Top 9 Handheld Sewing Machines in 2020

What is a Handheld Sewing Machine?

A stapler lookalike machine that is used for small repairs instead of the regular one is known as the handheld sewing machine, some people also call it as stapler sewing machine.

It is portable to the core, and its size isn’t much big either. It not only resembles the stapler in its looks but also comes in more or less of the same size.

The hand sewing machine is efficient in sewing a wide fleet of fabrics including cotton, nylon, silk, and polyester.

Not all are blessed enough to have the luxury of accommodating a full-size sewing machine in their houses or workplaces.

The newly developed cramped rooms and a very less space for furniture has made it even more difficult for the seamstresses to own and accommodate a regular sewing machine.

This is when the mini hand sewing machine comes to the rescue and get the job done.

Stylists and fashion designers always have handheld machines to their benefits. Just when they require quick fits or small alterations on the dresses.

These pocket-sized monsters help these professionals to get the desired results without having to remove the complete dress from the body of the model.

Just like an embroidery sewing machine or a quilting machine, the handheld machine is equally important.

Therefore, we decided to use this space to review these machines and talk about the efficiency they provide.

The Best Handheld Sewing Machines in the Market Reviewed

1. Singer Stitch Sew Quick

This intelligently designed machine by Singer is very compact and portable at the same time.

It gives you the option of running it on electricity or to run it on 4 AA sized batteries.

The machine comes along with bobbins, needles, needle threader, thread spindle, and an easy-to-understand instruction manual.

It is believed that it works smoothly on fabrics like wool, cotton, silk, leather, and denim.

Don’t be duped by its extremely diminished size and ultra-lightweight.

It can stun you with its efficiency to sew at higher speeds with its powerful motor. It is best designed for quick repairs and fast mending assignments.

If experts are to believe, it is one of the best mini handheld sewing machines on the market at the moment.

Amazon Rating: 2.4

The Better Side

1. It lightweight adds to the efficiency of the machine. Also, despite not having any weight at all, it can perform all the basic tasks that a handheld machine is required to perform.
2. With all that goes with its working and other efficient features, it doesn’t burn a huge hole in your pocket making it one of the best options for the seamstresses.

The Downside

1. Users have noticed that the seams and stitches are not that strong enough compared to the other sewing machines.
2. The quality of the product and the stitch produced is not up to the notch.
3. It may worry some seamstress and create a confusion about whether to buy the machine or not.

Our One Liner Review

Overall, we found out that it is a decent sewing machine from a trustworthy brand named Singer.

2. Michley LSS-202 Lil Sew & Sew Mini 2-Speed Sewing Machine

LSS-202 Lil’ Sew & Sew Mini 2-Speed Sewing Machine is a wonderful piece of engineering which allows you to sew all the basic techniques without being as messy and big as a regular sewing machine.

It is so compact in size that one can carry the machine to their desired place by tucking them under their shoulders.

Also, the weight allows you to use the machine while it is kept on your lap.

Therefore, it makes a great choice for new seamstresses and children to get acquainted with the art of sewing.

It comes with a 42 piece sewing kit, a threading bag, and a pair of electric scissors.

The 2 built-in basic stitches and the 2-speed motor allows you to carry out all the basic projects with ultimate ease.

Amazon Rating: 3.1

The Better Side

1. At nothing more than $25, it is a decent buy to the say the least.
2. It can efficiently complete your small time projects without creating any fuss.
3. This simple machine is befitted with all the necessary features and doesn’t complicate the product by adding any frills to it.
4. It is a no frill machine meant for basic sewing processes.
5. It can be at its productive best when powered by electricity instead of the batteries.

The Downside

1. This machine is just not meant for the seasoned seamstresses.
2. The skilled seamstresses always look for added features that would help them to create intricate designs.
3. However, with the absence of a variety of features, it is most likely that they wouldn’t like the machine.
4. Another aspect that adds to the downfall of the machine is its loud noise.
5. It can irritate quite a few people who are disturbed easily with the irritating sound of the motor. Also, the sturdiness of the machine is questionable.

3. Rex Smartek Mini Sewing Machine

Although the makers of this machine are not well-known, they have designed a decent handheld stitching machine for the seamstresses.

The machine works smoothly on lightweight fabrics like cotton but fails to impress while sewing on tough fabrics.

The weight of the machine is almost negligible.

Also, the makers have released this machine with vibrant colors which make it more attractive for children and entry-level seamstresses alike. It is very inexpensive, to say the least.

Amazon Rating: 2.7

The Better Side

1. The machine is lightweight to the core. Also, it is efficient for doing all the basic chores without creating a fuss.
2. The vibrant colors and the compact size of the machine make it visually delightful.

The Downside

1. The motor of the machine is not up to the mark.
2. Therefore, the machine jams up quite often creating a lot of problems to the seamstresses.
3. The thread slips off the needle multiple times creating a headache to the seamstresses.
4. It is a good machine for the entry-level sewers but would fail to amaze someone who has had his hands on other machines.
5. It is believed that it is a daunting task for the seamstresses to thread the needle.

4. Singer Handy Stitch Handheld Portable Sewing Machine

Singer stands tall in their brand name by creating a handy stitch handheld portable sewing machine.

It is efficient in making a strong and decent quality stitch.

Also, it is best made for embellishments.

Like every other handheld sewing machine, it is extremely lightweight and portable.

The stitch tends to come out quite often which makes it very difficult to complete a sewing project.

This machine cannot handle a lot of pressure exerted by the users. Also, it can irritate you to the core with the disgusting and loud sound.

Amazon Rating: 2.4

The Better Side

1. The machine can be best used to make embellishments on a given project.
2. Stitch strength and quality are above the par as compared to the other sewing machines on the list.
3. It is good for making makeshift repairs and sews very basic projects. Lightweight fabrics work very smoothly on the machine.

The Downside

1. The machine is very loud, to say the least. It can disgust the calmest of a person with its loud sound.
2. It has the tendency to lose the stitch because of the chain stitch machine and single thread machine.
3. It cannot sustain any sort of pressure exerted by the user.

5. Amado Mini Handheld Portable Sewing Machine

The machine is compact in size and gives you the freedom to create several projects on the go.

It serves as the best repair kit during fashion shows and exhibitions.

Also, it is capable of completing the sewing clothes of kids without creating any problems.

It consumes very less power as compared to the other machines as it can run on 4*AA batteries or a 6v power adapter.

The machine is very easy to use and understand even after being very intricate with its design. It doesn’t require any setup as one can use the machine on the go.

Amazon Rating: 2.5

The Better Side

1. Singer Handy Stitch Handheld Portable Sewing Machine does all the repairing work efficiently without given any strain on your hands.
2. It is comparatively faster than the other machines.
3. The needle that comes along with the machine is of good quality, unlike the local hand sewing needle which is provided in the most of these machines.
4. Another factor that makes it likable is one can hold the machine to the eye level to understand what is going on in the fabric.
5. It is capable of stitching a straight line.

The Downside

1. Many users claim that the machine has a poor stitch strength.
2. The stitches have the tendency to come out which makes it difficult to complete a project with precision.
3. The instruction manual is very difficult to follow which is yet another headache for the users.
4. The loud sound is a bit off and can only work with the same fabric.
5. The built-in quality of the machine is very poor as it is made with the cheap plastic body.

6. Siensync Handheld Sewing Machine

This is one professional equipment which can fulfill several sewing requirements.

It can be best used for emergency stitching and is also easy to carry.

The makers claim that this machine runs through several fabrics without getting entangled.

It is perfectly designed for quick on the spot repairs like mending curtains while on the rod or sewing torn out pockets without removing the clothes from the body.

Amazon Rating: 2.4

The Better Side

1. If users’ reviews are to be taken into considerations, it is a pretty neat machine according to them.
2. It stitches in a straight line without causing any troubles.
3. The stitch quality is very strong which is unlikely to be found in the machines of this category.
4. It is highly convenient, to say the least.

The Down Side

1. Many users complained about the stitch coming out of the material after a few stitches.
2. The instruction manual that comes along with the machine is very small and gets difficult to read even after using a magnifying glass.
3. The motor seems to heat up very quickly allowing you to do a very few numbers of stitches at a given time.

7. Singer 01664 Stitch Sew Quick 2

It is a 2-thread repairing machine which is very easy to carry around.

It doesn’t require a cord and is very easy to maneuver when working with a straight stitch.

It is a great option for someone who needs the machine for quick repairs.

Speed can be controlled in two ways.

Also, it has an automatic winding function which gives more efficiency to its users.

There are several accessories that come along with the machine that attracts the seamstresses towards it.

Amazon Rating: 2.8

The Better Side

1. Users claim that the thread that comes along with the machine is poor on the quality standards.
2. However, it is very easy to add a new thread to the spool. Also, it is very easy to use.
3. It is durable and can stand the test of time because of its durable built-in quality.
4. It is capable of stitching many fabrics including leather, cotton, and silk.
5. The instruction manual that comes along with the machine is very easy to follow.

The Down Side

1. Many users are not happy with how the machine fairs with various fabrics. Also, it tends to jam up at times and lacks consistency.
2. However, as a backup for the regular machine, it is a great option to have.
3. The easy to carry handle and its compact design is the only plus of the machine.

8. Varmax 201 Mini Sewing Machine

It is a decent portable mini-sized sewing machine that comes along with a foldable extension table.

It can sew through 4 layers of denim fabric with utmost ease.

It is because of the 1000mAh powered strong electric supply.

However, it isn’t as compact as other sewing machines on the list.

Although it provides more power and strength than the other machines on the list, it makes lesser noise comparatively.

Amazon Rating: 4.2

The Better Side

1. The size of the machine is exactly what a seamstress looks forward too.
2. It is not too big neither too small.
3. Therefore, people with big hands can opt for this compact size designed.
4. The user manual is easy to follow and understand.
5. The price of the machine is what attracts many buyers.
6. It helps the users with the small fixes.
7. The foot pedal is very flexible and sewing happens to be very smooth.

The Down Side

1. The machine constantly jams while sewing.
2. The machine also drops stitches at regular intervals. Although it looks cute, it goes down on its performance.
3. It takes a lot of time to fix the machine once it breaks down.
4. Even after being available at a very cheap price, this machine fails to stand the expectations of the skilled seamstresses.
5. It is not at all durable. It works fine for the first few days but slows down on its performance thereafter.

9. Imax FHSM-202 Mini 2-Speed Sewing Machine

It is one of the machines which is very convenient to use and learn.

It is inherited with a single built-in stitch and comes along with a foot pedal.

It is best used for stitching basic projects and making alterations in a time of emergency.

There is an automatic thread cutter given on the machine which doesn’t let you use an extra pair of scissors.

It is powered by a 110-volt motor which lets you most of your basic projects within no time. The makers provide a tension-free customer service to its users.

Amazon Rating: 3.3

The Better Side

1. The machine comes with extra loaded bobbins that add to the efficiency of the machine.
2. It is very compacted in size and the users are attracted towards its vibrant colors.
3. Repairing projects was never this fun and easy.
4. It comes with many added features which are not to be seen on mini or other handle sewing machines.
5. The speed can be adjusted in two different ways depending on one’s choice.
6. It takes a little time to get acquainted with its foot pedal, but once you spend some time on it, it gets considerably easy.

The Down Side

1. Many believe that the machine wouldn’t last for the longest of time.
2. It is said that the machine cannot work for more than 5 minutes.
3. It is said that the spooled thread that comes with the machine didn’t work to the expectations.
4. Many users complain about the machine getting bind up frequently.
5. It doesn’t give the freedom to the users to sew harder fabrics.
6. Overall, the quality of the machine is very bad for a skilled seamstress.
7. However, it is decent for the first time user and children who want to learn the art of sewing.

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When does the handheld sewing machine come in use?

There are many instances where carrying a regular machine is not at all feasible. That is when the portable handheld sewing machines come in the play.

It is an apt choice to use these machines to fix small sewing problems. As they don’t require electricity or batteries to run on, they can be easily carried to such places where you would need to fix your problems in a jiffy.

It can be easily kept in the car or in the office to mend your time and keep your sewing hobby on its toes. In the case of emergencies like a torn pant or shirt, this machine could prove helpful.

Here are a few other instances where a handheld sewing machine can come in use.

• To fix torn patches on wardrobes without having to remove it from the body. Such instances occur in fashion shows and TV series where one has to hurry up to get to their jobs. However, with lessened time, any glitches with wardrobes are fixed with the handheld sewing machine.
• To cut down on pants or for altering the length of your pants according to your needs.
• We all tend to run in situations where we are forced to wear makeshift clothes which are oversized at times. While you are in hurry, the hand stitching machine immediately comes to the rescue and alters your clothes right then and there.
• Buttons have the tendency to set loose right when you are late for your date or the meeting.
• Instead of getting the job done then and there, many prefer to change their shirts. But if at all, one owns the handheld sewing machine, he doesn’t have to bother about loose buttons.
• They can be fixed within a no matter of time without letting you remove the shirt from your body.
• Curtains, at times, can lose its stitch while they are hung on the rod. With the pocket-size sewing machine, one can do such jobs very easily.
• You don’t have to remove the curtains from the rods to sew them.
• You can take your pocket size monster to the curtains instead and get it done.

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We reviewed most of the machines available on the online market. Whereas, there are many brands that didn’t make the list of the best handheld stitcher.

The reasons are many. Many such machines had poor customer reviews and lacked the user ratings. Therefore, we relied on the big brand products to give you a review about them.

Now that you have a complete guide about the handheld sewing machines, you can feel free to choose one of them. Remember that these machines are only meant for repairing and mending big time products.

It cannot undertake projects that are done easily on regular sewing machines. Procedures like quilting and embroidery are a distant dream.

You can always feel free to mention other machines that can overtake the machines that we have mentioned on the list.

We’d love to review them for you if we feel that these machines surely deserve a place. One can buy these products from Amazon.

All of these machines can burn a small hole in your pocket of nothing more than $30.

We recommend you to stick to brands like Singer for better efficiency of the project. Because these machines do not come in use as regularly as other ones, big companies like Brother, Janome, and Juki are reluctant of producing such machines.