Modern technology has truly revolutionized everything from vehicles to even the smallest machines. Thanks to technology, the traditional bulky sewing machines we use at home have now been transformed into compact, versatile, and highly portable handheld sewing machines.
A handheld sewing machine resembles a stapler in looks and is used for small hemming jobs. The machine is compact to the core and can seamlessly fit into your handbag or luggage. Despite being compact, it’s very efficient in sewing a wide variety of fabrics, including nylon, silk, cotton, and polyester.
Home isn’t the only place where you may urgently need a sewing machine. Sometimes, we’re all caught up in awkward situations where our outfits surprisingly tear up, maybe when lifting your hands in a presentation or bending to pick something.
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How Does a Handheld Sewing Machine Work?
Depending on the model, a handheld sewing machine leverages a single straight stitch to sew.
The design consists of a set screw, presser foot, bobbin holder, rotary wheel, battery jar, tension control, thread control, and a power switch. The machine employs a single needle inserted at the front and thread held by the bobbin to sew fabrics and cloths.
A user needs to attach the thread of their choice to the bobbin and put the spring through the other hand.
Using the spindle, the bobbin is attached to its place on the left-hand side of the machine. The cloth or fabric to be sewn is then slotted on the presser foot in front of the machine, and the stitching runs along the side of the fabric.
To start sewing, you simply need to push the ON/START button, and away you sew. Handheld sewing machines have a fastening plate that holds the fabric properly so that the stitch doesn’t go awry.
10 Best Handheld Sewing Machines Reviews
1. Singer Stitch Quick Portable Mending Machine
- Dimensions: 9 x 2.25 x 7.5 inches
- Weight: 13.3 oz
- Powered by: 4 x AA batteries or DC 6V 600mA power adaptor (Batteries not included)
- Color: White
- Brand: Singer
- Extra features: Comes with threads, bobbins, needles, and thread spindle. Cordless
Singer is a world leader in manufacturing top-notch sewing machines. The Singer Stitch Sew Quick Portable Mending Sewing Machine has maintained the company’s reputation. The sewing machine is highly portable, cordless, and packs great features to allow for seamless, convenient sewing on the go. The machine has a small compact design, meaning that it fits easily in your hand, allowing you to comfortably repair clothes, bedding, curtains, drapes, and other household upholstery.
The cordless design allows users to move from one project to another efficiently. The built-in power switch ensures that the machine is safe for stitching, even for beginners. Depending on your preference, you can either power the compact machine using a power adapter or AA batteries. Better yet, the Singer Stitch Sew Quick enables users to come up with a more creative design by adjusting the width and length of the stitch.
In addition to being compact, highly portable with a strong build, the machine is relatively easy to set up and use. It also comes with various accessories such as thread needles and spindles, bobbins, and threads to suit your stitching need.
In general, the Singer Stitch Quick Portable Mending Machine is your perfect tool for making quick repairs on your fabric. It’s highly recommended for all kinds of small sewing projects and small mending projects involving different types of fabric. Despite offering so much functionality with a great build, the machine is reasonably priced. However, keep in mind that the AA batteries and the power cord and adapter are sold separately.
Pros
- Great portability
- Easy to set up and use
- Perfect for beginners and DIY enthusiasts
- Easy operation option thanks to the single thread feed
- Built-in power switch makes it safe for use.
- Solid build quality
Cons
- Not ideal for sewing strong fabric
- Doesn’t include a battery-a prerequisite to operate
2. W-Dragon Cordless Handheld Electric Sewing Machine
- Dimensions: 20cm (Long) x 7.5cm (Height) x 5cm (Width)
- Weight: 9.3 ounces
- Powered by: 4 x AA batteries or DC 6V 600mA power adaptor
- Color: New-White
- Brand: W-Dragon
- Extra Features: Cordless
Second, on our list is the Cordless Handheld Electric Sewing Machine from W-Dragon. This mini-sized sewing machine fits perfectly in your hands, allowing operate it comfortably. Besides, the portable and compact design ensures that it doesn’t take up much space to carry around in your handbag or luggage bag easily.
With the W-Dragon Cordless Handheld Electric Sewing Machine, you’ve got two options: the Battery-powered (4 x AA batteries) and the Electric powered. However, the electric-powered doesn’t come with a power adaptor, so you’ll need to buy a separate DC 6V 600mA power adaptor.
You’ll definitely appreciate the sleek and secure design of this machine. It’s undoubtedly one of the best handheld sewing machines in the market today, great for spot repairs and alterations. If you’re a DIY sewing enthusiast and thinking of designing and sewing custom face masks, handkerchiefs, gloves, aprons, or any other simple embroidery, this is your go-to handheld sewing machine.
The machine is pre-threaded and ready to use, making it suitable for beginners and kids alike. Besides, the flat edge automatic moving line makes the mini sewing machine very easy to operate. However, it’s a single thread sewing machine; therefore, you have to tie a knot by yourself. Kids may find this challenging, and you may need to assist them.
Overall, the W-Dragon Cordless Handheld Electric Sewing Machine is perfect for DIY enthusiasts and sewing hobbyists. You can gift it to your friends or family members interested in DIY Great Crafts.
Pros
- An excellent choice for beginners and DIY enthusiasts
- Easy-to-operate
- Ideal for a wide range of materials, including denim
- Compact and portable design
Cons
- Doesn’t come with its power cord
- Not recommended for very thin fabrics
3. Jeteven Handheld Sewing Machine
- Dimensions: 8.66 x 3.54 x 1.97 inches
- Weight: 9.3 ounces
- Powered by: 4 x AA batteries or DC 6V 600mA power adaptor
- Color: Pink
- Brand: Jeteven
- Extra Features: Additional accessories, Warranty (180-day product exchange and money-back policy
The Jeteven Handheld Sewing Machine features a striking pink color that indeed turns heads. The machine comes with multiple useful accessories, including two sewing needles, an extension spindle, measuring tape, scissors, twelve bobbins, and ten safety pins, making it ideal for hemming.
The machine is perfect for children and adults alike. With this sewing tool, you can handle a wide range of hemming tasks, both intricate and complicated. It features a 1.8-millimeter maximum sewing capacity meaning it can handle quite thick fabric such as dense drapes, beddings, etc.
Like most handheld sewing machines in the market, this model can be powered by either 4 x AA batteries or DC 6V 600mA power adaptor. The lightweight and compact design make it easy to pack, thus ideal for people who are always moving. However, the machine is constructed of plastic, meaning you need to be very careful while using it so that it doesn’t break.
Pros
- Lightweight and compact
- Plenty of accessories
- Dazzling pink color ideal for kids
- Easy to use
Cons
- Made of plastic, meaning it’s less durable
- No other color options.
4. Varmax Mini Sewing Machine Electrical with Foot Pedal
- Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.7 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 3.2 ounces
- Powered by: DC 6V 600mA power adaptor
- Color: Purple and white
- Brand: Varmax
- Extra Features: Foot Pedal
The Varmax Mini Sewing Machine Electrical is an easily portable handheld sewing machine but with the capabilities of a typical sewing machine. Thus, it’s quite powerful to seamlessly sew thick fabric, including denim, beddings, thick curtains, etc. It can sew through 4 layers of denim fabric with extreme ease. The machine uses electricity (1000mAh) and needs to be rested on a table to be operated. The foot pedal gives you greater control over your sewing, enabling you to sew in a straight line without much error.
The machine can easily be adjusted to fit any fabric’s thickness thanks to the intuitive tension screw. While it’s quite powerful, the Varmax Mini Sewing Machine doesn’t make a lot of noise. It’s great for children above ten years but should be used under adult supervision. You can use it to teach your children how to sew to any other craft.
Pros
- Small size easily portable
- Best for sewing thick fabric.
- Comes with a tension screw and a thread cutter
- The foot pedal allows for comfortable and precise sewing.
- Easy to use
Cons
- It cannot be powered by batteries, thus not ideal for traveling.
5. Charminer Hand Sewing Machine, Mini Hand-Held Cordless Portable Sewing Machine
- Dimensions: 8.3 x 6.7 x 3.5 inches
- Weight: 11.2 ounces
- Powered by: Battery Powered and V power supply (both are not included)
- Color: White
- Brand: Besttoanywhere
- Extra Feature: User-friendly design
If you have kids who are interested in sewing or similar crafts, you can get them the Charminer Handheld Sewing Machine. This handheld sewing machine is incredibly lightweight and easy to carry around. The user-friendly design makes it suitable for use by children to do their summer craft assignment with minimal or no adult supervision.
The design features an adjustable mounting plate and four-thread set points that can easily be disassembled and assembles again at will. It also comes with additional accessories, including tapping, two sewing needles, nine spools, tape, scissors, and so on for ease of sewing. The flat edge allows for neat, precise stitching.
The product is suitable for various fabrics with a thickness of ≤1.8 mm, including wool and silk. It’s powered by 4 AA batteries or 6V power supply, which you purchase separately. The user-friendly design and ease of usage make this handheld sewing machine a suitable option for kids and adult beginners alike.
Pros
- User-friendly design
- Compatible with a variety of fabric types
- Compact and easily portable
- Has an adjustable mounting plate, which allows you to hem your clothes while wearing them.
- Suitable for kids
Cons
- It can only be powered by either a battery or a power supply. Both are not available at the same time.
- A little bit disappointing in large sewing projects
6. SINGER 01664 Stitch Sew Quick 2 Hand Held Mending Machine
- Dimensions: 3.5 x 8.5 x 7 inches
- Weight: 16 Ounces
- Powered by: 4 x AA batteries or DC 6V 600mA power adaptor (both are not included)
- Color: Metal
- Brand: Singer
- Extra Feature: User-friendly design
Sometimes, professional sewers (seamstress) or cloth designers need to make quick repairs or adjustments on the go, maybe in a fashion event. The Singer 01664 Stitch Sew Quick 2 is the perfect handheld sewing machine for professionals, thanks for its excellent build quality coupled with plenty of outstanding features. It’s a 2-thread repairing machine and can be easily carried around despite the sturdy build. The cordless design allows users to move freely around a single or multiple jobs. This, coupled with its own built-in power switch, allows for safe usage.
The 01664 packs some pretty handy features, which makes it perfect for professionals and other users alike. It comes with an automatic winding mechanism, which allows for straight, precise stitching and ease of maneuverability. In addition, it features dual-speed control for efficiency in regards to sewing speed.
From the small, fussy task of repairing cloths to extensive sewing of thick fabric such as jeans, beddings, and curtains, this compact machine can easily step in for a typical sewing machine. The machine comes with several accessories, including thread, bobbins, needles, and thread spindle. It doesn’t include batteries, but this shouldn’t be an issue since AA batteries are easily available.
Pros
- Dual speeds with an automatic winding mechanism
- Cordless and easy to control
- Sturdy build
- Double stitching
- Comes with several accessories
Cons
- Quite expensive compared to other models on the market
7. Amado Mini Handheld Portable Sewing Machine
- Dimensions: 8.07 x 1.77 x 2.76 inches
- Weight: 16 Ounces
- Powered by: 4 x AA batteries or DC 6V power adaptor
- Color: White
- Brand: Amado
- Extra Feature: Ergonomic Design
The Amado Mini Handheld Portable Sewing Machine is great for beginners with minimal or no sewing experience. The sewing machine is straightforward to use and understand despite its intricate design. This simple and convenient machine can be a quick stitch tool at home or on the go in fashion shows and exhibitions. Compared to other models, it uses very little power and can operate on 4*AA batteries or a 6v power adapter.
The machine is excellent to use on kid’s cloth and other fabrics with minimal thickness. Beginners will appreciate the ease of using this make. It doesn’t require any setup or extra tools. Simply read the manual and begin using it accordingly. The machine comes with several accessories, including a portable sewing long-stick, sewing needles, and coil plus a needle device.
Pros
- Ergonomic design allows for comfortable stitching.
- Comes with a good quality, highly durable needle
- Comparatively faster and easy to use
- Easily portable
Cons
- Makes a loud sound when in operation
- The build quality consisting of plastic body makes it less durable.
8. Yibaision Portable Stitching Machine
- Dimensions: 9 x 3.7 x 2.3 inches
- Weight: 10.4 Ounces
- Powered by: 4 x AA batteries or DC 6V power adaptor
- Color: White
- Brand: Yibaision
- Extra Feature: Added accessories
For those miniature repairs of fabric, the Yibaision Portable Stitching Machine is an ideal choice. This mini handheld sewing machine allows you to mend small rips or holes on your drape, sofa cover, curtain, and even garments with ease without damaging the fabric.
The machine is extremely lightweight and employs an incredibly portable design, which allows you to carry it anywhere in your pocket, handbag, or travel bag.
The machine can be used on several fabrics, including wool, denim, silk, leather, etc., with a thickness of less than 1.8mm. Likewise, it’s compatible with thin and lightweight materials that may not be well-suited for other models. The Yibaision handheld stitching machine can be used by professionals and beginners alike to make small repairs on fabrics. Keep in mind that it’s not suitable for use by kids.
Pros
- Compact, lightweight design
- Suitable for a wide range of materials
- Comfortable to use
Cons
- Not possible to use the power adapter and battery simultaneously
- It can get quite hot during prolonged working.
9. LIKYUU Mini Sewing Machine
- Dimensions: 8.6 x 2.55 x 1.37 inches
- Weight: 11.3 Ounces
- Powered by: 4 x AA batteries or DC 6V power adaptor
- Color: White
- Brand: LIKYUU
- Extra Feature: Fast stitching time
Sometimes, the sewing sounds can be quite irritating and create an uncomfortable environment. If you don’t want to disturb those around you while sewing, go for the Likyuu Mini sewing machine. It has great noise-canceling capabilities and can be used on a wide range of fabrics.
Its fast sewing speed coupled with the user-friendly design makes it well suited for patchwork, embroidery, hemming, and making stitches. The rotary wheel allows you to perform tension control with great ease plus the fastening plate holds the fabric in place, ensuring you stitch in a straight line.
You’ll absolutely love the low noise coming from this machine while stitching. It’s also great for teaching children how to sew and also sharpen their skills, enabling them to do their own DIY projects without supervision.
Pros
- Low noise
- Simple to use
- Compact and portable design
- Ideal for use on a variety of different materials
Cons
- Made of plastic, meaning it’s not durable.
- Quite heavy compared to other similar models.
Handheld Sewing Machines: FAQs
1. What should I consider when buying a handheld sewing machine?
Well, there are plenty of factors you ought to keep in mind when buying the best handheld sewing machine for your needs. Factors such as sewing speed, weight, material compatibility, power source, warranty, included accessories, and overall, your specific needs should be considered.
2. How quickly can a handheld sewing machine sew?
Generally, the sewing speed depends on the model and make. However, handheld sewing machines are not as quick as typical sewing machines. Nonetheless, they are quick enough for your infrequent sewing tasks.
3. Can I use it to fix torn patches?
Yes indeed! Handheld sewing machines sew torn patches on wardrobes without having to remove them from the body. In fact, sewing torn patches is their greatest selling point.
4. How durable are handheld sewing machines?
Depending on how frequently you use your machine, they can be quite durable, lasting up to 5 years. However, some models, especially those constructed with plastics, are less durable.
5. Is it suitable for thick fabric such as jeans?
The right answer to this question is that it depends on the model. Some handheld sewing machines such as the SINGER 01664 Stitch Sew Quick 2 are suitable for jeans. Nonetheless, most seem to struggle when used on thicker materials and can easily break down. To be on the safe side, never use your machine on materials that are more than 1.8mm thick.
Verdict
Sewing is a noble profession and among the oldest occupations in the world. Technology has significantly transformed sewing machines contributing to the growth of DIY sewing and crafts. With the best handheld sewing machine, you can seamlessly make quick upholstery repair in your home or on the go while traveling.
Some models even allow you to male clothing from scratch. Our best overall handheld sewing machine is the Singer Stitch Sew Quick Portable Mending Machine, thanks to its high-performance, great portability, and compatibility on a wide range of materials.
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Last update on 2022-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API. Disclaimer