Top mini sewing machines for projects on the go

Mini sewing machines are extremely portable and very small - here are six of the best.

A selection of the best mini sewing machines

by Ellen Kinsey |
Updated on

Mini sewing machines are small but mighty machines that are essential for expert crafters and beginners alike. Whether you are curious about home sewing and want to have a dabble before you invest in a state-of-the-art sewing machine or are looking for a machine that can be easily transported to a craft class or friend's house, then a mini sewing machine is the best option in terms of price and portability.

You can take your hobby wherever you go with the best mini sewing machines from well-known brands such as Brother and Singer, as well as a handheld sewing machine for quick repairs such as fixing rips or hemming trousers. Plus there is an option for kids and teenagers who are eager to get started on their creative hobby in a safe way.

Best mini sewing machines at a glance

The main difference between a mini sewing machine and a regular one is that they are lighter, smaller and more affordable. Although miniature sewing machines may be small in size, they're big on features and performance. As they are so lightweight and compact, it makes them easily portable and a great option for beginners who don't want too many functions that can be overwhelming.

Mini sewing machines can be used to repair clothing, such as fixing up hems, mending tears and reattaching buttons. They can also be used for craft projects too.

Best mini sewing machines

Best overall mini sewing machine

Best overall mini sewing machine

Brother LS14S Metal Chassis Sewing MachineBrother

Reliable and portable, the Brother LS14S is one of the best beginner models out there – and for a reasonable price. As it is a budget sewing machine, this device is limited in terms of its features compared to a computerised sewing machine. To select a stitch, just turn the dial to the required stitch. Easy as that.

Overall, the Brother LS14S is a good mix of affordability and quality, making it no surprise that it has become one of the best-selling sewing machines.

This is a best selling product on Amazon with over 5,870 reviews rating it 4.7 out of 5. Customers praise it for being great value for money and easy enough for complete beginners to use. There's 14 pre-set stitches to choose from, so you can enjoy a wide range of sewing projects. Just bear in mind that it needs to be manually thread.

Pros

  • Popular choice on Amazon with thousands of positive reviews
  • Good range of features from a quality brand

Cons

  • Needs to be manually thread
Dimensions:17.5 x 9 x 22cm
Weight:6.2kg
Stitch:14 different options
Motor:50W motor
Box includes:Sewing machine, extension table, power adapter, foot pedal, four bobbins, needle, needle threader and manual

Editor's choice

Editor's choice

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.

Pros

  • Iconic sewing machine brand
  • Ideal for beginners
  • Long-lasting quality

Cons

  • A customer comments that the weight control pedal needs to be sturdier
Dimensions:29 x 35 x 18cm
Weight:4.3kg
Stitch:6 different options
Motor:70W motor
Box includes:Singer Start 1306 Sewing Machine, All-purpose foot, Zipper foot, Buttonhole foot, Darning plate, Pack of needles, Bobbins, Needle plate screwdriver, Spool pin felts, Seam ripper, Lint brush and a Soft-sided dust cover

Best lightweight mini sewing machine

Best lightweight mini sewing machine

KPCB Tech Sewing Machine with Sewing KitKPCB
Price: £39.99

This unique design has been created with portability in mind. The built-in lamp helps you see the dainty thread quickly, and as it is pre-threaded, it can be used for projects like alterations, dressmaking and more.

This mini sewing machine is a space saver and comes with 42 pieces sewing machine kit, including bobbins, scissors, measuring tape, a thimble, needle threader and needles. It also includes an extension table, foot controller and two pieces of fabric for convenient sewing.

On Amazon over 5,430 reviews rate this sewing machine 4 out of 5.

Pros

  • Compact, portable and easy to use
  • Comprehensive set that gives you everything you need to start sewing

Cons

  • Customer comments that the built-in light isn't very effective
Dimensions:17.5 x 8.9 x 21.8cm
Weight:1.34kg
Stitch:10 different options
Motor:N/A
Box includes:Sewing machine, extension table, power adapter, foot pedal, four bobbins, needle, needle threader and manual

Best handheld sewing machine for quick fixes

Best handheld sewing machine for quick fixes

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.

Pros

  • Portable, ideal for travelling and on-the-spot alterations
  • Lightweight
  • Great value for money
  • Ideal for hemming

Cons

  • Some customers found it difficult to use
Dimensions:H12 x W5.2 x D22cm
Weight:350g
Speed settings:1
Box includes:Sewing machine, 3 mini spools and an extension spindle

Best sewing machine for kids and teenagers

Best sewing machine for kids and teenagers

Sew Amazing Station Electronic Sewing MachineSew Amazing
Price: £49.99

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.

Pros

  • Cute and compact design
  • A lovely educational toy to gift to a loved one

Cons

  • Thread tangles quite easily in this machine
Dimensions:22.4 x 15 x 5.5cm
Weight: ‎290g
Speed settings:2
Box includes:A sewing machine, foot pedal, mains adaptor, full instructions, accessories tin, a measuring tape, one spare machine needle, a needle thread, three bobbins, three spools, a thimble two sewing needles and eight-headed pins

Best entry-level mini sewing machine

Best entry-level mini sewing machine

WENMILY Portable Sewing MachineWENMILY

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.

Pros

  • Ideal entry-level sewing machine with some features to grow your skills
  • Compact and portable for on-the-go repairs
  • Teach a youngster basic sewing skills with this easy-to-use machine

Cons

  • A lightweight sewing machine that's not geared up for heavy-duty textile projects
Dimensions:H23.4 x W21.3 x D13.7cm
Weight: ‎930g
Stitch:Slow/Fast stitching
Motor:AC or battery powered
Box includes:Sewing machine, bobbins, foot pedal, power cable, needle, threader

Best for a range of stitches

Best for a range of stitches

12 Stitch Multi-Function Sewing MachineWENMILY
Price: £43.99

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.

Pros

  • Learn a range of stitches and embark on more complex projects
  • Can do what a full-size sewing machine does, yet half the size

Cons

  • Customers say the needle keeps breaking, and it's difficult to rethread
Dimensions:H24 x W28 x D12cm
Weight:2kg
Stitch:12 stitches
Motor:Not specified
Box includes:Sewing machine, bobbins, foot pedal, power cable, needle, threader

Can you sew clothes with a mini sewing machine?

These machines can sew lightweight fabrics such as cotton or suede. However, heavier fabrics such as denim or canvas can wear down the parts or may even cause the needle to break. In addition, you should not overwork your mini sewing machine as it is designed for small projects and will reduce the longevity of the machine.

So now that you know about how mini sewing machines work let's take a look at the six best sewing machines on the market right now for your creative hobby.

Ellen Kinsey was a Senior Health and Wellness Product Writer and has been a part of Bauer Media since 2020. She has left Bauer Media to study Ayurveda in India to expand her knowledge and skills in the health and wellness field, where she plans to continue making journalistic contributions.

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