Top mini sewing machines for projects on the go

The Brother LS14S Manual Stitch Sewing Machine is a traditional metal chassis sewing machine with 14 stitches and includes a 4-step button hole. This was tested and reviewed by Natalie Plange who added that it is a budget machine, compared to others on the market (e.g., Singer, one of the most popular in the world, with a long history in the UK), and is positioned as great for beginners who need a cheap sewing machine for occasional use. It suits everyday projects and light/medium weight fabrics. It’s one of the simplest sewing machines on the market. All of which are music to my ears as I am a total beginner who is looking for a light weight, easy to store machine for everyday use. Having unboxed the machine, my initial thoughts are that it is reasonably compact and easy to manoeuvre yet sturdy with great instructions.

I am a mum of two young children, who works two part time jobs and as with most families today, day to day life is busy, so I need a machine that is easy to set up and use for repairs to my children’s and husband’s clothes. As mentioned, I have never used a sewing machine before but I found it easy to set up and use (following the instructions carefully, along with a few YouTube videos). There was no assembly required, just needed to take it out of the box, plug in the foot pedal and the main plug. The
threading of the machine did take a bit of time initially, but once I mastered it I was away! I tested it over a period of a month, building my confidence with simple repairs to start with. For example, my daughters school tights, the knees on my son’s trousers, a couple of rips in a dress and even a hole in my jeans. All of which were achieved quicker and neater than sewing by hand.

It does well with light to medium weight fabrics. However, it does struggle a bit with thick fabrics as the motor and feed dogs aren’t powerful enough, and the machine becomes louder with thicker fabrics. But you can create smooth and flat seams with lighter fabrics.

This Mini Sewing Machine for Beginners is a perfect choice for those new to sewing and it was tested and reviewed by Suzannah Clitheroe. Its compact size and simple controls make it easy to use for those starting out with basic sewing projects. “It came with a starter kit (including cloth, threads, scissors, pins, measuring tape, etc) to get you going, which was a nice touch for a beginner machine,” she says. 

“As someone who primarily sews by hand and has only used a sewing machine a few times, I
found the Mini Sewing Machine for Beginners to be a great fit for someone new to sewing, without feeling overwhelmed by complicated features. The setup process was straightforward and hassle-free. During my month of testing, I found that it performs well with small projects like simple repairs or small craft items. The machine’s small size makes it highly convenient for storage.”

“However, for larger projects, the machine's compact size and limited capabilities may fall short. Another minor drawback I encountered was that the pedal tends to become less responsive during prolonged use, which could be a bit frustrating.”

“In conclusion, the Mini Sewing Machine for Beginners offers excellent value for money,
delivering effectively on its core function of providing an easy and accessible entry into the basics of sewing without a steep learning curve."

The Singer M2105 is a lightweight and portable machine that is marketed for beginners and
experienced sewers alike. Singer is among the top leading sewing machine brands, with the Singer M2105 being rated within the top 10 best-selling sewing machines in the UK and it was tested and reviewed by Norma Yarborough, who has taught adults with learning disabilities various educational classes that included sewing as part of their college courses. 

“The overall look and design of the sewing machine was good, and it arrived well packaged. The instructions were in large print which I found both easy to read and understand. Threading the machine was straightforward, as well as selecting various stitch patterns, adjusting the tension and changing the needle. I was impressed with the verity of the embroidery stitches. The needle was also able to sew through denim fabric, including the seams, with no problems.”

“For more detailed instructions on how to operate different functions like inserting the buttonhole plate, changing different foots etc. you have to go online to download the manual, which could be problematic for people without smartphones or internet.”

“While testing the product over a five-week period I found the foot pedal was easy to insert into the machine. But it was of poor-quality being flimsy with no real substance to it. The lead is a bit shorter compared to similar machines which could be a problem if you are using a high table. When loading the bobbin, I found it a little fiddly to insert into the front-loading housing due to the flap being flimsy and not staying fully open. This could be a problem for someone with dexterity problems. The housing components were locked in place but when taking them out to clean, I found that it is a little tricky to reassemble them.”

To know more, you can also refer to our more detailed review of the Singer M2105 Sewing Machine.

Even if you are not a sewing expert or have never used a sewing machine, don't worry, as the SINGER 1306 is an excellent machine for beginners or on the go. It offers six built-in stitches, a four-step buttonhole, easy threading and a simple stitch selection.

Additionally, there is an extra high presser foot lifter and a free arm, and snap-on presser feet that are easy to change. It is also durable with a heavy-duty metal frame making it long-lasting and ensuring skip-free sewing.

This handheld sewing machine is compact enough to fit in the palm of your hand. It is lightweight and easy to use with an aligning flat edge and moves automatically, convenient for you to control, making it ideal for beginners and experienced seamstresses. There are two speeds to get proper control.

It also provides a starter kit, especially for crafters just getting started. Whether you are a professional or just getting started, this mini sewing machine set has everything you need to get going.

The Sew Amazing Sewing Station is the perfect way for kids to get into the creative craft of sewing. This machine is a fully functional sewing machine, so kids starting out can practise in a fun and safe way. You can choose between mains or battery power, and you have the option to use a two-speed setting, plus a pedal and upper and lower threads.

Although it is marketed as a kids' sewing machine, this super tiny model is also handy for adults who are just curious about sewing and want to see what all the fuss is about without splashing out. It is designed with younger people in mind; you can rest assured that it is entirely beginner-friendly. It also comes with threads, fabrics and even a design to make a clutch bag so you can get started with your first project.

The benefit of the WENMILY Portable Sewing Machine is that it's simple enough to be used by beginners yet has features that experienced seamstresses will find useful. There are two speed options – low and high – so you can work at a pace that you find comfortable.

It makes sewing easier, thanks to the automatic bobbin winder and pinhole that's easy to thread. This portable sewing machine produces a top and bottom thread, so stitches stay in place.

Customers love this mini sewing machine as an entry-level model to see if sewing is for them. Equally, some reviews say they wanted a sewing machine that wouldn't take up too much space, and this has been perfect for them.

It's ample for sewing two layers of fabric together, but a bigger machine would be needed for anything more. It's an ideal learning tool for sharing the craft of sewing with a loved one or starting a new hobby.

With 12 built-in stitch patterns and a reverse sewing function, this is a great little machine if you're serious about getting creative with textiles. It can do all the things that a full-size sewing machine does without taking up space.

However, customers have mixed opinions about this machine. Some see it as a good model for learning the basics, but then they outgrow it. Others have found flaws that stem from the parts' cheapness: the needle keeps breaking, and it's difficult to rethread.

Once again, it's an adequate entry-level sewing machine, but if you want to embark on larger projects, you may want to progress to a more robust model.