Mini sewing machines are they good or a con?

[Umbilicat]

I am being followed around on social media by ads for mini "stitchers"

I'm quite tempted to buy one, I have various bags and items of clothing that literally need a row of strong stiches. to be fixed I can fix some stuff myself but sewing is not my strong point.

But do these machines actually work or are they just another crap social media gizmo?

Crap
This sort of item Buy JML Portable Magic Stitch Hand-held Sewing Machine | Sewing machines | Argos

I have one, I turn up trousers with mine, or can take in tops, nothing to thick will work for example jeans.

They are rubbish. If you are serious about wanting to do minor alterations yourself get a basic sewing machine like a Brother L14

Otherwise take to a tailor/recycle/charity shop.

They really are hopeless and not fit for purpose.
If you want a really cheap one check out FB marketplace or even free cycle.

This is exactly what I needed to hear!!! I’m glad I’ve finally learnt from years of buying shite that it’s a false economy. Thanks!

I fell for it and I have a proper sewing machine. It was incredibly difficult to thread and kept unravelling. So frustrating. I have just accepted I need to haul out the big one or sew by hand unfortunately.

The Brother L14 is I think the cheapest properly working sewing machine you can buy. Any smaller machines being sold are basically toys. If you have less budget, there are plenty of secondhand machines around either new ones lightly used or solid old faithfuls from the 1970s and 80s. Re educate your algorithms!

My DD has a sewing machine, I was so traumatised by sewing lessons at school that I don’t dare touch it but maybe I need some therapy to get over that!

What happened at school. If you can drive you can use a machine. When I taught textiles the students had to acquire a 'machine licence' in much the same way as you get a driving licence. The foot pedal was the accelerator, the presser foot had a groove which was the middle of the lane, and hands steered the work through the machine - straight, curves were bends in the road. Stopping was followed by reversing to finish the sewing. I would draw a 'route' and issue directions - all done with an unthreaded machine. They loved it!