Is Handy Stitch
as Good as the TV ads say?

Reviewers agree that they are difficult to use and unsatisfactory.

TV infomercials and other marketing make the following claims about the little hand held sewing machine. (My comments follow in italics):

• It has the power of larger, more expensive machines. Most sewing machines do cost more, and most also have more power. Remember that this machine runs on batteries.

• It's great for quick repairs like sewing curtains on the rod or mending your pants without taking them off (See reviewers' opinions below.)

  

• It can be used indoors or outdoors. True, if you can get it to work.

• Even if you've never sewn a stitch, you will sew like a pro. Experienced reviewers did not agree.

• So compact you can store it in a drawer. True

Sewing Machine Reviewers Say...

• The most common complaint was loose stitches and weak seams, due to the thread slipping off a hook that holds it underneath the fabric. This was difficult to control, even for experienced sewers.

• Loud

• Difficult to thread

• Poor or missing instructions. Even difficult for experienced sewers to follow.

• Slow stitching (unlike the commercials say) and difficult to sew a straight line and control the fabric.

• No reverse stitching. The machine only goes forward.

The HandyStitch or Easy Stitch (both are the same machine) can be purchased for $10-20 at Michaels, Joannes, or online. Or, if you want to get one at a discount, you can probably pick one up a yard sale or thrift shop—slightly used!

My recommendation is to avoid the HandyStitch handheld sewing machine and its cousins the Easy Stitch and the new Rite Stitch Mini (new and improved—by the same manufacturer).

Instead, if you're a beginner, why not consider a portable sewing machine or an inexpensive basic traditional sewing machine that would be good for your first sewing machine?

Handy Stitch to Hand Held Sewing Machines

Handy Stitch to Best Sewing Machines