Have Sewing Machine, Will Travel

Last week, I shared all the activities I had prepped for my boys before our long road trip (see that post here). I also shared that I had bought a battery powered sewing machine to try out in the car!

Well, now that I've tried it, I'm excited for the possibilities!

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If you're new here, hello! I'm Laura! I design quilt patterns, and I'm a self-proclaimed deal hunter! Be sure to join the popular Quilting & Sewing Deals Facebook group where I post sales, deals, and coupon codes from all around the web!

The sewing machine is an Imax FHSM-202 Mini 2-Speed Sewing Machine With Foot Pedal that I bought on Amazon. (Do you have Amazon Prime? Free shipping on basically everything! We live in the boonies, so we love Amazon!)

I read all of the reviews and compared a couple different battery powered options, but ultimately chose this one. This machine does not have a plastic needle guard (some other models do), and it comes with a foot pedal (the reviews on a different model claimed theirs didn't have one!).

I read the manual as soon as the machine was delivered. The manual was very thorough and addressed several concerns. It even shows how to take apart the machine and repair things that may break! I highly recommend reading the manual before touching the machine if you buy one. For example, the machine comes pre-threaded, and although the tension seems ridiculously too tight, the manual says it's perfect right out of the box for the way this sewing machine operates. After sewing with it, I agree. It doesn't make sense to me, but it sews best if left untouched.

I'll be honest, I had really low expectations for the machine. I mean, it's made in China, it's basically $20, it's a no-name brand, and it's barely bigger than a Kleenex box. You can not adjust stitch length, it only has "low" or "high" speed, and the machine is either ON (actual stitching) or OFF. I actually didn't expect it to even work out of the box.

I tested it out at home before our trip, and I was pleasantly surprised that it actually did sew! It even has a light you can turn on to light up the needle area! It can be used with four AA batteries or plugged in to a standard wall outlet. I switched out the thread for Aurifil 50wt and was eager to try it out on the go!

I waited until well into our trip to try it out. Earlier in the day, I drew diagonal lines on some squares I had cut at home so I could make HSTs (half square triangles). The presser foot on the machine does not have straight sides, so I had to aim for 1/4" on my own. I was glad I cut my squares oversized and planned to trim my HSTs down later so I didn't have to have perfect 1/4" seams.

The machine is noisier than I expected. A definite draw back to sewing in a small space. (Note: In the video, you mostly hear the air from the air conditioner.)

When evaluating the stitch quality, I did notice that there are often some skipped stitches. However, it's not often enough to effect the durability of the seam.

I haven't sewn enough to know how long the batteries will last. However, the machine is actually switched OFF when sewing with the foot pedal. So power is only supplied when the pedal is pressed and the machine is sewing. I also have not used it with the light on, so that will help conserve the batteries too.

I made 40 HSTs using the machine. Not a huge amount, but enough to know that the machine is a keeper! It is great for on-the-go sewing when electricity isn't available. It's also best for when accurate seams/perfection isn't necessary. It's definitely not the same quality as my Bernina or Singer featherweight, but it has it's place.

Please note: Sewing in a car can be dangerous. If sewing in the front passenger seat, you may want to turn the passenger air bag off. If you were to be in an accident, holding a sewing machine (or anything for that matter) could be quite dangerous to yourself or to others in the vehicle. The backseat might be better if you have the option.

I am excited for the possibilities of having a battery-powered sewing machine! This would make sewing on a boat or train possible! It would also be useful during a power outage. One day, I hope to add a treadle and/or hand crank machine to my collection too! For my regular passenger rides, I'm going to stick with hand sewing hexies. But for longer road trips, I'm glad I have another option now!

Do you have a travel sewing machine? Have you ever sewn on the go with a machine?

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