Are you interested in learning how to sew but cannot afford to make a huge investment in purchasing a high-end sewing machine? You don’t have to worry because we have got you covered.
Going for a portable sewing machine is the best way to start sewing if you are on a budget.
Mini sewing machines are small in size but huge in performance and features. The compact size makes it perfect for beginners who want to take it to their classes.
However, there are many models in the market. This makes it very difficult for many people to make a good choice.
We have done extensive research. After our research, we have selected the 7 best mini sewing machines of all time. Our selections are based on durability, sturdiness and functionality.
Read on to see the product descriptions of the machines with their pros and cons.
Check the table below to compare the specifications of the different mini sewing machines.
Top Choices for Mini Sewing Machine
Table of Contents
Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine
There is also the double thread design that gives you strong stitches when you sew any fabrics. The extension table adds a lot of convenience and stability to the machine’s operation.
The built-in thread cutter is another fantastic feature that many beginners would love. With the thread cutter, you longer need a pair of scissors to cut the thread at the end of the seam. The thread cutter cuts the thread effortlessly.
Another feature is that the machine supports AC/DC power supply. Power can also be supplied using batteries. You can turn on the machine using the Off/On button and control the speed with the foot pedal which is included in the package.
When visibility is low, the built-in light improves visibility and the LED light eliminates eye fatigue. The Magicfly Mini is built strong. It requires minimal space since it is lightweight and portable.
The machine comes with tons of accessories including 36 pieces of bobbins, 1 needle threader, 1 pair of scissors, 1 tape measure, 5 pieces of needles, 1 extension table, 1 manual and a foot pedal.
It is the perfect sewing machine for children but they should use it under the guidance of an adult. The machine is perfect for small home projects.
Ensure that you read the manual to get detailed information on how to get started. It is backed with a 3 months warranty.
- Ease of use
- Built-in light and LED light
- Extremely lightweight
- Supports dual power supply
- Thread cutter
- Two-speed options
- Extension table
- Not suitable for thicker fabrics
- Not versatile
W-Dragon Mini Sewing Machine
Another way to control the electric sewing machine is with the foot pedal. This helps you to control the machine’s speed effectively.
When it comes to design, the machine is cute and stylish making it very attractive to beginners. The construction is also durable and sturdy.
With the two-thread design, you can get superior sewing that is suitable for different types of projects.
The machine is not just light in weight; it is also light in size. Its small footprint makes it fit into any available space in your home. With the double thread sewing, you are sure of strong and firm stitches.
Your daily sewing needs will be adequately met since the machine has an automatic rewinding feature. The bobbin at the top of the machine winds up automatically. This allows you to easily place more bobbins.
There are night lights to help improve visibility at night. There is also an extension table to make sewing super convenient anytime you want to sew long items like dresses. The mini sewing machine is suitable for different applications such as curtains, clothing, fabrics, and wool.
Before putting the machine to use, ensure that you turn the handwheel a few times in your direction.
- Compact and lightweight
- Two-speed options
- Easy to thread bobbin
- Perfect for multiple applications
- Cute and stylish design
- Ease of use and operation
- Sturdy and durable
- No thread cutter
- Won’t sew too thick, hard or soft fabrics
Magicfly Portable Sewing Machine
The stitches include zigzag, straight and more. By adjusting the button, you can choose the corresponding stitch number that gives you the stitch that you want. It also comes with reverse sewing to improve your sewing. Just press the button and the reverse function starts to work.
The machine has three types of needles to suit different fabric thicknesses. You can use size 80/11 for lightweight fabrics, 90/14 for medium weight fabrics and 100/16 for heavyweight fabrics.
The operation of the machine is super easy. There is a threading guide printed on the body of the machine. This helps you to thread it with ease.
The machine is small and compact. It also comes with a handle to easily carry and store it. The extension table is great when you need convenience during any sewing session.
You will find the two power sources very beneficial. It can be plugged directly into the mains or powered using the battery. This means you can power the machine at any time making it ideal for both home and outdoor use. Don’t use the two sources at the same time. You can only use one power source at a time.
There are plenty of multi-use accessories which include sewing buttons, tape measure, spool accessories, sewing zippers and more.
- 12 built-in stitches
- Reverse sewing
- Loaded with plenty of accessories
- Two power source options
- Small, compact and lightweight
- Designed with three types of needles
- It is a space saver
- Not suitable for too thin, soft and elastic fabrics
- No thread cutter
- A bit noisy
Sew Mighty Portable Sewing Machine
The two-speed option is perfect for beginners and children who would love to sew at their own pace. Choose between “High” and “Low” to sew at your convenient speed. You can also control the speed with the foot pedal.
The machine is ideal for small crafting jobs like drapes, children’s clothes, aprons, pillows, coin purses and more. It is small and compact for ease of operation and use.
It will fit perfectly into any position in your home. The extension table provides extra convenience when you want to sew long items like dresses and curtains.
With the built-in thread cutter, cutting the thread with scissors in no longer required. The thread cutter helps you to cut the thread at the end of every seam. There is also the built-in work light to help improve visibility when you are sewing at night.
The top and bottom bobbins are easy to thread. It features a bobbin winder and tension controller to easily control the thread tension.
It is made with simple controls to make it kid-friendly. The cuff notch makes the sewing of cuffs and sleeves a breeze.
- Lightweight and battery-powered
- Larger workspace
- Two sewing speed options
- Built-in thread cutter
- Adjustable stitch length
- Double thread sewing
- Good for beginners and children
- The instructions are hard to comprehend
KPCB Mini Sewing Machine
The machine can meet your small sewing needs with the utmost ease. It is perfect for soft denim, cotton, hard silk, linen and hard wool. You will find it suitable for different applications like aprons, curtains, shopping bags, etc.
With the automatic bobbin rewinding; you will find it easy to rewind the bobbin when you turn on the machine. Bobbins are also easy to replace.
When it comes to the construction of the machine, the materials used in making it are durable and environmentally-friendly. It is beginner and kid-friendly too.
There are two-speed options to choose from. The speed can be controlled with the foot pedal. The cuff slot allows you to sew pants and sleeves effortlessly.
The machine supports AC/DC power source and can also be battery-powered. You will find the extension table extremely useful since it provides stability and smooth operations.
The machine comes with 90/14 needles and it is also compatible with 75/11, 80/12 and 10/16 needles.
What you will find in the package includes 1 extension table, 4 bobbins, 1 needle, a foot pedal, 1 needle threader and a manual. The best part of it is that the mini sewing machine is backed with a 3-month warranty.
- Built-in thread cutter
- Built-in lamp for visibility
- Automatic bobbin rewinding
- Easy for beginners
- Two-speed options
- Comes with an extension table
- Cuff slot to handle sleeves and cuffs
- Tension problem
- Not heavy-duty
Michley LSS-505+ Desktop Sewing Machine
The Michley LSS-505+ boasts of excellent features like reverse stitching to sew in a reverse position, built-in LED light to illuminate your workspace, two-speed options to choose the right speed suitable for you and the clear-top bobbin case to let you see when the thread is running low.
Other features are the automatic bobbin winder for the ease of winding the bobbins, the built-in storage drawer to keep important accessories and make them handy. The machine uses metal bobbins which are strong and durable. There is also a thread cutter to cut your thread at the end of each seam.
It is optional to use the foot pedal to control the machine’s speed. Both the speed and stitching can be operated by hand.
The portable machine can be powered using a 6V power adapter or four AA batteries. Some of the accessories include 1 needle, 2 thread spools, two metal bobbins, 1 needle threader, a foot pedal and 1 AC adapter. It is backed by a one year warranty.
- 12 built-in stitches
- Built-in LED light
- Easy to thread bobbin
- Thread cutter
- Two-speed options
- Reverse stitching
- Comes with a sewing free arm to handle sleeves and cuffs
- Not heavy-duty
- No buttonhole function
MICHLEY LSS-202 Combo
It is a straight one-stitch machine for the handling of basic home sewing needs. Its small and compact size means it can be placed anywhere without taking up a lot of space.
This is a two-speed sewing machine that offers a double threading advantage and nice stitch control. The machine can be powered using a power adapter or four AA batteries. This makes it portable and convenient to use anywhere.
The top drop-in bobbin with the automatic bobbin winder makes threading extremely easy. For the children, the knob provides an excellent control.
During a jam, the machine would stop working. This is a great safety measure to prevent damage to the unit.
Some of the accessories include battery-operated electric scissors, needles, foot pedal, needle threader, bobbins and other 42 pieces of sewing kit. It is backed by a one year warranty.
- It is inexpensive
- Small and compact
- Two-speed options
- Easy threading of bobbin
- Easy to operate and use with the foot pedal
- Double threading for a stronger stitch
- Comes with a tension knob to control thread tension
- No free arm
- No automatic thread cutter
- No reverse stitching
- No light
back to menu ↑
Buying Guide
There are many mini sewing machines out there. If you want to buy one for the first time, making a choice can be a bit difficult. To choose the right machine for you, there are a lot of factors you have to consider. Below are the important considerations you must have in mind before choosing a mini sewing machine.
Ease of use and operation
Your mini sewing machine should be extremely easy to use. For instance, the bobbin should be easy to thread and the tension should be easily adjustable. Above all, ensure that you read the manual to optimize its usage. A mini machine with a START and STOP button will simplify the operation of the machine.
Machine size
This is an important consideration when you want to buy a mini sewing machine. The size of the machine will determine where you want to use it. Generally, mini sewing machines are small and compact but you must ensure that the machine you want to purchase is easy to pack up and should have a handle so you can easily carry it from one place to another.
Power
What are the machine’s power sources? This is a question that you should also ask. Most mini sewing machines are either powered using electricity or batteries or both. Choose one that you can power using electricity and battery. With a battery, it means you can power it anywhere and anytime you need it.
Machine weight
Avoid a bulky sewing machine that may be too heavy to carry. If you are a student that wants to take the machine for classes, you must look for something light in weight. A weighty machine can cause shoulder fatigue.
Stitch patterns
Not all mini sewing machines have stitch patterns. But the Michley LSS-505+ Desktop Sewing Machine and Magicfly Portable Sewing Machine both have 12 built-in stitch patterns. The stitch patterns help you to handle different basic sewing needs by adjusting the stitch length and width. It gives your fabric firmer and stronger threading.
Sewing speed
Most of the mini sewing machines come with two-speed options of Low and High. The speed will determine how quickly you can complete a task. For most beginners, there is no sense of urgency. They just want to sew at their own pace. In this case, speed may not be necessary. So, choosing Low speed may be ideal. You can control the speed with the foot pedal.
Top-loading bobbin
It is difficult to know when your bobbin has run out of the thread if it is concealed. Opting for a top-loading bobbin means you will notice when the bobbin is running low. Alternatively, choose a mini sewing machine with a transparent bobbin cover to help you monitor your thread level.
Presser feet
The presser feet helps you to hold the fabric in place when you are feeding the fabric through the machine. There are different presser feet for different projects. Choose a mini sewing machine with multiple presser feet.
Thread cutter
It is not every time you have to reach out for your scissors to cut the thread. This is why the thread cutter is great. It helps you to cut the thread at the end of the seam. It is handy and eliminates the use of scissors.
Needle threading
Most of the mini sewing machines don’t have automatic needle threading. They are mostly threaded manually. But it makes sense to choose one that comes with automatic needle threading. This is important especially for people who have bad eyesight or shaky hands.
Lights
Built-in lights are a common feature of mini sewing machines. The lights help you when you are sewing dark fabrics or when sewing in the dark. When the work area is well lit, it prevents errors and mistakes.
Free arm
The free arm is an important feature if you want to conveniently work on sleeves, collars and cuffs. It also provides you with extra space so you can comfortably work on items like curtains and dresses.
Stability and durability
The stability and durability of the machine will depend on how it is constructed. If the frame of the machine is solidly constructed, it will enhance its durability, sturdiness and stability in the long run. This helps you to reduce the cost of replacing bad parts all the time.
Warranty
Most mini sewing machines come with a warranty of at least one year. Don’t overlook the need for a warranty when purchasing a mini sewing machine. It helps you to get compensated in case the machine becomes faulty or damaged. Ensure that you properly read the terms of the warranty so you understand what you are getting into.
Cost
Of course, the cost is a critical consideration when purchasing a machine. Generally, mini sewing machines are inexpensive but they cost more than the others. Don’t compromise quality for budget.
back to menu ↑Frequently Asked Questions
Can a mini sewing machine function like the regular one?
Yes, a mini sewing machine can work like the regular-sized one if it is used efficiently. Ensure that you read the manual so you know what it is capable of. Some of them cannot sew jeans and denim. Don’t abuse the machine if you want it to work like the regular one.
How can the tension of the mini sewing machine be adjusted?
Most of the mini sewing machines come with a tension knob or tension screw. To adjust the tension, just turn the knob till you get the desired thread tension.
Is a mini sewing machine cost-effective?
Yes, a mini sewing machine is very cost-effective but you must thoroughly check the features to be sure they will meet your needs.
Are mini sewing machines ideal for beginners?
Yes, mini sewing machines are perfect for beginners who are on a budget. It is the perfect way to learn and start sewing if you cannot afford a high-end sewing machine. Mini sewing machines are also a great choice for children.
Can a mini sewing machine make clothes?
Yes, they can make clothes. However, you have to check the manual for the type of fabrics and applications the machine can handle.
back to menu ↑How to repair mini sewing machines
A mini sewing machine is a reliable appliance that should serve you for many years if it is maintained properly. Some of the models require constant maintenance than others.
However, no sewing machine can function well for many years without cleaning, oiling or maintaining it regularly.
Most of the problems that these machines face include broken, loose, bent or incorrect needle. This means you have to purchase quality needles that are recommended for the machine. If the machine is not working, check the electrical connections as required.
back to menu ↑Conclusion
Some of the mini sewing machines out there offer a wide range of features than the traditional sewing machines. However, some of these mini sewing machines are rated higher than the others.
Base on this, we recommend the Michley LSS-505+ Desktop Sewing Machine and Magicfly Portable Sewing Machine for their 12 built-in stitches.
Another advantage is that they both offer reverse stitching. The Michley LSS-505+ Desktop Sewing Machine has a carry handle that makes it easy to carry from one point to another. Any of these two machines will serve you for many years to come.
