Even if we don’t say it, we all love the idea of being able to carry our sewing machines around with us wherever we go. There is something attractive about being able to carry on with your sewing project wherever you are.
As such, most of us would prefer a light and portable sewing machine that won’t be a pain to transport, especially if we need to attend or teach sewing lessons.
Top 5 Picks for Best Portable Sewing Machines:
The only problem is that most portable sewing machines lack the full functionality of regular machines. That is why we decided to come up with this informative review of the best portable sewing machines. Each of our featured machines is fully functional yet highly portable.
They have garnered tons of positive portable sewing machine reviews since their release, and with good cause. They are the best on the market and everyone knows it.
So sit back and relax as we dive deeper into the best portable sewing machines of 2024.
- Basic, simple machine for starters
- 23 stitches, 3 presser feet
- Automatic needle threader, adjustable presser foot
- Weight: 13.6 pounds
- Strong motor for sewing thick fabrics
- 32 stitches, 4 presser feet
- Top drop-in bobbin, heavy duty metal frame
- Weight: 17.4 pounds
- 60 stitches, 8 sewing and quilting feet
- Automatic needle threader, adjustable sewing speed
- Wide table, built-in free arm
- Weight: 13 pounds
- Suitable for everyday use
- 10 stitches, 4 snap-on feet
- Easy stitch selector, compact design
- Weight: 10.8 pounds
- Adorable machine for kids and beginners
- 15 stitches, four-step buttonhole
- Beautiful stitches, easy to use
- Weight: 12 pounds
Best Portable Sewing Machine Reviews 2024
#1 – Singer Tradition 2277: Best Portable Sewing Machine For Basic Sewing
- Can comfortably work on tough fabrics such as denim
- Easy to set up and use
- Very affordable and durable
- Produces high-quality stitches
- Only has basic stitches, a drawback for professionals
- Some have complained that it jams often
Weighing in at a meager 13.6 pounds, the Singer Tradition 2277 boasts of 23 built-in stitches and a durable heavy-duty metal frame. This Singer portable sewing machine also offers the ability to adjust stitch length and width, a feature that helps prevent bunching of fabric.
Additionally, the Singer 2277 features an automatic needle threader, an automatic reverse, twin needle capability and the ability to be mounted on countertops.
Owners of this Singer portable sewing machine have complimented it on its ease of use and overall user friendliness. Generally, it is a great sewing machine for beginners.
However, its instructions for bobbin winding can be difficult to follow. If you are a sewing beginner, it would be best to have a person who sews regularly to help you out with that part.
It is also worth noting that the Singer 2277 comes with an impressive 25-year limited warranty.
The Singer 2277 manages to offer high functionality and durability at an affordable price. It is a great choice for beginners to sewing.
#2 – Singer 4432: Best Portable Sewing Machine For Heavy Duty Use
- Sews very quickly
- Changing between stitches is easy
- Highly durable
- Easy to use
- All its needle positions are to the left
- Its bobbin tends to bounce around a lot
If you are looking for something a little more heavy duty than the Singer 2277, you should look into Singer 4432 Heavy Duty sewing machine. Due to its heavy-duty metal frame and the fact that it is a little heavier than the Singer 2277, it is able to withstand continuous work on heavy fabrics.
Like the Singer 2277, the 4432 comes with an automatic reverse, a built-in needle threader, a stitch width control, and a 25-year limited warranty.
However, it comes with extra features like an LED light bulb and a powerful motor that is 60% stronger than that of a regular sewing machine.
People who use this Singer portable sewing machine have complimented it on its ability to work on heavy fabrics like canvas and leather with the greatest of ease.
Although it is just a mechanical sewing machine, the Singer 4432 is able to do all the heavy duty work you need it to do.
#3 – Brother CS6000i: Best Portable Sewing Machine For Quilting
- Versatile
- Quiet operation
- Feature-rich yet inexpensive
- Occasional tension issues
- Work light could be brighter
The Brother CS6000i is yet another winner of the 2018 Women’s Choice Awards. This impressive portable sewing machine is feature-rich and highly functional, yet quite affordable.
With its 70 built-in stitches, 9 presser feet, 7 one-step auto-sized buttonhole styles, and an easy to read backlit LCD screen, the Brother CS6000i could be easily mistaken for an expensive high-end machine.
As evidenced by its large table, it was designed for quilting and large projects, a feature that makes it very popular.
This lightweight sewing machine also comes with a built-in free arm, an automatic needle threader, and adjustable sewing speed. Ultimately, the Brother CS6000i offers much more than the Brother XM1010, the Singer 2277 and the Singer 4432.
As such, it is loved by beginners, intermediates and professionals alike. Owners of this portable sewing machines appreciate its fancy features and ease of use.
The Brother CS6000i is the ultimate definition of a good bang for your buck.
#4 – Brother XM1010: Lightweight Portable Sewing Machine For Daily Use
- Easy to use
- Well built, lightweight
- Affordable
- Its power cord is short
- Bobbin tension cannot be adjusted
Just because you are looking for functionality and portability doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice aesthetics. The Brother XM1010 is evidence of this. With its vibrant white and purple design, it is no wonder that it won the 2018 Women’s Choice Award.
Don’t be fooled though, this lightweight sewing machine is more than just a pretty face. It features 10 built-in stitches, a convenient stitch selector, free arm and a drop-in-top bobbin.
While the Brother XM1010 has significantly fewer stitches than the Singer 2277 and the Singer 4432, it is lighter than them.
Owners of this lightweight sewing machine have commended it for being efficient and easy to use. However, they are concerned with the fact that it doesn’t have a built-in needle threader. All in all, there is a consensus that it is a good sewing machine for beginners.
If you are looking for something cute yet functional and easy to use, the Brother XM1010 is right up your alley.
#5 – Janome Arctic Crystal: Good Cheap Portable Sewing Machine
- Colorful design
- Produces good even stitches
- Its instructions are easy to follow
- Doesn’t come with a thread cutter
If you are on a tight budget, worry not, we have a good portable sewing machine for you too; the Janome Arctic Crystal. This portable sewing machine is cheap but high-quality; just what you need.
It features 15 built-in stitches, a heavy duty metal fame, a front-loading bobbin system, and a darning plate. Moreover, it ships with 4 presser feet, beginner’s accessories and a 25-year limited warranty.
By all means, the Janome Arctic Crystal is a basic machine and a really good one. It works well and is very reliable. People who use this sewing machine compliment it on its high quality and affordable price.
At just below a hundred bucks, the Janome Arctic Crystal offers you good value for your money.
The Bottom Line
If we were to recommend one of our featured machines to you, it would be the Brother CS6000i. Not only is it full of features that are noticeably absent in the rest, but it also offers all that at an affordable price.
However, the ultimate decision is up to you. You have to choose which of our featured portable sewing machines best suits your needs. One thing is for certain though; these are the best portable sewing machines on the market today.
