Smartek REX RX-518 All Metal Construction Portable Professional Grade Desktop Blindstitch Machine – In-Depth Review

The Smartek REX RX-518 All Metal Construction Portable Professional Grade Desktop Blindstitch Machine is designed for precision hemming and professional garment finishing. Built with durable metal construction and engineered for light to medium-weight fabrics, this machine specializes in invisible hems, cuffs, and refined garment detailing.

Unlike traditional sewing machines, a blindstitch machine performs nearly invisible hems by catching only a small portion of the fabric’s outer layer. For tailors, alteration specialists, small clothing businesses, and advanced home sewists, the RX-518 provides professional-grade results without the size and cost of industrial floor models.

This comprehensive review covers features, specifications, build quality, stitch capabilities, performance, accessories, advantages, and practical applications to help you determine whether this blindstitch machine meets your sewing needs.

Product Overview

Purpose-Built Blindstitch Technology

The Smartek REX RX-518 is not a general-purpose sewing machine. It is specifically engineered for blind hemming and finishing applications. Blindstitch machines create nearly invisible hems by forming stitches that barely catch the outer fabric layer.

This makes the RX-518 ideal for:

• Pant cuffs
• Felling slack bottoms
• Hemming dresses
• Skirt and coat bottoms
• Draperies
• Negligees
• Undergarments
• Lapel padding
• Blouses and sleeves

Instead of visible seam lines, the machine produces subtle stitch patterns hidden within the fabric fold.

All-Metal Construction for Stability

Durability is one of the defining characteristics of the Smartek REX RX-518 All Metal Construction Portable Professional Grade Desktop Blindstitch Machine. Its heavy-duty metal frame enhances stability and reduces vibration during operation.

Metal construction provides several advantages:

• Long-term durability
• Consistent stitch accuracy
• Resistance to misalignment
• Industrial-grade performance in a compact format

The gray finish gives it a professional workshop appearance, suitable for tailoring studios or dedicated sewing spaces.

Fabric Compatibility

The RX-518 is designed to sew light to medium-weight materials. This includes:

• Cotton
• Polyester
• Synthetic blends
• Knits
• Woolens

It handles common garment fabrics smoothly, making it a practical tool for clothing alterations and finishing tasks.

Because it is optimized for these materials, it performs best on:

• Suit pants
• Formal dresses
• Casual skirts
• Lightweight coats
• Drapery panels

Very heavy materials such as thick upholstery fabrics may not be suitable for this model.

Skip Stitch Feature (1-1 and 2-1 Stitching)

One of the most important features of the RX-518 is the skip stitch capability.

1-1 Stitching

This setting creates a stitch with every penetration, suitable for firmer fabrics and stronger hems.

2-1 Stitching

This setting skips every other stitch, creating an even more discreet hem. It is ideal for delicate fabrics where minimal thread visibility is required.

The ability to switch between these modes allows greater versatility depending on fabric type and desired finish.

Swing-Away Bed Plate

The swing-away bed plate expands the working area, making it easier to position garments for hemming.

Benefits include:

• Improved fabric handling
• Greater visibility
• Easier maneuvering of skirts and pant legs
• Increased control for detailed work

This feature is especially helpful when working with circular garments like sleeves and cuffs.

Portable Desktop Design

While many professional blindstitch machines are large and industrial, the Smartek REX RX-518 is designed as a portable desktop unit.

With dimensions of 14 inches deep, 15.75 inches wide, and 13 inches high, it fits comfortably on most sewing tables or workbenches.

This compact design is ideal for:

• Home sewing studios
• Alteration businesses
• Small tailoring shops
• Mobile tailoring setups

The AC-powered electric motor provides consistent performance without requiring industrial electrical connections.

Electronic Foot Speed Controller

The included electronic foot speed controller allows precise control over stitching speed.

Advantages include:

• Gradual acceleration
• Better handling of delicate fabrics
• Improved accuracy around curves
• Reduced risk of fabric damage

Speed control is essential for blindstitching because accuracy determines how invisible the hem will appear.

Knee Lifter for Hands-Free Operation

The RX-518 includes a knee lifter, enabling hands-free presser foot lifting.

This is particularly useful when:

• Adjusting fabric positioning
• Pivoting garments
• Working with multiple layers
• Managing long drapery panels

Hands-free functionality enhances workflow efficiency and professional handling.

Included Accessories

The machine comes with a comprehensive set of accessories, ensuring it is ready for operation immediately.

Included Accessories

• Extra Needles
• Thread Stand
• 2 Screwdrivers (1 Philips head, 1 Standard)
• 5-piece Allen key set
• Tweezer
• Plastic Oiler
• 2 Machine Clamps
• Electronic Foot Speed Controller
• Knee Lifter
• 2 Replacement Motor Brushes
• Instruction & Part Manual

These accessories support setup, maintenance, and ongoing machine care.

Professional Applications

The Smartek REX RX-518 All Metal Construction Portable Professional Grade Desktop Blindstitch Machine is widely suited for professional garment finishing tasks.

Tailoring and Alterations

Perfect for shortening pants and skirts while maintaining factory-style invisible hems.

Bridal and Formal Wear

Blindstitching ensures discreet finishing on elegant garments.

Home Décor

Ideal for hemming draperies and curtain panels without visible stitching lines.

Custom Clothing Production

Supports small-scale clothing production and fashion workshops.

Ease of Setup and Operation

Despite being a specialized machine, the RX-518 is relatively straightforward to set up.

Key operational highlights include:

• Clear threading path
• Adjustable stitch depth
• Accessible controls
• Stable mounting with machine clamps

The included instruction manual provides guidance on threading, adjustments, and maintenance.

While beginners may require a learning period to master blindstitch techniques, experienced sewists will adapt quickly.

Maintenance and Longevity

Routine maintenance ensures optimal performance.

Recommended practices include:

• Regular oiling with included plastic oiler
• Cleaning lint buildup
• Replacing motor brushes as needed
• Checking needle alignment

The metal construction enhances longevity and reduces the likelihood of mechanical issues.

Performance Evaluation

Pros and Cons

Pros

• All-metal durable construction
• True professional blindstitch capability
• Skip stitch feature (1-1 and 2-1)
• Swing-away bed plate
• Electronic speed control
• Knee lifter included
• Portable desktop format
• Complete accessory kit

Cons

• Specialized machine, not multi-function
• Learning curve for beginners
• Best suited for light to medium fabrics only

Who Should Consider This Machine?

The Smartek REX RX-518 is ideal for:

• Professional tailors
• Alteration specialists
• Boutique owners
• Fashion designers
• Advanced home sewists
• Home décor fabric specialists

It may not be necessary for casual hobbyists who only need occasional hemming, but for professionals or serious enthusiasts, it offers significant advantages.

Comparison to Traditional Sewing Machines

Standard sewing machines can attempt blind hems using blind hem stitches. However, those stitches are often more visible and less refined than true blindstitch machines.

The RX-518 delivers:

• Cleaner, more invisible hems
• Greater stitch control
• Industrial-style results
• Higher efficiency for repetitive hemming tasks

For businesses performing daily alterations, the time savings alone can justify the investment.

Final Verdict

The Smartek REX RX-518 Review demonstrates that this machine is a reliable, professional-grade blindstitch solution in a compact, desktop format. Its all-metal construction, skip stitch flexibility, and swing-away bed plate make it a practical and durable option for garment finishing.

Designed specifically for hemming and invisible stitching, it excels in tailoring, fashion design, and home décor applications. The included accessories and speed control system further enhance its professional capabilities.

For those seeking accurate, clean, and nearly invisible hems without investing in a full industrial setup, the Smartek REX RX-518 stands out as a dependable and efficient choice.