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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
SPEED :
PRICE :
EASINESS:
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
PROGRAM
Serger
BUILT-IN STITCHES
–
PRICE RANGE
Under $400
SKILLS 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.
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
CONS
Best Portable Machine For Beginners
4. Singer 2277
SPEED :
PRICE :
EASINESS:
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
PROGRAM
Beginners
BUILT-IN STITCHES
23
PRICE RANGE
Under $250
SKILLS 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.
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
CONS
Best Portable Sewing Machine For Intermediate Users
5. Brother CS6000i
SPEED :
PRICE :
EASINESS:
KEY SPECIFICATIONS
PROGRAM
Versatile
BUILT-IN STITCHES
60
PRICE RANGE
Under $400
SKILLS 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.
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
CONS