than $10 with a coupon, thinking it did a lock stitch, but returned it the next day when I took a look at the sample stitched piece of fabric inside the box and saw a chain stitch on the underside.

A lock stitch machine should work with a main thread for the top side, plus a bobbin for the underside of the fabric.

I have a cute little blue one (um, I can't recall the brand, but will try to find it). For paper it is awesome. However, I am doing a ton more sewing of fabric and such and ended up getting one that is a bit more heavy duty. I still use that little one for traveling and such though (it can be tucked in a tote bag and off I go with it).

Thanks so much for the advice, everyone! I ended up ordering a 1/2 size Kenmore, which I'm pretty sure is the same machine as the Janome Sew Mini (the Janome was not available in Canada, and I wanted to get it quickly, so Hancock wasn't an option). It looks the same as the Janome Sew Mini (the base, threading mechanisms and spool holders etc are identical) but has slightly different knobs, but the exact same functions. I've also read that many of the Kenmore machines are made by Janome, so I'm hoping it will be as good as the Sew Mini because it seems to have good reviews.

Thanks again, everyone, and I'll let you know what I think when I get it (tomorrow!)

Yah! Please tell us about it!

• mercytiara Said:

oh...that is the brand of my little blue machine. Mine rocks so hopefully yours does too.