6 Best Mini Sewing Machines – Review and Buying Guide

This post contains affiliate links. For more information, visit my disclosure page.

Did you know that it’s now possible to enjoy sewing anywhere and any time of day with the right mini sewing machine? You heard that right! Gone are the bulky and super heavy machines that are almost impossible to move even a single inch.

These portable sewing machines come with most, if not all, of the functionality and features of a regular machine, while still being lightweight and compact in order to save you valuable space and allow for easy storage.

These machines are also great for kids and beginners, and are often easy to upgrade in order to be able to take on an assortment of sewing related tasks. They also consume significantly less power, and even come in modern and stylish looks.

Top mini sewing machines ranked

Check out this list of the ten best mini sewing machines we’ve found just for you. These are guaranteed to be efficient, well performing, durable, and cost effective, so you are sure to get the best value for your money. There’s also a buying guide at the end to help you pick which machine is right for your needs.

How to find the best mini sewing machine

Not everyone lives their lives around sewing, but there are many occasions that may require some sewing knowledge, and as such, knowing how to sew, even with a simple electric sewing machine, is a helpful life skill.

You don’t even need to have a big and bulky sewing machine, since just a small and portable one will do just fine for most repair tasks and simple sewing projects. There are also lots of affordable yet great quality options you can choose from.

To help you out, here’s a quick buying guide listing down all the important considerations you need to take into account when buying a mini sewing machine, so you can end up with the right machine that meets your needs.

Size and weight

If your plan is to buy a mini portable sewing machine, then size and weight is key. After all, you want it to fit into small spaces rather than take up too much space in your home. A smaller and lighter machine is also easier to store and carry around so you can use it on the go. It’s also infinitely safer if it’s going to be used by a child.

But, just how small and lightweight are we talking about? Well, that depends. For a table top sewing machine, it should be no more than a foot in height, length, and width, and should weigh ten pounds or less. If it’s a handheld machine, however, it should be much smaller- no more than the size of a cell phone.

Of course, if you want to get more use out of the machine, such as sew some clothes and other garments, repair some household items, or even craft gifts, you’ll do better with a table top machine. But if you really just need something for emergency repairs, a handheld machine should do just fine.

Portability

A good question is, aside from the small size and light weight of the machine, what else can make it portable and easy to carry around? These things can make the difference in making everything more convenient and hassle free.

For example, a sewing machine with a built-in storage compartment means you don’t need to find extra space to store all those tools and accessories you’ll need, such as a pair of scissors, tape measure, pins, extra threads, and so on.

Some machines may even have a built-in carrying handle so you don’t have to gently hold the base all the way from one place to another. Even better, there are sewing machines sold with their own carrying case, which are generally sturdy yet still relatively lightweight.

Number of stitches

If you plan on doing a lot of projects with the sewing machine, it’s definitely a good idea to check how many stitches, stitching patterns, and stitching combinations it can do. There are lots of sewing machines sold with only a few stitch options in the unit.

Now, if you are not really an avid sewist, chances are, you’ll only use a couple of stitches while working, so these machines should be good enough. They are also cheaper, so you’ll be able to save on money. These machines are also suitable for beginners and kids.

Of course, there are also more complex sewing machines with lots of built-in stitches featuring distinct patterns that can even be modified by adjusting the stitching length and width. If you are more experienced or want to grow with your machine, this is a better and more worthy investment.

These machines can also do more precise stitches and work with more types of fabrics. You’ll even find sewing machines that can also do embroidery and quilting work, as well as other types of sewing and crafting projects. They just come in much bigger sizes and cost considerably more money, but if you want to broaden your horizons, well, why not?

Ease of use

If you are a beginner sewist, it’s always important to start with a machine that is simple and easy to use. Meaning, they should have straightforward functions, have a user friendly design and construction, and offer other comfortable features that add to their convenience.

These include making use of automatic needle threaders and bobbin winding systems to make your job easier. After all, you wouldn’t want to spend too much time just on these tasks, would you? Even professional sewists love the convenience of automatic sewing machines.

Another factor in terms of ease of operation is whether or not the machine employs a foot pedal. Generally, using a machine without a foot pedal is easier and more comfortable, since you only need to focus on working your hands and guiding the fabric.

That said, there are also sewing machines with digital interfaces, and while manual machines can be difficult to work with, these digitized machines are often too complex and overwhelming for someone who is just starting out.

Stitching speed

You may also want to consider the stitching speeds that the machine can do, since this will affect how quickly you can finish a sewing task, and to a lesser extent, how straight and precise your stitches can be.

What you have to remember, though, is that while having higher stitching speeds to choose from can certainly make your sewing project fly, it can also make things more difficult for a beginner sewist still learning the ropes on how to guide the fabric through the machine.

As such, starting with a slower speed is better, since you can be more sure of how your stitching goes, and act on any issue quicker without having to unravel more stitches and fabrics.

Other features

If you really want to make the most out of your sewing machine, it can be worth it to look for a few other features and functions. One of these is a built-in light source to illuminate your working area, so you don’t have to strain your eyes. The good news is, most machines readily come with LED lights that are bright yet energy saving, like the Janome mini sewing machine.

An even more important feature is the presser feet, since this will hold the fabric flat as it goes through the machine so you can enjoy a straight and seamless stitch. There are lots of machines sold with different types of presser feet so you can do more types of sewing projects, so you might want to consider those. You’ll be able to do zippers, hems, cuffs, and more.

One more thing to take into account is a free arm attachment, which is extremely helpful if you are planning to sew curved pieces like collars, cuffs, hems, and other small items. Besides, a free arm sewing machine is often more portable and easier to store, so it’s definitely worth checking out.

Price

If you are like most buyers, then you’re already factoring in the price of the machine in your buying decision- and for good reason. It helps you ensure that you are making the most out of your hard earned money by getting a product that works as advertised and lasts for a long time.

Just don’t go for the cheapest sewing machine you find, even if you’ll only be using it for quick repair works. You still want to make sure you’re getting quality and reliability. The good thing is that most mini sewing machines are relatively cheap, so even if you splurge, it still won’t be that much money.

When it comes to price and cost effectiveness, there are a few things to consider. How many and what sort of features are you getting for that price point? Is the machine sturdy and well built? Does it have a good warranty coverage? Does it come with a set of supplies and accessories? Is it difficult to maintain?

A cheap plastic exterior, for one thing, is prone to breakage. Poorly made needles and threads are, too. A machine with just a basic function but costs a hundred dollars or more is a waste of your money. And, a bare machine means you’ll still have to spend money on supplies.

Warranty

As with any kind of appliance, buying one with a good warranty coverage for the unit is a must, since this will protect your investment and make sure that you get the most use out of your machine throughout its service life.

That said, don’t be easily dazzled by machines that are advertised with more than ten years of warranty, since more often than not, this warranty only applies for parts that are pretty much unbreakable. Rather, if you can, read the warranty provisions and conditions before you buy, so you know what you can really expect in terms of after sales service.

Advantages of using a mini sewing machine

Having a mini sewing machine in your home comes with lots of advantages. For one thing, it’s easy to carry and store, so you can work pretty much anywhere. It’s also typically battery powered, so you don’t have to worry about finding an electric socket.

And, mini sewing machines are easy to use and operate even for beginners and kids, all the way from initial set up to regular maintenance. They are great for repair tasks, simple sewing projects, and more. They are also pretty cheap, so there’s no reason not to get one.

How to thread a mini sewing machine

Most mini sewing machines are designed with an automatic needle threader. But even if this is not the case, threading one is pretty easy. You just need to place the spool of thread on the spindle located at the top of the machine, then pass the thread through seven spots on the machine, until it goes through the eye of the needle.

Here’s a quick video that shows you how to thread a sewing machine.

Final tips

A mini sewing machine is a highly useful appliance that every home should have. They may not be as good as industrial sewing machines, but they are certainly versatile enough and can perform well to do basic sewing tasks. Plus, they come in cute packages, too.

These machines are also great to learn with for beginner sewists and curious kids. If you are looking for the best mini sewing machine, you can choose from any of the ones we’ve reviewed above, or check out these other recommendations:

• Kenmore mini ultra sewing machine
• KPCB mini sewing machine
• Sunbeam mini sewing machine
• Michley mini sewing machine