(I've added some extra info at the end of my initial review...)
There's still some features I have to try out but, so far, I'm very impressed with how well this little machine works.
It was very easy to set up, is a total blessing for anyone w/limited space and the company CS is fabulous!
I learned to sew on the very heavy steel machines and was very scared to consider an electric one so the foot pedal on this was a big part of my decision since I can't speed sew.
I haven't found the battery pack yet, but that's also another perk along with how lightweight this is.
Like some others, I don't understand the negative reviews. Even if one happens to turn out to be a dud or just doesn't meet your sewing needs, Amazon will refund within the 1st 30 days and the manufacturer offers a 1 yr warranty.
It has a small piece of practise fabric and the stitches I got are all tight and straight. If you don't adjust the tension settings or change stitches part way through against the instructions, it's going to effect how the machine works and on the best of the industrial machines, cause needles to break and/or threads to snap. But, I don't consider this a machine for a child because it does have many functions beyond what a learner's machine can do.
The bobbin winder, work area light, accessory drawer, sleeve arm, multi-stitch settings, thread cutter, reverse and metal bobbins, all indicate the possibilities of more advanced sewing. (It's not going to be able to handle making drapes or extreme fabrics, like leather but, what I'm doing is pacing myself as I "get back on the bike")
Unless this machine can't handle regular spools of threads (I don't expect it to hold cone spools but the spool pin is adjustable for slightly larger (regular) size spools of threads) or things flat out go haywire, you're not going to find many, if any sewing machines with as many features that are portable, for this price. Additionally, if you're not needing to sew elaborate things, an elaborate priced machine that needs it's own room, is not for everyone.
I'm pleasantly surprised but still cautious. I think it's a very cool machine but if you're a total novice or just getting back into sewing, I strongly recommend thoroughly reading everything before even plugging it in and learning the steps to protect both threads and needles during use. Accidents happen but, with any machine, it's easier to go in to it as prepared as you can so, especially for the novice, you know when you might be a missing a step vs the machine being broken. (It's always a good idea to have extra needles on hand for even the best of sewing times and know which style needles are the both the style & size for the fabric you're sewing (the wrong style needle will make it look like stitches are skipping and/or leave holes in your fabric (there's a super guide on google on sewing machine needle styles and sizes- This one comes w/an extra 90/14 size and will fit universal needles but, again, I don't think it's the best choice if you're wanting to sewing very heavy fabrics, like leather - I could be wrong - That is to say, if you decide to go with this one, you'll be glad if you pick up a pack of standard general purpose universal needles with it if you don't have any.))
The drawer is very small so you'll need a basket or box to hold your supplies. It's a nice add on for a spare bobbin, needles, etc. but, it's not going to hold much more. It's still a convenience especially if you have a lot of supplies to go through, to keep only those you need while your sewing one specific thing, right there.
I like that it's sold through Amazon and hope to update this to 5*'s after I either finish my first piece or use Amazon's exchange/return and go one up.
As it is, it has enough to meet my needs and seems a lot more stable than some of negative reviews suggest and more manufacturer support on their website, too!
Honestly, for the price, after seeing this and knowing Amazon's policy and again, the warranty it comes with, I don't understand the severity behind some of the complaints, like it's a throw away item? Maybe 2nd hand or if not purchased on Amazon or out of warranty but, definitely, at this point, worth giving a fair chance for mild to mid-moderate sewing and alterations. (if you can hem one dress/pants with it, it's paid for itself)
Whether it lasts, remains to be seen but overall, content to give it a try and no regrets.
UPDATE
It's still kicking & although, I hope, maybe down the road, to go one up, I wouldn't just part w/this machine. (it wasn't that hard to find the battery case & I LOVE the portability!)
At this point, the machine has paid for itself if I had to pay someone else to alter some clothes & is holding up very well through some craft projects.
I keep reading customers complaining about stitches skipping and thread bunching so I have to mention this again for anyone considering this machine....You MUST purchase needles to match the fabric you're working with. (ie - if you use one of the needles that come w/it(or a self-threading needle) on t-shirt fabric vs a non-stretch cotton, you're going to have problems with the thread and stitches. In this case, you need what is called a "stretch needle" - PLEASE visit schmetzneedles dot com - they have a reference chart for which needles to use w/specific fabrics! - you can also use an embroidery needle with one of the stitches to get a different looking stitch, though I'm still playing w/this, myself - The needle size for this machine is 90/14, which is a very easy size to find, ITH)
Also, if you pull the fabric rather than let it run through the active stitching function, that will also cause problems. This is different than guiding your fabric, which is ok. But if you try to force your fabric to go faster by pulling it, the stitching speed can't function properly and you'll end up with jammed, bunched or broken thread and stitches. (The instructions don't tell you this but it would be like peddling a bike at one speed while trying to tug at the chain to make it go faster; it won't make the ride smoother and would likely cause the chain to slip the gears; you can only guide the bike. Similarly, on a sewing machine, if you have the right parts for it, you shouldn't have problems guiding vs pulling your fabric.)
The only reason I would eventually go one up is for some extra style stitches although, I still haven't tried double needles and other work-arounds; I'm actually very amazed by how much this machine can do & though it can, I still have not (by personal preference) tried the presser foot adapter to use most of the presser feet it can work with.
I've also since learned that Tivax manufacturers these for Singer, though I could tell when I first looked at the features and the signature metal bobbins, the design was incredibly close to the vintage steel Singer machines.
I initially gave this machine 4*s and raised it to 5*s because of the many things in my initial review & it proving itself both on cost and over time.
Curious about how much more it can do and still, no regrets. :)
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Michley Electronics Desktop Electronic Sewing Machine
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Convinced!
At first I was a little wary with all the reviews. Some said it did not work. Some said bobbins were a problem. I waited a month or so and used it extensively before I decided to review it so it would be accurate.Firstly, the machine is very easy to thread. There is an instructional video on their website: [...] (Look for LSS 505 under 'Sewing Machines')This was extremely helpful for me as it was the first time I've ever owned/used a sewing machine in my life and did not for the life of me understand the intricacies of threading and tension. Make sure you follow the threading instructions to the key, or the machine will jam. Threading it the right way will solve this problem.Secondly, the machine has a bobbin winder with an instructional pamphlet on how to get it working (again, a necessity for a sewing dummy like me). I got it working just fine and substituted the bobbins with the thread I actually wanted.Thirdly, all of the patterns on the machine work. I tested them all out on some scrap fabric as I noticed some low-end sewing machines tend to advertise more patterns than they actually have (such as the Singer Pixie Plus).The machine is cute and small. If you're looking for a heavy weight substitute for your Singer/Brother, this is not the machine for you. If you're looking to do some simple hemming and stitching with light fabrics such as cotton, this is the machine for you.If you substitute the bobbins, look for something similar in size and material. This machine uses metal bobbins. There are some generic metal bobbins which are exactly the same sold at JoAnn's. These have worked for me.So far I have hemmed and sewn two 24 x 24 inch decorative pillow covers and it still works perfectly. I have substituted the bobbins, wound up and prepared new bobbins and threaded and re-threaded multiple times with no problems. If your stitches look like a loose line, check the tension dial on the needle.To wrap things up, I'm honestly not sure what the fuss is about concerning this machine since it has worked like a dream for me. I highly recommend this for a first sewing machine!
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PJ. Sewceative
Works great, sits steady on table. Also so light to carry.
Reviewed in Canada on December 28, 2021Style: LS-505+Verified Purchase
PJ. Sewceative
Reviewed in Canada on December 28, 2021
It is a little noisier than the big sewing machines that I use, but I told her, I will give it some oil, and see if this helps. But for simple sewing jobs, like sleeves and hems, straight lines etc; or a fancy stitch, she loves it.
I tried some thicker material on it and did a design, and it worked great. I made a carrying bag for it, she loves it, says how light it is to pick up and put away.
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Soy principiante y la amoLigera, sencilla, para arreglos básicos en telas delgadas.
Reviewed in Mexico on January 7, 2019
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