14 Best Portable Sewing Machines 2021

Portable sewing machines can be used anywhere. From the sewing room to the kitchen table. Even the RV or fishing boat. Sewing is no longer a hobby confined to our homes. With the abundance of portable sewing machines available today, we can take our stitching projects with us wherever we go.

The best portable sewing machines will be lightweight and compact. Which can be a little bit of a disadvantage. To lose weight, they miss out on some of the features of larger, heavier machines. You might find they have fewer built-in stitches or the bed of the machine is smaller. They are also more likely to be made out of plastic.

If you need a no-nonsense, simple to use, sewing machine that can sew a straight seam, without going through a huge learning curve, a portable one is the best choice.

Let’s take a look at 15 of the best portable sewing machines for 2021.

KPCB Mini Sewing Machine

KPCB Mini Sewing Machine

First on the list is the KPCB Mini Sewing Machine. You don’t get much more portable than this one. Weighing a mere 0.01 ounces, it can be lifted by your little finger. Both battery and mains operated, it comes with an extension table, needle threader, and a built-in thread cutter.

As the smallest machine on this list, it has limitations. Not really designed to handle large projects or heavy use, this machine is suitable for occasional sewing. Ideal for smaller projects and repairs like darning or turning up hems, it’s the machine for people who sew once in a while. Or for projects too small to warrant the hassle of setting up a larger machine.

This machine works slightly differently to traditional ones. Read the manual and watch tutorial videos before sewing with it and you will find it works like a charm.

Key Features

  • Comes with 4 bobbins
  • Extension table
  • Incredibly lightweight
  • Needle threader
  • Thread cutter

Pros

  • Operated by battery or mains power
  • Weighs 0.01 ounces
  • Easy to store when not in use
  • Quick to set up

Cons

  • No reverse
  • Not designed for larger projects
  • Straight stitch only
  • Can be difficult to use

BWM.Co Electric Mini Sewing Machine

BWM.Co Electric Mini Sewing Machine

With 12 built-in stitches, including straight stitch and zigzag, this gem has two speed settings. It weighs a little over 4lbs and has an integral lamp and an accessories drawer.

What this machine lacks in size, it makes up for in ease of use and flexibility. Ideal for beginners and children, it is an easy introduction into the world of sewing. Simple to use with many of the features found on larger machines, this is a great first machine for a newbie sewist.

Key Features

  • 12 built-in stitches
  • Reverse
  • Replaceable presser foot
  • Mains or battery operated
  • Anti-slip pads for stability
  • Built-in lamp
  • Compact design

Pros

  • Extremely portable weighing a mere 4.2 lbs
  • Ideal starter machine for children
  • Standard features make it a great backup machine for experienced sewists

Cons

  • May not be sturdy enough for heavier projects
  • Limited accessories may hinder completion of some projects

Luby Sewing Machine

Luby Sewing Machine- very portable sewing machine

The Luby sewing machine is a compact and lightweight machine. Weighing just 4.6 lbs and a little under 12 inches long, this tiny machine packs a larger punch than its minuscule frame suggests.

This machine has a free arm feature allowing for easy hemming on items like sleeves or pant legs. There is a 4-step buttonhole function, two speed settings and a removable accessories tray.

When you add in the 12 built-in stitches, a top speed of 350 stitches per minute and tension control, it’s obvious this little machine is a great starter model. Not only that, experienced stitchers will love it as a space-saving back-up.

Key Features

  • Portable and lightweight
  • Reverse
  • Free arm
  • 4-step manual buttonhole settings
  • 12 built-in stitches
  • LED light

Pros

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Easy to use features
  • Beginner friendly
  • Comes with a buttonhole foot

Cons

  • May not be able to cope with larger or heavier projects
  • Not an automatic buttonhole

Janome Thunder Basic

Janome Thunder Basic Lightweight sewing machine

The Janome Thunder Basic is easy to use and a delight to sew with. Available in a range of colors including purple, red, pink or mint green, it’s an adorable, compact portable suitable for both beginners and experienced sewists.

Straight stitch and zigzag stitch are two of the 10 built-in stitches. There’s even a decorative crescent shaped stitch. The machine comes with reverse, a free arm and only weighs 5 lbs. Better still, there is a finger guard to protect inexperienced or tiny fingers.

Incredibly portable, this is perfect for beginners as an entry-level machine or a back-up for the more experienced. With its vibrant colors, this one is sure to brighten up any sewing area.

Key Features:

  • Finger guard to protect fingers making this machine ideal for beginners and children
  • Fully portable weighing only 5lbs
  • 10 built-in stitches
  • 5 variations of straight stitches
  • 3 zigzag stitches
  • Two needle positions
  • Drop-in bobbin with see-through cover

Pros

  • Easy to read threading diagrams
  • Presser foot with integral finger guard
  • Free arm for easy sleeve or pant leg hemming

Cons

  • Only 10 stitches
  • No buttonhole stitch
  • No built-in light

Brother CS5055PRW Project Runway

Brother CS5055PRW Project Runway sewing machine

The Brother CS5055 has 50 built-in stitches and an overall weight of 10 pounds. With a length of a little over 19 inches, this full size machine is designed for portability.

There’s a lot going on in this lightweight machine. It has an automatic needle threader, a jam-resistant drop-in bobbin, 5 automatic buttonholes, 7 sewing feet and push button reverse. This machine is an ideal starter machine with plenty of functions to help beginners grow their sewing skills. It’s great for experienced sewists as a backup machine or to take to classes.

Key features

  • 50 Built-in stitches including decorative stitches
  • Automatic needle threader
  • Drop-in bobbin with see-through cover
  • Computerized with an LCD display
  • Free motion sewing
  • 25 year limited warranty

Pros

  • Great starter machine
  • Portable and easy to use
  • Jam-resistant bobbin

Cons

  • Has to be programmed to stop with the needle in the up position

Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine

Brother HC1850 Sewing and Quilting Machine

It’s hard to believe this machine only weighs 10 lbs with all the features it comes with. This computerized machine has 185 built-in stitches, a jam-resistant drop-in bobbin, an advanced needle threading function, and an LCD display.

Not only is this portable machine good for sewists of all levels, it also has some cool quilting features like the detachable wide table and ability to do free motion quilting.

Light enough to take to classes and strong enough to handle a bulky quilt sandwich, this machine is a great all-round workhorse.

Key features

  • 185 built-in stitches
  • 8 one-step buttonholes
  • Free arm and wide extension table
  • Advanced needle threading system

Pros

  • Lightweight at only 10lbs
  • Robust yet portable
  • Designed for general sewing and quilting

Cons

  • Throat space could be a bit restrictive for larger quilts

Singer Start 1304

Singer Start 1304 sewing machine, white color

The Singer Start 1304 weighs around 11 lbs and is about 13 inches long. Compact and lightweight, this portable machine can stitch 400 stitches per minute.

A standard class 15 machine with 6 built-in stitches including zigzag, it comes with a 25 year limited warranty. More than capable of performing a blind hem stitch or a 4-step buttonhole, this machine is great for trips to a sewing class or retreat.

Easy to thread with adjustable tension settings, this machine is user friendly, fully portable and fun to sew with.

Key Features

  • Lightweight and portable
  • 6 built-in stitches
  • 25 year limited warranty
  • Top speed of 400 stitches per minute

Pros

  • Comes with a range of accessories including a selection of feet
  • Automatic bobbin winding
  • Free arm

Cons

  • Stitch width and length are all pre-set

Brother XM2701

Brother XM2701 Lightweight, Full-Featured Sewing Machine

A lightweight model at 12.6 lbs, the Brother XM2701 is a portable sewing machine packed with features. Sewists of all levels will love the compact design and easy-to-use functions.

It comes with 27 built-in stitches including utility, decorative and a 1-step buttonhole. Designed for ease of use, it has a needle threader, jam-resistant bobbin and a bright LED light. It even comes with an instructional DVD.

Key features

  • 27 built-in stitches
  • 1-step buttonhole
  • Integral LED light
  • Jam-resistant bobbin

Pros

  • Lightweight and fully portable
  • Easy to use
  • Suitable for beginners and experienced sewists

Cons

  • Needle threader could be difficult to use to begin with.

Brother CS6000I

Brother CS6000I light machine for sewing

Slightly heavier than the machines we’ve looked at so far, the Brother CS6000I weighs 13 lbs. With a length of 16 inches and height of 11.4 inches, this machine is both portable and full size. It’s also computerized.

Features include 60 built-in stitches, a 2 inch LCD display and 9 different sewing feet. With a detachable extension table and the ability to sew using the free arm, the range of projects you can do with this machine are endless. The extra few pounds in weight give it more stability to tackle heavier tasks.

Key Features:

  • 25 Year limited warranty
  • 60 built-in stitches
  • Computerized
  • 9 Presser feet
  • LCD display
  • Automatic needle threader

Pros

  • A portable full size machine ideal for a range of projects
  • Extension table and free arm give adaptable working space
  • User friendly
  • Will suit beginners or experienced sewists

Cons

  • Small throat area could make larger projects tricky

Singer 4423

Singer 4423 sewing machine is easily moved from place to place

Heavy duty and portable, this machine ticks all the boxes. With a robust heavy-duty metal frame, the Singer 4423 is user friendly and more than up to the challenge of the heavier projects. Yet it only weighs 14.5 lbs.

It comes with 23 built-in stitches offering a selection of basic and decorative designs. The automatic needle threader makes set-up a breeze. One of the fastest machines on the list, this little delight can sew at a maximum speed of 1100 stitches per minute.

Key features

  • 25 year limited warranty
  • Heavy-duty metal frame with stainless steel bed
  • High-speed powerful motor
  • 1100 stitches per minute
  • Automatic needle threader
  • 23 built-in stitches including decorative

Pros

  • Can tackle lightweight and heavier projects
  • Fully portable weighing 14.5 lbs
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Beginners may be intimidated by the speed at first

Janome 2212

Janome 2212 sewing machine

Weighing 15.6 lbs, this portable machine from Janome is lightweight yet sturdy enough for heavier projects.

With a metal frame and mechanical functions, this machine is simple to use and yet packs a punch. Having a top speed of 1000 stitches per minute, your projects will be completed in no time.

12 built-in stitches with adjustable width and length, extra high presser foot lift and 5-piece feed dogs enable the Janome 2212 to perform projects as diverse as hemming and free motion quilting.

Key features

  • Extra high presser foot lift
  • Adjustable stitch width and length
  • 5-piece feed dogs
  • 12 built-in stitches including blind hem

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Easy to use
  • Mechanical with metal frame

Cons

  • Could be noisy
  • Only has a vinyl dust cover

Singer Simple 3221

Singer Simple 3221, a lightweight and easy to use sewing machine

The Singer Simple 3221 is lightweight and easy to use. Weighing 15 lbs with a length of 16 inches, it’s a full size, portable machine.

With 21 built-in stitches, including zigzag, this machine can tackle projects large and small. An automatic 1-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader

and adjustable stitch length, give this machine many of the features found on larger machines.

An ideal machine for any sewing area, this one will delight beginners and more advanced stitchers.

Key features

  • Automatic Needle Threader
  • Adjustable stitch length
  • 21 built-in stitches
  • Automatic 1-step buttonhole

Pros

  • Simple to use
  • Comes with accessories
  • Compact and portable

Cons

  • May be noisy

EverSewn Sparrow 15

EverSewn Sparrow 15 machine

Weighing 16.47 lbs, the EverSewn Sparrow15 is a mechanical sewing machine with a heavy-duty metal frame. Robust yet portable, this lightweight machine comes with 32 built-in stitches, an automatic needle threader, LED light, and a set of accessories.

With a maximum speed of 750 stitches per minute, the Sparrow will sail through projects with ease. Ideal for sewists of all levels, this machine is basic, sturdy and user friendly.

Key features

  • 32 Built-in stitches including 12 decorative
  • Automatic needle threader
  • LED light
  • Heavy-duty metal frame
  • 750 stitches per minute

Pros

  • Lightweight and portable
  • Great starter machine with easy to use functions
  • Comes with a selection of accessories

Cons

  • May be a bit noisy

Singer Quantum 9960

Singer Quantum 9960, powerful sewing machine but can be carried around

Weighing in at 20 lbs, the Singer Quantum 9960 is the heaviest machines on this list. Packed with functions and easy to use, this machine has it all.

13 automatic 1-step buttonholes, quick and easy threading, and a large LCD screen are just some of the features on this computerized sewing and quilting machine.

Beginners will love how easy it is to use. The more experienced will adore the range of stitches and extra special functions like the auto-pilot mode. This is a portable machine with the stitching prowess of a much larger device.

Key features

  • Electronic auto-pilot mode
  • Extension table
  • 600 built-in stitches
  • Automatic needle threader
  • 850 stitches per minute
  • 2 StayBright LED lights
  • 25 year limited warranty

Pros

  • User friendly
  • Full size portable machine
  • Capable of stitching projects of all sizes

Cons

  • Might be a bit complicated for a starter machine

Conclusion

Portable machines are available to suit all budgets and skill levels. This list of the Best Portable Sewing Machines for 2021 should help you narrow down your search.

Do you have a favorite portable machine you think should be on this list? Let us know in the comments.

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