If you’re looking for the best portable sewing machine, you’ve come to the right place. We have a list of the 6 best sewing machines for travel.
Mending and customizing is a great way to add your own personal touch, so why not get creative with sewing? Sewing machines are perfect for adding special modifications or making on-the-spot repairs.
With the best portable machine, you’ll have easy access to make any small repair anywhere without needing an extra needle or thread!
Embroidery is a great way to customize your clothes and make them truly unique for you. However, it can be difficult when trying to find the perfect machine that suits all of these needs – look no further!
Portable Sewing Machines Buying Guide
Shopping for a portable and powerful sewing machine? The following guide helps you narrow them down by expounding more on the important components and capabilities.
It also answers many questions pertaining to this purchase, such as: What is your budget like? And what features are most valuable in a good model of sewing machines?
The following article will help if shopping for a portably-powered stitching device. This article explains that there are three major considerations when buying one — power (how much can it lift?), weight (does size matter?), and price range ($200 vs $1000?).
Advantages Of A Portable Sewing Machine
A portable sewing machine is a must-have for anyone with an itch to sew. It’s great that you can take your machine anywhere and fix any last-minute adjustments or repairs on the go!
Features To Consider Before Buying A Portable Sewing Machine
These features will guide you in identifying the best portable sewing machine for your lifestyle, sewing habits, and budget, so you would make the most out of your purchase.
1. Weight:
Portable sewing machines are designed to be lightweight and easy to carry so that you can take them from place to place.
Janome Arctic Crystal Easy-to-Use Sewing Machine and Brother Sewing and Quilting Machine CS6000i both offer great portability without sacrificing stability or competitive features, balancing compactness while still offering adequate working space for your projects.
2. Built-in Stitches
The SINGER Heavy Duty 4432 sewing machine is equipped with a multitude of stitches that can handle fabrics from silk to quilts, and everything in-between. The Janome JW8100 features 100 expansive stitching options for unique design patterns.
3. LCD Display
Modern sewing machines have a myriad of features that allow you to get the perfect stitch for your project. Today, it is hard to find one without an LCD display as well.
It displays information about what type and size stitches are recommended based on which fabric and task you’re working with – like in our EverSewn Charlotte model.
You can also use this interface button-expressly navigate through various settings just by touching them!
4. Controls
People often have to choose between mechanical or electronic when they purchase a portable sewing machine.
Automated features may require you to be tech-savvy, so if you’re not sure about this option then consider buying one with dials and buttons instead of an LCD screen for easier use that won’t frustrate the beginner sewer.
5. Types of Needle Threader
Threading a needle can be extremely frustrating. When you consider the minuscule eye and end-fraying tendency of threads, it only gets worse.
Add poor eyesight, shaky hands, or dim lighting to that mix and you have yourself an emotional disaster waiting to happen in your sewing room!
Luckily Brother Sewing Machine XM2701 has made things much easier for those who are frustrated with threading needles by including automatic needle threaders which work by hooking up the loose ends using thin hooks so they don’t get stuck inside again while trying to sew together two pieces of fabric without having any frustration at all!.
6. Presser Feet
Footplates are an important tool for keeping your garments flat and preventing them from becoming uneven. Some, like the All-Purpose foot, may have more than one function to help you get the perfect look every time!
Don’t forget to purchase a good set of these as well when purchasing a sewing machine; they can be interchangeable or limited depending on what brand is best suited for you.
7. Free Arm
The free arm is a hidden gem of sewing machines. It helps with curved areas, such as hems and sleeves on garments.
The process for using it is to slide away from the accessory compartment before putting your garment inside so that you can start lengthening any parts needed- like a bobbin, feed dog, or shuttle space.
A removable free arm makes portability easier because they are portable by design!
8. Warranty
Warranties are an investment in your future. With a 25-year warranty, you can rest assured that it will last for the long run!
However, be aware of certain limitations and conditions because unauthorized repairs may invalidate your coverage.
If you’re unsure about what warrants to pick up with this purchase or need some more information on policies overall then don’t hesitate to give us a call – we’ll help guide you through any confusion so that both parties have their bases covered!
9. Is It Recommended For Beginners?
Picking a portable sewing machine can be difficult with the options available. Some are too advanced for novices to use, but EverSewn Charlotte is an excellent choice if you want something more computerized and detailed instructions on how it works.
10. How To Carry Portable Sewing Machines With You?
Take care to pack your sewing machine with great care, but don’t let this deter you from bringing it along for vacations.
Pack all loose components and the power cord separately in order to reduce movement that can cause damage when packing it in its original case and encasing it with foam or padding so as not to move around too much inside of a box sealed shut with tape.
You can easily pack your sewing machine in a tote bag like Everything Mary’s rolling, packing, and storage gear with lots of pockets for accessories. It comes with wheels so it is easy to get around!
The SINGER Black Universal Sewing Machine Tote also has straps that are secure and padded walls built-in.
If you want the ultimate protection though, check out the metallic safety lock latches on the top of our favorite hard carrying case from Singer – perfect for dust-free as well as reliable storage space!
In a hurry? Here are our top 3 portable sewing machines:
Here at Sewing Machines USA, we’ve taken into consideration everything from weight and storage size, LCD screens with built-in stitches, as well as presser feet which provide options depending on what type of sewing technique is desired.
- Best Portable Sewing Machines Comparison Table
- Top 6 Portable Sewing Machine Reviews
- Janome JW8100: Best Portable Sewing Machine
- Singer Heavy Duty 4432: Best Heavy Duty Portable Sewing Machine
- Brother CS6000i: Best Portable Sewing Machine For Quilters
- EverSewn Charlotte: Best Portable Sewing Machine For Beginners
- Brother XM2701: Budget Pick
- Janome Arctic Crystal: Best Lightweight Portable Sewing Machine
- Overall Verdict
- FAQs
6 Best Portable Sewing Machines Comparison Table
| Product | Needle Threader | LCD Display | Rating | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Janome JW8100 | One-hand | Yes | 4.7 | |
 Singer 4432 | Automatic | No | 4.5 | |
 Brother CS6000i | Automatic | Yes | 4.7 | |
 EverSewn Charlotte | Automatic | Yes | 4.5 | |
 Brother XM2701 | Automatic | No | 4.7 | |
 Janome Arctic Crystal | None | No | 4.4 |
Top 6 Portable Sewing Machines Reviews 2023
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "ItemList", "itemListElement": [{ "@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Janome JW8100", "url": "https://sewingempire.com/best-portable-sewing-machine/#Janome-JW8100" },{ "@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Singer Heavy Duty 4432", "url": "https://sewingempire.com/best-portable-sewing-machine/#SINGER-Heavy-Duty-4432" },{ "@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Brother CS6000i", "url": "https://sewingempire.com/best-portable-sewing-machine/#Brother-CS6000i" },{ "@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "name": "EverSewn Charlotte", "url": "https://sewingempire.com/best-portable-sewing-machine/#EverSewn-Charlotte" },{ "@type": "ListItem", "position": 5, "name": "Brother XM2701", "url": "https://sewingempire.com/best-portable-sewing-machine/#Brother-XM2701" },{ "@type": "ListItem", "position": 6, "name": "Janome Arctic Crystal", "url": "https://sewingempire.com/best-portable-sewing-machine/#Janome-Arctic-Crystal" }] }1.Janome JW8100: Best Portable sewing Machine
- Weight: 12.7 pounds
- Built-in stitches: 100
- LCD display: Yes
- Needle threader: One-hand
- Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
More features: lit LED work area, 7 buttonholes
The Janome Wj800 is the perfect sewing machine for beginners and veterans alike.
With 100 preset stitch patterns, it’s easy to find a pattern that suits your needs whether you’re looking to make clothing or home décor items.
The built-in threader makes putting in new threads really fast and simple too!
The Janome JW800 sewing machine has a backlit LCD display and easy navigation buttons. It also comes with an extension table to provide ample working space, as well as a drop feed for manual control of the fabric speed.
The reverse button reinforces seams through backstitching while the lock stitch button helps halt stitching patterns when done correctly.
What You’ll Like:
- Easy to operate
- Compact
- Five additional feet
- Multiple stitching options
- Extensional table
- Automatic needle threader
- Auto-declutch bobbin winder
What You’ll consider:
- No Free-motion quilting foot
- No automatic thread cutter
2. SINGER Heavy Duty 4432: Best Heavy Duty Portable Sewing Machine
- Weight: 17.42 pounds
- Built-in stitches: 32
- LCD display: No
- Needle threader: Automatic
- Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
More features: lit LED work area, built-in reverse lever, heavy duty metal frame
This sewing machine is loaded with features for all of your crafting needs. It has a powerful motor that can handle heavy fabrics, like leather and denim.
Additionally, it includes three needle positions to accommodate various stitching styles as well as four presser feet – the Zipper foot, Button Sewing Foot, All-Purpose Foot, and Buttonhole foot.
You also have control over stitch length/width or pressure on this bad boy. This machine is a great choice for people who are looking to save time and energy.
The bobbin-winding illustration printed on the top of it, combined with an easy automatic needle threader makes this sewing experience effortless!
A removable free arm allows you to maneuver around your fabric easily in order to access cuffs or collars while using twin needles will give you even more versatility when stitching different fabrics together.
What You’ll Like:
- High stitches per minute rate
- Multiple integrated stitch settings
- Handles heavy fabric
- Twin needle functionality
- Adjustable feet
What You’ll consider:
- No LCD display
Also Read: Singer Heavy Duty 4432 Review
3. Brother CS6000i: Best Portable Sewing Machine For Quilters
- Weight: 13 pounds
- Built-in stitches: 60
- LCD display: Yes
- Needle threader: Automatic
- Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
More features: lit LED work area, built-in free-arm
This is one of the best computerized sewing machines on our list.
It’s easy for a newbie to operate and will thrill skilled sewers with its multiple features, like 20 built-in stitches just for decoration, 20 more that are perfect for making clothes or heirloom items, and lots more.
The best portable sewing machine for quilting comes with an LCD display that also lets you experiment with different presser feet without using your foot pedal.
The Brother Cs6000i sewing and quilting machine is a powerful, multifunctional workhorse that delivers quick and high-quality results. It has an 850-stitch-per-minute maximum speed with adjustable needle depth to fit various fabric types and thicknesses.
The dual LED light illuminates your working space for easy access in poorly lit areas or late-night sessions on the couch!
With features like a jam-resistant bobbin winder, thread cutter, automatic needle threader, and reverse sewing button this model takes care of all your needs so you can focus more time on creativity instead.
What You’ll Like:
- 60 integrated stitch settings
- Versatile with multiple advanced features
- Computerized capabilities
- Detachable wide working table
- Spring action quilting foot
What You’ll consider:
- Complicated for a beginner
- Nonadjustable presser foot pressure
Also Read: Brother CS6000i Review
4. EverSewn Charlotte: Best Portable Sewing Machine For Beginners
- Weight: 13 pounds
- Built-in stitches: 70
- LCD display: Yes
- Needle threader: Automatic
- Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
More features: automatic needle threader and drop-in bobbin
The EverSewn Charlotte sewing machine is a powerful and stylish computerized model that can be used for beginners as well as travelers.
Its compact size makes it easy to transport anywhere, while also coming with lots of features including seven presser feet which include the zipper, satin stitch buttonhole overcasting stitches, and more!
The variable speed on this machine adjusts by simply pressing down on the dial so you never have to worry about manually threading needles again.
EverSewn Charlotte is a machine that has an illuminated LCD panel with different stitch styles, the Start/Stop button for your foot pedal, and automatic functions such as needle threading.
The removable 163 mm free arm gives you easy access to difficult points of fabric while its clear cover allows monitoring of the bobbin thread supply. card with a stitch pattern on it so that you can reference them easily!
EverSewn Charlotte is ISO 9001-certified. Reviewers loved the machine’s design, size, and automated functions, but a few buyers struggled with tension adjustment.
Other accessories include two spool holders, three needles, and a quilting guide which includes a helpful stitch pattern card for reference – the limited warranty lasts 25 years!
What You’ll Like:
- Easy to operate
- Computerized features
- Automatic thread cutter
- 70 stitch choices
- Compact
- ISO 9001certified
What You’ll consider:
- The stitch chart is on an attachable card
- A limited set of functions
5. Brother XM2701: Budget Pick
- Weight: 12.6 pounds
- Built-in stitches: 27
- LCD display: no
- Needle threader: Automatic
- Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
More features: lit LED work area, includes an instructional DVD
This machine is perfect for those who are just getting started. It has 27 built-in embroidery stitches and 63 stitch functions that will cover the majority of your basic needs.
The selection process is simple with a turn dial, which also makes it easier to thread the needle automatically without having to squint!
The drop-in bobbin is jam-resistant, and its case makes it easy to keep an eye on the thread supply. The removable arm also makes fixing cuffs and sleeves a breeze!
It has a top-loaded bobbin that’s easy to change out too. Plus you get illustrated instructions, diagrams, as well as getting your hands on the DVD for much easier navigation of this machine.
Buyers praise the brother xm2701 sewing machine as an efficient and easy way to improve your skills. Some buyers said they didn’t like the foot pedal because it was too sensitive, while others found that there wasn’t enough light on the needle for their liking.
What You’ll Like:
- Suitable for novices
- Easy to operate
- Compact
- Variety of additional guides for the inexperienced users
- Low price
What You’ll consider:
- A limited set of functions
- Nonadjustable foot pedal speed
Also Read: Brother XM2701 Review
6. Janome Arctic Crystal: Best Lightweight Portable Sewing Machine
- Weight: 12 pounds
- Built-in stitches: 15
- LCD display: No
- Needle threader: None
- Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
More features: front-loading bobbin system, lit LED work area
This bright and sturdy is an ideal sewing machine who are looking to get started.
The removable free arm can be used on hems, sleeves, or other projects that require a little more stability than the typical sew-by-letter setup.
With 15 different stitches and four types of buttonholes available at your fingertips with just one turn of the dial, you’re never left without options when it comes time to tackle any project!
The four presser feet and the extra high lift make it easy to customize your work.
The Zipper Foot lets you sew in zippers with a stitch that won’t break, while the Sliding Buttonhole Foot makes buttonholes quickly without threading loops of the machine around buttons.
With General Purpose feet for sewing any kind of fabric as well as Blind Hemming Feet designed specifically for hemming slits on pants or skirts, this machine can do anything!
The LED light illuminates the needle plate and sewing space, making it easy to see everything.
The package includes an instructional manual, a Quick Start guide with tutorial videos, and a built-in bobbin loading illustration! Reviewers say adjusting your tension eliminates jamming issues while quilters find lowering feed dogs difficult.
What You’ll Like:
- Sturdily built
- Variety of additional guides for the inexperienced users
- Extra high presser lift
- Dual retractable spool pins
What You’ll consider:
- Feed dogs are hard to drop
- No automatic needle threader
Overall Verdict
We loved the Janome JW8100 for its portability and versatility. The extension table provides an extra surface to work on while sewing, which is perfect if you are a seamstress with limited space or have kids that love to help!
With 25 built-in stitches plus 4 one-step buttonholes as well as 50 presser feet, this machine has all of your options covered.
Brother’s CS6000i Computerized Sewing and Quilting Machine is a completely mobile workhorse. Its ability to handle heavy fabric like quilts with its spring action foot, wide table and high sewing speed make it one of the best options for home use.
It’s no surprise that the SINGER Heavy Duty 4432 was crowned as our best portable sewing machine for quilting.
With a speed rate of 1,100 stitches per minute and an incredibly powerful motor, this beast can handle any type of fabric without breaking a sweat!
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What Kind of fabrics is suitable for portable sewing machines?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "A portable sewing machine doesn’t work on all kinds of fabrics especially on thick & heavy fabrics. As it requires a high-speed motor like Singer Heavy Duty 4432 sewing machine." } },{ "@type": "Question", "name": "What types of thread should I use?", "acceptedAnswer": { "@type": "Answer", "text": "Well, it depends on the fabric you are sewing also the sewing design, stitching style, needle size & type. The most commonly used threads are cotton & polyester." } }] }Frequently Asked Questions(FAQs)
What Kind of fabrics is suitable for portable sewing machines?
A portable sewing machine doesn’t work on all kinds of fabrics, especially on thick & heavy fabrics. As it requires a high-speed motor like Singer Heavy Duty 4432 sewing machine.
What types of thread should I use?
Well, it depends on the fabric you are sewing also the sewing design, stitching style, needle size & type. The most commonly used threads are cotton & polyester.
Henry Leo (Founder)
Henry Leo has a Master’s Degree in fashion Designing & has worked as a test analyst in textiles. He is a regular writer for websites & magazines.
