The main reason for searching for the best handheld sewing machine is that these models are cheap.
I mean, you can find and buy a handheld machine for as little as $10 or $15.
That’s mind blowing when you think about it. How is it possible that a sewing machine can be made and sold for such insignificant prices? I still don’t get it but we’re here to review some of them and not analyze the manufacturing processes.
Some of the most expensive, high-end models will cost around $30. That’s still incredibly cheap from my point of view.
Singer, a sewing machine brand that we all recognize, makes a few handheld models, too. One is more expensive at around $30 or so, while another is priced under $20.
Why did I begin my article by talking about how cheap these things are?
Because you must understand one important thing when you’re searching for the best handheld sewing machine: there’s a fifty-fifty chance that you won’t like your purchase.
All of these machines, whether they cost $10 or $30, have a lot of negative reviews from users. They also have plenty of positive ones from people who truly managed to successfully stitch with them.
Thus, I would say that there’s a 50% chance that you’ll like your new acquisition. But you might also hate it and manage to do nothing with it. Test it when you get it so that you can still return it if you hate it.
Best Handheld Sewing Machine: My Favorites
1. Overall best handheld sewing machine: Singer Stitch Quick +
While the Singer Stitch Quick + is not exactly the cheapest choice when we’re looking for the best handheld sewing machine, it’s still pretty much the best you could pick. While you should totally check out the negative reviews and there are many to check out, you should also be aware that this one is the best you could pick.
2. The alternative: Janome Pink Lightning Basic
The alternative to getting a handheld sewing machine is maybe getting a mini-sewing machine. The Janome is among the cheapest we could get if we decide that we need a model that offers more options and greater versatility.
Best Handheld Sewing Machine Reviews
I also bought a handheld sewing machine a few years back because it was cheap and I wanted to see what the deal was about them. I didn’t buy a Singer but it wasn’t the cheapest handheld machine either.
To make a long story short about my personal experience, I would say that I didn’t like it. I got bored with it and I quickly turned to embrace my full-sized sewing machine.
Maybe my experience keeps me from fully appreciating these tiny sewing machines. I plan to rectify that by reviewing the top recommendations for the best handheld sewing machine without any personal bias.
What I certainly don’t like are the limitations that these tiny models that we take into our hands in order to stitch with them carry.
Simply put, if you’re looking to own a machine for making clothes or for whatever other projects and garments, then you need a full-sized model. If you’re not looking to do much work with them, then these handheld models can maybe work well enough.
I thing is for sure: they’re made just for mending.
1. Singer Stitch Quick +: Overall the Best Handheld Sewing Machine
Let’s start by reviewing one of the most expensive options for the best handheld sewing machine. Plus, it’s a manufacturer that we all recognize. In my Singer vs Brother comparison, I mentioned that Singer is the only popular brand that also sells handheld machines.
My quick conclusion before diving into a more in-depth analysis is this: if you’re thinking of buying a handheld machine for doing repairs on clothes or curtains or maybe even for hemming jeans, then this Singer Stitch Quick + should be the first model you consider.
I believe that this model is overall the best on the market at the moment.
For those truly interested in this Singer, I also recommend checking out this YouTube video. The creator explains all there is to be known about this model. It’s a very nice guide and the following parts 2 and 3 of also show us how to use it.
Thus, if you buy a handheld machine and the instructions that come with it don’t make any sense, go on YouTube.
Visual guides are always so much easier, especially for complete beginners.
Features
It says even on the box that this is a cordless mending machine. It only works for repairs so don’t buy it with other intentions in mind.
Moreover, Singer informs us that it’s suitable for a variety of fabrics, papers and crafts. That’s great.
You should know that it even works for hemming jeans so it’s not only intended for stitching light-weight fabrics. It can handle a variety of fabrics.
What I really like is that there are two modes: handheld and desktop. I’m sure that some people will find it easier to use it on a desk than by holding it in their hand. It’s nice to have the option.
Components
The components are pretty basic: thread guide (5), presser foot lifter, thread cutter, needle, needle clamp screw, presser foot, bobbin case cover, bobbin case and bottom bobbin, thread tension dial, bobbin winding hole, handwheel, upper bobbin, mode selector switch, on/off button, handle storage recess, handle, attached rear battery cover.
It works with 4 AA batteries that are not included.
It can also work with an AC/DC adapter but that one isn’t included either. I think it would have been so much better for a lot of buyers if the AC/DC adapter was included.
Accessories
The accessories for the Singer Stitch Quick + are: large spool pin for sewing/winding, bobbin pin for rewinding, bobbins (2), threader and needle.
Make sure to read the manual that comes with it carefully. It contains important information.
There is no LED light. You can buy a sewing lamp if you feel the need for additional light focused on your work area. Or maybe you already have one at home.
Pros and cons
Not all users are completely satisfied with the Singer Stitch Quick +. There are plenty of negative user reviews that you should read before making your purchase. There are also plenty of positive ones. You should take both into account and then decide if it’s worth it or not.
Those who really like the Stitch Quick + mention that it’s the best handheld sewing machine in the market. The respective user mentioned that they were looking for a machine to repair T-shirts and clothes quickly. For this lucky user, it turned out that the Singer Stitch Quick + was absolutely easy to use and repair clothes instantly.
Another person mentioned that they were able to repair a hem of jeans. It’s pretty unbelievable that this cheap Singer has the capability of hemming jeans. I like it even more now.
I am really glad to see these positive reviews from people who have actually done their repair projects without problems.
Some who are completely satisfied with how good it is for hemming pants have also mentioned that it goes through batteries pretty quickly. That’s another expenditure to have in mind.
The negative reviews revolve around the fact that this machine is terrible, that it never worked, that it’s impossible to use and that directions were bad.
2. Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine
I know that this article should only be dedicated to talking about handheld models but I don’t want to miss the opportunity of comparing two different sewing machines because they share one thing in common: quite similar prices.
Thus, you can choose to buy the Singer Stitch Quick + or you can spend a few dollars more and get the Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine.
This one from Magicfly is very popular and that’s another reason why I wanted to introduce it as a cheap alternative to those handheld models.
If you want to get a preview of what it’s capable of, check out this video.
Features
Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine is a mini sewing machine. It can be perfect for beginners with low budgets or even for children as their first sewing machine to learn on.
The components are basic: thread spindle, takeup lever, needle clamp screw, needle clamp, needle, bobbin compartment, bobbin, thread gap, presser foot, bobbin holder, bobbin winder spool, handwheel, bobbin spindle, on/off switch, button speed, tension screw, bobbin holder, presser foot lever.
For operating it, it includes a foot pedal and an adapter.
Where it manages to impress buyers is with the sewing kit that comes with it. The sewing kit includes: 36 pcs bobbins, 5 pcs needles, 1 threader, 1 pair of scissors, 1 tape measure, 1 seam ripper, 1 extension table, and 1 portable bag.
Thus, in terms of components and accessories, Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine definitely wins over the Singer Stitch Quick +.
The extension table is a big surprise for me because this is a cheap machine.
With Magicfly we get the addition of a button speed, while handheld sewing machines only have one speed.
Magicfly also includes an adapter so you don’t have to spend your money on batteries.
Moreover, Magicfly also has a LED light.
A major feature these two machines have in common is that they only have one stitch, the straight stitch.
However, if you just want to use them for mending and repairs, the straight stitch is perfect, you certainly won’t need anything else.
Pros and cons
We get plenty of accessories, an extension table, a LED light, an adapter and a functional mini-sewing machine for people on a budget and with limited workspace.
Those who love it, have used it for a wide array of projects that go beyond simple mending and repairs. I love that it’s versatile.
Those who were dissatisfied with it complained about the top thread that keeps breaking, about it not being functional within a few hours of use or the low quality construction of this model.
3. Singer Stitch Sew Quick Portable Mending Machine
Let’s return to reviewing handheld machines. We have another handheld Singer that’s about half the price of the Singer Stitch Quick + that I reviewed above as my first recommendation.
The Singer Stitch Sew is a lot more popular but it also has a higher percentage of complaints.
It’s smaller and a lot more basic.
The components for it are: on/off switch, thread guide, needle arm, tension control, set screw, thread guide, fastening plate, bobbin, rotary wheel, adapter input, battery compartment.
We also get a few accessories: needle threader, bobbins, needles, and threader spindle.
Singer recommends it for lightweight fabrics. It also works best for quick repairs of temporary basting.
There’s not a lot that you can do with this model so don’t buy it with too high expectations. Actually, the fewer expectations you have, the better prepared you’ll be.
Many users complain about the fact that it’s not the easiest to use and figure out. If you follow the written instructions that come with it, you might not understand a whole lot, especially if you have no experience.
I recommend watching this video guide and others like it if you are interested in making it work. It can be successfully used but you need a bit of patience until you figure it out how. If you’re not the kind of person that has a lot of patience, this Singer Stitch Sew Quick has the potential to frustrate you.
It works best for hems and repairs on lighter, thin fabrics.
4. Ausarox Handheld Sewing Machine
This Ausarox Handheld Sewing Machine is an interesting model. Not because it comes with a very capable machine that can offer something different than the Singer Stitch Sew Quick.
Actually the Ausarox Handheld Sewing Machine is incredibly similar to the Singer Stitch Sew Quick. The difference is that this Ausarox has a completely white design.
It also comes with a power adapter, which I love because we don’t have to spend money on changing batteries non-stop.
In terms of what it can do it’s very similar to all the other cheaper models.
But this is not exactly a cheap product. It’s in the same price range as the Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine, a bit under $50. When it comes to handheld sewing machines, this Ausarox is one of the most expensive.
With all that in mind, what made me want to include this model in this article?
The Wooden Sewing Box that includes a sewing kit comprising 153 pieces.
Just as one reviewer said, an empty wooden box can cost more than this wooden sewing box that includes a sewing kit of 153 pieces. And you also get a handheld sewing machine that you might like or not. Some users like it and use the machine, others buy this product just for the sewing kit that comes in a wooden box.
The sewing kit includes a lot of interesting tools that everyone would love: fabric scissors, sewn ripper, pin cushion, 22 rolls of polyester sewing threads, 12 metal bobbins and sewing threads, 40 straight pins sewing, 30 hand sewing needles, 26 buttons, 10 safety pins, 2 sewing thimbles, 2 needle threaders, 1 soft tape measure, and 1 spare needle for the machine.
5. Janome Pink Lightning Basic
Since I mentioned that mini-sewing machines are in the same price ballpark as the best handheld sewing machines, I actually want to introduce a slightly different machine than all of the above.
First of all, this Janome is a mini-sewing machine but it’s not exactly cheap. If you have a budget that can go above $50 then you might want to give this one a second look.
Janome Pink Lightning Basic only weighs 5 pounds so it’s a portable, lightweight machine without a doubt.
If pink is not your color, you can choose from other colors, like: Other colors you can choose from are: Graceful Gray, Watermelon Crush, Lady Lilac, Mystical Mint, Purple Thunder, Bandana Blush, and Citrus Circus.
Features
Even though it’s a small model, not a full-sized machine, it still offers plenty of space. We get a 4.3 (W) x 3.8 (L) inches sewing space.
There was one person who mentioned that they bought this Janome for taking it to quilting retreats. Thus, even from this information, we can understand that this model is capable of a lot more than any of the above products.
4 stitches
We also get 4 stitches to choose from: straight, zigzag, crescent/scallop, and multi-stitch zigzag.
For these 4 stitch types, we also get 6 stitch width and length variations to choose from.
Therefore, this is the only model in this article to offer more than a straight stitch.
The components for this Janome are: bobbin winding tension disk, upper thread guide, thread take-up lever, thread tension dial, needle plate, hook cover plate, reverse stitch lever, stitch selector, accessory drawer, needle clamp screw, needle bar thread guide, needle, presser foot, setscrew, bobbin winder spindle, bobbin winder stopper, handwheel, presser foot lifter, spool pin.
It comes with a top drop-in bobbin with clear cover.
The accessories include: bobbin (2), needle, threader, foot switch. Definitely nothing extraordinary in terms of accessories.
It works best for fabrics like organdy, georgette, linen, cotton, and percale. Thus, it’s great for light- and medium-weight fabrics.
However, with the right needle, I believe that this Janome will be capable of stitching jeans and denim, too. I even saw a YouTube video of someone using the Janome Pink Lightning Basic to sew through 4 layers of thin denim.
It’s certainly a good machine for making clothes if you’re on a budget. Janome Pink Lightning Basic is not only a mending and repair machine. It’s great for a variety of projects.
There’s no LED light so you’ll have to buy one if you already don’t own a lamp.
I know that this article reviewing the top options for the best handheld sewing machine also included 2 different models but I thought it would be great to know that there are other cheap or affordable options that you could consider.
