Best Handheld Sewing Machine 2022

When all you need to sew is a drooping hem, setting up a full size sewing machine can be a pain. That’s probably one of the reasons those kind of repairs are left sitting in the work basket for ages. If only there was a handheld sewing machine to take care of those fiddly repairs. I have some good news, there is!

Handheld sewing machines are small, lightweight and portable. Easy to hold in one hand, they are about the same weight and size as a stapler. Making them perfect for simple repair jobs either at home or out and about.

Compact enough to fit in your car or purse, wardrobe malfunctions can be resolved quickly and simply. You don’t even need any table space to use a handheld sewing machine! Better still, your repair pile will disappear in no time.

This list of the Best Handheld Sewing Machines will help you choose one to suit you and your repair needs. Let’s take a look at each one in detail and compare their pros and cons.

Buyfitcase Handy Stitch Portable Handheld Sewing Machine

The Handy Stitch Portable Handheld Sewing Machine by Buyfitcase is lightweight and completely portable. Suitable for repairs at home or while you are out and about, this travel friendly mending machine weighs in at just 11.2 ounces.

Able to stitch any fabric with a maximum thickness of 1.8 millimeters, this device is powered by 4 AA batteries. Offering cordless freedom to tackle those fiddly sewing repairs, you get a whole host of accessories with it.

Key Features

• Single thread sewing machine for fewer tangles
• Cordless for complete mobility
• Compact design means it can fit in a travel bag
• Comes with needles, thread, and bobbins

Pros

• Lightweight and portable
• Suitable for repairs on lightweight fabrics

Cons

• Can’t cope with fabric thicker than 1.8 millimeters
• Batteries don’t last long
• Batteries can overheat while the product is in use
• Only suitable for mending and repairs

MuiSci Handheld Sewing Machine

MuiSci’s Handheld Sewing Machine can be used by children, beginners and experienced sewists with ease. You can power this device with 4AA batteries or mains power via a charging cable, although neither are supplied.

Lightweight and easy to carry, this portable mending machine can repair curtains and hems in the home or on the go. It fits neatly into your purse, travel bag or even the glove compartment of your car.

Key Features

• Battery operated or can be powered through a charging cable
• User friendly design
• Comes with accessories

Pros

• Can be used by children, beginners, and the experienced sewist
• Portable
• Comes with pre-loaded bobbins

Cons

• Only suitable for mending and repairs
• Lightweight fabrics only
• Polarity of the power cable needed isn’t immediately obvious
• Can be difficult to set up

Singer Stitch Quick+ Hand Held Mending Machine

The Singer Stitch Quick+, comes with an ergonomic handle. Making it the best handheld sewing machine for those with arthritis or rheumatism, or other hand and grip issues. Having a slightly thicker body and base enable it to be handheld or used on a tabletop.

Completely portable and lightweight this handheld mending machine is powered by 4 AA batteries and has an easy on/off switch mounted on the handle for total control.

Key Features

• Ergonomic handle
• Can be handheld or used on a tabletop
• Cordless for total mobility

Pros

• Comes with needle, thread, and bobbins
• Made by Singer

Cons

• Some users have complained it is difficult to thread
• Only suitable for mending and repairs
• Battery operated means it is under powered
• Suitable for lightweight fabric only

BrightLylit Handheld Sewing Machine

Next on the list is the best handheld sewing machine for beginners. The BrightLylit Handheld Sewing Machine is pre-threaded and has a user friendly design with an ergonomic handle. Lightweight and compact, this mending machine is powered by 4 AA batteries or mains power via a USB cable.

Suitable for lightweight fabric, some users have indicated this is the best handheld sewing machine for light denim.

Key Features

• Best for beginners
• User friendly
• Lightweight and compact design

Pros

• On/off switch is built into the handle for easy one handed operation
• Comes with accessories including bobbins and needles

Cons

• Only suitable for mending and repairs
• Only suitable for lightweight fabrics
• Will only work on lighter weight denim

SiddenGold Handheld Sewing Machine

SiddenGold’s Handheld Sewing Machine is powered by 4 AA batteries and comes in a cool shade of purple. Cordless and lightweight, this mending device can handle small repair jobs around the home, office, or on the go.

This machine comes pre-threaded so you can get straight to work on fixing your hems. Even if you’re still wearing the garment!

Key Features

• Comes with extra bobbins and needles
• Cordless and lightweight for sewing on the go
• Pre-threaded

Pros

• Comes in purple
• Portable

Cons

• Only suitable for repairs and mending
• Only suitable for lightweight fabrics
• Can be difficult to set up

Singer 01664 Stitch Sew Quick Handheld Mending Machine

Get the best of both worlds with the Singer 01664 Stitch Sew Quick Handheld Mending Machine. This is a hybrid. A cross between a handheld and a mini sewing machine. You can use this as a handheld device, or you can use it on a tabletop for extra stability. Making this Singer machine the best handheld sewing machine for heavy or thick fabrics like denim.

Not only that, but this mending machine is two-thread which means the stitches are closer in durability to those created on a regular sewing machine. It’s also dual speed and has an automatic winding function.

Key Features

• Can be handheld or used on a tabletop
• Cordless and portable
• Automatic winding function

Pros

• Made by Singer
• 2-thread machine
• Slightly heavier than other handhelds so has greater stability

Cons

• Batteries don’t last long
• Only suitable for mending and repairs
• Adapter for mains power not included
• May struggle with heavy fabrics due to being under powered

Buyers Guide

Now we’ve seen the best handheld sewing machines, let’s take a step back and figure out if a handheld device is the best solution for you.

What are Handheld Sewing Machines Used For?

Handheld sewing machines have limited usability. They’re not made to replace traditional sewing machines. If you think about handheld sewing machines as a battery operated needle and thread, you start to get a better picture of their capabilities.

Designed for small mending tasks and lightweight repairs, these handheld gadgets don’t have the functionality or the power to sew anything large or bulky. Nor do they have the staying power to complete lengthy sewing sessions.

If you do sew for long periods, or regularly sew heavier materials like denim, you’ll be better off sticking with your full size machine.

Where Can You Buy an Industrial Handheld Sewing Machine?

The truth is, there is no such thing as an industrial handheld sewing machine. Handheld sewing machines, even mini sewing machines are designed for light use and work best on lightweight fabrics.

If you want a machine capable of handling the heaviest weight of denim, or sew for several hours a day, you’ll need to buy either a heavy duty domestic sewing machine, semi-industrial sewing machine, or, better still, a fully industrial sewing machine.

Handheld sewing machines are for occasional, light use on lightweight fabrics.

Should You Buy a Handheld Sewing Machine?

This depends on what you want to sew and how often you will be sewing. If all you need is a quick-fix gadget to repair a drooping hem, then go for a handheld sewing machine. That’s the kind of sewing they are designed to do.

Just remember, they are limited on what tasks they can do. None of the products above can replace the functionality or usability of a full size sewing machine. So think about your sewing needs before buying one.

Comparison Table Handheld vs Regular Sewing Machines

Let’s compare handheld machines against regular or full size machines to see the differences side by side. That way, you’ll be able to see at a glance what handheld sewing machines are capable of and what they aren’t.

Feature	Handheld Sewing Machine	Regular Full Size Sewing Machine
Portability	Portable and lightweight. Can fit in your luggage for repairs on the go	Some full size machines can be portable although they can be cumbersome to carry
Power	Most tend to be battery powered. Some can be run on a 6V adapter	Tend to be electric. Usually 110V or 230V mains supply. Although you can get vintage or antique machines powered by hand crank or treadle
Fabric weight	Light fabrics only. Battery powered machines struggle with heavier fabrics. Even a 6V mains supply is insufficient to sew through thick or heavy material	Light, medium, and heavyweight fabrics
Stability	Depends on the strength in your hands	Very stable. Weight tends to be in the base of the machine so they don’t tip even when sewing heavier fabrics
Uses	Ideal for small repairs and mending	Any sewing project from sewing your own clothes, drapes, or quilts, through to mending and repairs

Advantages of Handheld Sewing Machines

• Portable and lightweight
• Great for occasional repairs and mending
• Don’t need table space to use one
• Cheaper than full size machines

Disadvantages of Handheld Sewing Machines

• Under powered
• Can’t match the power and speed of a regular sewing machine
• Limited to lightweight fabrics
• Batteries don’t last long
• Difficult to use
• Threading is different to full size machines which can be confusing

Conclusion

Although the handheld devices in this article are described as sewing machines, they are actually mending machines. If all you need is a gadget to help you repair the hem on your skirt, a handheld sewing machine could be what you’re looking for.

Just don’t expect them to have either the power, stability, or functionality to replace a full size machine.