If you want to learn how to sew so you can make a quilt, DIY project, or stylish shirt for yourself, you’ll need an easy-to-use sewing machine that can make a range of even stitches, bind fabric fast, and handle thick material.
There are various sewing machines that meet those requirements, which is wonderful news. The bad news is that there are numerous machines that meet those requirements, making it difficult to choose the one that would work best for you and your potential projects.
There are the best portable sewing machines that you can buy and ease your life. Here is a quick comparison that you should go through to make a quick decision.
Reviews of The Best Portable Sewing Machine:
Here are the reviews of all the best portable sewing machines that you can buy. Go through these reviews to know which one suits you the best.
1. Baby Lock Zest Sewing Machine
Product Specifications
| Type | Mechanical |
| Product Dimensions | 12.5 x 15.5 x 5.75 inches |
| Item Weight | 13 Pounds |
| Stitch Options | 15 |
| Buttonhole Options | 1 |
| Feet Included | 4 |
| Bobbin Type | Front-loading |
Product Description
The Baby Lock Zest is your best option if you want a high-quality machine but are wary to invest hundreds of dollars on a new pastime. The machine has four distinct foot combinations and 15 basic stitches. You get a seam ripper and built-in accessory storage with your purchase, as well as a free arm that lets you to reach difficult areas in your work. Lastly, the Baby Lock is essentially a mechanical mechanism. The two front dials will be used to select your stitches and settings, and the front of the machine will be used to load your bobbins. To complete your project, utilise the included thread cutter.
Do you need some advice when you start your new hobby? When you purchase a new sewing machine from Baby Lock, you will receive two months of free access to their online sewing classes. The handle and lightweight structure of the Baby Lock Zest make it easy to transfer the machine from your home to the class and back if you wish to attend in-person lessons. Overall, when you study the craft, you may realise that the Zest has limited features and wish to upgrade. Yet, until then, Baby Lock’s low-cost sewing machine will meet all needs.
Customer Reviews
“For a beginner, this is very easy to set up and use. Just the right amount of settings. Truly happy with this purchase.”
Our Verdict
This is a great sewing machine for newbies who are just starting on this creative venture.
2. Janome 2212 Best Portable Sewing Machine
Product Specifications
| Brand | Janome |
| Color | White |
| Material | Metal |
| Product Dimensions | 9″D x 17″W x 13.5″H |
| Item Weight | 12 Pounds |
| Power Source | Treadle Powered |
Product Description
This Janome device, marketed as an entry-level sewing machine, is, in my opinion, deceiving. While it is undeniably a good low- to mid-priced option for people who are familiar with sewing machines or have some experience with them, I believe there are better options available for those who are absolutely untrained.
Notwithstanding this criticism, the Janome 2212 is a powerful machine. It will handle simple tasks with unexpected elegance and grace. With the easy feed system and improved tension adjustments, the stitching comes out straight and precisely balanced without any human effort.
Although I wouldn’t trust it to handle heavy-duty labour on a regular basis, if you need to use it for such tasks on occasion, it can glide through thick materials with remarkable ease. The presence of a few cheap plastic parts raises more doubts than the robust motor, which has a top speed of 860 stitches per minute.
The 2212 comes with several accessories, but not as many as some of its primary competitors. The kit includes three additional zipper, blind, and buttonhole presser feet, as well as a needle set, seam ripper, bobbin, screwdriver, and vinyl dust cover. The 12 built-in stitches may not be enough for some folks.
Customer Reviews
Great product, a little pricey for a basic machine, but love that it doesn’t bunch thread, etc
Our Verdict
The lack of an automatic needle threader is the Janome 2212’s main disadvantage, but you could do a lot worse with your money than buy this compact sewing machine.
3. Brother XR3774 Best Portable Sewing Machine
Product Specifications
| Brand | Brother |
| Color | Wide Table |
| Material | Metal |
| Product Dimensions | 5.8″D x 15.3″W x 12″H |
| Item Weight | 15.87 Pounds |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
Product Description
This Brother product is suitable for folks who seek a simple device that is easy to set up and pleasurable to use. This is one of those rare occasions when you assume the item is costly, yet it works to your benefit and is surprisingly durable and effective!
Threading is simplified by the automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin, and the automatic bobbin winding mechanism and drop-in bobbin both work brilliantly. Presser feet are easily replaced, and rotating the stitch choices is pleasurable.
The XR3774 has a large table, which makes it easy to handle and manage large swathes of fabric, as one would expect from a quilting machine, and an astounding 37 built-in stitches, which are more than enough to keep a beginner going well into intermediate skill.
There are also numerous accessories. The item comes with eight presser feet: blind stitch, buttonhole, button stitching, narrow hemmer, walking, quilting, zigzag, and zipper, as well as a 3-piece needle set, twin needle, four bobbins, darning plate, supplementary spool pin, quilt guide, and screwdriver. The bundled guidebook and instructional DVD are well-presented and simple to follow.
Runs so quiet, stitches so even. Luv this machine. Didn’t want to overwork my Juki so I bought it to have a second machine. So far, I’m very happy with it.
Our Verdict
If quilting is your thing, the Brother XR3774 is worth considering, especially if you don’t want to spend a bunch. Is it the most portable quilting sewing machine available? That’s debatable, I think, but at the price, it’s undeniably a steal.
4. Janome 4120QDC Computerised Sewing Machine
Product Specifications
| Brand | Janome |
| Color | Tan (New 2020 Colour) |
| Material | Metal |
| Product Dimensions | 12″D x 19.8″W x 16″H |
| Item Weight | 22.4 Pounds |
| Power Source | Electric |
Product Description
The price of Janome’s automatic sewing machine may cause your jaw to drop. Yet, you will quickly see that it is a great investment when considering the skills that allow you to handle any beginner- (or expert-level) stitching issues. The jam-proof bobbin makes threading a breeze and keeps your threads from wandering over the edge of your project.
Moreover, the user-friendly control panel and LCD screen allow you to easily pivot on corners, alter the stitching speed, and make minor adjustments. The only disadvantage of this machine is that it does not automatically adjust tension.
Check our top 5 computerised sewing machines reviews
With 120 stitch options and seven buttonhole options, the machine will continue to work as your skill level grows. A reverse button, an integrated thread cutter, a protective cover, and an instructional video are all provided so you can familiarise yourself with the machine and even take it on quilting retreats. Do you aim to take on more important responsibilities in the future? Your purchase includes an extension table, which gives you a space to work on and place your textiles on.
Customer Reviews
I am a fibre artist so I push this machine to do unusual things and I’ve been very happy with the machine’s ability to adjust tension. The biggest complaint I have is the very cheap extension table. I owned a Singer and Brother that had smooth tables that clicked into the machines. This one is not attached and collapses in the middle of work. There are also ridges where the table meets the machine so, when using an embroidery hoop, the work catches and jumps. Aside from that, it’s a good machine.
Our Verdict
This portable sewing machine by Janome is quite versatile and can do a lot for you.
5. Brother HC1850 Portable Sewing Machine
Product Specifications
| Brand | Brother |
| Color | White |
| Material | Metal |
| Product Dimensions | 12.5″D x 19.2″W x 15.2″H |
| Item Weight | 10.14 Pounds |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
Product Description
Quilting can quickly become more intricate once you’ve mastered nine patches. But, if you wish to progress to a higher and more sophisticated level of making, you’ll need a machine that can handle thick fabrics and has a large range of stitch choices. The Brother HC1850 is the answer.
Sewers may adjust the speed to prevent traveling too quickly while learning, and if they make a mistake, they can push a button to immediately stop the machine. Threading is also simplified by the machine’s more sophisticated technology, which drives thread through the needle with the stroke of a lever.
If you run into problems with a project, you can also use Brother By Your Side, the company’s free technical support service that is available (always) by live chat or phone. Once you’ve learned the fundamentals, you may construct the quilt of your dreams with the machine’s 185 stitch options, eight buttonhole options, and growing table.
Customer Reviews
Love all of the stitches and they are so easy to use. I use it for sewing clothing and making quilt tops.
Our Verdict
This is also a great machine that you can spend your money on to get the most out of it.
Buying Guide – What To Look for In a Portable Sewing Machine?
Here are some of the features that you must look for in a sewing machine before buying.
1. Stitch Speed
A high stitch speed will be an important consideration for people who appreciate efficiency and use their machines frequently. Power isn’t everything for the infrequent sewer, but it’s still useful in circumstances where a little extra oomph is required.
Because the machine’s motor influences stitch speed, pricing frequently corresponds with stitch speed: the faster the stitch, the more expensive. In general, you should purchase as much power as your budget allows, but the machine should also sew well.
2. Stitch Library:
The built-in stitch count can incorporate one to three figures. Again, knowing how you intend to use your new sewing machine can help you make this decision.
Yet, the bulk of sewers values the versatility of a robust stitch library as a backup. This is equally true for newcomers, who will appreciate the variety as their knowledge base and level of confidence grow. Spending a lot of money on a gadget that you’ll outgrow in six months is the worst-case scenario, so be sure your machine has enough stitches to enable experimentation and growth.
3. Noise
As some of you will be able to tolerate more noise than others, this will be rather arbitrary.
I prefer quieter machines, although some people enjoy hearing the loud clack as the motor repeatedly drives the needle home. Although I am not opposed to noise, some of it bothers me.
In fact, the type of noise produced by a machine may be just as essential as its loudness. Establishing your stride with a smooth machine is critical, especially if you intend to sew for a long time. Smooth machines produce pleasant noises that can even be reassuring.
4. Price
Pricing is the last but not least consideration.
The best portable sewing machines can cost hundreds of dollars (or the equivalent in pounds, yen, euros, rupees, and so on), so it’s critical to set and stick to a budget.
Fortunately, there is a machine in every price range that is worthy of your money. In my reviews below, I’ve tried to provide a good range to suit any budget.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Makes the Best Pocket Sewing Machines?
We’ll go into more detail in our subsequent reviews, but you might be wondering if there is a particular company that stands out as the best brand of portable sewing machines. The answer is NO!u003cbru003eAlthough Brother, Janome, SINGER, and Bernette appear in big numbers on our list, it would be dishonest to pick out one as the greatest brand. Much will be determined by your needs, circumstances, and personal tastes.
What Should the Price of a Good Portable Sewing Machine Be?
Following from the last point, if you’re just starting your search, you might be wondering what kinds of figures I’m referring to here.u003cbru003eAlthough there are some nice portable sewing machines under $100 (I’ve included a few in my evaluations), the sweet spot is usually between $100 and $300. Here is where there is more competition and choice, providing us with more options as customers.u003cbru003eThere are undoubtedly more expensive variants, but the majority of the best portable sewing machines on our list are under $300.
Are Portable Sewing Machines Worth the Money?
To put it simply, yes.u003cbru003eApart from mobility, these portable sewing machines are now identical to any other sewing machine. You’ll get a terrific tool that will serve you well for many years if you choose the right choice for your needs and budget.
Final Words
There is no doubt that portable sewing machines create fantastic results; nevertheless, you must be willing to invest money in order to find one that you will be satisfied with. This includes the time and thinking you put into deciding which pieces of equipment will best suit your needs and budget, which is a decision we intended to help you with today.
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- 5 Best Mechanical Sewing Machines of 2023
- 5 Best Computerized Sewing Machines (2023 Reviews)
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