Go Back  Quiltingboard Forums >
  • General Chit-Chat (non-quilting talk)
  • The handy stitcher ~ as seen on TV >
  • The handy stitcher ~ as seen on TV

  • The handy stitcher ~ as seen on TV

    Thread Tools
     
    Old 06-19-2014, 08:10 PM
      #1  
    Senior Member
    Thread Starter
     
    ChrisDee's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Feb 2014
    Location: The "burb's in Minnesota
    Posts: 377
    Default The handy stitcher ~ as seen on TV

    Hi Ladies,

    My Dad wants my opinion of a portable sewing machine he saw on TV. I went to the website and watched the video but I don't know if it's worthwhile or junk. Has anyone purchased or used one? If so, will you please give me your opinion?
    Thanks,
    ChrisDee
    ChrisDee is offline  
    Old 06-19-2014, 09:05 PM
      #2  
    Power Poster
     
    Join Date: Dec 2008
    Location: Western Wisconsin
    Posts: 12,930
    Default

    Is this it? http://www.amazon.com/As-Seen-On-Han.../dp/B000G1G7XM

    It gets really bad reviews on Amazon. What does your Dad want to use it for? I would think it's useful only for the occasional ripped hem.
    Prism99 is offline  
    Old 06-19-2014, 10:06 PM
      #3  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Dec 2010
    Location: Chula Vista CA
    Posts: 7,364
    Default

    I have one - it does a chain stitch only and not sure how they make it look so easy in the video because you have to hold it in one hand and run it along what you want it to sew. (There is a small plastic sewing machine that is easier to use.) I kept it only because I love gadgets, even if I can't get them to work easily. The big questions is, what does he want it to do?
    quiltingcandy is offline  
    Old 06-20-2014, 04:34 AM
      #4  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Nov 2009
    Posts: 2,061
    Default

    These are generally a piece of junk, not very sturdy, awkward to use and sort of an aggravation. Get a REAL sewing machine or sew by hand.
    lclang is offline  
    Old 06-20-2014, 05:01 AM
      #5  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Oct 2010
    Location: Florida
    Posts: 1,135
    Default

    Go buy your dad an inexpensive sewing machine at Walmart and teach him how to do the basics, he'll be happier!
    labtechkty is offline  
    Old 06-20-2014, 05:51 AM
      #6  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jun 2012
    Location: Sonoma County, CA
    Posts: 4,299
    Default

    A friend of mine has one of these and asked me to "fix it" because I'm a "sewing machine expert" (no, I'm not!).

    I was not at all impressed. It's a chain stitch machine, and I couldn't get it to work properly at all. Seems like even if it worked perfectly it would be incredibly awkward to use and difficult to get a decent stitch length. Like trying to FMQ a straight hem.

    I agree with the others - a real machine is much more useful and less frustrating. I see decent basic machines at the thrift shops for around $20 all the time - I would go that route. Even hand stitching would be less hassle, I think!
    Sewnoma is offline  
    Old 06-20-2014, 11:28 AM
      #7  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Location: Lebanon Missouri
    Posts: 2,668
    Default

    They are not worth the fire cracker to blow them up. A friend of mine sent for one. With the cost of it and the S&H she could have purchased a new Singer at Wally World. She sent it back in Feb. and is still waiting for her 'money back' guarantee.
    Stitchit123 is offline  
    Old 06-20-2014, 01:54 PM
      #8  
    Super Member
     
    Join Date: Dec 2009
    Location: Duncan, SC, 29334 USA
    Posts: 4,580
    Default

    ***
    It is like the "Smart Stitcher" sold many years ago.
    I have one and have never used it.
    ***
    jbj137 is offline  
    Old 06-20-2014, 03:18 PM
      #9  
    Senior Member
     
    nvb50's Avatar
     
    Join Date: Sep 2012
    Location: Kankakee County in Illinois
    Posts: 494
    Default

    Not worth the money. I agree with labtechty, buy a Walmart machine instead.
    nvb50 is offline  
    Old 06-21-2014, 04:51 AM
      #10  
    Junior Member
     
    Join Date: Jul 2010
    Location: Australia
    Posts: 133
    Default

    a waste of money I don't know how I could have been sucked in without seeing a demo, I am hoping that the bobbins will fit one of my three sewing machines. don't buy it.
    hazel brady is offline  
    Related Topics
    Thread
    Thread Starter
    Forum
    Replies
    Last Post
    finch
    Links and Resources
    10
    07-02-2010 08:34 AM
    mandyhofer
    Pictures
    51
    03-19-2010 09:14 PM
    sondray
    Links and Resources
    4
    01-25-2009 06:59 AM
    Nepthys
    Main
    5
    09-15-2007 08:55 AM

    Posting Rules
    You may not post new threads
    You may not post replies
    You may not post attachments
    You may not edit your posts

    BB code is On
    Smilies are On
    [IMG] code is On
    HTML code is On
    Trackbacks are Off
    Pingbacks are Off
    Refbacks are Off



    FREE Quilting Newsletter