5 Best Handheld Sewing Machines for Quick and Easy Clothing Repairs

By
Jean Chaney
Jean Chaney
Research Writer
Jean is the brains behind her fashion label. She's a whiz with a needle and thread, and has been sewing since she was old enough to hold a pair of scissors. Jean has always read more
reviewed
Reviewed By
Isabel Misner
Isabel Misner
Expert Consultant
A professional seamstress. Isabel has her own video blog where she shares her experience about all the aspects of sewing – from choosing suitable materials to step-by-step read more
Last updated: August 08, 2023
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Whether it’s in the middle of an important presentation or just during a routine stroll around the park, we have all been caught up in awkward situations when our outfits just chose to embarrass us without prior notice. Fortunately, those days can now be considered to be behind us since handheld sewing machines have been invented to save us from those usually uncomfortable moments. Different from the typically bulky sewing machines we use at home, handheld machines are compact, convenient, and perfect for quick hemming. With the best handheld sewing machine, you can now confidently go anywhere knowing you can quickly fix your clothes on-the-go in the event of any mishaps.

In truth, modern technology is breathtaking, and even though it seemed impossible just a few years ago, portable handheld sewing machines can now be readily bought at different online and physical stores. While they can’t still stand shoulder to shoulder with their full-sized counterparts in terms of functionality, their unbelievable versatility and usefulness can’t really be commended enough. If you’re in search of a handheld sewing machine for your needs, you might want to check our list of the top five models on the market. The important factors that aided our selection include dimensions, weight, power sources, and warranty.

Since handheld sewing machines are relatively new in the market, it’s pointless to start mentioning how much effort and time we’ve put into this guide. In fact, we’ve spent tens of hours on research alone, which is a pointer of how detailed and comprehensive this guide is. With that being said, we hope everything we have included, from the comparison table to the product reviews, to the buying guide, will be able to guide you towards the right handheld sewing machine for your sewing needs.

Quick Summary

Top 5 Handheld Sewing Machines Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6031 people in the past 30 days
9.8
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.8
Features
  • 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
  • Warranty: not specified

Extra features: includes threads, bobbins, needles, and thread spindle

Singer is an incredible manufacturer when it comes to sewing machines. If the company’s quality was ever in doubt, the Singer Stitch Sew Quick Portable Mending Machine should suffice to dispel all those doubts quickly. It has literally everything needed to make small repairs, but it can also stitch some heavy materials such as denim and leather. That said, it’s primarily designed for light-duty and quick tasks, so you may need to be careful about using it for heavy-duty tasks.

The machine takes a very small amount of space, thanks to its incredibly small size. In fact, it can fit in a small bag, so you can always take it along on your trips. Trust us, it may come in handy at any time. It features varieties of needles, many bobbins, and a needle threader. Depending on your preference or what is available to you at different times, you can either power the machine with AA batteries or a power adapter. On top of that, it’s effortless to set up and use, and like many other models from this manufacturer, it can handle different fabrics.

This machine enables users to change the width and length of the stitch to produce more imaginative designs. In general, this is the best handheld sewing machine for anybody in search of a portable, compact, and easy-to-use machine. Despite being so functional and durable, the machine is affordably priced, making it an appealing option for nearly everyone.

    What stands out?
  • Portable and compact
  • Easy to use
  • Ideal for DIY lovers and beginners
  • Two power options
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Only suitable for light projects
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2089 people in the past 30 days
9.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.3
9.7
Features
  • Dimensions: 8.66 x 3.54 x 1.97 inches
  • Weight: 11.3 oz
  • Powered by: 4 x AA batteries or DC 6V 600mA power adaptor
  • Warranty: 180-day exchange period

Extra features: comes with extension spindle, two sewing needles, threader, measuring tape, scissors, two bobbin sewing threads, ten safety pins, twelve bobbins

The second model on our list is the Jeteven Handheld Sewing Machine, and what an incredible unit it is. Thanks to its dazzlingly pink color scheme, this handheld machine is certain to turn heads. It’s an excellent option for children, but that doesn’t mean adults can’t use it. Apart from sporting a beautiful, attractive design, the machine actually delivers when it comes to sewing. Thanks to its lightweight and compact design, the machine is an amazing portable option for people who are always on the road. Its compactness and portability especially make it easy to pack.

With this kind of machine, you can easily perform a range of very intricate and complicated tasks, from repairing thick, dense drapes while not having to bring them down to working with silk-based materials. Having said that, the machine still maintains a 1.8-millimeter maximum sewing capacity. We encourage you to keep this in mind prior to making your final buying decision. Like most handheld machines, this machine can be either powered by 4 x AA batteries or DC 6V 600mA power adaptor.

It doesn’t end there – it comes with a host of other useful features. Some of those features include bobbin sewing threads, a threader, scissors, sewing needles, measuring tape, pins, and an extension spindle. Besides, there is a 180-day product exchange and money-back policy on the machine, so if your child ends up not liking the product after your purchase, you can easily return it and get your refund. That said, this machine is made of plastic, so its durability in the long term is in question.

    What makes it special?
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Two powering modes
  • Beautiful design
    What cons did we find?
  • Made of plastic
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6449 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.3
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.4
Features
  • Dimensions: 8.9 x 3.6 x 2.1 inches
  • Weight: 9.4 oz
  • Powered by: 4 x AA batteries or DC 6V 600mA power adaptor
  • Warranty: not specified

Extra features: perfect for any material, compact design, simple to use

Next on our list is the W-Dragon Handheld Sewing Machine, which with its bright appearance and compact design, is a great option for little kids and beginners who are just starting out at sewing. Apart from being compact and attractive, it is also lightweight, functional, and quick-hitting. An excellent option if you need quick adjustments and fixes. Besides, it always comes in handy for tricky positions that you can’t use traditional machines for. It lets you quickly do instant repairs on materials like denim, silk, crafts, and wool.

Furthermore, the machine can repair wall hangings or sew curtains without needing to remove them. You can also use it to create items like aprons, gloves, handkerchiefs, and pillow covers. Interior decorators also find this kind of handheld machine really useful, as they can easily use it to make a variety of little items for their designs. Rather than stitching with traditional needle and thread, you can easily use this, saving a lot of time. For tightness adjustment, the machine has a tension control. It also has extra bobbins, a threader, and needles.

We also appreciate that this little machine can either be powered by 4 x AA batteries or DC 6V 600mA power adaptor.   However, the machine can only handle 1.8 millimeters of thickness, so you should be mindful of the thickness. Needless to say, it’s not suitable for thick materials.

    What do we love it for?
  • Produce nifty crafts
  • Portable and compact
  • One free hand use
  • Two powering options
    What were we disappointed with?
  • Not suitable for thick materials
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 6159 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.0
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.1
9.2
Features
  • Dimensions: 10 x 3.9 x 1.2 inches (package)
  • Weight: 10.6 oz.
  • Powered by: 4 x AA batteries
  • Warranty: not specified

Extra features: suitable for almost all fabrics with a thickness of ≤ 1.8 mm

The sleek black Ujuuu Handheld Sewing Machine may be ideal for whenever you’re traveling or when you need to tackle light repair tasks. It is a lightweight, compact machine that should arrive at your doorstep with all necessary accessories. This is inclusive of a needle threader, measuring tape, scissors, a bobbin, and a manual. You are even gifted six different-colored threads.

The only accessories excluded from the package that are needed for the tool to work are the four AA batteries. Despite being a handheld sewing machine, the control and easy operation of the Ujuuu Sewing Machine is almost unmatched. Additionally, you’ll find it is an easy gift for anybody who enjoys sewing.

As for fabrics, most of them are an easy match for the Ujuuu Handheld Sewing Machine. However, there is a catch in that these fabrics have to be less than 1.8 mm in thickness. Most T-shirts automatically qualify. That said, there are some fabrics and projects that you can’t take on.

Finally, if you get a tear in your clothes while you have this device in your bag, it would be an easy matter to sort out. You don’t even need to undress to start sewing.

    What makes it stand out?
  • Easy to use
  • Compact and lightweight
  • Most accessories are included
    Which disadvantages must you keep in mind?
  • You can only use the mini machine with AA batteries
  • There is a 1.8mm limit for fabric thickness

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 5465 people in the past 30 days
8.9
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.5
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.4
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.8
8.9
5
Easiest to Use Handheld Sewing Machine

LIUMY Handheld Sewing Machine

Features
  • Dimensions: 2.7 x 1.6 x 7.8 inches
  • Weight: 0.4 lb
  • Powered by: 4 x AA batteries or 6V power supply
  • Warranty: not specified

Extra features:  4 thread set points, comes with basic accessories for beginners

Another handheld sewing machine that some of you might end up thanking your lucky stars for finding is the LIUMY Handheld Sewing Machine. Of course, it comes with the convenience of being a cinch to transport, unlike regular sized sewing machines. If you decide to use the device at home, connecting it to a 6V power supply will give you continuous use of the device for as long as you have power in the house. What’s more, the impact on the power bill won’t be as high as you think.

It does, nevertheless, make sense to have four AA batteries on standby. They might be handy in a power outage where you would like to keep sewing. Furthermore, if you are in a car or camping, you don’t need to stop sewing. You can use this mini sewing machine on T-shirts, bags, curtains, and pretty much any other fabric you can think of. That said, trying to sew any fabric thicker than 1.8mm is intentionally looking to shorten the invention’s lifespan.

Accessory-wise, you would get an extension spindle, a tape measure, a needle, scissors, and of course, eight random color spools. Additionally, the mini sewing machine comes with four-thread set points.

You’ll likely be surprised at how easy the mini tool is to use. That said, it will serve your sewing needs quite well if you stay within the set limitations. All in all, an excellent sewing investment.

    What are its best features?
  • Easy to use
  • Dual power options, i.e., batteries and a 6V power source
  • Multiple accessories included
    What could be improved?
  • Easy to use
  • Dual power options, i.e., batteries and a 6V power source
  • Multiple accessories included


Things to Consider

Sewing is a noble profession, and one of the oldest professions in the world. Sewing is, however, not restricted to professionals alone – anyone can learn how to sew. Buying a handheld sewing machine is a great way to start, and this guide below offers all the tips you need in your bid to buy the right handheld sewing machine for your needs.

Advantages of having a top-notch handheld sewing machine

71M5VaPfWCL._SL1050_Less storage space

The fact that the best rated handheld sewing machine doesn’t consume much storage space is one of its main benefits. Obviously, you don’t want a machine that will be interfering with the original arrangement of your home. These machines don’t consume space, and you can effortlessly store it away in one corner of your home. This is quite different compared to a conventional machine that will require you to find a definite sewing room.

Assortment of functions

Most mini sewing machines can do a variety of tasks. With one of these machines, you can do all sorts of task like sewing new clothes, mending clothes, attaching buttons, embroidering, and more. This incredible versatility is an apparent strong point as far as handheld sewing machines are concerned.

Less power consumption

If you are looking to cut down on your power bills at the end of every month, then you might want to consider buying a handheld sewing machine for its excellent power economy. Some of these devices are battery-operated, and even if you choose to power it with an adapter, they still consume far less power than a conventional sewing machine

Easy to use

If you are totally new to sewing and you wish to learn the craft, a sewing device that won’t make things difficult for you such as the LIUMY Handheld Sewing Machine is what you need. A handheld sewing machine is incredibly easy to use, and there is no need to learn how to sew and stitch in a complex way – just pick it up and get started!

Modern and stylish look

One of the best things about these machines is that they are always made with modern and simple designs. If you want to be using your machine at home, then you need something that will complement the interiors of your home.

Features to Consider When Choosing a Mini Sewing Machine

13_13026178_13026178-9-170121163925While a mini sewing machine won’t probably offer you a full range of features as conventional machines, it will be your perfect helper if you only need it for smaller and simpler tasks. In order to choose the best rated handheld sewing machine for your needs, try to consider the factors below.

Power

There are a few things you need to remember when it comes to the power of these devices. While some machines are either battery-operated or power-operated, some have both options. If you will be traveling a lot, you might want to consider buying a unit that is either battery-operated or both battery and adaptor-powered such as the Singer Stitch Sew Quick Portable Mending Machine.

Weight

If you will be taking your unit around often, you must consider its weight before buying. By and large, handheld sewing machines are usually designed to be portable and lightweight, which means you shouldn’t really have any issues transporting any of the models we have featured on our list. Nonetheless, you must still look at the weight of the unit you’re buying just to make sure the weight won’t be an issue for you. Weighing just 9.4 oz, one of the most lightweight models on the market is the W-Dragon Handheld Sewing Machine.

Sewing speed

Everything is actually straightforward – the faster you press the pedal, quicker your sewing. If you are an expert, you need to look for a unit with a high speed, but that is not always advisable for beginners. If you are a beginner, we recommend you to sew slowly, and as soon as you start becoming experienced, you can gradually increase the speed.

Included sewing accessories

71w1Jw+yOCLFinding out the sorts of sewing accessories included with a device is a priority when in search of the right model for your sewing needs.  Of course, you don’t want to be spending extra money on accessories, which is why you mustn’t take this lightly.

Some of the most important accessories you may look for are needles, sewing threads, a threader, and extension spindle.

What you need it for

You also need to determine the exact things you need the device for as that information will play a big role in your final selection. Will you only be using it to make Halloween costumes and put it away for several months afterwards? Or you want to be using it to sew clothes for your kids on a regular basis? Knowing exactly what you need the device for is essential in your buying decision. You must keep in mind that these machines aren’t designed to handle complex sewing tasks. You can only use them for basic tasks like hemming, patching, and more.

Warranty

No matter the type of machine you eventually purchase, there is no denying of the fact that these machines can be quite costly. In order to protect your investment then, you must ensure that it is backed by a decent warranty. When you are evaluating an item’s warranty, you have to look at its duration, exclusions, and coverage. You also need to be aware of the possible things that may have the warranty voided.

FAQ

How quickly can a handheld sewing machine sew?

While they aren’t exactly as quick as conventional sewing machines, handheld sewing machines are pretty quick as well – quick enough to get your little sewing tasks done efficiently.

Can it sew on patches?

In fact, one of the selling points of handheld machines is their ability to sew on patches without you needing to take off the clothes. So, of course, a mini sewing machine can sew on patches.

Is it suitable for jeans?

This question is quite complicated. While some mini sewing machines are well suitable for jeans, most of them often struggle when used for thicker denim. So you might want to use your unit for only softer jeans or denim that is not too tough and thick for the machine.

Our verdict

Portable, affordable, and high-performing are three attributes manufacturers rarely combine in a single package, which is why we are really impressed with the Singer Stitch Sew Quick Portable Mending Machine. It is our top pick and we have no doubt that it is the best handheld sewing machine in the market.

The quick-hitting Jeteven Handheld Sewing Machine is our second pick, and considering the host of features it’s armed with, most users will easily agree with this pick. And with its pretty speedy operation, this little machine from Jeteven is sure to attend to your sewing needs in a prompt manner.

The ultra-lightweight W-Dragon Handheld Sewing Machine is our third pick, and taking its incredibly lightweight construction into account, it is no surprise that we have also chosen it as the best option for travel. Besides, this unit can work with different materials, which is a further testament to its excellence.

9,8
Total Score
Singer Stitch Sew Quick Portable Mending Machine - Editor’s Choice
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