The FHSM 505 portable mini sewing machine can be one of the best budget sewing machines or make a great kids sewing machine.
It is important to know how to use this mini sewing machine correctly to ensure you get the best from it. Read on to see how to do that!
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This machine is exactly the same as the Sew and Make mini sewing machine from Spotlight in Australia (this is the pink one in the photo above). It’s also sold as an Easy Home Aldi sewing machine. You will find it’s also the same as the NEX portable sewing machine as well. It is the same as some of the Little Sew and Sew machines as well. This machine is sold under many different brands, but they are all the same, just with different labels and colourings.
below I’ll be showing you step by step how to thread the FHSM 505 sewing machine. I’ll include the full video which is even better than having an FHSM 505 sewing machine manual. Let’s be honest, the manuals are confusing for these mini sewing machines!
If you have a mini sewing machine that looks like the photo below then be sure to go here for full instructions on how to use it, as it is quite different from a traditional sewing machine.
FHSM 505 Sewing Machine (same as Sew and Make and NEX Portable Sewing Machines and Lil Sew and Sew)
When you unbox your machine you will have some standard accessories included in the box. This will include a:
- Sewing machine
- Power cord
- Foot pedal
- Bobbins
- Spare needle
- Needle threader
- Buttonhole foot
Some machines also include thread. I recommend not using this thread and going for something like a Gutterman All Purpose thread. This will reduce the number of broken threads while sewing and it will give you a better finish overall.
You may like to have a pair of scissors or snips handy, as I’ll show you a little hack for making sure the bobbin winds onto the thread correctly.
Watch the Full Video Tutorial – Better than a FHSM 505 Sewing Machine Manual!
Or watch it here on YouTube
How to Wind the Bobbin on the FHSM 505
Step 1 – Wind thread onto the bobbin
Firstly, place the spool of thread onto the spool pin.
Place the thread through the first thread guide at the top of the machine. Please refer to the photo below or to the video tutorial for more details if you’re unsure about this.
Guide the tip of the thread through a hole in the bobbin going from the inside and out at the top of the bobbin.
Place the bobbin onto the bobbin spindle and push the spindle to the right to activate the bobbin winding mechanism.
While holding onto the tip of the thread with your right hand, activate the foot pedal to start the bobbin winding. Please note, this sewing machine may be operated without a foot pedal. You can use the on/off switch located on the front of the machine.
Tip: If your thread is not winding onto the bobbin evenly then use some scissors or a pen to encourage the thread to go up and down.(see the inset photo below).
Push the bobbin spindle back over to the left and remove the bobbin. Snip the thread. Place the bobbin to the side, as you will need this after you have threaded the top part of the mini sewing machine.
Step 2 – Thread the top part of the compact sewing machine
Leave the thread in the top thread guide from step 1. guide the thread down so the thread sits between the tension disks.
You should then be able to guide the thread up on the other side of the tension disks.
Guide the tip of the thread through the hole on the take up lever, ensuring the thread is coming through from the right hand side. If the take up lever is not in its highest position then turn the hand wheel towards yourself to bring the take up lever up.
Next there will be a thread guide at the top of the needle bar. Use the hand wheel to bring the needle down to its lowest position. Guide the thread through the hole going from the top of the hole.
Bring the needle back up to its highest postition. Thread the tip of the thread through the eye of the needle. Remember to thread from the front and pull out from the back on this portable machine.
leave this top thread hanging off to the left hand side of the machine for now.
Step 3 – Load the bobbin into the machine
Remove the bobbin cover.
Using the bobbin you previously added thread to in step 1, hold the bobbin with the thread going in an anticlockwise direction. So when you hold the bobbin up it should resemble the letter ‘p’.
Place the bobbin into the bobbin case.
Hold the top thread out at the left so there is a bit of tension. Meanwhile, use your right hand to wind the handwheel towards yourself to take the top thread down and over the bobbin.
As you do this you should be able to see the top thread going over the bobbin. This will pick up the bottom thread and bring it up through the needle plate.
Pull the top thread a bit tighter once the needle has come all the way up. You will find the bottom thread will start to come up and be looped over the top thread.
Pull the bottom thread all the way out and place both thread tails under the presser foot and down over the back of the machine.
Replace the bobbin cover.
Your machine is just about ready to sew!
Step 4 – Choose the desired stitch
Use the stitch selection knob to choose your desire stitch. This machine comes with 12 stitches to choose from. Stitches 1-4 are the straight stitches and I recommend starting with one of those if you are new to sewing.
You could use some scrap fabric to practise some of the stitches or you could even practise sewing on paper first. You can even practise on paper without having to thread the sewing machine up first.
If your machine is more like one of the handheld sewing machines then I recommend watching this video for instructions as that one is completely different to operate as well. I’ve included some very helpful tips to help you be successful with that little machine.
Some Extras to Include about this Household Sewing Machine
This machine is very similar to a regular and more expensive sewing machine, it’s just on the smaller side. One of the other bonuses is that this machine can operate on 4 AA batteries, which makes it a truly portable sewing machine. You could take it in your caravan while travelling or any other places with access to a power source.
The built-in sewing light is another great little feature along with the thread cutter.
Would This be a Good Choice for a Childrens Sewing Machine?
This is a very lightweight sewing machine and would be a great choice for a beginning sewer who doesn’t want to purchase a more expensive machine. It would also be a good choice for a childrens sewing machine. The instructional video above would be a great training choice for people who are scared to get started
Overall this is a great multi-functional household sewing machine. this machine could even handle sewing some heavy fabrics, but you would need to test this before starting a sewing project.
Be sure to check out my collection of easy sewing projects to find your next sewing project idea too!
I hope you have found this tutorial helpful.
Until next time, happy sewing!
Domenica
