Best handheld sewing machines: Easy fixing, mending, and hemming at your fingertips

Having a portable handheld sewing machine makes fixing unexpected sewing disasters a piece of cake.

While it may seem strange to purchase one of these devices if you don’t have any sewing know-how, you’ll be glad to know that managing a handheld sewing machine doesn’t require any particular skill or talent — just a little practice!

If you’re on the hunt for little magic-doers to hem a pair of pants, fix a tote bag, or have fun with visible mending projects, keep reading to find our suggestions on affordable, quality handheld sewing machines you’ll be happy to own.

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Best handheld sewing machines

Continue scrolling to find the best handheld sewing machine for you. If you’re looking for more user info, check out our buyer’s guidelines at the end of the list.

SINGER Stitch Quick Handheld Mending Machine

SINGER is a timeless brand in the sewing and embroidery world, and this handheld sewing machine is another reminder of why.

This high-quality, 9.7 x 4.1 x 6-inch device (~24 x 10 x 15 cm) features a unique, ergonomic design to craft with ease. You’ll also receive extra materials with your purchase, such as threaded bobbins, a needle threader, a needle, and a spindle.

Besides superior performance, the highlight of this model is its two sewing modes: handheld controlled and tabletop. This feature provides versatility to meet your needs, whether you need to quickly fix a small rip or require a surface to hem lengthier textiles.

While the device won’t substitute the work achieved with a full-blown sewing machine, it offers multiple functionalities, convenience, and tons of quality crafting for only ~$30.

This SINGER handheld sewing machine is battery-operated (batteries not included) and is compatible with various fabric types.

AERB Mini Portable Sewing Beginners

Slightly less expensive than the previous product, this AERB handheld sewing machine comes readily threaded for immediate use, is made of high-quality plastic, and offers a unique perk: an integrated cutter!

Its design is rounded and lightweight, offering different speed modes so that you could comfortably craft on a desktop if preferred.

Read also: Best sewing classes

Know that you’ll need a 6V adaptor or to insert AA batteries to power your machine (not included). As one of the pricier products listed, this small sewing machine works well with thicker fabrics and more delicate textiles alike.

It also runs for more extended periods than most standard models you’ll come across — perfect if you tend to work with different project types and sizes.

This item is shipped from the U.S. and sold worldwide.

GZXHMY Black Handheld Sewing Machine

Next up is a very popular handheld sewing machine due to its low cost and quality stitching.

This device is lightweight, easy to carry, and a great pick if you want the next best thing to a sewing machine while traveling. It’s also an excellent tool to carry in your handbag daily — especially if you’re a parent of toddlers!

It can stitch through various fabrics (ideally up to 1.88mm thick) and runs on AA batteries that you’ll be required to purchase separately. You can also use a DC 6V power supply (not included), but you’ll have to remain tethered to an outlet.

Since this model is generic, you can expect to come across many sellers marketing similar products at different prices or under different names. The listing below is the best deal we’ve found though!

SINGER 01663 Stitch Sew Quick Portable Mending Machine 

This SINGER handheld sewing machine offers intuitive crafting, and we highly recommend it to achieve optimal results on lightweight textiles.

One of the benefits of buying this product on Amazon is that you can find different purchase options, including a bundle with assorted thread colors and a pack containing black and white thread — both available for under $30.

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These alternatives are perfect if you’re a beginner searching for more comprehensive sets from the get-go. On the other hand, buying this device individually will be more than enough if you’re looking to replace an old handheld sewing machine or test out new brands. 

Etsy sells a generic model similar to this one for a lower price which may be a more convenient buy if you’re looking for something slightly more budget-friendly at first.

Sunbeam Portable Cordless Handheld Sewing Machine

Visually similar to the previous SINGER handheld sewing machine, this portable device is compact, beginner-friendly, and ideal for small mending jobs on the go.

Powered by AA batteries or an adapter (not included), the Sunbeam handheld sewing machine offers single stitching excellence and can be purchased with red or black design features.

Each order includes an extra needle and three bobbins. Depending on the design and seller, this item ranges between ~$8-$30. That said, we suggest looking into all of the options on offer beforehand to ensure you get more bang for your buck.

Perfect for small-scale visible mending projects and touch-ups, this is a great item to consider for different fabrics — including denim!

See our recommendations on the best prices and sellers for this product below; both ship worldwide.

Handheld Sewing Machine

Up next is a fun handheld sewing machine that comes in various colors and provides all the functionality you need to get your mending game on.

Available in eight different hues, this item costs under $20 and comes with a handy set of materials: six bobbins, ten paper clips, scissors, a soft tape measure, a threader, an extension rod, and a needle.

Read also: Best sewing kits

This is one of the most affordable and complete suggestions you can find online — ideal for first-time crafters on a budget. However, like the other items listed, you’ll need to purchase batteries separately to power your machine.

If you like this product, you might also enjoy this item on Etsy. Although it is slightly more expensive, remember that buying through this platform is a great way to support independent sellers and small businesses!

Portable Mini Stitch Manual Sewing Machine

Last up is this portable mini sewing machine sold on Etsy! For under $8, this small device comes in different colors, is super lightweight, and conveniently fits into most handbags.

This easy-to-use tool is ideal for DIY crafting and small-scale mending projects such as stitching handkerchiefs, aprons, or gloves and is compatible with fabrics ideally no thicker than 0.8mm.

While not as sturdy or high in quality as the previous items, this is a fantastic alternative to traditional, manual sewing and a practical tool to pop into your luggage before going on a trip!

This is a great portable sewing machine, best for those on a budget and interested in trying out this type of product for practical, everyday use vs. large-scale creative projects.

These small sewing machines are shipped from China and are delivered worldwide.

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What to know about handheld sewing machines

Most handheld sewing machines are beginner-friendly and attractive alternatives for the inexperienced sewer — mastering these devices is easy and intuitive.

Although you’ll need to learn how to thread your machine and other basic functionalities, I can assure you they’re pretty straightforward and far from being as complex as traditional sewing machines. 

However, before buying a handheld sewing machine, it will help you to know the benefits of using one as well as a few cons you may encounter:

Pros

• Small, portable tools
• Ideal for travel
• Lightweight devices
• Easy-to-learn and use
• Very affordable
• Work like a charm with light fabrics
• Come with easy-to-follow instructions

Cons

• Mostly battery-operated (usually not included)
• Not all models are suitable for heavy fabric weights
• Not as resistant or sturdy as a traditional sewing machine
• Not as effective for time-consuming, elaborate projects

Ultimately, the disadvantages to owning these devices are very few as long as you use them for the proper purpose: minor repairs or small-scale creative projects. 

Handheld sewing machines tend to fall between a ~$10-$50 price tier, which is a pretty good price range considering you’ll be able to fix just about anything from home.

Purchasing one of these machines will certainly help you save both time and cash vs. going to a sewist every time you need something mended.

Also, although renowned brands like SINGER are sure to deliver, other lesser-known, cheaper brands (like some of the models listed above!) will work just as well and are definitely worth considering too! 

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That’s it for our guide to the best handheld sewing machines! Any advice for other intrepid crafters? Let everyone know in the comments below!