Best Projector For Sewing

Last updated on December 13th, 2023 at 08:51 pm

*This post may contain affiliate links and we may earn a small commission if you click on them.

So you’ve decided to venture into the exciting world of sewing with projectors! There are so many options for projectors out there. Choosing the right projector is key to having a successful experience. Let me guide you to choosing the best projector for sewing and your situation.

First and foremost, here at ProjectorSewing.com we are actually sewing enthusiasts! We personally research, study, and try out projectors for sewing. Not every projector on the market works well.

If it is recommended here, then you are guaranteed that it has actually worked for sewing! That’s what makes us different than other projector recommendation pages on the internet. We also provide calibration resources and other tutorials.

There are three main categories of projectors for sewing: mini (long throw), short throw projectors, and ultra-short throw projectors. To find out which one works well for you, then make sure to find the right projector for you by taking our quiz!

Acrojoy 9000
1Best Mini
Acrojoy 9000

Best mini projector for sewing. Great brightness and contrast with a decent throw ratio.

yaber v2
2Runner Up Mini
Yaber V2

This mini projector can actually be classified as a short throw projector with a throw ratio of 1.29. Good brightness and contrast also make it a great choice for sewing.

optoma ml750
3Best Short Throw
Optoma ML750ST

The Optoma ML750ST or ML1050ST is the best short throw. Its mini size makes it easy to mount on the wall or ceiling. Because it is a short throw it will give a large image size!

4Runner Up Short Throw
Epson PowerLite L200SX

The Epson PowerLite L200SX is an amazing short throw that is bright and powerful. We recommend checking for these second-hand.

5Ultra Short Throw
Epson BrightLink 585

Epson is a great brand for UST projectors. Any model 470 and up are the best for sewing. These are heavier than other types of projectors. These are best bought secondhand.

Things to Consider

When purchasing a projector for sewing, there are a few things to keep in mind. These include the distance from ceiling to cutting table or floor, brightness of the room, overall cutting space, how you will connect to your projector, and budget.

Distance or Throw: For a ceiling mounted projector you will need a distance of about 62 inches of space from your projector to the cutting surface. This will give you room for a projector mount and a cutting table. For example, in a room with 8 foot ceilings you may figure out something like the following. With a 3 foot table height, you are left with 60 inches from table to ceiling. If your ceiling mount is 11 inches with the projector mounted 2 inches up the mount, then you may only have 51 inches from the lens to the cutting mat. Anything less than this distance you will have a smaller working space on your cutting mat (typically sized 24″x36″). However, the greater the distance from the lens to your cutting mat, the larger the picture. Some people find projecting onto the floor solves any distance issues.

Brightness: Is your sewing room bright or dark when you are typically sewing? If you work at night when it is dark, then this is probably not a big concern for you. However, if you plan to cut patterns during the daytime you may need a projector that is brighter. Or you can use room darkening curtains.

Space: Do you have a small sewing space or is you ceiling too low to mount a projector? If you answered yes to this question, then you need to consider an ultra short throw projector. An ultra short throw projector can be set up next to your cutting table and doesn’t need to be ceiling mounted.

Wireless: Do you prefer to connect your computer, phone, or table wirelessly to your projector? While many people still prefer the HDMI connection, wireless connections free you from multiple wires hanging from your projector. If this is important choose a projector that can screen mirror or use miracast for with your device.

Budget: Thinking about budget is important for many seamstresses. Projects can widely range in price depending on type and features. Mini projectors are generally cheaper than UST (Ultra Short Throw) projectors. Sometimes you can buy projectors second hand at a steep discount that are generally good for sewing.


What is a Mini Projector?

Mini projectors are “long throw” projectors that are small and portable. They can be used for home or office. There are a wide range of mini projectors that are relatively cheap to buy. In fact, most mini projectors cost less than or equal to the cost of the printer you are currently using to print PDF patterns on!

Mini projectors are among the most popular projectors used by those who projection sew. These projectors are mounted from the ceiling directly above your cutting surface. It is a good idea to have about 62 inches of height between your cutting surface and ceiling. This height will give you enough room to mount your projector pointing down and still have enough distance to create an image size around 36”x21”. Mini projectors are relatively lightweight, weighing around 2-4 lbs. Most mini projectors that are used have a throw ratio between 1.4 and 1.7, Yaber V2 is one of the mini projectors that has a lower throw ratio.

There are many choices on how to mount a mini projector for sewing, including many DIY solutions. The most common way to mount is by using a universal ball and joint mount, like this one on Amazon.

If you are not sure if the mini projector will work for your sewing setup, then answer a few questions on this quiz to help you decide which projector you should get.


Preview
Top Choice
Mini Projector, YOTON Portable Phone small...
Brightest
Mini Projector with 5G WiFi and Bluetooth W/...
Mini Projector with WiFi Bluetooth, Portable...
Sovboi Projector, WiFi Mini Portable...
Title
Mini Projector, YOTON Portable Phone small...
Mini Projector with 5G WiFi and Bluetooth W/...
Mini Projector with WiFi Bluetooth, Portable...
Sovboi Projector, WiFi Mini Portable...
Native Resolution
1280x720
1280x720
1280x720
720p
Throw Ratio
1.2
1.4
1.2
1.24
Height needed for A1 mat (24"x36")
50" (127cm)
58" (147cm)
50" (127cm)
50" (127cm)
Height for A0 Size (48" wide)
67" (170cm)
75" (190cm)
67" (170cm)
67" (170cm)
Brightness
120 ANSI
9000 LED*
120 ANSI
8000L
Wifi Enabled
Price
$42.99
$79.99
$55.99
$99.99
Top Choice
Preview
Mini Projector, YOTON Portable Phone small...
Title
Mini Projector, YOTON Portable Phone small...
Native Resolution
1280x720
Throw Ratio
1.2
Height needed for A1 mat (24"x36")
50" (127cm)
Height for A0 Size (48" wide)
67" (170cm)
Brightness
120 ANSI
Wifi Enabled
Price
$42.99
Brightest
Preview
Mini Projector with 5G WiFi and Bluetooth W/...
Title
Mini Projector with 5G WiFi and Bluetooth W/...
Native Resolution
1280x720
Throw Ratio
1.4
Height needed for A1 mat (24"x36")
58" (147cm)
Height for A0 Size (48" wide)
75" (190cm)
Brightness
9000 LED*
Wifi Enabled
Price
$79.99
Preview
Mini Projector with WiFi Bluetooth, Portable...
Title
Mini Projector with WiFi Bluetooth, Portable...
Native Resolution
1280x720
Throw Ratio
1.2
Height needed for A1 mat (24"x36")
50" (127cm)
Height for A0 Size (48" wide)
67" (170cm)
Brightness
120 ANSI
Wifi Enabled
Price
$55.99
Preview
Sovboi Projector, WiFi Mini Portable...
Title
Sovboi Projector, WiFi Mini Portable...
Native Resolution
720p
Throw Ratio
1.24
Height needed for A1 mat (24"x36")
50" (127cm)
Height for A0 Size (48" wide)
67" (170cm)
Brightness
8000L
Wifi Enabled
Price
$99.99

Last update on 2024-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API


What is a short throw projector?

Short throw projectors are a mix of the good qualities of a mini projector and ultra short throw projector. Short throw projectors are mounted on the wall or ceiling “offset” from the cutting table (instead of directly above).

Since they are typically mounted higher above the cutting surface than an ultra short throw projector, you will see less distortion caused by cutting on the fold or thicker fabrics. Just like ultra short throws, these projectors can create a large image size at a short distance.

 How big your image gets really depends on how high the projector is mounted. If you have short ceilings, or want a large cutting image, a short throw may be right for you!

All short throw projectors should work for sewing. They usually need at around 1.5 ft distance to create a good image. Some take less, and some more. The max distance varies greatly, but this doesn’t really pertain to projection sewing because you would get a larger image than you need.

A short throw projector has a typical throw ratio between 0.4 and 1.0. (Sometimes 1.0-1.4 throw ratios are included in short throws.) Short throw projectors are able to focus in as little as 1.5ft. away from the screen. Short throw projectors are typically more expensive than a mini projector, but there is a good second-hand market if you are working in a budget.

Willing to spend a little more? Then, getting a new short throw projector for sewing is the way to go!

Some short throws have typically have more “offset” than mini projectors. You may need to pull your table out from the wall or project hanging from the ceiling on the opposite side of the table to reduce “deadspace”.

Preview
Best Image and Quality
Optoma Portable LED Projector | 1000 lumens...
Budget Choice
Short Throw Mini Projector AAXA SLC450 True...
BenQ MW632ST WXGA Short Throw Projector |...
ViewSonic PS600X 3500 Lumens XGA HDMI...
Name
Optoma Portable LED Projector | 1000 lumens...
Short Throw Mini Projector AAXA SLC450 True...
BenQ MW632ST WXGA Short Throw Projector |...
ViewSonic PS600X 3500 Lumens XGA HDMI...
Native Resolution
1280x800
1920x1080
1280x800
1024x768
Throw Ratio
0.8
0.7
0.9
0.61
Height for A1 (36" wide) image
36" (61cm)
33" (84cm)
40" (101cm)
30" (76cm)
Height for A0 (48" wide) image
46" (117cm)
42" (107cm)
51" (130cm)
37" (94cm)
Brightness
1000 ANSI
184 Lux Lumens
3,200 ANSI
3,500 ANSI
Contrast
20,000:1
-
13,000:1
22,000:1
Wireless
HDMI
Weight
0.9 lbs
1.1 lbs
5.7 lbs
5.7 lbs
Recommended Mount
-
-
Price
$779.00
$199.99
$939.99
$350.99
Best Image and Quality
Preview
Optoma Portable LED Projector | 1000 lumens...
Name
Optoma Portable LED Projector | 1000 lumens...
Native Resolution
1280x800
Throw Ratio
0.8
Height for A1 (36" wide) image
36" (61cm)
Height for A0 (48" wide) image
46" (117cm)
Brightness
1000 ANSI
Contrast
20,000:1
Wireless
HDMI
Weight
0.9 lbs
Recommended Mount
Price
$779.00
Buy Now
Budget Choice
Preview
Short Throw Mini Projector AAXA SLC450 True...
Name
Short Throw Mini Projector AAXA SLC450 True...
Native Resolution
1920x1080
Throw Ratio
0.7
Height for A1 (36" wide) image
33" (84cm)
Height for A0 (48" wide) image
42" (107cm)
Brightness
184 Lux Lumens
Contrast
-
Wireless
HDMI
Weight
1.1 lbs
Recommended Mount
Price
$199.99
Buy Now
Preview
BenQ MW632ST WXGA Short Throw Projector |...
Name
BenQ MW632ST WXGA Short Throw Projector |...
Native Resolution
1280x800
Throw Ratio
0.9
Height for A1 (36" wide) image
40" (101cm)
Height for A0 (48" wide) image
51" (130cm)
Brightness
3,200 ANSI
Contrast
13,000:1
Wireless
HDMI
Weight
5.7 lbs
Recommended Mount
-
Price
$939.99
Buy Now
Preview
ViewSonic PS600X 3500 Lumens XGA HDMI...
Name
ViewSonic PS600X 3500 Lumens XGA HDMI...
Native Resolution
1024x768
Throw Ratio
0.61
Height for A1 (36" wide) image
30" (76cm)
Height for A0 (48" wide) image
37" (94cm)
Brightness
3,500 ANSI
Contrast
22,000:1
Wireless
HDMI
Weight
5.7 lbs
Recommended Mount
-
Price
$350.99
Buy Now

Last update on 2024-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API



What is an Ultra-Short Throw Projector?

An ultra-short throw (UST) projector is a projector than doesn’t need a lot of space to create a large image. The throw ratio for an ultra-short throw is under 0.4.

Ultra-Short Throw projectors are the way to go for those that don’t have a lot of ceiling height in their sewing room. Other reasons to choose an ultra-show throw projector include portability or the need for a large image. Ultra-short throws can be placed on a shelf, cart, or mounted to the wall using a TV/monitor mount. Ultra-short throws cast their image in landscape mode. This means that they will need to be places on the long side of you table. The also create “dead” space between the projector and image. Expect to have anywhere from 6”-12” between the projector and image.

The most popular UST (ultra-short throw) projectors are the Epson projectors because they can be easier to find secondhand. However, any UST will work for our purposes. See the info below for model specific notes.

Older UST projectors have a bit of weight to them compared to mini projectors weighing in at about 16 lbs.

One downside of the ultra-short throw projectors is that any bumps in your material or cutting surface will cause a lot of distortion. Also, if you regularly sew thick material on the fold, then you may want to look more at a wall or ceiling mounted projector. Many projector file patterns now have “unfolded” pieces. You can also use the programs Inkscape or Affinity Designer to unfold pieces.

What to look for when buying an UST secondhand

Since UST projectors are often too expensive new, most sewists purchase them second hand on eBay, Facebook Marketplace, or other secondhand shops. Here is what to look for when buying second hand.

Reputable seller: Make sure to buy from a reputable seller. Things like bulb hours can be reset. If you purchase from a reputable seller the info in the listing is probably as close to accurate as possible. If you are a member of the Projectors for Sewing FB group, then Kent Todd has sold many UST to members of the group.

Bulb hours: Most UST projectors run on bulbs. Bulbs only have a certain number of “hours”. Replacement bulbs can usually be purchased around $100-$150 USD. Bulbs typically have around 2,000-5,000 hours of use. However, if a unit list a very low number of hours be aware that bulb hours can be reset without replacing the bulb. Make sure to inquire with the seller. (Most experience with buying used projectors have been positive.)

Remotes: Remotes are handy to have, but not necessary. Since the projector will be within reach, you can use the buttons on the projector to make any menu selections and power on/off.

“W”or “Wi”: The “W” or “Wi” in model numbers means widescreen. Either is fine for sewing.

“I”: The “I” in some model numbers means that it is an interactive projector. While the interactive settings are fun, it really isn’t that useful for sewing.

Interactive pens: Interactive pens are fun for little kids to color with on the projection and other uses, but really not that useful for sewing purposes.

Epson UST projector models numbered 470 and above will have an HDMI port.

Epson models 450-465 and below has a bump where the “bottom” is. This means you will need to mount them on a TV/monitor mount or create a DIY solution to make them level.


Best Mini Projectors for Sewing

Vivimage Explore 2

Android 10 Stereo for Honda Accord 2003-2007...

The Vivimage Explore 2 is one of the best projectors for sewing. It is by far the most widely used mini projector for sewing. It is versatile, functional, and budget friendly. This is the projector that I personally own. I was even able to get it 50% off on Amazon. If it is out of stock, check back in a couple weeks and it should be available again. The projector comes with an AV cable, HD Cable, Power cable, microSD card slot, remote, and tripod. It can be used as a home theatre projector as well since it has decent built-in speakers. Focus and keystone can be manually adjusted which contributes to an easier calibration experience. Vivimage Explore 2 is great for sewing because it can also connect through Wifi, Miracast, and iOS Cast.

Resolution: 1280x720P

Dimensions: 7.9×6.1×3.3 inch

Weight: ~2 lbs

Connection Type: Wifi, Miracast, HDMI, VGA, Screen Mirror (iOS Cast)

Throw: 67 inches at 6.66 feet

Pros:

  • Budget friendly
  • Wifi enabled
  • Screen mirror
  • Mircast
  • HDMI
  • Focus and Keystone adjustment
  • Small

Cons:

  • Focus and keystone are manual
  • Not ideal as a portable setup

ArcoJoy 9000

Portable Mini Projector with 5G WiFi and...

The ArcoJoy 9000 is a 720p native resolution mini projector very similar to the Vivimage. In fact, it is really hard to tell the difference! The Arcojoy company has branded the Sunspark 500w projector and it is upgrades and ready for sewing needs. They even advertise sewing in the product description! I believe it also has a slightly better throw ratio than the Vivimage models. It says the screen size can get up to 240” in 24.4ft! But, of course the optimal viewing distance is much less than that, around 6 ft. It is the same dimensions and weight as the Vivimage. If you are looking for a great mount Basic Niche has a mount that fits both the Vivimage and ArcoJoy projectors.

Yaber V2

The Yaber V2 doesn’t get much spotlight in the sewing circles, but it is very similar to the Vivimage projector. It has a native resolution of 720p and 6000:1 contrast ratio. You can connect through HDMI, screen mirroring technology, and Chromecast. One of the differences is that instead of all the cords coming out of the side of the projector, the power cord is in the back of the projector. If you were trying to mount as close to the top of the ceiling as possible, that might get in the way. More often than not, the projector mount doesn’t get close enough to the ceiling to make a difference.

Preview Product Rating Price
YABER V2 WiFi Mini Projector 7000L [Projector... YABER V2 WiFi Mini Projector 7000L [Projector... 2,535 Reviews

Last update on 2024-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Elphas W90

ELEPHAS Mini WiFi Projector for iPhone, 2023...

The Elphas W90 is another very budget friendly projector that many people have successfully used for sewing. It’s price point makes it a great way to get your feet wet switching to sewing with projectors. The main way you will connect this projector is through HDMI. It does not have wireless capabilities. If you want to connect your iPhone or iPad, you will need to use a lightening to HDMI adapter. It is a 720p projector that is perfect for sewing. Its relatively small size 8 x 5.5 x 2.38 inches and about 2 lbs. The throw distance is very decent with a 30 inch screen at 2.6ft. Keystone and focus are manual adjustment. While we’d place the Vivimage above this projector, it is a great option with many similarities. This projector is typically in stock as opposed to the Vivimage Explore 2. The brightness is decent on the Elphas W90, but is best used in a darker environment.

Resolution: 720p

Weight: ~2 lbs

Connection Type: HDMI, AV, USB, micro SD, VGA

Throw: 200in screen in 12 feet

Pros:

  • Price
  • Size
  • Has Keystone and Focus adjustment
  • Availability

Cons:

  • No wireless connections
  • Brightness, better used in darker rooms

Wowoto A8 Pro

Mini Projector WOWOTO A8 Pro 200 ANSI Lumen...

The Wowoto projectors are some of the smallest mini projectors weighing around 0.5 lbs. When set up, they may give you a little bit more throw distance. Users have fallen in love with the Wowoto A8. The picture is clear and bright. A big advantage of the Wowoto projectors is the ability to use the auto keystone feature. It has an on screen picture that helps you to correctly adjust the keystone of the image. If you need to project at an angle to your sewing table, it may be worth the investment. Some of the upgraded models, like A8 have auto focus features too. But, auto focus is really not that useful for sewing purposes. It does has a lower resolution at 480p, but this is one of the lower resolution projectors that work for sewing.

Resolution: 850×480

Weight: ~0.5 lbs

Connection Type: Wifi, mini HDMI, bluetooth, Miracast

Throw: 150in screen in 2m

Pros:

  • Small and lightweight
  • Auto focus
  • Easy keystone adjustment
  • Remote adjustment for keystone and focus
  • Great picture quality
  • Bright
  • Great as a portable unit
  • Great for screen casting

Cons:

  • Price

Wowoto A5

The Wowoto A5 is a version of the projector before the Wowoto A8 pro. It is cheaper in price and still has many great features. The A5 is not quite as bright as the A8, so if light is an issue in your sewing room go with the A8 model.

Pros:

  • Small and lightweight
  • Easy keystone adjustment
  • Great picture quality
  • Portable unit
  • Screen casting

Cons:

  • Price
  • Not as bright as the Wowoto A8 Pro

Bomaker

The Bomaker is a Wifi mini projector. Users love the crisp image quality and it is bright enough to see in a lit room. It is heavier than some of the other mini projectors. The design is sleek and beautiful if you plan to mount this in a common room. However, if you don’t have a good throw distance, you will not get as large a picture as some of the other projectors. The Bomaker does have a nice bright area if you can spare some height to get the picture size you want. Bomaker is more common outside of the United States.

Pros:

  • Bright
  • Sleek design
  • Mircast
  • Wifi

Cons:

  • Screen casting may cause issues, but works with Chromecast/Miracast

Apeman LC350, 550, 650

The Apeman LC350 is another mini projector that is very budget friendly. It comes with a remote, HDMI cable, AV cable, and power cable. The projection size is 36″-150″. Manual keystone correction and Miracast available. One downside that users have mentioned is that the image can be a bit blurry on the edges. Accordingly, if your looking for a sharp, crisp image, opt for a different projector. This projector is more common outside of the United States, but can still be found here at times. If you are outside of the US, then check Amazon for the Apeman projectors. Inside the US, I have found these at Walmart.com.

The Apeman LC350 doesn’t have as good image quality as the LC550. However, the Apeman LC350 remote does have a flip button! The flip button allows you to mirror images for cutting at the push of a button. It is a convenient tool for patterns that do not have mirrored pieces on their projector file. The LC350 is also an older model, so you may be able to find it cheaper than the LC550.

The Apeman LC550 has a native resolution of 720p and 3000:1 contrast ratio for a clear, crisp image. This is compared to the 2000:1 contrast of the LC350. The LC350 can also be a little bit blurry on the outer edges of the image. The LC550 doesn’t seem to be as noticeable.

Resolution: 480P

Weight: ~1 kg

Connection Type: Wifi, Miracast, HDMI, VGA

Throw: 50 inches in 151 cm

Pros:

  • Budget friendly
  • Mircast
  • Manual keystone and focus
  • Bright
  • Lightweight

Cons:

  • Edges can be blurry

Best Short Throw Projectors for Sewing

Optoma ML1050ST: Best Portable Short Throw Projector

The Optoma ML1050ST is a nifty mini short throw projector that was released in 2018. It is about half the size of the popular Vivimage and ArcoJoy mini projectors. Read my full review of the Optoma LM1050ST. It weighs about 14 oz and has one mounting hole on the back.

This projector is a great choice for those needing a more portable option and for sewing setups that the cutting surface is up against the wall.

The native resolution is 1280p X 800p. It comes with a remote that can access all of the features including focus and keystone adjustments. The throw ratio is 0.8, which means at three feet distance you will get an image that measures 44” x28”. The minimum focus distance is 1.4ft (0.4m).

The vertical offset for the ML1050DT is +0. This means the projector will sit directly at the “top” of the image and no extra space is needed between the table and projector. This type of offset is great for cutting tables that are up against a wall.

This projector is best connected to a computer throw an HDMI cable. There is no built-in WiFi technology. You will need to purchase a Chromecast or the Optoma wireless dongle for wireless connections.

There is a built-in office document reader designed for business presentations. It isn’t really useful for our purposes since we need to zoom to a certain percent. However, if you are looking for dual purposes, this is a handy business tool too!

Pros:

  • Auto/Manual keystone adjustments, 40 degrees
  • Auto/Manual focus adjustments
  • All features accessible from remote
  • Portable, mini size, under 1 lb.
  • Mount hole on back
  • HDMI port
  • LED lamp
  • 20,000:1 contrast ratio
  • Document viewer for PC-free presentations
  • Comes with a softshell carrying case
  • Throw distance 1.4 ft. (0.4m) -11.1ft
  • Vertical offset is 0” (No dead space from lens to table)

Cons:

  • Price
  • 1000 lumen (better than mini projectors, but less than most short throws)
  • No wireless connection without an accessory
  • Built in speakers are not great (not needed for sewing)

Optoma ML750ST

The Optoma ML750ST is very similar to the Optoma ML1050ST. This is the earlier version that came out in 2016. This means that you may be able to find this projector a little bit cheaper than the ML1050ST. They both have a throw ratio of 0.8 and contrast of 20,000:1. It is not quite as bright with 700 ANSI lumens versus the 1000 ANSI Lumens of the ML1050ST. However, still great brightness for our uses.

The other difference is that the ML750ST doesn’t have auto focus, it is a manual focus only. The focus is adjusted with a lever around the lens. This projector takes a minimum of 1.8 ft (0.5m) to focus and can go up to 10.6ft away.

Pros:

  • 700 ANSI Lumen*
  • Contrast 20,000:1
  • Throw ratio 0.8
  • May be cheaper than the ML1050ST
  • Comes with softshell case
  • Document viewer
  • Throw distance minimum 1.8 ft (0.5m)
  • Offset is 0 (great for tables against a wall)

Cons:

  • No wireless connection without accessory
  • Manual focus around lens*
  • Speakers are not great (if you want to use for movies, use external speakers)

*Differences between the ML1050ST and ML750ST

Note: You can also look for the Optoma ML550ST at secondhand markets if you like the mini short throw projectors, but want it for cheaper. Remember to check the hours on the bulb if possible!

Optoma GT1080HDR

Gaming anyone? The Optoma GT1080HDR was designed to be a gaming projector. It is a short throw projector with a 0.5 throw ratio. At just 3 feet your image will be 72” x 42”! That is a large image for all your sewing needs. You can raise the projector and get an even larger picture. It is recommended at a minimum of 1.3ft (0.4m) up to 11 feet (3.4m). This projector was released in September 2019 and is a true 1080p projector. Make sure your computer can handle 1080p resolution by going to System>display.  The contrast is 50,000:1 and 3,800 ANSI lumen. This projector will show a good image even in a light room. It does use a lamp bulb with 4,000 regular hours and 15,000 Eco hours. Focus is adjusted manually, and it does have keystone adjustment.

This projector does have a vertical offset of 18 inches. This means that hanging on the wall, you will have 18 inches from the lens of the projector to where the image begins. This projector weighs 7.7 lbs and is 4.50″ x 12.40″ x 9.50″. An interesting feature is “blackboard mode”. Blackboard mode is made for when projecting onto a dark surface. The projector will adjust the colors to be seen clearly on the blackboard. This might be nice when projecting onto dark fabrics, but inverse colors in Adobe usually works pretty well too!

In my opinion, this is a better projector than the Epson Powerlite series and is often cheaper. However, the Epson projectors are often easier to find secondhand.

Pros:

  • Throw ratio is just 0.5
  • True 1080p image
  • 3,800 ANSI Lumen (it’s bright)
  • 50,000:1 contrast
  • Blackboard mode
  • Great color and screen response time (for gaming)
  • Keystone adjustment up to 40 degrees
  • Throw distance minimum 1.3ft (0.4m)

Cons:

  • Offset-18 inches (largest on the list)
  • No built-in wireless

Alternative Optoma W319ST (Jan 2021 model)

Epson Powerlite 535W (B00PELB2Q6)

Most Epson projectors are designed for classroom use. That being said, you can often find these on secondhand markets such as Ebay for a decent price. The Epson Powerlite 535W was released in December 2014 and discontinued in May 2021. The resolution is decent at 1280 x 800p. It uses bulb technology with about 5,000 hours in normal mode and 10,000 hours in Eco. New bulbs can also be purchased online if needed.

The throw ratio is 0.48, which means at just 2 feet above the cutting surface you will get an image that is 50”x31” (80cmx128cm at 61cm distance). Not as bright as the Optoma GT1080, but still very bright at 3,400 ANSI Lumen. The projector is 5.20″ x 13.50″ x 12.70″ (HxWxD) and 8.2lbs (3.7 Kg). This makes it the biggest and heaviest short throw projector reviewed.

This short throw projector has many connections available including USB, HDMI, and VGA. Both horizontal and vertical keystone can be adjusted for a completely squared screen. The Epson Powerlite 535W does have a small vertical offset of 4” (9cm) from lens to the top of the screen. The focus throw distance is 1.6ft (0.6m) to 3.9 ft (1.2m).

Another feature is that it is iProjector compatible. This is a separate app that can be used to project your phone screen to the projector. Unfortunately, this is just a fancy wireless document and Chromebook viewing tool. You will still need to connect using Chromecast or HDMI to zoom in Adobe. But, you could pull up the pattern instructions in Google Docs! You can also browse the web through the app and your phone or Chromebook. For classroom use, up to 50 devices can be connected and share to the projector screen. While this is pretty cool, it really isn’t needed for sewing. Haha.

While this projector is a great projector for our needs, it is one of the more expensive short throws available. Since Epson projectors are often used by schools, you may find them available more often in second-hand markets. Outside of the United States, you may find this projector called Epson CB- or EB- 535W.

Pros:

  • Bright 3,400 ANSI Lumen
  • Replaceable bulb technology
  • Throw ratio 0.48
  • HDMI connection
  • Low offset of 4” (9cm)
  • iProjection compatible (office document viewer)
  • Throw distance minimum 1.6ft. (0.6m)

Cons:

  • Price
  • Size
  • No built-in wireless connection

Note* All other Epson short throws will work as well. Espon short throws 400-430 only have VGA port (No HDMI or USB port). Sometimes using adaptors can cause distortion issues with Mac. Windows users have not reported any issues with using a VGA adaptor.

Alternative Epson Powerlite LS200SW (Jan 2021 model)

BenQ MW632ST

The BenQ MW 623ST projector was released in July 2015 and is still being sold today. You can find this used and new at many different markets. This projector has a manual zoom and the throw ratio is 0.72-0.87. Which means at 3 feet (91cm) you will get a screen with a median size of 45”x28” (115cmx72cm). The vertical offset is only 1 inch (2cm). This means you will have very little “dead” space when mounted on the wall. The minimum throw distance is 2.5ft (0.7m) which is a little bit higher than the others.

The native resolution is 1280×800. It is a bright projector with 3,200 ANSI Lumen and a contrast ratio of 13,000:1.

This all means that it is a decent projector that will be bright enough for most rooms and provide an image good enough for sewing. But it is not the best movie or gaming projector out there. It is built for classrooms and conference rooms.

The BenQ projector is a little bit smaller than the Epson projector at 4.50″ x 11.30″ x 9.20″ (HxWxD) (11 cm x 29 cm x 23 cm ) and 5.7 lbs (2.6Kg). There is no built-in wireless connection. You will need to use an MHL dongle or Chromecast device.

Pros:

  • 3200 ANSI Lumens
  • Low offset 1 inch (2cm)
  • Throw ratio 0.72-0.87 (on the higher end of short throws)
  • Lowest price new on the list
  • Size (bigger than the mini, but smaller than the others)
  • Throw distance minimum 2.5ft (0.7m)

Cons:

  • Lower contrast
  • No built-in wireless

Suggested mount: BenQ universal ceiling mount installed on the wall

View Sonic PS600X

The View Sonic PS600X is another good option for a short throw projector. Some features are better than previous projectors and some not as good. It is a little bit brighter (3,500 ANSI Lumen) and slightly lower resolution with 1024 x 768. Is that enough to make a big difference? Probably not. The contrast ratio is 22,000:1, which may make it a little be easier to see lines. The aspect ratio is 4:3, which means you may need to adjust the ratio on your computer when using it (many computers are at 16:9). The throw ratio is at 0.61. It is on the average size at 4.53″ x 11.50″ x 9.29″ (HxWxD) (12 cm x 29 cm x 24 cm) and 5.7 lbs (2.6 Kg). Where this one might really beat out others is on affordability. The price is lower than Optoma and Epson brands.

Pros:

  • 3500 ANSI Lumen
  • 22,000 contrast ratio
  • Average size
  • Price
  • Throw ratio 0.61
  • Throw distance minimum 1.2ft (0.4m)

Cons:

  • 4:3 native aspect ratio
  • No wireless

Best Ultra-Short Throw Projectors for Sewing

*All ultra-short throw projectors will work for sewing. Some of the most common brands are Epson, Hitachi, Smart, ViewSonic, and LG.

JMGO O1

This is one of the more affordable new Ultra-short throw projectors that I have found. It is a native 1080p projector, so make sure your computer supports that display resolution. This projector is probably best used in a dim room, as it is not as bright as more expensive ultra-short throws. Due to its rounded and sleek design, you will not be able to stand it on a shelf. However, it is a lot lighter that the Epson ultra-short throws. It has one mount hole on the back, so look at mounts for one screw hole. There are many universal projector mounts that should work well for it.

Preview Product Rating Price
JMGO O1 Ultra Short Throw Projector,for 1080P... JMGO O1 Ultra Short Throw Projector,for 1080P... No ratings yet

Last update on 2024-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Epson LS300

Preview Product Rating Price
Epson EpiqVision Ultra Short Throw LS300 3LCD... Epson EpiqVision Ultra Short Throw LS300 3LCD... No ratings yet $1,999.99 $1,799.95

Last update on 2024-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

View Sonic PS700W

Preview Product Rating Price
Epson EpiqVision Ultra Short Throw LS300 3LCD... Epson EpiqVision Ultra Short Throw LS300 3LCD... No ratings yet $1,999.99 $1,799.95
ViewSonic PS700W 3300 Lumens WXGA Ultra Short... ViewSonic PS700W 3300 Lumens WXGA Ultra Short... No ratings yet $1,344.49

Last update on 2024-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Last update on 2024-05-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

Conclusion Best Projector for Sewing

The best projector for sewing is one that works well for your situation. If you plan to permanently mount your projector, then the Viviamge Explore 2, Wowoto A8, or a similar mini projector are great options for you. For those not wanting to mount, or that have little throw distance available, you should get an ultra short throw projector.

So, what are you waiting for? Order a projector today to revolutionize your sewing!

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