I am currently researching this trying to make a decision. There is so little up to date info for uk based sewers. I do not have a dedicated sewing space so need something small and portable. Any tips on what specs to look for. I have watched Tammy Handmade video on you tube.
Stefex60
· 4 months ago
Projector
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SewHayleyJane
· 4 months ago
Admin
This is such a great question and I'm interested to see what others have to say as I'm afraid I have no experience with projectors.
SandyNZ
· 4 months ago
I'm interested too as printing patterns in AO is great but does add to the overall cost of the pattern
Linda-Dogsandsewon
· 4 months ago
Community Member
I bought a Yoton Mini Projector, spent a lot of time on the Sewing Projector FB Group first, in the end decided to just leap in as found it too confusing without any real frame of reference. That was a good decision. It works like a dream and with the calibration software that is now available (one is free the other has a £20 one off fee) it is easy to set up and start cutting.
There is a learning curve, but really worth it. Saves so much money on fabric, as I always cut single layer with projector sewing. You can cut double.
I love cutting with the projector, it's sort of fun to do.
There is so much more I could say, but probably easier to answer questions if anybody wants to know - which of course, I'm happy to do
Stefex60
· 4 months ago
Thank you really useful and I felt the same after being on the FB group. I went for it too a bought a new Anker Nebule capsule 3 which is UST. It was a gift for a significant birthday so feel very lucky.
Would love to know more about the software you use and what you think about that.
Linda-Dogsandsewon
· 4 months ago
Community Member
My preference is "Project & Cut" - absolutely love it. Makes calibration extremely quick. Costs either $20 or £20, one off cost, no subscription. They do a 21 day free trial. There is also "Projector Sewing" which is completely free, does the same as Project and Cut but has a few more features. Works best if you will be using an iPad (or any tablet) or phone as you can do some things like flip, rotate, invert colours etc. I used this software for sometime but as I sew next to my computer and I use Affinity Designer 2 to adjust patterns and much more comfortable with my computer than mobile, this suited me better.
Link to software:
patternprojector.com/en
projectandcut.com/
I found this video incredibly helpful re. the differences - although, admit, it made more sense once I started using the software. I share her view, because she is also sewing next to her computer. She's not the best presenter, but her content is good.: youtu.be/EZ6bTHfS2Ts
Re. calibration, I now add a 5cm square on nearly every pattern piece! Overkill really, but it doesn't take long to do (using Affinity, Inkscape, Illustrator or similar) - but it gives me confidence that when I cut everything is 100% to scale and nothing shifted. As I get more confident, I will probably rely on initial calibration - it hasn't shifted yet 😉
Does that all make sense? I can clarify if not. Don't want to throw too much info at you!
NannaBev
· 3 months ago
Hiya hun 👋🏻 this is absolutely amazing info that u've given us 😁 so thank u so much but I have a couple of questions as I'm completely new to Projects & no nothing about them 😩, so first question lol 😂 if I click on the links then how do I get back here?? 2nd If "Projector Sewing" is free & has more features then wouldn't it make sense to use that??
I hope u don't mind me asking u these questions but I'm totally new to Projector Sewing & I've been thinking about it for ages now & I'm not a new sewist (been sewing since I was 11 so nearly 50ys 😳 omg where do the years go 😢) so go carried away there for a minute 😆 I'm defo not tech savvy so is it very hard to use a Projector please 🙏 Sorry for the long reply & any help would be very much appreciated Thank u so much from Bev
SewHayleyJane
· 3 months ago
Admin
Hi Bev, if you click on the links they should open a new tab which means you can easily switch between this page and the new page.
I haven't ever used a projector but I think the saving comes with the amount of times you use it. There's an upfront cost to purchase the projector and then you have to buy the pdf patterns which are cheaper than printed and then it saves you time and paper printing at home or sending the pattern off to get printed on A0.
I hope that answers your questions.
Linda-Dogsandsewon
· 3 months ago
Community Member
Hi Bev
Feel free to ask as many questions as you like - and apologies for delay replying, haven't been on the computer much lately.
Re. the calibration software, that was exactly my take on it, so I went with the free version for quite a while, I then trialled the $20 version and found it much, much easier - but it was easier for me, because I'm so much more comfortable with a computer than with mobile apps...and I am tech savvy. With Pattern Projector (free one), it has more bells and whistles, so you can do most things using your phone or ipad (or equivalent). Probably better if you are not comfortable with tech.
However, there is a learning curve - mostly getting your head around the very different way of cutting out - one piece at a time, instead of laying the whole pattern out and cutting around the paper.
The other side is alterations, lengthening and shortening is easy enough, but if you have anything more than that, there are ways, but will require either altering the pattern digitally. The other option is buying a large roll of paper, projecting the piece that needs altering, trace it, alter it and cut from there. Saves printing out and sticking pieces together. The other peices can then be cut by projection.
It's easier than it sounds - which I why I jumped in and figured it out.
I have a high ceiling so could buy the cheaper projector - my total set-up cost was £56 for projector and mount, + the $20 for the calibration software.
I think it's easier to see than explain, maybe me, or someone else can do a demo at some point in the future.
NannaBev
· 3 months ago
Hello 👋🏻, What's a Anker Nebule capsule 3 please?? is it a Projector?? & what does UST mean?? Please.
Stefex60
· 3 months ago
Anker Nebula is a projector. Ust means ultra short throw so not so much space is needed between the projector & the image.
Projector sewing is not free because you still need the pattern files to project on to the fabric.
I have tried it for the first time and it worked really well.
Linda-Dogsandsewon
· 4 months ago
Community Member
Look for an "Ultra Short Throw" projector. Expensive to buy new but you can easily buy second hand one for around £100 - £150 because as sewers, we don't need anything super hi tec. Just make sure the bulb has a good few hours left on it, they are expensive to replace. These can be popped on the side of the table you are cutting on - either on a makeshift box, or stand.
Arry66
· 2 months ago
Plus Member
I posted a similar comment as I also am looking at this and have recently joined a facebook group called ""Projectors for sewing" that has a list of hints and tips for anyone interested in learning about them. I have to say I'm still looking into it but have found out that a short throw projector for about £40-50 will work just as well as the more expensive ultra short throw projector that can be over a thousand pounds, and they have some recommendations from sewers that are currently using them, so if anyone has any suggestions I'm all ears.
Arry xx
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