Whether you’re an advanced sewist or a learner, a heavy-duty industrial grade sewing machine isn’t your cup of tea due to bulky weight
and price, both of which become a drag for domestic users.
The only viable solution is to look for a best portable sewing machine that contains a decent amount of power,
Built-in stitches, automatic controls for user’s convenience in a lightweight construction.
It gives you a perfect illustration of how less can become more.
The main problem that arises with portable sewing machines is that despite big claims many companies compromise on quality of material for keeping it in the lightweight category.
Best Portable Sewing Machine 2022 Reviews
To prevent you from getting subjected to such deception, we have taken the liberty of compiling a list of some of the best portable sewing machines that will not disappoint you in convenience, both in weight and price.
Top Best Portable Sewing Machine Comparison Table
No. | Preview | Product Name | Details | Price |
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | ![]() | Singer Simple 3232 Sewing Machine | ||
2 | ![]() | SINGER Heavy Duty 4411 Sewing Machine | ||
3 | ![]() | Brother SM1738D Lightweight Sewing Machine | ||
4 | ![]() | EverSewn Sparrow 15, Mechanical Sewing Machine | ||
5 | ![]() | Janome Arctic Crystal Sewing Machine | ||
6 | ![]() | Brother ST371HD Sewing Machine | ||
7 | ![]() | Brother GX37 Lightweight Sewing Machine | ||
8 | ![]() | Singer Start 1304 Sewing Machine | ||
9 | ![]() | NEX Portable Double Speed Sewing Machine | ||
10 | ![]() | Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing Machine |
1. Singer Simple 3232 – Best Portable Sewing Machine with Built-In Needle Threader
If you’re a novice, then this model by Singer is a perfect way to get introduced to sewing realm.
The simplicity of the design is for the ease of beginners, mainly, to not overwhelm them with fancy features yet give them enough room to grow and improve.
Presence of 32 built-in stitches is enough versatility to be handled easily, and the inclusion of 1-step buttonhole stitch eases the tedious job of buttonhole stitching.
Keeping it basic and simple doesn’t mean it’s all ancient technology.
To give it a tinge of modernity yet stay focused on user’s convenience, it features automatic needle threader that literally threads the machine in seconds.
Despite its lightweight plastic construction, this home appliance is sturdy enough to sew 6-7 layers of thick fabric without shaking or skipping stitch.
Thanks to the inclusion of presser foot that can be easily lifted to allow user to slide multiple layers of a fabric for sewing at once.
Option of automatic reverse sewing is for locking the stitch in place.
Now that you’ve gone through every nook and cranny, let’s see if setting up is also as beginner-friendly as the rest of the model.
Its installation might take a few extra minutes of a novice user, but following the instruction manual ensures that it’s up for running in minutes. After that it’s a smooth sailing.
> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Low-costing.
- Lightweight.
- Designed for beginners.
- 32 built-in stitches including easy 1-step buttonhole stitch.
- Automatic needle threader.
- Suitable for sewing multiple layers of thick fabric at once.
- 25-year warranty.
Cons
- Plastic construction causes durability issues.
- Jamming of bobbin.
- Noisy.
Final Verdict:
This sewing machine by singer attempts at making sewing experience of a beginner easy and comfortable with the inclusion of 1-step buttonhole stitch, easy-to-lift presser foot for thick fabrics and automatic needle threader. Low price is an added bonus.
2. Singer 4411 – Best Top Rated Heavy Duty Portable Sewing Machine
This heavy duty sewing machine not only looks like a powerful beast, but also runs like one.
It’s heavy duty metal frame for longevity and stability isn’t the unusual thing. What’s unusual is that despite solid metal interior, it’s still lightweight.
Calling it a “powerful beast” wasn’t exaggeration as it profiles a robust motor to sew large number of projects quickly and efficiently.
Your worry of missing deadlines or finishing a single assignment in weeks is beaten in a single lap with its blazing speed of 1100 stitches per minute.
Judging a sewing machine on the basis small or large number of built-in stitches and presser feet is naivety.
It’s 11 built-in stitches and four presser feet is an asset when your main intention is to use it for creating perfectly sewn home décor, crafts, fashionable garments’ projects.
Thanks to its stainless steel bedplate, for even feeding of fabric, you can sew any lightweight or heavyweight fabric with ease.
All you’ve to do is adjust the presser foot and use needle and thread according to fabric’s thickness.
After that nothing can stop this work horse from delivering impeccably crafted projects.
It even gives user option of free arm for easily sewing tubular cuffs and collars.
Furthermore, presence of LED-illuminated stitching space is going to help a lot when working on such small circular pieces especially at night.
> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Heavy duty durable construction.
- Powerful motor for super-fast sewing with 1100 stitches per minute.
- Suitable for both lightweight and heavyweight fabrics.
- Adjustable presser foot.
- Free arm design.
- Built-in LED light.
Cons
- Tad bit noisy.
- Stitch style cannot be expanded.
- Automatic needle threader is absent.
Final Verdict:
If you want a solid sewing machine that can speedily sew through both lightweight and heavyweight fabric without skipping stitches and also falls within affordable price range, then you might not find a better option than this model.
3. Brother SM1738D – Best Value Lightweight Portable Sewing Machine
Discussing best portable sewing machines without mentioning this lightweight model by Brother is like preparing a gourmet meal without adding salt and spices.
The presence of four interchangeable Disney faceplates – Mickey, Minnie, Elsa from Frozen, and Disney Princess – is a dead giveaway that Brother SM1738D sewing machine is for beginners.
Keeping the price point in affordable range is to make sure that your child starts his/her sewing journey with a bang!
It packs 17 built-in stitches, and picking your desired stitch is as easy as spinning a dial, literally.
Also, you can use reverse sewing for reinforcement of the stitch by simply turning the reverse sewing lever down.
Whether you’re inserting zipper, creating buttonhole, sewing on button, or doing regular sewing, it’s all a breeze with the inclusion of 4 presser feet.
Although you might find absence of automatic needle threader a put off, but it has pretty much made up for that loss with the incorporation of jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin,
Clear-view bobbin cover and automatic bobbin winding system – all attempting at reducing hassle to give you uninterrupted performance.
Add 6-point feed dog to the equation and you get an excellent overall performance. It even has a manual thread cutter for added convenience.
Whether you’re sewing multiple layers of fabrics at once or sewing a small circular fabric like,
The result will always be perfectly sewn article courtesy of its easy-to-lift presser foot and free arm design – that can be converted into a storage compartment if detached completely.
Inclusion of LED in stitching area ensures that not even low lighting can stand between you and your creativity.
> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Tough and lightweight built in an affordable price.
- Designed for children and beginners.
- Jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin and clear-vie bobbin cover.
- Automatic bobbin winding system.
- Capable of stitching multiple layers of fabrics.
- Free arm design with LED-lit stitching area.
Cons
- Automatic needle threader and thread-cutter are absent.
- No speed control button.
Final Verdict:
If you want your child to have near-expert like finesse in his creations right from the start of his sewing journey, then this sewing machine will prove to be a reliable partner. Its affordable price will also not upset your wallet.
4. EverSewn – Best Design Sparrow-15 Portable Sewing Machine
EverSewn might not be as famous brand as Singer, Brother or Janome, but it has the potential to leave a lasting impression.
This Sparrow15 model is a 3-in-1 blend of greatness – a great mechanical sewing machine; great entry-level machine and a great travel machine.
What’s more appealing is that you can buy all this greatness in a very reasonable price.
With 32 built-in stitches, it offers as much versatility as widely known Singer 3232 sewing machine.
Also, with four presser feet and control knobs for adjusting tension of the thread as well as length and width of stitches, what’s there that you cannot create with this machine.
And it will not even take ages to finish an assignment thanks to its decent speed of 750 stitches per minute.
The presence of reverse sewing lever and knob for adjusting pressure of presser foot make sure that your end product comes out with flawlessly and there’s not even a single loose or puckered stitch sticking out like a sore thumb.
Besides, CB hook system is there to make it seal proof that no matter what fabric you throw at it, the machine will run through it seamlessly leaving behind perfect stitches.
Manual threat cutter might seem like a snag to many; but it is compensated with the infusion of automatic threader and bobbin winding system that saves time.
A unique and interesting addition is the incorporation of ruler on the lower front of the sewing machine.
This thoughtful addition comes in handy when you want to sew equal-sized pieces.
Following in the footsteps of high-end reliable models, this one also features an LED-lit stitching space to make it suitable for nighttime use too.
> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Ideal for entry-level users.
- 32 built-in stitches including 1-step buttonhole.
- Automatic threader and bobbin winding.
- CB hook system for smooth stitches.
- Ruler printed on the machine.
- Affordable price.
Cons
- Manual thread cutter.
Final Verdict:
If you’re in search of a reliable entry-level mechanical sewing machine with attractive price point and some nifty features to deliver finely sewn articles without much hassle, then investing in this model will be worth every penny.
5. Janome – Best Brand Arctic Crystal Portable Sewing Machine
Sewing for the first time can be quite a handful task especially when you’re trying with an advanced sewing machine.
Beginners, like newly born, need special care and comfort to grow through different stages of sewing to become a pro.
That doesn’t mean to give them a bland entry-level sewing machine that’s just good for fooling around.
Janome Arctic Crystal sewing machine is a treat in a sense that it has brought together two opposites i.e. simplicity and advance features in a perfect blend.
Compiling together 15 different stitches, including 4-step buttonhole, give beginners enough room to help their creativity spread wings without intimidating them.
This sewing machine also carries free arm design to tackle cuffs and collars without any difficulty.
Additionally, the presence of adjustment dial of length and width of stitch makes it a breeze to sew through thick fabrics.
In addition, the incorporation of two retractable spool spins means you aren’t restricted to small thread anymore.
Moreover, this sewing machine is an all-rounder due to packing four presser feet, 3-piece feed dog, high presser foot lift, and darning plate for free-motion sewing.
Meaning, it can take almost any project, be it creation of stylish outfits, unique crafts, or quilting projects.
Properly sewn article will be present before you in no time courtesy of its respectable speed of 800 spm.
You can even have the chance to utilize night hours due to the presence LED-lit stitching area.
All this amazingness is housed in a durable metal frame.
You’ll be surprised to see that despite its heavy duty construction, it’s still lightweight and portable.
The only downside is that the front-load bobbin set up might take more time than its top-load counterpart.
However, 25-year warranty doesn’t allow you to pay more attention to this minor flaw.
> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Lightweight machine designed for beginners.
- Free arm design.
- Length and width adjustment.
- Speedy performance with 800 spm.
- LED-lit stitching area.
- Dual retractable spool pins.
- 25-years warranty.
Cons
- Front-loading bobbin set up causes inconvenience.
- Automatic threader is absent.
Final Verdict:
If you’re looking for a reliable entry-level sewing machine that can give you a taste of both worlds i.e. simple and advance to help you get accustomed to sewing realm and improve at the same time, then this sewing machine is an ideal pick for you.
6. Brother ST371HD – Best User-Friendly 37 Built-in Stitches Portable Sewing Machine
Beginners or intermediate sewists prefer light-duty sewing machines as their work with tough fabric is very limited.
However, that doesn’t mean they want to have a toy like sewing machine for domestic use.
That’s where this model in the “Strong and Tough” series barges in with its ability to bridge the gap between industrial grade and simple light duty sewing machine to give you a reliable versatile machine.
The external frame is made of high-quality plastic for sturdiness, stability and longevity without making it unbearably heavy.
However, interior metal frame and metal needle plate are for coping with the high stitching speed of 800 spm.
In addition, with 37 built-in stitches coupled with 6 easily adjustable presser feet, what’s there that you cannot sew with this sewing beast?
Oh, quilting is also on the list thanks to its drop feed option. Also, free arm option covers tricky sewing of cuffs and pant legs, and removing it will give you a storage compartment for storing all sewing accessories.
Plus, selection of desired stitch is just a rotation of a dial away.
In addition, half-automatic needle threader saves you a lot of time.
Drop-in top bobbin attempts at making job further hassle-free. Where else will you find such a perfect blend of versatility and convenience?
To have you fully covered, it comes with a list of nifty accessories and LED-illuminated stitch area that ensure your every encounter with sewing is always a smooth sailing.
> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Strong and sturdy construction with metal needle plate.
- Lightweight.
- 6 adjustable presser feet and drop feed.
- Free arm design.
- Stitch selection dial.
- Jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin and semi-automatic needle threader.
Cons
- Not a heavy-duty model.
- Up/down needle button is absent.
Final Verdict:
If you’re a hobbyist or beginner looking for a sturdy sewing machine within affordable price range yet capable of smoothly handling wide range of fabrics, then this model is adequate for all your needs.
7. Brother GX37 – Top Pick Overall Lightweight Portable Sewing Machine
Anything from Brother strictly means business. This sewing machine is another weapon in their sewing machines’ arsenal fully loaded to impress you right from the first stitch.
This sewing machine perfectly explains how less can become more.
At an exceptionally affordable price, you get a powerful work horse with light weight to not become a drag.
37 built-in stitches and six sewing feet are for keeping it in no-fuss zone and at the same time giving wide options for your creativity to flourish.
Since it means no fuss therefore, expecting anything less than automatic needle threader and anti-jamming top drop-in bobbin will be naivety.
Free arm design ensures that whether you’re a first-timer or a hobbyist, sewing cuffs and collars or small cuts and curves of baby clothes come off as perfectly as possible.
The built-in LED in stitching area will make it more convenient to work on small fabrics no matter what lighting condition is.
And when it comes to speed, again, you’ll not be disappointed.
At a maximum speed of 850 stitches/min, you can accomplish any sewing project on time.
Needless to say, you can regulate the speed by pressing the pedal. Like speed, you get to control length, width and tension of a stitch.
If the task at hand calls for reverse stitching, that too is covered with the reverse sewing lever.
Just pull the lever down and voila!
With that being said, quality of the work is guaranteed.
> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Durable, lightweight and portable.
- Affordable price.
- Ideal for beginners and hobbyists.
- Easy to set up and use.
- Automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in top bobbin with top-load bobbin set up.
- Length, width and tension of stitch can be adjusted.
Cons
- Not suitable for advance sewists.
Final Verdict:
Beginners and intermediate sewists want to have a reliable sewing machine with decent versatility and speed along with no added fuss in usage, and this sewing machine makes sure that they get all that in a single body.
8. Singer Start 1304 – Best Pocket Friendly Portable Sewing Machine
This sewing machine is for the faint-hearted people.
From insanely cheap price to a very limited number of built-in stitches, all is thoughtfully placed to put beginners at ease in the start of their sewing journey.
With cheap price comes the fear of cheap quality, but Singer doesn’t let low price tarnish its reputation.
Heavy duty metal construction promises a log-lasting and skip-free sewing partner.
Stainless steel bedplate is another striking addition to the long list of admirable qualities. It ensures that fabric is evenly feeded for uniform stitches.
Presence of only 6 built-in stitches is an asset for beginners as it covers all their regular sewing needs.
Also, three presser feet make sure that majority of your sewing projects are accomplished seamlessly.
To make job further easier for newbies, it comes with pre-set stitch length and width.
All you have to do is thread the machine, which won’t be an issue due to step-by-step threading diagram printed on the machine, and you’re ready to start sewing session.
Limited built-in stitches don’t mean it’s completely bland. The machine integrates dual spool pins for twin needle sewing required for hemming or adding a decorative touch to your sewing project.
Once you’ve decided what fabric and design you want to create, then selecting the appropriate stitch is just a turn of the dial away from you.
Last but not the least, the free arm storage comes packed with all the necessary accessories that will come in handy for uninterrupted sewing sessions every time.
> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Heavy duty metal construction in cheap price.
- Designed for beginners.
- Stainless steel bedplate for even feeding of fabric.
- Pre-set stitch length and width.
- Dual spool pins for twin needle sewing.
- Free arm storage design with accessories.
Cons
- Speed control setting is absent.
Final Verdict:
This sewing machine is specifically designed keeping in mind the needs and convenience of beginners. Its heavy duty construction and limited number of features ensure that they start their sewing journey smoothly.
9. NEX – Best Double Speed Portable Sewing Machine
Finding a portable sewing machine for domestic use isn’t troubling.
However, finding a lightweight sewing machine that also comes with durable construction and low price along with easy-to-use interface for beginners’ convenience is for sure a challenge.
Thanks NEX for it has brought all these qualities in this model to save you from meaningless searching.
It’s lightweight and compact design comes with a smooth handle for easily carrying it around to wherever you want go.
What’s more amazing is that it comes with a battery that allow you to use it when you’re outdoors.
12 built-in stitch patterns with easy stitch selection dial is for keeping up with its promise of beginner-friendly use.
Foot pedal gives user freedom to use hands for other sewing operations.
As the name suggests, its double speed option – slow and fast speed – is a real treat for beginners as they can adjust speed according to level of their sewing expertise.
Another admirable inclusion is the storage compartment that contains a set of useful accessories to deliver snag-free sewing performance.
Although it’s intended for beginners but its multifunctioning capacity and compact and portable design make it equally suitable for advanced sewists who want a small reliable machine.
> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Durable, lightweight and portable.
- Battery option for outdoor use.
- 12 built-in stitch patterns for multifunctioning.
- Double speed option with foot pedal control.
- Storage compartment with accessories.
- Designed for beginners with easy-to-use interface.
Cons
- Maximum sewing speed is 280 stitches/min.
Final Verdict:
If you’re newly introduced to the sewing realm and looking for a durable and portable sewing machine with enough versatility to give a wide canvas to your creativity to play around, then this sewing machine is what you need.
10. Singer 9960 – Best Quantum Stylist Computerized Portable Sewing Machine
The only thing that resonates in your mind from beginning till end is: “it’s not for the faint-hearted.”
If you want to see “top-notch” in solid form, then take a look at this sewing machine which claims that it’s not an ordinary sewist’s cup of tea.
From price to solid built to fancy features to seamless results, you’ll not find a single low in this sewing machine.
Containing a whopping 600 built-in stitches and automatic set up for needle threading, thread cutting, adjustment of length and width of stitch,
It’s equally suitable for beginners and advanced sewists who want nothing less than professional-like flair and extraordinary versatility.
All controls are plastered to the front along with clear LCD display for user’s convenience.
If you were surprised with the wide number of stitches, then you’re surely going to be speechless with the inclusion of easy-to-lift 19 presser feet.
With such a huge versatility, throw any sewing project at it and be sure that the end product will be nothing less than top-notch.
Now, decorating your dresses and bed spreads with unique embroidery patches is at the tip of your fingers.
Drop feed dog – which uses box feed motion – and quilting projects are also in your hand.
No matter how tough the project is, it will be finished on time with its respectable speed of 850 stitches/min.
You can adjust speed according to the thickness of the material for flawless results.
Inclusion of a powerful DC motor is to make sure that you get smooth sailing even through thick denim fabric.
In the end, large sewing area with extension table and LED illumination make sure that no matter how big or small the project is, or how bright or dim the lighting is, your sewing craft comes out with professional-like flair and finesse.
> Read Actual Product’s Buyer Reviews on Amazon
Pros
- Durable and solid construction.
- Clear LCD with easy controls.
- 600 built-in stitches with 19 presser feet for a wide range of sewing projects including embroidery and quilting.
- Ideal for beginners and advanced sewists alike.
- Automatic needle threader and thread cutter.
- Large sewing area with extension table.
- LED-illuminated sewing area.
Cons
- Heavy for a portable sewing machine.
Final Verdict:
This sewing machine is ideal pick for those entry-level and advanced sewists who want a solidly-constructed sewing machine capable of handling any kind of fabric and sewing project with professional efficacy. If money isn’t a hindrance, then purchasing this will prove to be a great addition to your sewing arsenal.
Buyer’s Guide: By Buying to The Best Portable Sewing Machine 2022
Portable sewing machines also come in hundreds of designs and features with price range varying accordingly.
Therefore, you need to look for some more factors to further narrow down your search to that one product that fits all your needs.
That’s why this buyer’s guide is handy as it highlights all those key components that will help you choose the right sewing machine for your use.
Stitches:
The number of stitches that a sewing machine offers determine who is it intended for.
It is evident from the above list that sewing machines with limited number of built-in stitches and presser feet are designed for beginners. More advanced sewists need wide versatility like the one offered by Singer Quantum Stylist 9960.
Speed:
Speed of a sewing machine determines how powerful or weak it is. Rate of stitches per minute tells how quickly a sewing machine will finish a project.
Mostly sewing machines for beginners, like NEX, come with a slow speed of around 300 stitches/min. Sewing machines with advanced functions incorporate speed of 800 and above stitches/min.
Powerful sewing machines are also desirable for their ability to handle all kinds of lightweight and heavyweight fabrics efficiently.
Weight:
Portability of a sewing machine greatly depends on its weight. There are many sewing machines that are pleasantly lightweight for easy carrying around and storing.
Well-reputed brands like Singer and Brother use high-quality metal and plastic construction to make sure that lightweight quality doesn’t force you to compromise on quality and effectiveness of a sewing machine.
Price & Warranty:
Price point has a huge say in selection of a portable sewing machine for home use. Many models offer more or less similar features and functions but in different price ranges.
Some famous brands like Singer come with a 25-year warranty as well. Always prefer a model which gives you more value in a budgeted range.
Conclusion:
Portable sewing machine is a useful addition to home appliances not only for its ability to sew regular clothing and home décor projects,
But also for delivering a blissful learning experience in case you have a beginner at home. Finding a reliable portable sewing machine can be challenging,
But the above list and buyer’s guide together ensure that your hunt for a best portable sewing machine becomes as easy as possible.