A manual sewing machine is a lifesaver when away from home. It can be used to repair light clothing. The purchase is relevant if the family often travels or has children. The operating principle and design of such models differ from those familiar to all sewing enthusiasts. They also have their drawbacks.
Description of the device
A manual sewing machine will help a beginner needlewoman learn the basics of this business. And it will be useful for experienced seamstresses on trips. Models can be so small that they can easily fit in a pocket. In appearance, some of them resemble a stapler. They have disadvantages. Therefore, it is useful to have such a thing at the initial stages or as a backup option. And for the main work, it is important to purchase a high-quality device that can stitch thick fabrics and perform complex work.
Important! Pocket models have a limited lifespan and require constant maintenance.
Structure and principle of operation
To understand how mini-machines work, you can look at one sample. All types have a similar operating principle. There is a mechanical type with a manual drive, a separate series of mini-devices, electromechanical types, battery models.
The device includes a platform, a stitch parameter regulator, a drive mechanism, a winding block, a flywheel, a sleeve part of the body, a needle plate, a presser foot, and a shuttle.
Important! Some models are battery operated and are convenient to take on trips.
Manual sewing machine
A mechanical hand sewing machine used to occupy a place in every home. This is an ideal option for beginner needlewomen. These include such devices as "Podolsk", popular models of PMZ im. Kalinin. Sewing machines "Singer" pleased with the special quality of work.
These options are good not only for training. Despite the fact that they only performed basic stitches, serious products were sewn on them for decades. The advantage is the ability to work with dense fabrics. DragonFly JA2-2 is the most modern option that can be found now.
Mini hand sewing machine
A hand-held "pocket" sewing machine is an ideal choice for those who often have to patch and repair small things. Even if you have a professional device for working with dense materials, it will not be superfluous to have a model that fits in your pocket. Some of them are similar in appearance to a stapler. Others resemble a simple machine, but have smaller dimensions. The main disadvantage is the use of fragile materials for the body and parts. Not all fabrics can be processed with such devices.
Important! Sometimes hand-held mini models vibrate when sewing thick fabrics. This is a significant drawback.
Electromechanical machine
Electric machines are now one of the most popular. These are devices for home use. They are quite compact. At the same time, the number of functions performed is expanded to the optimal number.
"Minerva" is one of the manufacturers that is worth paying attention to. The series includes models with sufficient power to work with medium fabrics. The dimensions of modern representatives allow easy transportation of devices. The peculiarity of electromechanical devices is that they still have to be controlled mechanically using a pedal. It is disconnected. Network connection is also used.
Battery powered
The battery-powered device operates on batteries. It is designed for minor repairs of light fabrics. The cost of representatives of this series rarely exceeds 1,500 rubles. A significant disadvantage of the devices is that they are designed for minor jobs. And the cheapest options rarely last long. It is not recommended to use the devices on a permanent basis. They are designed for periodic use on an urgent basis.
Important! Sometimes these machines are powered by the mains, but the power cord is not always included.
Pros and cons
Sewing on manual models has its advantages and disadvantages. They depend on the generation of the machine. Old machines are still massive. Their functionality is somewhat limited. But they do not depend on the network. This is an important advantage. New generation models are completely miniature. However, the smallest representatives are unreliable. And they are not designed to work with complex materials. They perform basic functions for simple sewing operations. Not only each type, but also the model should be considered separately to determine the positive and negative aspects.
Review of modern models
In sewing shops you can find thousands of models that are suitable for different purposes. It is worth considering a pocket device. This is Irit IPR-02. The product has dimensions of 21 * 5 * 7. It works with 4 batteries. There are 3 bobbins, a needle, a spool. It is intended for small jobs.
Comfort 2 weighs only 3 kilograms. The machine body is plastic. Electromechanical type. The kit includes a network adapter. The device performs 11 operations. This is enough at the initial stage of sewing. It is not recommended to process knitwear.
Choice
The device should be selected taking into account the purpose. If you need to use the machine only for minor repairs of thin clothes, you should pay attention to mini-models that fit easily in your pocket. They are easy to transport. And the functionality is quite sufficient. If you need to sew serious things, it is recommended to take a device with a good set of functions.
Important! The foot must be metal.
If leather is involved, not every serious model will take it. Therefore, when consulting with a specialist at the point of sale, it is important to immediately clarify the types of materials used.
Possible malfunctions and their elimination
The manual is not always available. Especially if the model is old. But most of the faults are typical for all machines. If the thread is under strong tension, the screw needs to be loosened. If the stitches are skipped, the needle positioning should be checked. If the handle does not turn well, be sure to add lubricant. In difficult cases, repairs will be required, which can be carried out by a specialist. Pocket models often break down without the possibility of repair. This is their main drawback.
Manual machines are gradually being improved. Their functionality is gradually expanding, their dimensions are decreasing. But an important advantage remains - the ability to work without a network and easily transport the device. It is worth choosing a purchase taking into account the goals and fabrics that will be taken into work.
