I think it's important for potential consumers to know that hand-held machines like the Handy-Stitch are chain-stitch, single-thread machines. This means that you use one thread only, not a second bobbin thread underneath to lock the stitches together, as in any traditional machine. Because of this, if you put pressure on the stitches after they have been sewn, they will come out. The instructions suggest tying the end of the thread into the last loop on the bottom of the piece, but this honestly just slows down an inevitable process. Even if you complete this final step, your repair is not of the strength you'd expect from machine stitching.
I have deducted several stars from my rating of the product because I believe that its marketing is extremely misleading. However, I do believe that, with the proper expectations, the Handy Stitch could be a useful product for some. Here are some ideas that could work:
*Card-making, scrapbooking, and other paper crafts. If the stitching is embellishment, there's no need for it to hold up under great pressure, and I've seen several card makers online who love their handheld machines.
*Emergency-ONLY fixes to work clothing. Please keep in mind that the machine is very loud (everyone is going to be peeking into your cube to see what you're doing!), and that you'll need to keep common thread colors in your desk and thread the machine, which can be tricky. However, if you are completely abysmal with a traditional needle and thread, a Handy Stitch repair should get you through the day until you can take the garment to your seamstress.
*Glue-reinforced fixes for clothing that doesn't really get noticed. Let's say that your favorite pair of yard work pants have a hem that desperately needs a repair--you could Handy-Stitch the hems and then go back along the undersides of the seams with fabric glue. (DO NOT glue first, then stitch; you will gum up your needle!!) This should hold the stitching.
*Stitching for interior fabrics. The part of the commercial where the woman stitches a side hem on a curtain could actually work. If you have kids or pets who play with the curtains a lot, maybe not so much.
*Households that are willing to learn enough about sewing to understand the strengths and limitations of the Handy Stitch, but that refuse to own a full-sized sewing machine. It might be a good backup plan for an elderly couple who is downsizing, for instance. Because of the need to really understand how it it works, and how it's different from other machines, I wouldn't recommend the machine for college students or children; they would be better off with an inexpensive traditional machine.
Because of the perks and limitations associated with the Handy Stitch, I would encourage as many sewers as possible to consider a different machine. However, the fact that the machine DOES work, as well as the low price point, makes this a product that is not totally worthless.
As with any "As Seen On TV" product, I would strongly recommend buying in a store, or on a site like Amazon, rather than calling the phone number in the commercial.
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