Best Portable Sewing Machine Reviews
Generally, there are many types of sewing machines in the market. But if you are interested in reading the best portable sewing machine reviews that will help you make comparison towards a purchase, this page is the right place to start.
Beside the reviews compiled below, having an assorted variety of sewing machine models in one page will save you some good amount of time. At least, you don’t have to waste your precious time clicking from one page to the other in order to find products that may not match your preferences and budget.
In other words, we are bringing you the best sewing machine brands and models at different price points. So you can be sure that all or some of these options highlighted here are practically within your current budget.
Regardless of your own peculiar need, the core intent that brings people to market often different from one person to the other. This is never the same.
In this particular context, one person could be interested in the best sewing machine for quilting while the other person needs the perfect one for jeans. On the other spectrum, there are first time buyers while there are veteran users looking for replacement or one for opening a new business branch.
Whatever the case, this portable sewing machine buyer guide will make your purchase decision noticeably easier. Going by the above facts, it is important to go through some basic fundamentals before you make the commitment to buy sewing machine online or offline as the case may be.
Types of Sewing Machine
As noted earlier, there are different types of sewing machines you can find in the market whether you are intending to buy online or from your local retailer. A little differentiation here points to that issue of variation of purchase intent. Probably, if you are already aware of the type that you want to buy, please skip this section. However, most beginners need to understand this.
Mechanical Sewing Machine
This is the basic type of sewing machine that is most convenient for beginners and some advanced users alike. Unlike some of its counterparts, the mechanical type doesn’t have computerized system for settings adjustment. Instead, it makes use of knobs and dials to get the preferred settings you like. However, within this category, you’ll always find the high and low end models. But they are generally more affordable.
Computerized Sewing Machine
Computerized sewing machines works with many computer aided capabilities. Unlike the other types, they premade for different use cases like embroidering, sewing, quilting, smocking and many others. For all of these purposes, they are usually made with interesting features like automatic buttonholes, varying stitch options and needle threader.
Embroidery Sewing Machine
By way of simple but technical sewing, different designs can be imprinted on any fabric, thanks to this type of machine. They are special machines made for this specific purpose. But because of their high end capacity, embroidery machines can be used for other interesting purposes as well.
Industrial vs Domestic Sewing Machine
Even though this may not standout as part of broad categorization of sewing machines, there is always a slight distinction. So when you are reading the reviews or going through the actual product sales pages, try to confirm suitability and intended use cases before you click the buy now button.
Perhaps, if you have the type you want already clarified in your mind, the decision will be easier and will likely take less time. The key question you should be asking is what is this one meant for?
And that will help you confirm if it is suitable for you or not. Don’t just think about affordability.
Best Portable Sewing Machine Reviews For The Money
Paramount among all purchase considerations is the question of affordability. Are the best options that match my preferences affordable to me right now? If you have questions like this in your mind, we’ve got you covered. These are the best budget sewing machines under $500 in 2019. In fact, all of these can found selling on Amazon between $100 and $500. So let’s dive in.
Brother CS6000i Sewing And Quilting Machine
Here is an affordable but versatile machine that was built for beginners and experienced experts alike. Interestingly, if you have been looking for high end computerized sewing machine within your current budget, brother CS6000i is probably your best option. It has everything you are looking for in portable sewing machine.
With an assorted array of great features, including the built in 60 stitching options, you’ll have all you need to put your creative prowess at work.
From the LCD display screen you can select a preset stitch and presser foot, and then move into productive mode without the foot pedal. For the specific purpose of quilting, you’ll get seven stitch options on this machine. In addition to that, you get a slide controller with which you can adjust the sewing speed up to 850 stitches per minute. Moreover, you can as well adjust the stitch length, width and needle as much as you like.
Talk about portability, you’ll see immediately on the compact and sturdy structure of its design. CSA listed voltage is 110. The actual unit dimension is 11.4’’ x 6.7’’ x 16.1 inches while the weight stands at 13 lbs.
When you buy brother cs6000i sewing and quilting machine, the drop-feed option you get is automatic.
To prevent your stitches from unraveling, there is a reverse sewing button that was built into this machine. According to the manufacturer, what you get on this model is 25 years warranty. However, this is dependent on where you choose to buy your own. Obviously, this is a dedicated embroidery machine, but you can do minimal crafts of such kinds with it.
It is recommended that you use organ needles as the best option that works with this portable sewing machine.
Pros
- Lots of advanced features
- Up to 60 integrated stitch settings
- Very wide and detachable working table
- High end computerized capabilities
- Affordable price below $200
Cons
- Not the best for beginners
- Foot presser not easily adjustable
Singer Start 1234 Portable Sewing Machine
From my observation, this machine wasn’t named Singer Start unnecessarily. Based on price and its main features, it is a modest machine built with absolute beginners in mind. Probably, the simple nature of this machine was intended to reduce complexity often faced by beginners.
Some of the cool features include the 6 built in stitches, 4 step buttonhole and free arm. The metal frame looks polished and attractive.
When you buy Singer 1234 portable sewing machine, you’ll find on the stitch selector, a clear picture indicating each stitch options available for users. Totally, there are 6 built in stitch options on it. These options include scallop stitch, zigzag stitch, straight stitch, blind hem stitch, satin stitch and 4 step buttonhole. With the 4-step buttonhole you are sure of getting a professional finish.
And then there is an automatic bobbin winder which makes it possible for users to save a lot of time.
To prevent the feed teeth from coming in contact with fabric, all you have to do is place the darning plate into the appropriate position. According to some past users, free motion sewing tasks like monogramming and stipple quilting can be done perfectly with this.
Also included in the machine is a bright LED light that makes it possible to see all setting options at all times. During your sewing project you’ll have an extra high position of the foot presser. This makes it very easy to accommodate thick fabric.
Some of the accessories that come with it at the point of purchase includes foot control, power line cord, buttonhole foot, darning plate, zipper foot, pack of needles, lint brush and spool pin felts. And there is a quick start guide included as well. In addition to that, Singer provides an online video tutorial for beginners and pro users alike.
During setup, you’ll find this video content practically useful. What you get here in terms warranty is 25 years.
Pros
- Impressive value for the money
- Highly customizable
Cons
- Automatic needle threader not included
Donyer Power Electric Sewing machine
While it is not hard to find portable sewing machine online, the really hard part is finding the one that has all the important features you want and at the same time within your current budget. This is where it gets hard and tricky for many people. However, that’s the essence of compiling portable machine reviews like this one you are reading right now.
Based on its current price which is under $200 as at the time of this writing, Donyer Power Electric is probably affordable to you. And then there is an interesting number of features that made me bring it into this list.
The basic component of this machine is made with stainless steel. But there is a little form of plastic included as well. Depending on where you choose to buy, you can find this model mostly in white color.
With this particular model, you’ll get 12 preset stitch patterns you can select from.
For your sewing projects, you can choose between hand switch and foot pedal. Unlike some other competing models in the same category, there is a needle threader that comes with this one. According to the manufacturer, one year warranty is what you get on this one. However, you really need to check this out if you intend to buy portable sewing machine on Amazon.
Please note that the foot pedal and power cord won’t be connected at the point of delivery. But you can use the quick start instructions guide to get it up and running in no time.
The weight of this product is about 45 lbs while dimension stands at 8 x 10.2 x 4.8 inches. And you are sure of getting up to 300 SPM.
Pros
- Good for beginners and pros alike
- Good number of preset stitch options
- Comparatively affordable
- Also runs on battery power too
Cons
- Very short and limited warranty
Janome JW8100 Sewing Machine
Above and beyond what is obtainable from other sewing machines under $500, Janome JW8100 offers you 100 preset stitch patterns. This includes 18 for quilting, 28 for home décor, 7 buttonhole stitches, 27 for heirloom and others. Interestingly, these wide stitch patterns and options are some of the core features that contributed to its versatile sewing capabilities.
Just as the name is stated in most of the sales pages you can find online, this is computerized sewing machine with high end features for users in different categories.
Also contributing to its core capabilities is the 1000 stitches per minute that you can get from it.
As a computerized machine, the expectation is that users don’t need to exert more energy in order to get what they want. To make this possible for everyone, there is a start/stop button built into it. In addition to that, you’ll get a speed control slider. With this feature, you can keep the real work at a pace that is convenient for you based on your current level of sewing skill and experience.
Expectedly, there is an LCD display backlight. This one makes it very easy for you to see available stitch options for each peculiar task.
With the top loading bobbin cover, you’ll able to see if everything working properly as well as if any problems needs attention. Moreover, there is a reverse stitching button included on this one. With this button, you’ll be able to backstitch some fabric in order to tighten everything.
The drop feed feature makes easy to engage in free motion sewing. In cases where you need to lower the feed dogs to drop below needle plate, this is also very easy to do on it.
When you are deeply engaged in your sewing project with some fabric, you wouldn’t like to be packing all materials onto a very tiny workspace. Janome JW8100 provides an extra wide extension table so that you can have even bigger working space.
As confirmed by past users found through our research, the thread size for Janome JW8100 is 6.7’’.
When you buy this particular model, some of the accessories that comes with it includes need pack, extension table, power cord, foot control, horizontal spool holder, lint brush, screw driver, ¼ seam foot, dust cover, zigzag foot and instruction manual. And then there is the 25 year warranty which is comparatively outstanding in this market. But please confirm this before you click the buy button.
Pros
- Compact and portable design
- Aut declutch bobbin winder
- Wide extension table
- Wide variety of stitching options
- Automatic needle threader
- Relatively affordable
Cons
- Doesn’t have automatic thread cutter
- No free motion for quilting foot
EverSewn Charlotte Portable Sewing Machine
Slightly below what you get from the Janome model reviewed above, EverSewn offers you 70 stitch options. At that level, you are sure of getting up 650 stitches per minute. Talk about speed, high performance and durability, you get them all in this affordable sewing machine. With all the high end features and capabilities, we found this one to be among few of the best sewing machines under $200 in 2019. So if you are thinking about affordability, you now know where this one stands.
For creative sewing experts that may be interested in aesthetic feel of the machines, you’ll find a colorful combination of white and light blue colors on this one.
In some sense, this makes it really attractive for many past and prospective buyers like you.
Here is a portable lightweight machine that is just about 5 pounds only. The actual dimension of the product is 5 x 7 x 11 inches. Drop in bobbin is what you get on this particular model. However, there are 3 bobbins on it. On key advantage of computerized sewing machines is the automatic needle threader. T
This ensures you don’t have to do some things manually. And that saves a lot of time as well. The core set includes blind hem, buttonhole, satin stitch, zipper seven presser feet and overcastting. In order to accommodate users of all levels the speed is meant to be adjustable.
By simply pulling the level while the needle is being threaded automatically, you can have it adjusted when a dial is pressed.
Another impressive thing is the variety of use cases you can apply it to. For example, you can use it for embroidery and quilting projects in addition to sewing. All you have to do is lower the feed dogs and selection your option.
Instead of the foot pedaling option, the computerized Start/Stop options also make things easier while saving you a lot of energy. Add this to automatic needle threading and thread cutting you’ll be saving yourself a great amount of time in the sewing process.
When you compare EverSewn Charlotte vs Sparrow 30 sewing machines, the only difference is that charlotte has 10 less stitch options. Like many others listed here, this one comes with a digital LED display. With that you can be able to see and adjust stitch options as easily as you like.
And then you can have some of the basic accessories like 3 machine needles, 3 bobbins, large/small spool holder, button sewing foot, satin stitch, edge quilting guide, overcastting foot etc.
Please don’t forget to test everything immediately after purchase. So that you can be able to return as promptly as required if there is any factory defect.
Pros
- Multiple computerized capabilities
- Compact and study design
- 70 stitching options for different projects
- Automatic thread cutter
- 25 years warranty
Cons
- Doesn’t support embroidery surging
Brother XM2701 Lightweight Full-Featured Sewing Machine
Brother XM2710 price makes it the most affordable model in this list of best portable sewing machine reviews. If you notice very well, this is the second machine from the same brand that we are reviewing here. However, it is just about affordability alone. At least for one thing, I know you want a product that can deliver the level of performance you need beyond being affordable.
Going forward, the thing you have to understand first Is this, it doesn’t have really high end features like many others in the list. For example, when you buy Brother XM2701 online or offline, only 27 stitch options will be available for use.
In terms of best sewing machine comparison, this Brother model cannot be compared with other 100 stitch sewing machines on Amazon. However, you can find other Brother sewing machines with 100 or more stitch options. One good example is Brother CE1008.
Among other impressive features, this product has been proven to be jam resistant.
However, one surprising thing about this machine is the capacity to deliver up to 800 stitches per minute. The thing is that most other competitors with lower stitch options don’t offer this lever of stitches per minute.
If you are a beginner and you don’t have really high budget to afford a machine with advanced features, this is probably the best option for you. To get you up and running in no time, there is a practical video tutorial that’s provided. For many users of this sewing tool, this video will prove useful for setup and daily operation.
Like most other computerized sewing machines under $100, even the high priced models, you’ll get automatic needle threader on this one.
Pros
- Very cheap for beginners and everyone else
- Impressive lightweight
- Portable and sturdy design
Cons
- Dim LED light
Conclusion
As promised earlier, these sewing machine reviews will bring you a good number of affordable models within your current budget. Besides, all of the core features you are looking for are bound to be found above. From the lowest to the highest, both in terms of price and features, you are definitely going to find a matching option here.
And from this page, you can click to follow the links that leads to the actual sales pages on Amazon. As usual, endeavor to test everything immediately after arrival in your home or office.
Don’t buy and keep for a future use or project.