Top 8 Best Compact Sewing Machine: Review and Comparison 2021

Compact and portable sewing machines are designed for easy storage and if you need to take it to another location. If you don’t have a dedicated sewing machine table, or you’re a sewing enthusiast looking for a beginner sewing machine, a compact model can help you get your sewing project started. The mini sewing machines are very portable, however many of them do not do a variety of stitches. Selecting the one that is best for you involves a combination of experience, materials that you will commonly be using, and what will work best for you.

Factors to Consider Before Purchasing a Sewing Machine

1. The Amount of Stitch Patterns. Most portable machines come equipped with multiple stitch patterns. The mini sewing machines tend to come with fewer. When you are a beginner, it is best to start off with only a few. This way, you will not be confused by all the stitch length choices, and you can focus on learning how to sew.

For more advanced users, consider investing in a machine that has over 50 different stitch pattern options so that you are able to create multiple styles with your machine.

2. The Size of the Footprint and How Much it Weighs. Prior to purchasing a machine, ensure that it is portable, compact, and light. Avoid purchasing cheap brands as you may regret it if you intend on pursuing sewing to any extent.

Brother and Singer are usually the two most recommended brands in terms of portability minus the hassle.

3. Eliminate the Tedious Task of Threading a Needle. Automatic needle threaders solve most of these headaches of trying to get a narrow piece of thread through a tiny hole. It makes threading easy and effortless.

What are the Pros and Cons of a Portable Machine Over a Traditional?

Portable machines have several benefits that make them ideal for users. The number one reason is that it takes up less space than a regular sewing machine and can be easily packed away when not in use.

Other benefits are:

• Taking it wherever you need to go allows you to do more work
• They are more affordable over traditional sewing machines
• They are smaller, so technology is a bit more streamlined. This makes it easier for beginners to learn from
• Quick to set up and use for small projects

Some drawbacks are:

• Some only have a few stitches available. There are some that have only two stitches. However, there are some that are classified as portable with up to 50.
• Due to the fact they are small, they are not always ideal for curtains or long dresses
• Some are made from plastic and are not completely durable. Some won’t handle certain fabrics well

OUR TOP 3 RECOMMENDATIONS

1. Janome DC1050 50 stitch patterns LCD display Navigation keys Check Deals on Amazon

2. Brother CS5055PRW Drop-in top bobbin Seven sewing feet Automatic threader Needle Check Deals on Amazon

3. Brother XR3774 Easy for beginners Efficient Large sewing space Check Deals on Amazon

Top 8 Best Compact Sewing Machine

PRODUCT	MODEL	RATING	BUY NOW
	Janome DC1050	4.5	Check Deals on Amazon
	Brother CS5055PRW	4.7	Check Deals on Amazon
	Brother XR3774	4.7	Check Deals on Amazon
	Singer 7258	4.6	Check Deals on Amazon
	Brother SE600	4.7	Check Deals on Amazon
	Janome Merlot Sew Mini	4.1	Check Deals on Amazon
	Brother XM2701	4.7	Check Deals on Amazon
	Michley LSS-202 LIL’	3.4	Check Deals on Amazon
	Singer Start 1304		Check Deals on Amazon

Best Overall Sewing Machine

The Janome DC1050 gives brand names like Singer and Brother a run for their money. This sewing machine has a complete list of features and quality specifications.

The overall design of the machine is portable and compact. It has a very small footprint, and tucks away easily if you have limited space available. A computerized display makes work easier than normal, and you can visually tell what stitch you are using.

The Janome is timesaving, and the stitches are neat. It is designed for long-term use as it is an investment.

PROS

CONS

50 stitch patterns. Users can customize any stitch type, length and width that you desire. It easily allows you to create intricate designs and stitches on clothing. It comes with an LCD display. This gives users statistics on the type of stitch pattern selected and creates an improved working interface. Navigation Keys. This makes sewing easier. The navigation keys coupled with the smooth buttons create a hassle-free sewing environment. Reverse Sewing. If you have done a different stitch than you wanted (mistake), the machine rewinds it for you. It minimizes the mistakes. Double Lift Presser Foot. This is designed for thick fabrics. This makes sure the needle will puncture and sew through dense fabrics such as denim and corduroy. Durable. Designed to last. Built-in needle threader Great for quilting Seven-piece feed dog Locking stitch which ties off the end of a thread.

It can create loops on material. Not designed for novices.

This machine is designed for experts who have been sewing for extended periods of time. It is not beginner friendly. It gives quality designs and stitching but may be too complex to use for those just learning how to sew. It is recommended more for professionals.

Honorable Mention

The Brother CS5055PRW is the best sewing machine in terms of style and budget. It weighs only 10 lbs. and fits in any bag. It has 50 different stitches and is so lightweight that you could easily carry it anywhere.

It can handle both stretchy materials such as spandex and bulkier items including fleece with ease. It can do about 850 stitches per minute.

PROS	CONS
Drop-in top bobbin Needle threader is automatic Includes seven sewing feet, instruction manual and twin needles It has an LCD screen which allows users to select stitches by pushing a button Free lifetime technical support via live chat, phone or online	Some customers say that it doesn’t last

This sewing machine has a great deal of stitches for one that is portable. Most people prefer it because they can transport it without any difficulties, and it is affordable.

Most Budget Friendly

The Brother XR3774 gives a large area to sew and allows you to sew different densities of fabrics. This machine offers computerized embroidering and sewing capabilities. It is also half the price of its competitors.

The large arm space provides an easier sewing experience and the convenience to create different patterns, the versatility to sew different fabrics, and to create a vast array of clothing designs.

The automatic built in needle threader aligns and pushes thread through the needle without problems.

The Brother XR3774 has 37 different stitches, and each pattern has its own purpose. A default pattern can be established as the control panel is easy to navigate.

PROS	CONS
Easy for beginners. This machine comes with an instructional DVD with stitching and sewing tutorials. Efficient. It has a premium motor and a great design. Stitches are clean and neat. Large sewing space Great for quilting Sews dense fabrics Affordable	No LCD display With the arm, not as compact. However, it does appear that the arm can be removed.

With the tutorial, this machine is great for those learning how to sew. The wide arm makes sewing easy and effortless. It can sew through thick fabrics, and even though it may not have as many stitches, it is still great for a novice.

Best for Small Work

The Singer 7258 is a compact and portable sewing machine. Singer is known for its diversity in machines from the traditional to modern and are renowned for their durability. In fact, it is one of the most sought-after machines for this reason.

This machine was designed for small stitching projects. It has a computerized display and is ideal if you are on a budget. What this machine offers is a good value for the money.

The display is small, but bright. It shows users the current stitching pattern status with other metrics to provide an improved overview of the project. For a tiny sewing machine, it can do 100 different patterns which makes creating clothes fun due to all the available options.

It has an easy-to-use control panel. A push button is there for easily changing stitch patterns. This machine also comes with a 25-year limited warranty.

PROS	CONS
Great for small work Portable and compact- small footprint 100 stitch patterns Ideal for lighter materials Display is computerized	May jam with regular work Not created for heavy-duty projects

For a small machine, it has a great deal of versatility. It is perfect for beginners and is compact enough to store almost anywhere.

Best for Embroidery and Sewing

Even though Brother may not be better than Singer in terms of quality sewing patterns, it has carved a name for itself in terms of embroidery options.

The Brother SE600 is compact and has been deemed the most versatile embroidery and sewing machine available. This is what sets it apart from its competition.

It comes with a nice sewing interface wherein several embroidery designs are included. They can be printed on any fabric that you desire. This machine comes with 103 different stitches and is equipped with 80 readymade designs for embroidery.

The large touchscreen provides a good working interface, and it comes with a long embroidery space for printing your design.

PROS	CONS
80 embroidery designs 103 stitches available Computerized design Body is compact and light Needle threader is automatic	Costs more due to extra features The broad design space may make storage a bit more awkward

In terms of embroidery, this is the perfect machine for the job. It is easy and creates incredible designs. Users may have to get creative with storage, however, as the footprint is a bit awkward.

Most Portable

The Janome Merlot Sew Mini can go anywhere… literally! This machine is so small that it can easily be placed in a handbag. It is so compact; it can be taken anywhere.

This machine is ideal for travel. While it lacks the sophisticated features of other machines, it is perfect for a novice.

PROS	CONS
7 lbs total weight Wall plug Motor is powerful Bobbin is J Style One presser foot	Slow speed Jams easily

The biggest pro of this sewing machine is that it is so small that it can be taken anywhere. It is extremely light and compact. The major drawback is that it is not robust and is more of an introductory sewing machine.

Best for Advanced Users

The Brother XM2701 has a great deal of value packed into a small sewing machine. It is designed for beginners and advanced users alike.

It comes with six sewing feet and a DVD that serves as a tutorial. The LED light is perfect in a dimly lit room and has a superior bobbin winding and threading system. This makes sewing fast and easy.

PROS	CONS
6 sewing feet Twin needle LED light Weighs 2 lbs 27 built-in stitches- includes blind hem, decorative, zigzag, and stretch. Free arm is versatile Free technical support	Mostly for beginners Dim LED light Some stitches may be sloppy is thread tension may not be the best

This machine is very lightweight and perfect for a beginner. Advanced users do not particularly enjoy this machine as they find it too sloppy.

Best Battery Powered Sewing Machine

This machine, while small, delivers the same performance as its regular sized counterparts. The Michley LSS-202 LIL’ SEW Mini slips easily into a bag for portability and only weighs two pounds.

PROS	CONS
Sewing kit has 42 pieces Thread bag Adapter and foot pedal Hand wheel Electricity and battery powered	2 stitches- straight and zigzag Better performance through power cord

Pros:

• Sewing kit has 42 pieces
• Thread bag
• Adapter and foot pedal
• Hand wheel
• Electricity and battery powered

Cons:

• 2 stitches- straight and zigzag
• Better performance through power cord

This sewing machine is the best in terms of price and portability. It can literally go anywhere for small jobs. It is great for a novice but lacking for the expert. The only thing that it does well are small jobs.

Most User Friendly

The Singer Start 1304 comes equipped with six different stitch types and has a pre-set length and width for easy usage. It weighs only six pounds. Singer is known for quality products.

PROS	CONS
4 step buttonhole which is great for constructing garments Three sewing feet- zipper foot, buttonhole foot, and all-purpose foot. Free arm Automatic bobbin winder Reverse High presser foot Designed for beginners	Foot pedal may be difficult to use Doesn’t have adjustment for needle position Mostly plastic construction

There are a variety of portable sewing machines available depending on your skill set. Most of them have a small footprint and are lightweight which is part of what qualifies them to be classified as a portable machine.

However, this is where your skill set comes into play. Most of the truly portable machines have a limited number of stitches. While they are great for beginners, experts with limited storage space may be somewhat frustrated by their lack of features. This is when you turn to a machine that may be a bit heavier, but they are easily stored over traditional models.

Truly portable machines are smaller and can fit easily into a bag. They weigh under ten pounds, on average. They are great for beginners because they are compact and easy to use. Experts may get frustrated because some are unable to handle thicker fabrics, and they may not have enough stitches for their projects. These are usually the ones classified as “mini” sewing machines.

In purchasing a machine, the greatest factor in which one is best for you boils down to your skill level. Beginners may want to go for the mini portable machines or some of the more lightweight ones because they don’t have as many stitches. Users can just concentrate on learning how to sew.

Experts will probably want a more computerized system because they know how to handle them. They have the experience to know what stitch to use when and need the versatility for their projects. A simple, basic machine may not do their tasks. The minis are a detriment to them unless they are doing small projects.

Sewing machines have come a long way over the years. They used to be heavy-duty traditional machines that stood in a corner in a cabinet. They were anything but portable, and most people had a dedicated sewing room for these projects.

Most were clumsy and extremely heavy. While they lasted, they were more industrial in appearance. Threading them was tedious and could take a long time. Mistakes were the cause of many frustrated sighs, but they worked.

Now, sewing machines are so lightweight and small, they can be placed in a closet when not in use. They are fully computerized and make it so easy to complete projects from the simple to the most complex.