New commercials for mini-sewing machines promise a lot. But Consumer Reports found their sewing abilities are only so-so.

The Sew Smart sewing machine costs $30, and promises to mend a tear, attach a patch, and that is not all. "Sew Smart is perfect for crafts and costumes."

It's got some competition. The Dewing Genie costs $40. It also makes big claims. "Sew pillow shams! Turn ordinary into extraordinary!"

Consumer Reports put these tiny two-pound machines to the test. Pat Slaven started with jeans. The Sewing Genie commercial says you can go through four layers of denim, so you would think hemming jeans would be a cinch. Not so fast -----

"The basic hem is three layers of fabric, which is no problem. But as soon as you get to the thick side seams, the machine won't go through it. If you can't hem jeans with the Sewing Genie, what about decorating them with the Sew Smart.... Well, when Pat tried, she ran into trouble.

"You can't decorate your jeans easily. There is no room here to maneuver your fabric." OK, working on your jeans is pretty much out, but both commercials claim they are good for hemming other clothes. "With Sew Smart, you can quickly fix a hem!" "Now fix that torn hem like a pro!"

This machine really can't do a proper hemstitch. With Sewing Genie or Sew Smart you can sew a straight line, but you will see that line of stitches." Pat also tried sewing other materials, such as sheer chiffon, and lightweight jersey. But that didn't work either.

So Consumer Reports says while the machines can do a straight seam on regular-weight fabric, you don't have to be a "genie" or "so smart" to see that for anything else, you would be better off with just a plain old needle and thread.

Consumer Reports says if you are looking for a sewing machine, the relatively inexpensive Kenmore 15516 was top-rated in its most recent tests. This sewing machine does hems, buttonholes, zigzag stitching and more and costs $180.