In the world of portable sewing machines, mini handheld sewing machines represent the smallest category.
You can literally operate the machine with one hand while holding the fabric with the other hand.
They are designed primarily for performing emergency repairs when you are away from home or don’t have a standard sewing machine.
Most of them run on batteries, so you won’t have a cord in your way as you work.
Quilters find them useful at times for quick basting tasks or when teaching a young person about sewing.
What’s In This Article
What Can You Sew with a Handheld Sewing Machine?
People can get into trouble when they have high expectations for a handheld sewing machine. It does not have the same capabilities as a standard machine.
That said, however, they can quickly get some stitching done on thin fabrics, like dress slacks or sheer curtains. The portable machine will help when you don’t want to get out your regular machine or don’t have one at all.
Handheld sewing machines can:
- Repair hems on pants and skirts
- Quickly close a broken seam
- Hem curtains while they are hanging
- Baste seams before permanent sewing
Are Handheld Sewing Machines Any Good?
When reading handheld sewing machine reviews, you will encounter some disappointed users. Some of the negativity results from people trying to make the machine perform functions beyond its scope. Even so, these machines can be handy for the right applications.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Lightweight
- Cordless
- Can save the day when pant seams break
- Great for mending clothes when traveling
Cons:
- Loose stitches not comparable to stitches from larger machines
- Can’t handle thick fabric
- Only make a single type of stitch
What to Look for in a Handheld Sewing Machine
What is the best handheld sewing machine to buy? You won’t find many differences among the models available. They largely all have the same design. To make a buying decision, look for:
- Extra bobbins and thread
- Affordable price
- Needle threader
Related Article: How to Tie Off a Sewing Stitch [Video Tutorial]
Best Handheld Sewing Machine: 7 Good Choices to Consider
Handheld sewing machines appeal to people, which means that you’ll find many on the market. The following models present a good overview of available models for your consideration.
1. Handheld Sewing Machine for Quick Stitching
This nifty little handheld sewing machine is super compact and a breeze to carry around, so you won’t even notice it taking up space.
You get to steer the stitching however you like, putting your personal spin on things. Perfect for newbies, this gadget makes sewing a piece of cake and super precise.
Plus, it comes with some handy tools to make threading a no-brainer. Whether you’re just starting out, getting your kids into sewing, or you’re a seasoned stitch wizard, this little machine’s got your back. And it packs in some extra bobbins, needles, and a threading helper to keep you all set.
Main Features:
- Compact and portable for on-the-go repairs or small projects
- Manual control for personalized stitching
- Starter-friendly with thread auxiliary tools
Pros:
- Suitable for a wide range of users
- Accessory rich
Con:
- Limited capability as it may not be suitable for more complex sewing tasks or thicker fabrics.
Buy on Amazon
2. SINGER 01663 Stitch Sew Quick Portable Mending Machine
$14.99
Singer is a well-established brand name in the sewing world. This handheld model performs a simple straight stitch and is intended for sewing only lightweight fabrics.
You simply hold it with your hand and run the motor with the thumb switch while holding the fabric with your other hand. As a cordless sewing machine, it needs 4 AA batteries.
This hand stitcher is only 9 inches long and ideal for travel. It could save you some embarrassment if you need to fix a hem unexpectedly while away from home.
Main Features:
- Cordless, battery-operated
- Lightweight, under 1 pound
- Includes some thread and bobbins
- Performs a simple straight stitch
Pros:
- Reliable brand
- Cordless and lightweight
- Extra online instructions and tips via a QR code
Cons:
- Learning curve on how to use the machine
Buy on Amazon
3. Mini Sewing Machine Kit – Mini Portable
This little machine has some neat upgrades that make it more powerful yet quieter than ever.
Super easy to use, this gem can handle all sorts of materials – think cotton, wool, silk, and even leather, as long as they’re not thicker than a denim jean. Dreaming of making your own quirky puppets? This machine is your new best friend.
No power outlet? No problem! It runs on batteries (not included), or you can plug it into any USB port. It comes with extra goodies: four needles, a rainbow of threads, scissors to snip and clip, a flexible ruler, and a bunch more to kickstart your sewing adventures.
Main Features:
- Upgraded technology with increased power and reduced noise
- Compatible with a variety of fabrics
- Dual power options
- Generous accessory kit
Pros:
- User-friendly with ease of operation in mind
- Compact and lightweight
- DIY and craft-ready
Cons:
- Fabric thickness limitation
- Battery not included
Buy on Amazon
4. Handheld Sewing Machine, Mini Cordless Sewing Kit for Beginners
Say hello to this super handy handheld sewing machine! It’s a breeze to carry around, feels just right in your hand, and doesn’t make a racket, thanks to some nifty new tech. Super simple to use, it’s a little dynamo that’s tough enough to stick with you for the long haul.
Perfect for sprucing up your space, jazzing up your wardrobe, or fixing up just about anything from silk to leather and denim. It can tackle pretty much any fabric up to the thickness of a standard leather belt. There are super easy threading instructions to get you started in no time.
Though it’s petite and sticks to the basics with a single needle setup (think fixed stitch action without the fancy reverse stitching), it’s got what you need for those everyday sewing jobs. Just pop in 4 AA batteries (not included), and you’re good to go. It even comes with a stash of threads, a handy measuring tape, mini scissors, needles, a seam ripper, and a few more goodies to get you started.
Main Features:
- Compact, ergonomic design
- Advanced technology with more power and less noise
- Versatile sewing capability for a wide range of materials
- User-friendly with clear threading instructions and single-needle design
Pros:
- Ultra-portable and lightweight
- Accessory rich
- Ideal for beginners
Cons:
- Limited functionality
- Batteries not included
Buy on Amazon
5. Handheld Sewing Device with 177 Piece Sewing Kit
$27.99
Dive into the world of sewing with this electric handheld sewing machine, which is as light as a feather and perfect for taking anywhere. This one’s a breeze to carry, making it awesome for kids and beginners eager to stitch up something cool or for those emergency fixes on the go.
It’s super simple to use. Just follow the instructions, and you’ll be sewing in no time with its straightforward, single-thread setup. Whether you’re fixing a hem, jazzing up curtains, or getting crafty with DIY plushies, this little dynamo is up for it.
And it’s loaded with goodies – 178 pieces, including all sorts of sewing aids like needles, buttons, a magnifying glass, and more, ensuring you’ve got everything you need to kickstart your sewing adventure (4 AA batteries not included).
Main Features:
- Complete sewing kit with an extensive 178-piece accessory set
- Compact, portable, and lightweight
- Easy operation
- Suitable for a wide range of fabrics and sewing needs
Pros:
- Ideal for beginners and kids:
- Perfect for quick fixes and emergency repairs
- Generous accessory range:
Cons:
- Battery dependency
- May not be suitable for more complex or larger sewing tasks
Buy on Amazon
6. Singer Stitch Quick Mending Machine
$34.94
Here we have a mini Singer handheld or tabletop sewing machine. This machine is slightly different than the other machines in this compilation. The Singer Stitch Quick mending machine is a mini sewing machine with a small, ergonomic handle on the back.
This machine is cordless and only needs 4- AA batteries to be able to stitch through a variety of different fabrics. It will come with all the necessary notions to get you started and weighs a light 1.45 lbs.
Pros:
- Lightweight and battery operated
- The ergonomic handle is easy to use in handheld mode.
- Tabletop mode with continual stitching
- Great price
Cons:
- Threading the machine can be tricky.
Buy on Amazon
7. SiddenGold Mini Handheld Sewing Machine
Cute and petite, the SiddenGold mini handheld sewing machine is a gift idea for a beginner seamstress. Instead of having to break out the entire sewing machine, you can take out this little machine and sew projects easily.
These small sewing machines aren’t meant to be used for huge sewing projects, but this mini machine works great for a quick fix and simple hemming projects.
Main Features:
- Multi-tasking tool
- Two different speeds
- Strong enough to sew through denim and curtain material
Pros:
- Battery operated
- Bobbins and needle threader included.
Cons:
- The instructions included are brief.
Buy on Amazon
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Be Ready for Emergencies
Although the capabilities of a hand stitcher are realistically limited, you will appreciate having one when a repair emergency strikes.
With a handheld sewing machine in your travel bag, you can make the inconvenience of an unraveling hem or split seam go away quickly. When time is an issue before an important appointment, you may need something to fix a problem faster than sewing by hand.
Once you have one, you may also discover convenient uses for it around the house for simple mending jobs or adjustments of curtains.
