Last updated on July 20th, 2023 at 02:54 pm
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Are you ready to begin paper-free sewing on a budget? Here is a review of the best mini projector for sewing! All of the projectors in this list have been used for sewing. They are chosen for their ease of calibration, mounting capabilities, throw ratio, and budget friendliness!
Best Mini Projectors at a Glance
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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. 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”x24”. 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
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.
Best Throw Ratio: Sovboi 720p Projector
The Sovboi 720p and Tkisko projectors have a short focal lens and a throw ratio of only 1.24. The Sovboi can focus in just 32″ and only needs 45″ to create an image the size the width of an A1 mat (24″x36″). Read the full review on the Sovboi Projector.
The Tkisko is very* similar to the Sovboi projector. You can read the full review on the Tkisko HERE.
- 【Mini Palm-Sized & Short Distance 5G Wi-Fi…
- 【9000L Native 720P Resolution & Full HD…
- 【Sealed Dustproof Design & Advanced Cooling…
- 【Diffuse Reflection Protects Eyes & HiFi…
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
- ★【Compact & Wireless Screen…
- ★【250” Screen & 1080P HD】Enjoy a 30%…
- ★【Upgraded Cooling & Eye Protection】The…
- ★【Portable & Widely Compatible】Take the…
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Alvar 9000 Projector
- 🌐 【2023 Upgraded Bluetooth 5.1 and Hi-Fi…
- 🌐【5G & 2.4G WiFi Screen Mirroring】 5G…
- 🌐 【Tripod and Carrying Case Included】…
- 🌐【Connect to Compatible Devices】 The…
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Alvar 9000 projector is the updated (2022) version of the original Vivimage Explore 2 and Acrojoy projectors. It is just under a different brand name. Read the full review on the Alvar 9000. It will come in a box marked RV450W, but the brand name “Alvar” will be on the front of the projector.
This projector design has been a favorite of sewists for a long time. All cables exit on the side of the projector and no vents are located on the back.
You will get the typical 1.4 throw ratio that will give you about an A1 mat sized image at 60″ from lens to table. This is a native 720p resolution that has a lot of connection options including miracast, iOS screen cast, and HDMI.
The Alvar 9000 is a great mini projector for projecting both wirelessly and wired to phones, tablets, and computers. There is no battery on board, so you will still need to plug it in!
This projector can be mounted using any single-point projector mount. It also fits the Basic Niche mount designed for the Vivimage Explore 2.
AcroJoy 9000
- 【Native 1080P Full HD Resolution】:…
- 【5G+2.4G Dual-band WiFi】: This mini…
- 【Bluetooth 5.2 & Built-in HiFi Stereo…
- 【Connect to Multiple Devices】: This…
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The Arcojoy 9000 Lumens (Sunspark 500W) is the 2021 version of the Alvar and Vivimage Explore 2. The design again is great for a projector for sewing because all the cable exit the side of the projector instead of the back. This means you can mount it as close to the ceiling as possible. Read our full review on the Acrojoy HERE.
This projector also fits the same Basic Niche Mount as the Vivimage Explore 2.
Basic Niche
(Top Recommended mount)
The Basic Niche Mounts are designed by a projection sewist for sewing projectors! These mounts allow you to make minute adjustments to the projector for a near perfect calibration!
On paper the ArcoJoy is almost exactly like the Vivimage Explore 2, but updated! The only visible difference is the “AcroJoy” symbol instead of the “Vivimage” brand name. The throw ratio collected from the data in the descriptions is slightly higher at 1.378, compared to the Vivimage Explore 2 at a throw ratio of 1.345. In reality the image was slightly smaller.
The brightness and contrast ratio listed for the AcroJoy are both higher than the Vivimage. It states a brightness of 9000 LED Lumens vs. 4000. The contrast ratio for the AcroJoy is 10000:1. In my research, it may have been a little bit brighter, but not by much to the visible eye.
The power cord and other connections enter out the side of the projector. This means you can mount it closer to the ceiling. Keystone and focus are manually controlled around the lens. There is one mount hole on the back. It comes with a tripod, but not needed for our uses.
The projector comes with a mini tripod, HDMI cable (standard length), power cable, lens cap, lens cleaning supplies, user manual, and remote. The remote is a must for a mini projector since it will be mounted on the wall. The remote for the Acrojoy is the same remote as the Vivimage. In fact, I was able to use the Vivimage remote to control the Acrojoy projector.
Customer service is friendly and helpful. I received a defective projector at first. When connected to HDMI the squares on the calibration grid were rectangles. Acrojoy claims a Lifetime Warranty for the product. I contacted the company by email. They got back to me in 24 hrs. and after providing my order number, they offered to send me a prepaid shipping label to return the defective projector and send a new one.
So, if you can’t find the Vivimage Explore 2, the Acrojoy C202 Sunspark (9000 Lumens) is the perfect alternative!
Buy on AmazonYaber V2
- [Newest wireless connection & zoom function]…
- [Innovative sct projector screen] V2…
- [Native 1280*720p & wide compatibility] V2…
- [Hi-fi stereo sound & latest advanced cooling…
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
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.
Vankyo Leisure 470 Pro: Great for High Ceilings!
The Vankyo Leisure 470 Pro is a small, lightweight projector that is great for sewists with high ceilings due to its high minimum focus and image quality. The image is larger than other mini projectors and has a native 1080p resolution. This projector is NOT sold on Amazon, but on iVankyo.com. Free shipping is offered on all products.
The Vankyo Leisure 470 Pro is a native 1080p projector that works well for sewing. This projector will work best with devices that have a native resolution of 1080p or higher. Most new computers and tablets fit this bill. I love the Vankyo Leisure 470 Pro for sewing! It creates a larger image than the Acrojoy/Alvar models at the same distance. The picture is bright, clear, and sharp! The mini size is lightweight and easy to mount for the ceiling.
The only reason this projector is not in my number one spot is that it does not work for everyone. The Vankyo Leisure 470 Pro needs at least 55.2 inches from lens to table or 65.2 inches from ceiling to cutting surface.
Many sewists do not have the vertical height needed for this projector. However, if you do have the height for it, I HIGHLY recommend it!
This projector doesn’t have an onboard iOS cast or Miracast option, but it does cast its own Wi-Fi signal that you can connect to. I chose to connect using an HDMI cable that I found very stable.
Vankyo also sells a mount that works well for the mini projectors. While you are getting free shipping through them, it is worth getting a mount too.
PM 60 Universal Mount
This is a great universal mount that will hold the projector steady for calibration and sewing. It is sold by iVankyo.com.
Elphas W13 or W90
- [Newest wireless connection & zoom function]…
- [Innovative sct projector screen] V2…
- [Native 1280*720p & wide compatibility] V2…
- [Hi-fi stereo sound & latest advanced cooling…
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Elphas is another projector that doesn’t get a lot of spotlight, but is a great budget-friendly option. It includes iOS cast and Android cast for wireless viewing options. It does use a wireless connection, so you cannot be connect to the internet at the same time. It also has typical wired connections including HDMI. It has 3500:1 contrast ratio and should create a slightly larger image than the Vivimage and Acrojoy 9000 at the same distance. The power cord does exit the back of the projector. The native resolution is 720p.
Buy on AmazonVankyo Leisure 470
Vankyo Leisure 470
Good mini projector for sewing. Not sold on Amazon. Available on iVankyo.com
The Vankyo Leisure 470 is a native 720p projector that works for sewing. They are one company that has really been advertising sewing projectors. They had several sewing bloggers test out the Vankyo Leisure 470 and DT30 model projectors.
Overall, it is a decent projector that works well for sewing. It creates its own Wi-Fi signal to connect wirelessly to a device. So, you will not be able to use Wi-Fi and connect to the projector at the same time. You can read a full review on the 470 HERE.
Turewell H3: Best Budget
- 【Perfect Home Cinema Experience】TUREWELL...
- 【HD Projector for Outdoor Movies 】This...
- 【Video Projector with Build-in HiFi...
- 【Multiple Devices Connection】 With the...
Last update on 2024-11-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are looking for the cheapest option that works for sewing, then the Turewell H3 is it! You can often find a coupon or discount for this projector making it even more budget friendly.
For the lower price you sacrifice wireless connectivity, but most people use HDMI anyway! The native resolution is still spot on with 1280×720. The projected image is slightly less than the Vivimage. They state that you get a 40 inch diagonal screen in 3.9 ft. The stated lumens are 7500. Remember that since these are not ANSI rated lumens, it really is hard to compare to other projectors. The contrast ratio is the lowest of the reviewed projectors at 2000:1.
If you are looking for the best way to mount the Turewell H3, then make sure to check out Basic Niche. They make one designed for the Turewell H3!
Buy on AmazonApeman LC350 and Apeman LC550
The Apeman mini projectors are another popular choice for the best mini projector for sewing. If you live in the UK or Canada, these can sometimes be easier to find that the Vivimage.
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. Read our full review of the Apeman LC550.
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.
Apeman LC350
Budget mini projector, 480p. Sold on Apeman.com or Walmart.
Apeman LC550
Budget mini projector, 720p. Sold on Apeman.com or Walmart.
How to Connect Your Mini Projector to Your Computer
For the best and most stable connection, I recommend using an HDMI cable to connect your projector and computer. Google Chromecast, Miracast, and iOS cast are options with many of these mini projectors as well. Sometimes the wireless connection can be flaky.
Check your computer for an HDMI port. If you are on a Mac, you may not have an HDMI port. You will need an HDMI to USB-C cable to connect to your projector’s HDMI and the USB-C port on your computer. If you already have an HDMI cord, you can buy an HDMI to USB-C adapter for Macs.
I recommend buying a long HDMI cable that will go from your ceiling to computer easily. Usually 15 feet is good, but if your computer is further away, you may need a longer cord.
Conclusion
These are the best mini projectors for sewing! You will be able to mount, calibrate, and start sewing relatively easy with these projectors. After choosing a projector, make sure to choose a ceiling mount. There are a lot of options for mounts including DIY solutions. Make sure to check out the How to Mount a Mini Projector for Sewing. Once you have a projector and mount, you’ll be ready to calibrate! Don’t forget to familiarize yourself with Adobe and the tools available for the best projector sewing experience!
