This page provides the information about the Yoton projector, which is the cheapest recommended mini projector, about $50USD/£50/$60CAD, which makes good image sizes for projecting patterns.
Other other recommended projectors for sewing, are available here. The recommended Yoton below is the Y3 model. Other more expensive Yoton models the Y5 and Y6 for example are not recommeded because the image sizes they make are smaller.
Scroll down for direct links to purchase the Yoton.
Yoton Recommended Projector:
Click the + headings below to see details about this model:
This projector is the size of a thick paperback book, and just under 1kg (about 2lbs), so can be easily mounted with a tripod or other non-permanent mount. The reason it can be small and light, yet still affordable, is that the power supply is on the power cord and not inside the projector. The power cord is short, so an extension cord (2 prong) will be needed, and the weight of the power supply will need to be supported where it connects to extension cord, for example with zip ties or tape to tripod, shelf or wall.
This model creates large image sizes, with size being close to A0 size at 60″ above table. Projector manuals often overstate how large an image will be, but in my tests on multiple devices, this claim of image sizes by the manufacturer seems accurate.
In my tests at 50″ to lens, when connected to computer, image size will be about 42″x24″ (48″ diagonal) . When connected to phone or tablets, image size will be more limited by the shape of the device. In my tests of mobile devices, again at 50″ to lens, image from a phone will be about 42″x19″ (46″ diagonal), and from a tablet, will be about 32″x24″ (39″ diagonal), Larger distances will create larger images, every 3″ higher will increase diagonal image size by about 2″ (which means approximately 1.5″ wider, and 1″ taller for every 3″ of extra distance between surface and lens).
Here is a table with the sizes I am getting when connected to computer, at distances from 50″-64″ / 140cm – 162cm to projector lens (image sizes will be smaller if projecting from phone or tablet):
| Distance from cutting surface to projector lens | Image width | Image depth | Diagonal image size |
| 50 in | 42 in | 24 in | 48 in |
| 55 in | 46 in | 26 in | 52.5 in |
| 60 in | 50 in | 28 in | 57 in |
| 64 in | 53 in | 30 in | 59 in |
| 127 cm | 106 cm | 61 cm | 122 cm |
| 140 cm | 117 cm | 66 cm | 133 cm |
| 152 cm | 127 cm | 71 cm | 145 cm |
| 162 cm | 134 cm | 76 cm | 150 cm |
If you need a larger image size at smaller distances, please see Ultra Short Throw section in “Other recommended projectors” tab at top of this page.
The image quality is good enough for our needs for cutting lines on fabric, and is our recommended 720p native resolution so works well to not have any aspect ratio distortion. If your room is sunny, you will find it hard to see projection when sun is bright. Curtains or changing time when cutting to be later in the day will be needed in that case. If curtains are not possible, even some kind of screen in the room to create shadow on the cutting mat will help.
This projector connects wirelessly (via your local wifi network, internet connection not needed), or HDMI cable. Like any projector, will connect to any device or computer. The included HDMI cable is very short, so if connecting by cable a much longer cable will be needed. Any basic HDMI cable is fine, no need for expensive one.
Only HDMI cable connection will work with Google devices, because Google products are not compatible with Miracast wireless protocol used on projectors. To create a wireless connection, a Google Chromecast device can be added to projector’s HDMI port, and then that will work with Google phone.
Affordability is different for each person, and varies tremendously across countries, so this projector is not universally affordable. However, it is on the low end of costs of projectors that work for our needs, and that is one reason I am comfortable recommending it. Projector sewing as a social movement must have tools that are reasonably priced, so that it can spread benefits to as many people as possible.
Affiliate links for Yoton Y3-PW models:
Here are affiliate links for this projector Yoton model I am recommending. Pic on Amazon listing will be similar to this image – but sometimes different colour. (Please note box that gets shipped will list the model as Y3 on box label, but will contain Wifi model if ordered from these links, you can confirm when Yoton main menu shows “Screen Mirroring” that is wifi model.)
The affiliate link funds will be used to maintain and develop this website.
Amazon.com link for Yoton wifi + hdmi model: https://amzn.to/3vAGpPn
Amazon.co.uk link for Yoton wifi + hdmi model: https://amzn.to/3S0JBeH
Amazon.ca link for Yoton wifi + hdmi model: https://amzn.to/3tRpOqb
New! Amazon Australia link for Aikyo projector, verified to be equivalent model to the Yoton (includes wifi connectivity same as Yoton models linked above from other stores): https://amzn.to/3ZpAZU5
For those in Australia that want to save about $35 AUD, the HMDI only model of the Yoton is also available: https://amzn.to/4961wJ5
Click the .com link and change the “.com” to your country’s Amazon store domain, for example “.se” or “.fr”, etc. leaving the rest of the url the same, then press enter. That trick often works to quickly find the same product on your country’s store. If that doesn’t work and you are searching for the model in your Amazon store, searching for Yoton 720p often brings good results. Check the listing to make sure the resolution is listed as “1280×720”, that is the model that works for us.
One variation of this model is the Yoton Y3-P, which doesn’t have on board wireless capabilities. It is slightly cheaper, and since the wifi connection can be finicky in these type pf projectors, it can be a good choice to go for the cable-only model. (Any projector can connect wirelessly, with the addition of casting device to the HDMI port, so it is something that can be added later on.)