Last updated on October 24th, 2023 at 10:48 am
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Are you frustrated looking for a recommended sewing projector that is actually available in the UK? Have you tried other links for sewing projectors, but found them only available in the US?
Look no further! I have compiled a list of the best sewing projectors in the UK that I can recommend for sewing based on experience and descriptions!
But, first, make sure a mini projector is the right projector type for your sewing setup!
If you have less than 52 inches (132cm), a short throw or ultra short throw projector might be your better choice!
What is a Mini Projector?
Mini projectors are small, portable projectors that project images onto any surface. They can be used for home or office and typically weigh under 5 lbs (2.2 kg). 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 132cm-157cm 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 60cmx90cm. Mini projectors are relatively lightweight, weighing around 2-4 lbs. Most “mini” projectors that are used have a throw ratio between 1.2 and 1.7
Our Top Pick for Mini Projectors Available in the United Kingdom
For those in a hurry, here is the top pick for best sewing projector in the UK. If you want to learn more about how we come up with our list and for alternatives, keep reading below.
The Akiyo is the favorite budget-friendly mini projector for sewing. With a throw ratio of about 1.2, this projector will create a decent image size. We recommend having at least 132 cm from table to ceiling. This distance will give you an image size of about 60cm x 90cm. This projector can connect to phones, tablets, and computers using HDMI or Wi-Fi. (This is the same model as the Yoton PW3, different seller.)
Throw Ratio of Mini Projectors
Mini projectors are relatively lightweight, weighing around 2-4 lbs. Most mini projectors that are used have a throw ratio between 1.2 and 1.7.
The lower the throw ratio, the larger your image will be at a set distance.
You can also calculate the image size given the throw ratio of your projector. Take the distance you have from ceiling to cutting surface and subtract about 8 inches (20 cm) and divide it by the projector throw ratio. The 8 inches is about the average distance that a mounting takes up on mini projectors.
Example: I have 165cm between my ceiling and cutting surface. If the projector that I want to buy has a throw ratio of 1.24, I can use the following equation to see what the longest side of the image will be (horizontal).
165cm-20cm=145cm 145cm divided by 1.24 (throw ratio of the Sovboi projector)= about 117cm
In this example, I would get an image with a horizontal throw of 117cm.
165cm-20cm=145cm 145 cm divided by 1.4 (Throw ratio of the Vankyo Leisure 470)= about 104 cm
In this example, by only changing the projector, I get an image size the is 13 cm smaller in width.
How to Choose a Mini Projector on Amazon
Buying a mini projector on Amazon in the United Kingdom can be difficult. The product specs on home projectors listed on Amazon are rarely standardized.
The listings can also be very misleading and sometimes very confusing!
So, how do you work through the sea of information to find a projector that works well for sewing?
Take my advice, get a projector that you already know will work! Why go through the headache of buying and returning projectors when you can get one that you know will work the first time?!
Here at ProjectorSewing.com, we physically hand test the projectors that we recommend! We have tested dozens of projectors and know what makes a projector good for sewing!
Some of these projectors have been tested in the US, others are not available in the US, but seem to be great candidates and worth a try! The best sewing projectors recommended have been tested for sewing! If a projector has not been tested, we will state that!
Here are some of the things to look for in a good projector candidate for sewing.
720p NATIVE RESOLUTION
Make sure you find the native resolution and not the “supported resolution”. Most Amazon projectors will advertise “1080p resolution”. However, this is misleading because that just means they can play a 1080p video. Low-resolution projectors (below 720p) can often cause aspect ratio issues, with a few exceptions.
Brightness
Cheap Amazon projectors are typically listed as having so many “light source” lumens or “LED Lumens”. These projectors cannot typically compete with the brightness of the incandescent bulbs of the more expensive projectors, so don’t be confused by their “brightness” ratings.
Mini projectors do not use the standard ANSI lumens when measuring their brightness. According to Benq, you can convert LED lumens to ANSI lumens by dividing it by 2.4. (1000 LED Lumens = 417 ANSI lumens). You can also convert light source lumens by multiplying it by 0.04-0.06. (10000 light source lumens=60 ANSI lumens)
Contrast Ratio
In our research, we have found that the contrast ratio does make a big impact on the visibility of pattern lines. Look for projectors with higher contrast ratios.
Throw Ratio
Rarely will the cheap mini Amazon projectors list a “throw ratio”. And when they do, I have often found that they are not accurate anyway. Often they will show an image with a distance and diagonal screen size. This is helpful to give you an idea, but again is not always accurate.
Do pay attention to the minimum throw distance. This is the lowest distance that the projector will be able to focus. You will not be able to use the projector unless you have AT LEAST that amount of “throw distance” between your cutting table and projector.
Most mini projectors are around 1.3-1.5 throw ratio. They will give you about a 24”x36” (60cmx90cm) image size with the recommended distance of 62” (157cm) between ceiling and cutting table.
Best Sewing Projectors in the UK: Our List of Favorites
The Akiyo is the favorite budget-friendly mini projector for sewing. With a throw ratio of about 1.2, this projector will create a decent image size. We recommend having at least 132 cm from table to ceiling. This distance will give you an image size of about 60cm x 90cm. This projector can connect to phones, tablets, and computers using HDMI or Wi-Fi. (This is the same model as the Yoton PW3, different seller.)
Yaber V2: Tried and Tested UK Sewing Mini Projector
The Yaber V2 has been a long time favorite ceiling mounted projectors for sewing. With a throw ratio of about 1.29, this projector will create a decent image size in the recommended ceiling to table distance.
| Features of the Yaber V2 | |
|---|---|
| Native Resolution | 720p |
| Lumens | 7500 (300-450 ANSI Lumens) |
| Contrast Ratio | 6000:1 |
| Connections | WiFi and HDMI available |
| Tested | Yes |
| Recommended Distance | 62″ or 157 cm |
Elphas
Elphas has many models of projectors, although I did not see a model number list for this one, it should be a great budget-friendly choice for sewing! This projector will not be very bright, so it is best used in a darker room. Great for those who sew at night or have blackout curtains!
| Specifications | |
|---|---|
| Minimum Throw Distance | 3 feet (91cm) |
| Lumens (not ANSI) | 7500 |
| Contrast Ratio | 7000:1 |
| Connections | WiFi and HDMI available |
| Native Resolution | 1080p |
| Budget-Friendly | Yes |
Visspl V30
Possibly one of the brightest listed mini projectors is the Visspl V30. It touts 15000 Lux Lumens or 480 ANSI Lumens. It also has a fun 4-point keystone correction. So, you can get the tiniest adjustments needed to fix your calibration. Remember physical movements of the projector are best and save digital keystone corrections for very last!
This projector does have a slightly higher minimum focus distance of 3.9 feet (119cm). Make sure you have the height clearance for a focused image.
| Features of Visspl V30 | |
|---|---|
| Native Resolution | 1080p |
| Lumens | 15000 (about 480 ANSI Lumens) |
| Contrast Ratio | 15000:1 |
| Minimum Focus | 3.9 Feet (119cm) |
| Connections | Wifi and HDMI available |
| Keystone | 4-point keystone correction |
| Additional Accessories | Tripod and screen for movies |
| Extra | Office Suite included in projector, most likely not useful for sewing |
Clokowe GC003 1080P Projector
The Clokowe projector is available in 2023, but has not been tested for sewing. However, we looked at specs, and it looks like a great option for sewing. If you try it out, we’d love to see pictures!
The Clokowe GC003 projector has a native resolution of 1080p. Also supporting a clearer pictures is 8000:1 contrast ratio and 9000 LUX brightness.
The Clokowe projector can connect to your device using WiFi and HDMI, among other connections.
The body design is not ideal for sewing, but not a deal breaker. All the cables will exit out the back of the projector.
This is a budget sewing projector choice at around 100 pounds.
| Features of Clokowe GC003 | |
|---|---|
| Native Resolution | 1080p |
| Lumens | 9000 Lux Lumens |
| Contrast Ratio | 8000:1 |
| Connections | Wifi and HDMI available |
| Budget Friendly | Yes |
| Minimum focus distance | unknown |
| Budget Friendly | Yes |
Giaomar Projector
We got excited when we saw the Giaomar projector, because it has a similar design to a great mini projector recommended in the US. However, upon closer inspection it was not the same, but still a great option!
This projector has been successfully used by members of the sewing community.
| Features of Giaomar | |
|---|---|
| Native Resolution | 1280x720p |
| Lumens | 7500 |
| Contrast Ratio | 9000:1 |
| Connections | Wifi and HDMI |
| Weight | only 650g |
| Minimum Distance | 1.5 m |
| Budget Friendly | Yes |
WiMiUS S26 Projector
Want a newer projector with all the necessities for sewing? Then give the WiMiUs s26 projector as try! This projector has higher rated lumens and contrast than the popular Acrojoy projectors popular in Canada and the US.
It also has 4-point keystone correction is 50 degree correction. Most mini projectors only have 15 degrees of keystone correction. Image being able to fine-tune your calibration with just a push of a few buttons!
This is also one of the few mini projectors that state the throw ratio of 1:39.
Want to show Microsoft Office files and Adobe PDF files on the go without a computer? The WiMiUS S26 can do that! However, we do not think this would be useful for patterns as we need to access layers and zoom for calibration purposes.
| Features of WiMiUS S26 | |
|---|---|
| Native Resolution | 1080p |
| Lumens | 9800 |
| Contrast Ratio | 15000:1 |
| Connections | WiFi and HDMI available |
| Keystone | 4-point keystone correction of 50 degrees |
| Throw Ratio | 1.39 |
| Minimum Focus Distance | 1.23m |
| Budget Friendly | More than other mini projectors on list |
WiMiUS S25 Projector
The WiMiUS S25 projector is the older version of the WiMiUS S26. It has the basic features needed for sewing, but may come at a reduced price.
| Features of WiMiUS S25 | |
|---|---|
| Native Resolution | 720p |
| Lumens | 7000 |
| Contrast Ratio | 8000:1 |
| Connections | WiFi and HDMI available |
| Minimum Distance | 112 cm |
| Budget Friendly | Yes |
Nebula Capsule 3 Laser
This one is a bit more expensive. But, if you are looking for a powerful battery-operated projector, then this might be it!
I recommend this one if you have a portable setup. You will need to periodically take it down and charge the battery.
This is a native 1920×1080 resolution projector. It is best used on a computer or device that has a native resolution of 1080p or more.
However, don’t purchase this one until you have looked at short-throw projectors that fall into the same price range. You can often get a larger image with a short-throw projector. It just depends which features are more important to you!
| Features of Nebula Capsule 3 Laser | |
|---|---|
| Native Resolution | 1080p |
| Power | 2.5 hour battery |
| Lumen | 300 ANSI Lumen |
| Throw Ratio | 1.2 |
| Light Source | Laser |
| Weight | 1 kg |
| Throw Distance | 0.7m-3.2m |
| Extra Feautes | Auto Focus and Auto Keystone |
| Budget Friendly | No |
Others recommended but unable to find at the time of this article or out of stock: Apeman LC350, Apeman LC550, Bomaker S5
Conclusion
Finding the right projector for your sewing room can feel overwhelming! This list is a great way to jump in a just get started! If you purchase one, we’d love to hear about it and see pictures!
Don’t forget to come back when you are read to calibrate your projector for sewing! Until then, see you later!
I retired from teaching & am in my mid 60s. I took up sewing during Covid for the first time since needlework lessons at school in the 1970s! When I changed from sewing for my baby granddaughter with tiny PDF patterns of only 6 to 9 x A4 pieces, I quickly became fed up of printing, cutting out & sticking together copious pieces of A4 paper for my rather large curvy dress size, having purchased several pdf patterns, now regularly available online.
In Covid I joined a UK sewing group on FB about Sewing Pattern Projectors and whether they could make the life of a sewer easier or not. Was it really worth investing in one? I read the regular discussions on which is the best projector for the UK market and which types of projectors did what. The mini projectors shown here seemed ideal at first as they only need to be calibrated once and stay calibrated because they are not moved. That’s the thing with all projectors. It’s fiddly to calibrate a projector to your pattern size, especially the first time. It’s even harder when it’s stuck to the ceiling! Ideally a sewer needs to choose or figure out a way to achieve calibration, and then not move or knock the projector. Easier if you have no kids nor pets.
Many of the ladies in the USA shared photos online of beautifully kitted out purpose appropriated sewing rooms (a touch envious!) which they could close the door on when not in use. Yet in the UK, because most of us live in smaller houses with no spare rooms to re-appropriate, and most of us need our tables to double up for eating, homework, sewing etc, we can’t afford the luxury of a projector, that’s not used as often as a sewing machine, cluttering up the place 24/7.
During my comprehensive research for a sewing pattern projector, I discovered from American sewers that, unless a sewer lives in an older style house in the UK with higher ceilings and doesn’t mind electrical wires with plugs on the end dangling down a wall 24/7, our modern houses do not have high enough ceilings to fix a mini projector onto, with sufficient space below to project the pattern onto a surface that’s at the right height to be able to calibrate it to the correct size for the sewer. Unless of course, you live in Buckingham Palace, there’s little point in buying one of these ceiling PDF sewing pattern projectors.
Work it out! Measure the distance from your ceiling to the top of your sewing desk, deduct the measurements of the mount plus projector depth, and see if you have enough room to use a mini projector successfully. The distance is mentioned above. Was it 1.3m? Check please.
It turned out that the majority of UK sewers reported to the group that we didn’t have enough height in the house to be able to use a mini projector.
I researched other different kinds of sewing pattern projectors and discovered there are projectors that can be used on a flat surface, when sitting on top of just a few big books. They are called short throw projectors. Eg, put a few large books (depth wise) onto the top of a sideboard or cupboard, place the short throw projector onto the top of the books and project a pattern onto the sewing desk or breakfast bar nearby. This type of short throw projector was ideal for me to use in the kitchen because I found that this type of projector had several positives to it:
* the projector can be moved when desired so it’s not there 24/7.
* it can be put away in a cupboard.
* if mounted onto a suitable mount on wheels, it can be calibrated to your pattern
size and locked into place on the mount for ever so it doesn’t move, nor need re-
calibrating next time you use it. Best to always double check first though before
cutting.
And some negatives too that I needed to solve before purchase:
* if the set calibration values move or are knocked & altered, a sewer needs to
completely reset the calibration on the projector. Not great with kids who love to
twiddle dials & buttons & pets who knock things over.
* can’t find the correct distance for calibration from the nearest cupboard/surface.
Once I had thought of a way to solve the negatives of this type of projector, I purchased a EB-475W short throw projector from an EBay seller online, with 2600 lumens, 1080i resolution, with a power lead, a HMDi lead with USB connectivity to link from the projector to my laptop for calibration purposes.
I had already researched TV mounts on Amazon UK to find one that had wheels that locked the mount in place on the floor and one to which I could fix a projector instead of a TV & that had adjustable fixing mounts that would work to fix my projector to it instead. Once my VIVO Mobile TV Stand arrived from Amazon UK, I fixed my short throw projector in place with the screws not tightened as it has an adjustment feature on the vertical mount. This means I could calibrate the projector to my patetern size by moving the projector up or down the mount pole for the right height and then I could roll the wheeled mount backwards or forwards for the right distance from the sewing desk/breakfast bar. Once calibration was achieved for my pattern size, I locked the wheels on the mount and tightened up the nuts on the projector mount. Sorted! I took a photo of where the mount was situated for correct calibration and made notes of distances from the sewing table. My projector on a moveable mount is great. I can push it into a bedroom out of the way of visitors or into my under the stairs cupboard when I’m not cutting out a pattern. I can wheel it out again when needed, and I find that it is still automatically calibrated at the right height & distance to project correctly for my size!
This short throw projector suited me best with a modern house that has rooms and spaces that double up for many other uses and a projector that I could put away once I’d cut out the pattern.
We are all different. We have different needs and preferances. I was delighted to find this way of solving mine. Maybe it will suit you too. Good luck!