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Do you want to learn how to sew but don’t know where to start? Do you have lots of household stuff like linen and curtains that you want to try repairing instead of replacing? Are you prone to clothing emergencies and want a ready fix at all times?

The answer to these problems lies in a handheld sewing machine. It’s portable, it’s easy to operate, it’s cheap, and it works great. If this sounds like what you’re looking for, read on to find out about the best handheld sewing machines in 2021.

To help you out further, we even provided a definitive buying guide with all the answers to the most asked questions when it comes to these pocket devices.

Our favorite handheld sewing machines

Take a look at our five most favorite handheld sewing machines that make just about any sewing, stitching, repair, and crafting task as easy and convenient as it can get. These machines may be small, but they sure do deliver a great performance.

Handheld sewing machine FAQs

There are perhaps dozens if not hundreds of handheld sewing machines out there, and it can be confusing and tough to make your choice on which one is most suited for you. This is especially because while they may look the same, the similarities end there.

To help you make the right choice, we have answered the most common questions when it comes to handheld sewing machines, from just what these things are exactly, how they work, and the pros and cons of using one.

What is a handheld sewing machine?

To put it simply, a handheld sewing machine is a small sewing device that is roughly the size of a mini flashlight, and can be used for a variety of sewing and repair tasks on various fabrics. It normally looks and somewhat functions as a stapler, and instructions on how to use it are simple and easy.

These devices are convenient and hassle free to use. They are also inexpensive, so you don’t have to invest a huge amount of money on a good quality one. You can take them anywhere, not just around the house, but outside to quickly resolve wardrobe malfunctions and the like.

How to use a handheld sewing machine?

A handheld sewing machine is really easy to use, and won’t take a lot of time. You simply need to insert the batteries needed to power it up, set up the bobbin, thread the needle, and off you go with your sewing project.

And, the beauty of these things is that they readily come with all the things you need, save for maybe the batteries that you’ll need to purchase separately if you don’t have any lying around the house. Here’s a short video on how to use a handheld sewing machine.

How to thread a handheld sewing machine?

After you position the bobbin in place, the only thing left to do before sewing is to thread the needle, which is also a simple task. This may differ somewhat depending on the specific machine you use.

But, the general procedure is to position the thread on the bobbin at the side of the machine, pull the thread towards the front part of the machine, and locate the separate header on the machine where you need to position the thread, and finally insert it through the needle eye.

Handheld sewing machine pros and cons

There are several benefits to using a handheld sewing machine, such as their portability, ease of use, versatility, and affordable price. That said, they also come with their fair share of disadvantages.

After all, even with all that functionality, you simply cannot expect a small device like this to have the same performance and durability as a full sized sewing machine that are used in home workshops, much less in clothing factories.

Pros

Here are the main benefits of using a pocket sewing machine, focusing on its miniscule size, the sheer ease of using it, the affordable price tag, and the freedom that the way it’s powered and operated gives you.

Size

The best and most important reason why handheld stitching machines are a good idea has to do with their size. These mini devices are just the size of a conventional stapler or a mini flashlight, hence they are highly portable.

This means that you don’t only have the option of easily going from room to room to perform whatever repair or stitching task you need to do, you can also easily fit this device in your pocket or purse to bring anywhere.

Ease of use

One great thing about a handheld stitcher is that it’s certainly user friendly. You really just need to thread the needle in place and position the fabric properly, then turn on the machine for it to start sewing.

Depending on the machine, you might need to make repeated stapling motions to sew the fabric, but sometimes, the machine does the work for you as long as you guide it through the fabric. Either way, it’s perfect for beginners.

Price

Most, if not all, handheld sewing machines are insanely affordable. In fact, they are almost always under fifty dollars, which is just a week’s worth of that artisan coffee that everyone seems to love these days.

So, if you would like to start your own sewing projects and see if sewing is a good fit for you, but don’t have the budget to invest on a full sized sewing machine, or would like to save that expense for later, this is certainly a good option to start with.

Power

Another thing that’s nice about handheld stitching machines is the way they are powered up and operated. Unlike heavy duty sewing machines that you need to plug into a power source, which is partly what makes them stationary devices, pocket stitchers are different.

They are electric and battery operated, which means they don’t consume that much energy, and they are cordless, so you can freely work and move around, not just the fabric, but the location of where you’re doing your sewing project.

Cons

Now, there are also a few downsides to using a portable sewing machine as opposed to a heavy duty one. With its small size comes a lot of limitations in terms of performance, suitable fabrics and materials, and the overall durability of the device.

Fabric

The most important thing you need to consider when buying a handheld sewing machine is what sorts of fabrics it can be used on. Nowadays, many pocket sewing machines are quite versatile in that they can handle various fabrics.

These include denim, leather, and wool. But, not all are the same, so you need to look carefully. Moreover, if you plan on using the machine on non clothing related sewing tasks, it’s important to check whether it works for canvas and heavy duty purposes.

Limitation

Aside from the fabrics, there are other limitations with handheld machines. For one thing, most if not all can only perform single thread stitches, and use only one type and color of thread at a time, so there’s not much versatility in how you can stitch.

Of course, you also can’t expect to work for a long and continuous session with a handheld sewing device, one, your hand is doing most of the work and it gets tiring, two, you only have a limited amount of thread, and three, the device is only battery powered.

Durability

There is also the question of durability. Now, a pocket sewing device is durable per se, since for its pecs, performance, and price, it lasts quite a long time, so you’re making the most value out of your money.

But, that is nothing compared to the performance and durability of a full sized and heavy duty sewing machine that is designed to be used constantly and still last for years or even decades. You might even remember your grandmother’s machine still up and running after 50 odd years.

To wrap things up

A handheld sewing machine is a real work of art in that it can do so much despite its tiny package. It’s a helpful solution to lots of people who really just want a quick and easy way to deal with their common sewing problems.

There are plenty of benefits to owning and using a pocket sewing machine, and these far outweigh the disadvantages. As long as you know where to look and what to look for, you’re sure to end up with a great portable machine that will last you for a long time.