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Best Portable Sewing Machines
Jessica QuiltNCo
Posted by
Jessica
|
Updated on
April 6, 2023
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.

5 Best Portable Sewing Machines

Best overall
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SINGER | 9960
Sewing & Quilting Machine With Accessory Kit, Extension Table – 600 Stitches & Electronic Auto Pilot Mode
Buy at Amazon.com
best FOR small budget
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Varmax
Sewing Machine with Extension Table Electric Sewing Machine for Beginners
Buy at Amazon.com
industrial class
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SINGER 01663
Cordless, handheld portable mending machine, Single thread feed for quick repairs or temporary basting
Buy at Amazon.com

If you travel with your sewing machine or have a small working area, a portable sewing machine is a must. But, how do you know you’re not foregoing essential features in exchange for a portable sewing machine. 

Deciding on a portable sewing machine can be time-consuming. Don’t worry; I’m here to help. In this post, I will review the best portable sewing machines for every skill level and budget. 

Let’s get started.  💞

1. Varmax Mini With Extension Table – Best Budget Portable Sewing Machine

Specifications

Weight: 2.77 Pounds
Speed: 250 SPM
Dimensions: 6.9 x 3.5 x 8.6 inches

What I Like

One of the best things about this sewing machine is the price. When other sewing machines can cost upwards of $100 and much more.
This sewing machine is just a fraction of the price and it comes packed with features.
I also liked the extension table that it comes with. It makes sewing a bit easier, especially for beginners.

I also like that its battery-powered as well as with a power cord makes it versatile.
If you are setting up shop outdoors or somewhere you don’t have access to a power supply you won’t have to stop working.

I also like how light it is. If you travel with your sewing machine, this sewing machine is a great choice.
It only weighs 3 pounds making it easier for nearly everyone to carry.

What I Dislike

The downside of this sewing machine is that it’s not durable, its mostly plastic which contributes to light it is.

Another downside is that although it has two speeds, they are both relatively slow when compared to other sewing machines. It only reaches 280 stitches per minute.
The low stitch count and weak piercing of this sewing machine do not allow it to perform heavy-duty jobs.

This sewing machine is better for one off simple jobs rather than a long-term solution. 
Since this sewing machine is mainly plastic it has the tendency to break after long term use. 

Keep this sewing machine for lighter and easier jobs.
As I was using this machine I did find that the thread was getting knotted and breaking quite often which was bothersome.

I had to fit the threading every 10 minutes of sewing. If you are only doing shorter jobs then this should not be an issue.
Positives
Budget-Friendly
Comes with an extension table.
Easy to rewind the bobbin
Less than 3 pounds
Runs on batteries and power cord.
Easy to use.
Two Speed Controls
Negatives
Not Durable, Mostly Plastic.
Not great for large sewing projects.
Thread gets knotted often
High speed is weak (250 stitches/ minute), not suitable for heavy-duty sewing projects.
Only one stitch patterns.

Who Should buy

This sewing machine is best for beginners looking to get a sewing machine on a budget.
Purchase the Varmax sewing machine if you are looking for a lightweight sewing machine to do fairly short sewing jobs or if you are looking for a short term solution.

This is also a great option if you don’t use your sewing machine often or you are a beginner trying to learn sewing.

If you want a long term solution, there are plenty of other options on this list that require a slightly larger initial investment but are more durable and have many more features. 

2. Singer Stitch Sew Quick – Best Handheld Portable Sewing Machine

Specifications

Weight: 0.86 Pounds
Speed: Manual
Dimensions: 2.25 x 9 x 7.5 inches

What I Like

What I like most about this product is that it is truly handheld and its inexpensive. This handheld sewing machine can easily fit in your purse, backpack, or inside your glove compartment in your car. It’s easy to store making it readily accessible whenever you need it.
Unlike other mini sewing machines that are small but still full-sized.

The other great thing about this product is that no assembly is required and it comes out of the box ready to use. It is relatively easy once you have the yarn threaded.

This sewing machine also produces surprisingly nice stitches. The front stitch is a sleek single stitch and the backstitch is a tight double stitch.

What I Dislike

What is dislike most about this portable sewing machine is that it is a bit limiting.

First, it does not work great on thicker materials. In some cases, the stitch won’t make it through the material.

Another thing is that is the spool holder is flimsy. If you move around too much the spool falls out.
Positives
Ultra-portable and lightweight
Well-known and reliable brand
No assembly required
Nice Looking Stitch
Inexpensive
Comes with accessories.
Negatives
Does not come with batteries. 
Does not work on thick fabrics. 
The spool holder is flimsy.
A bit difficult to get thread set up – especially for beginners.
Best for short jobs or quick fixes.

Who Should buy

This is a great machine if you need a sewing machine to make quick fixes and touch-ups. It’s easy to store inside your purse and backpack for emergency needs.

This is also great for people who don’t need to do much stitching.

If you only need to do minor stitches on a thin fabric, this sewing machine is a perfect fit.
It will allow you to complete your job using a compact and inexpensive sewing machine.
Best Portable Serger Sewing Machine

3. Juki MO6654DE

SWH EDITOR’S RATING
4.8/5
SPEED :
PRICE :
EASINESS:
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 10.6 x 13.6 x 11.6 inches
Weight: 15.18 Pounds
Speed: 1,500 SPM (Stitch Per Minute)
PROGRAM
Serger
BUILT-IN STITCHES
PRICE RANGE
Under $400
SKILLS LEVEL
intermediate level
What I Like
Juki is known for its high quality and easy to use devices, and this machine is no different.
This is a perfect choice for people who are limited on space but still want a high-quality serger machine.

Likewise, this is also a great option if you travel with your serger machine often.
The compact and lightweight design is much better than other models on the market.

Read my full Juki MO-654DE review here.
PROS
Compact and portable design.
Automatic shut-off safety features
Easy to operate.
Versatile presser foot.
CONS
The thread does not always stay hooked
Limited stitch options
Show more +
Best Portable Machine For Beginners

4. Singer 2277

SWH EDITOR’S RATING
4.5/5
SPEED :
PRICE :
EASINESS:
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 15 x 6.25 x 12 inches
Weight: 13.6 Pounds
Speed: 400 SPM (Stitch Per Minute)
PROGRAM
Beginners
BUILT-IN STITCHES
23
PRICE RANGE
Under $250
SKILLS LEVEL
beginner level
What I Like
This is best for people who are new to sewing and are looking to learn. This sewing machine is easy to use and fast to get comfortable with. It’s great for children or for teaching purposes.

Although this sewing machine is made for beginners, it delivers high-quality results.

You won’t have to forgo quality just to learn how to sew.

Read my full Singer Tradition 2277 review here.
PROS
Easy to use and great for beginners.
It is reasonably priced.
Durable build and has a solid metal construction.
Quiet and vibration fee while in use.
Well-known and quality brand.
CONS
Thread jams often.
All manual sewing machines.
Speed is hard to adjust and max speed is 750 stitches per minute is fast for beginners.
Not for quilting or monogramming. 
Show more +
Best Portable Sewing Machine For Intermediate Users

5. Brother CS6000i

SWH EDITOR’S RATING
4.7/5
SPEED :
PRICE :
EASINESS:
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
Dimensions: 16 x 6.7 x 11.4 inches
Weight: 13 Pounds
Speed: 850 SPM (Stitch Per Minute)
PROGRAM
Versatile
BUILT-IN STITCHES
60
PRICE RANGE
Under $400
SKILLS LEVEL
intermediate level
What I Like
This is a great sewing machine if whether you are a new or experienced at sewing. It is a powerful sewing machine that is easy to use and easy to get comfortable with.

It is also a great lightweight and compact option for those looking to get a powerful yet compact sewing machine.

Read my full Brother CS6000i review here.
PROS
Beginner Friendly yet powerful. 
Automatic threading.  
Lightweight. 
Decent price for features.  
Quiet. 
CONS
No Speed control.
Mostly Plastic.
No great for thick materials.
Show more +
JessicaJessica
I’m Jessica, mother of two and passionate seamstress. From a very young age, I’ve cultivated a passion for the creative arts, from drawing, sewing and now quilting. I saw it as a way to escape, to create, and above all, to please by offering my creations around me. The desire to pass on this passion has become more and more important, this is why I’m sharing my experience and my knowledge online.
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Jessica QuiltNCo

Warning!

I am a passionate Quilter.
This means that I actually enjoy chopping up perfectly good fabric into little teeny tiny pieces and then sewing them all right back together again…
JUST FOR FUN. 😉
Jessica
Disclosure: Some of the links in this article may be affiliate links, which can provide compensation to me at no cost to you. You can read our affiliate disclosure in our privacy policy.

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