It is guaranteed that at some point or the other, the clothes we put on and the majority of the fabrics used in our homes have passed through a sewing machine during processing. The sewing machines can often be used when recycling old or torn clothes and fabric for reutilization or even modifying some freshly manufactured clothes to the preference of an individual, thus making them better. These machines often come in different sizes and shapes with some suitable for small scale and domestic operations while others specially designed for industrial productions.
Therefore, one of the commonly discussed types is the small sewing machines category. They are often small and portable, thus versatile, and despite the majority of them having specific functionality, some have diverse stitching options to satisfy all the user’s needs.
Why You Need a Small Sewing Machine?
Small sewing machines should be a popular appliance among many individuals. This is because, when compared to other sewing machines bigger in size, they have presented with numerous advantages over the others. Stated below are some of the reasons illuminating on why you need a mini sewing machine within your grasp.
1. Its size
These mini sewing machines, as reflected in their names, are always small in size and light-weighted. Thus, they are easy to carry from place to place while executing some stitching and styling works. They, therefore, provide the opportunity for usage at any place at any time provided it can be powered.
2. Their affordability
These sewing machines are often cheap prices; thus, they are perfect for low-income earners or any individual under a strict spending budget. For instance, they are probably always tagged at around 30 US dollars or below as the purchasing price.
3. Easy to operate
These machines are always easy to use; thus they do not require extensive training. They are, therefore, primarily used by newbies in training to join the industry since it is easy to figure out and master its operational processes.
4. They are often convenient
During the training of a child or a newbie, using this machine as the stepping stone is always recommended. They are perfect for small-sized tasks, which are often very common and maybe time and money consuming. Thus, they assist the users in executing these small tasks with efficiency, ease, and time consideration, thus hugely impacting the user’s life positively.
5. They have a straight forward layout
These machines are simple with minimal spare parts, thus easy to assemble and set up. They also come with a variety of accessories upon ordering, thus widening their operational scope and enabling for several types of stitching techniques just as experienced in much-sophisticated sewing machines.
Top 10 Best Small Sewing Machine Reviews
1. Best Small Easy to Use Sewing Machine, SINGER | Start 1304
Pros:
- Easy to set up
- Easy to use
- Has automatic threading
- Is cheap and thus affordable
- The machine is light and portable
Cons:
- Has only limited stitch options of six
- Best for Beginners
This mini sewing machine is among the best in the market due to some of its unique features more for those beginning the practice.
- Six Built-in Stitches
The machine has a six built-in stitch system which can be adjusted easily by a stitch dial, thus increasing the vastness of its uses.
- Heavy-Duty Machine
It also has a heavy-duty metal frame for durability, three presser feet, an all-purpose foot for the majority of projects, buttonhole foot and zipper foot. The machine also has a preset stitching length and width for easy sewing, a dual spool pins for twin needle sewing, and it enables an easy and quick threading time.
2. Best Small Compact Sewing Machine, Brother XM2701
Pros:
Cons:
- Presser foot pressure is non-adjustable
- The automatic needle threader is complicated for beginners
- Illuminating
This brother sewing machine comes recommended and liked by many people, thus illuminating it as one of the best in the industry. This is because of some of its unique features, such as; the mini sewing machine comes with a 27 built-in stitch system providing a variety of stitching options. The stitching system is also easy to change by just turning the dial.
- An Automatic Needle Threader
Also, the machine has an automatic needle threader and a drop-in top bobbin, which is entirely jam-resistant. The mini machine also comes with numerous accessories included in the package, a versatile free arm for a wide range of sewing projects, and an extensive warranty period of up to about 25 years.
3. Best Small Electric Sewing Machine, Brother CS5055PRW
Pros:
- The machine is easy to set up
- It is cheap and thus affordable
- It is durable
- It works with minimal noise
- Can sew a variety of fabric types and sizes
- Comes with a lot of extra accessories
- Has a warranty period of about 25 years
Cons:
- Maybe a little complicated for the beginners
- Computerized Sewing Machine
This is a computerized model from the Brother Project Runaway, which is among the best in the industry. Some of its unique features include the fact that it has 50 built-in stitches that allow for a range of functionalities, and they are all printed in front of the machine for easy access and reference.
- Quality and Professional Sewing
The machine also has a 5-one step custom-sized buttonholes system for quality and professional sewing.
- LCD Display
Also, it is lightweight, has an automatic threader, an LCD display screen for viewing the selected stitches. The stitches are also easy to select and change by just a push of a button. The mini sewing machine has an LED light for lighting the working area.
- A Quick-set Top Bobbin
Also, they have a quick-set top bobbin, a vertical spool pin, among others.
4. Varmax Mini Sewing Machine with Extension Table
Pros:
- The machine is easily portable
- It is cheap and affordable
- Easy to use
- Sews a variety of fabrics
- It is versatile and can be used anywhere
- It is durable
Cons:
- It is too light for some operations
- Portable Sewing Machine
This is also another featured mini sewing machines in the market. Some of its unique features include; it is specially designed in a mini size for easy portability; it comes with a large extension table for smooth and stable sewing.
- Built-in Lamp
It also has a built-in lamp, thread cutter, and a cuff slot for easy usage. It has a winding pole and thread spindle for easy rewinding of the bobbins.
- Several Options for Power Supply
It has several options for power supply, such as batteries or adapter, the fabrics sewed are also often of different texture and thickness. Finally, it also has a classic- straight-line stitch type for beginners.
5. Best Small Simple Sewing Machine, SINGER | Tradition 2277
Pros:
- It is cheap and affordable
- It is durable
- Comes with numerous accessories
- Easy to set up and use
- Can handle multiple fabric layers
- Made to be sturdy
- Suitable for beginners
Cons:
- Not recommended for advanced sewers
- An Automatic Needle Threader
This is also one of the best mini sewing machines. Some of its beneficial features include; it has an automatic needle threader reducing eye strain and frustration.
- Automatic One-step Buttonhole
It also has an automatic one-step buttonhole for designer holes, an adjustable stitch length easily accomplished by a turn on the dial, a free arm, and an onboard storage pouch for the included accessories.
- Heavy-duty Frame
Furthermore, the mini sewing machine has a simple stitch selection allowing for easy variance in sewing, 23 built-in stitches for any project, quality, and heavy-duty metal frame for support and durability. Finally, it comes with numerous other accessories.
6. Best Small Computerized Tailoring Sewing Machine, Brother CS6000i
Pros:
- This machine is cheap and affordable
- Easy and straightforward to use
- The machine is durable
- Light in weight and very portable
- The machine operates in silence
- Numerous range of accessories
- Comes with a bilingual user manual
Cons:
- None
Quilting Machine
This mini sewing machine often comes with some very unique features which place it among the best of the sewing machines. Some of the features are that it is easy to use and a quilting machine.
- High Sewing Speed
It has an automatic needle threader, adjustable sewing speed for easy control for up to a maximum of 850 stitches per minute.
- LCD Display
It also comes with an accessory wide table for extra sewing space, a built-in free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves, an LCD display stitch selector, and a bright work area from LED lighting. These mini sewing machines allow for super easy bobbin winding and threading.
Finally, in the accessories, the mini machine also comes with a hard protective case and eight sewing and quilting feet.
7. Best Small SINGER Sewing Machine, SINGER | Simple 3232
Pros:
- The machines are durable
- Easy to use
- Light and easily portable
- Very quiet during operation
- Cheap and affordable
- Has a reverse stitching feature
- Offers a wide range of stitching options
Cons:
- The machine is plasticized
- Inbuilt Automatic Needle Threader
This mini sewing machine is popular among many due to its inbuilt automatic needle threader, which reduces eye strain and frustrations.
- 32 Built-in Stitch System
Other features of this machine include a 32 built-in stitch system for varied operations, a built-in one-step buttonhole for aesthetic designing, and a heavy metal framing for stability and durability.
- High Sewing Speed
Also, these machines sew to a speed of up to 750 stitches-per-minute allowing for efficiency towards time, and they have a high presser foot lifter enabling working on thick fabric layers.
These mini sewing machines have a unique automatic reverse sewing feature easing stitching reinforcement. Also, they have adjustable stitch length and width and four Snap-On presser feet.
8. Best Portable Small Sewing Machine by Galadim
Pros:
- It is cheap and affordable
- Durable
- Reasonable warranty period
- It is easy to use
- It is light and portable
Cons:
- These machines have a limited number of available stitches
- Easy to Use
These mini sewing machines are also among the best so far in the industry. This is because it has a built-in 12 stitch patterns for a variety of sewing options, has a replaceable foot presser to allow for installing foot presser conducive for different fabric sizes.
This mini machine also has a reverse sewing feature for reinforcement of sewn fabrics and an overlock function.
- Adjustable Needle Spacing
It also has an adjustable needle spacing for customizing stitches as per the user’s needs. The machine also has a double threading system operating at double speed for efficiency, an LED sewing light for visibility of sewing area, a built-in thread cutter, smoothly winding bobbin thread and a mini storage area. The mini sewing machine also has a number of accessories that are often packaged with it.
9. Jeteven Cheap Handheld Small Sewing Machine
Pros:
- Comes with an instructional manual
- Comes with a lot of accessories
- Very light, small and portable for comfortable travels
- Cheap and affordable by many
- Suitable for all like beginners
- Handheld Machine
Cons:
- A little noisy during operation
- Popular Machine
These mini sewing machines are also popular and among the best in the sewing industry. These machines are very small and portable, able to fit in the palms of an individual offering firm grip for easy control and operation.
- Versatile
They are very versatile and can be adapted in different environments and for fabrics of different sizes and textures. They are also easy and convenient for frequent movements from place to place due to their compact and lightweight nature.
- Several Accessories
The machines also come with several other accessories for utilization like extra needles, threaders, extension spindle, 3 bobbins with thread, among others, and with a rough estimate of 3 month warranty period.
10. NEX Mini Sewing Machine for Children
Pros:
- It is effortless to use
- Comes with an instructional manual
- Very lightweight thus easily portable
- Utilizes two options as power sources
- Compact enough for kids’ usage without breakage
- They are cheap and affordable
Cons:
- They can only sew thin fabric layers
- Best For Children
This is very popular among the kids and best for beginners. Some of its favoring features include the fact that it has a built-in 12 stitches pattern for several varieties of sewing purposes.
- Portable Sewing Machine
It is light in weight; thus, portable, has inbuilt scissors for thread and fabric cutting and an LED illumination system on the sewing area to make the process easier.
These machines also have reverse sewing design features for reinforcement and a tension button to control the tightness of the threads. Majorly uses both battery and adapter power and a top drop bobbin and auto winding system, making operations efficient and frustration less.
> Click to See More Sewing Machine for Girls: Top 8 Best Girls Sewing Machine Reviews
How To Choose The Best Small Sewing Machine?
Whenever you decide to purchase a mini sewing machine in a store or online, there are certain things/features that one needs to consider and asses first before completing the purchase to ensure they buy the best mini sewing machine there is.
This is because there are several types of mini sewing machines with different features that may or may not be suitable for the user’s needs and satisfaction.
1. Needle threaders
Threading is mandatory when sewing; thus, every instance that one has to sew, they have to thread the machine. In old sewing machines, this is always done manually, and it requires precision and sharp eyesight, which might not be possible for the older generations. Nevertheless, the majority of the new models and versions of sewing machines have been advanced to deal with this setback.
Therefore, before purchasing a mini sewing machine, it would be prudent to check whether they have an in-built automatic threading system. Since this would save time and resources while doing away with the frustrations often experienced during threading troubles. It is, however, crucial that beginners not take advantage of this automatic system but try actual manual threading to perfect their skills.
2. Top loading bobbin
This system is very efficient and frustration-free, unlike some of the previous systems. The older sewing machines had the bobbin system concealed in the machine as below-par bobbin and front bobbin system.
Therefore, threading and dropping the bobbin took a lot of time for new sewers and even experts building up disappointments and frustrations. Nevertheless, the new models of the mini sewing machines have changed the bobbin system to a top-loading bobbin system that is visible and just comes out without manual disassembly of the machine.
This would save immense time; hence, it is always best to check whether the mini sewing machine has a top-loading bobbin system or not before purchasing to encourage time convenience.
3. Free arm capability
This capability would allow for the sewing of any fabric by the mini machine and even making tiny art decorations on them as per the user’s desires. Without this capability, the mini sewing machine would be close to useless thus, before purchasing a small sewing machine, it is best to check whether it can be used for free-arm sewing or not.
4. The possible number of stitches
A mini sewing machine must have at least the capability of managing some of the essential stitches, such as straight, top, back, and zigzag stitches. Being able to use these stitches with a mini sewing machine would guarantee for their modification into other dozens of stitches used in sewing.
Thus, selecting a mini sewing machine model capable of enabling the most important stitches is a priority and should be taken seriously since without these vital stitch pattern capabilities, the machine would be more or less useless.
5. The warranty
This is also a significant consideration to be made. The buyer should ensure that the product they are buying has at least a warranty panning from several months to years to guarantee that their mini sewing machines would be fixed or even replaced if the situation deems fit.
The warranty will also instill confidence in the buyer by viewing the seller as a responsible party, thus catering for the elimination of doubt on the authenticity of the mini sewing machine.
6. Portability
Finally, this is also an important factor to be considered. A small sewing machine should increase versatility, thus checking on the weight, size, and holding bars of the machine is important.
Since this would ensure that the sewing machine does not become extra workload during transit. Most of the new versions of the portable sewing machines are equipped with these features. It is, however, vital that the buyer checks and confirms them before purchase.
Conclusion
Sewing machines are generally fundamental aspects of human existence. This is because they widely affect day to day human interactions in the form of their clothing and home/office fabrics. The mini sewing machines mentioned above are some of the best small sewing machines all over the globe. Each has unique features that qualify them to perform in exceptional manners.
Also, some can execute the duties of some of the sophisticated sewing machines. Thus, these mini sewing machines are the perfect blend for sewing machines with all the advantages magnified and the possible demerits solved. I would, therefore, recommend the above small sewing machines as the best so far in the industry for all purposes and for all categories of people all over the world.