Imagine your daughter loves to work with DIY household projects. As you don’t have a sewing machine at your home, she sews the projects with hand stitches.
After that, you have decided to present a small sewing machine on her birthday.
You don’t know anything about sewing machines. While buying a sewing machine for a new user, you need to focus on some basic feature requirements.
You have to concentrate on the stitch count and sewing quality. Then you should make a list of your requirements.
For this, you can talk to an expert for guidance. For a small sewing machine, you need to look into the needle threader, bobbin winding system, additional accessories, thread cutter, and extended workspace with LED lighting.
There are many brands that come up with different types of mini sewing machines. However, you need to keep in mind the built-in material. You must choose the sewing machine with maximum sewing speed.
We know it can be tough for you to find a suitable mini sewing machine. To ease your hassle, we have read several reviews of mini sewing machines. We have listed the 5 best mini sewing machines for beginners.
Our Top 3 Recommendations – Mini Sewing Machines
“Following are the top three recommended products based on personal experience and customer feedback”
- DenniesCare Mini Sewing Machine– (Best For Birthday Gift)
- Varmax Sewing Machine with Extension Table – (Suitable For Beginners)
- Sewing Machine with Sewing Kit – (Great for the price)
Top 5 Best Mini Sewing Machines Reviews
1. KPCB Mini Sewing Machine
| Brand | KPCB Tech |
| Color | PURPLE |
| Material | Metal |
| Weight | 2.97 Pounds |
| Power Source | AC/DC |
| Is it Electric | Yes |
| Dimensions | 3.5″D x 8.6″W x 6.9″H |
Key Features
This sewing machine provides a maximum sewing speed of 300 stitches per minute. It has 12 built-in stitches like basic, zigzag, and buttonholes. You can sew some regular projects with the sewing machine. Thus, the reverse stitch capacity helps you to create backstitch smoothly.
It has built-in bobbin winding to change the bobbins. The sewing machine comes up with three months warranty and online customer service.
With the thread cutter, you can trim your thread without any hassle. It will give you a frustration-free sewing experience. The sewing machine offers a needle threader in the accessory pouch. You can use the threader if needed. It makes your work faster. This model includes an extended table with LED lighting that supports you while sewing a long projects.
Moreover, you can sew different light fabrics with the sewing machine. This mini sewing machine is not capable to sew multiple layers of fabrics.
Along with all the features, you will get a handwheel, winding pool, speed controller button, DC power cord, electric foot pedal, presser foot, tension screw, bobbin, thread spindle, and adapter. You can purchase an extra presser foot with the sewing machine.
Pros
- Multi-purpose
- Good for beginners
- Affordable
- Easy to use
Cons
- Not durable
2. MICHLEY LSS-202 Sewing Machine
| Brand | MICHLEY |
| Color | White |
| Material | Plastic |
| Weight | 1.76 Pounds |
| Power Source | Corded Electric, Battery Powered |
| Dimensions | 7.5 x 4 x 7.8 inches |
Key Features
Michley comes up with a mini sewing machine with good materials and robust features. The most attractive feature of the sewing machine is the white-colored body frame with light-colored knobs.
You can get different colored knobs as well. Stitching with this sewing machine will give you better finishing than hand stitching. The sewing machine is designed for DIY project lovers.
You can sew all types of fabrics except leather and canvas. It is better to sew lightweight fabric with a sewing machine. Otherwise, it can be hard to maintain the sewing machine. In this sewing machine, you will get a stitch selector knob for picking your favorite stitch. The automatic bobbin winder helps you to replace the bobbin easily.
For ensuring a hassle-free sewing journey, it offers thread tension and twin needle capacity. With the free arm, you can sew sleeves and thick edges.
Besides, you can use the sewing machine with batteries or use electricity. Although you can adjust the sewing speed as you want.
It has top loading drop-in bobbin that supports you to push the thread through the needle. You will get extra accessories like a pack of needles, 4 bobbins, and a foot pedal.
Pros
- Inexpensive
- Versatile features
Cons
- Only basic stitches
3. Shop LC Mini Sewing Machine
| Brand | Shop LC Delivering Joy |
| Material | Metal |
| Weight | 2 Pounds |
| Power Source | Corded Electric |
| Dimensions | 13 x 10 x 4 inches |
Key Features
In this sewing machine, you will get double threads that help you to sew better. It comes up with stitch control for working smoothly.
You can carry the sewing machine anywhere you want. Consequently, the sewing machine provides the white-colored metal body with a purple-colored handwheel, bobbin, light switch, presser foot, thread tension, and bobbin holder.
To eliminate your thread, you can use the thread cutter. It has a lighting lamp to help you while working on your sewing projects.
You can easily change the bottom bobbin with the rewinding spool system. Nevertheless, it is a multifunctional sewing machine for beginners. Along with the features, you can sew cotton, linen, silk, canvas, and denim. Thus, you have to be more careful while sewing denim and canvas.
Furthermore, you can use a sewing machine with a battery. You can also choose an electric adapter to work with the sewing. For guiding you more, it provides an instruction book.
The sewing machine offers excellent stitch quality and sewing speed. Besides, it also includes a box of needles, needle threader, adapter, and 4 bobbins.
Pros
- Easy to carry
- Included sewing kit
- Suitable for beginners
- Foot pedal
- Budget-friendly
- Great for household projects
- Durable
Cons
- Limited use
4. Magicfly Mini Sewing Machine
| Brand | Magicfly |
| Color | White |
| Material | Metal |
| Weight | 1 Kilogram |
| Power Source | Battery Powered |
| Dimensions | 11″D x 12″W x 9.5″H |
Key Features
To begin with the features, it has two-speed options with a speed controller. With the help of built-in LED light, you can sew anytime.
It creates a bright workspace for you. This sewing machine comes up with an extended table that can support you to work on your projects. You will find some video tutorials for threading the sewing machine.
For your information, it offers double thread capacity. It is one of the suitable mini sewing machines for learners. With the sewing machine, you can easily sew clothes, home decorations, and DIY items. It has 12 built-in stitches like regular, utility, and buttonhole. You will get AC/DC power supply. Besides, you can choose batteries to run the sewing machine.
It offers a versatile sewing kit like a needle threader, 36 pcs of bobbins, a screwdriver, a measurer, 5 pcs of the needle, a foot pedal, an adapter, and a portable carrying bag.
You can sew cuffs and sleeves with the free arm capacity. The sewing machine allows you to sew different types of fabric even with multiple layers. Thus, you can read the instruction manual to operate the sewing machine better.
Pros
- Reverse stitch capacity
- Easy to use
- Great for DIY projects
Cons
- Noisy
- Irregular stitches
5. DAPRIL Mini Sewing Machine
| Brand | DAPRIL |
| Color | New-Green |
| Is Electric | Yes |
| Manufacturer | DAPRIL |
| Dimensions | 6.69″D x 11.81″W x 8.66″H |
Key Features
The sewing machine is specially designed for beginners. It offers a touch-button capacity that you can sew without any frustration. Along with these, this sewing machine has a lamp light around the workspace. You can work on long-term projects with the sewing machine. Nevertheless, this sewing machine provides a pre-threaded system.
It includes a feather-touch foot pedal that gives a smooth finishing to the fabrics. Moreover, you can sew home decors, curtains, masks, cushions, tote bags, and clothes as well. In this sewing machine, you will get a tray to create an extended workspace for you.
One of the most eye-catching features of the sewing machine is the New-Green colored body frame.
Pros
- User-friendly
- Easy to set up
- Multipurpose
- Simple to use
- Lightweight
Cons
- Limited features
How to Use a Mini Sewing Machine
A mini sewing machine is a small version of a normal-sized sewing machine. It works just like a regular machine but gives the advantages of portability – due to its lightweight and small size – and affordability.
Most of them cost less than $20, making them a must-have tool for the traveler because they will take care of sewing emergencies along the way. Using it is quite easy, and this is broken down into the following steps:
Put the parts together
Some sewing machines are shipped in parts while others are shipped as a complete set. Mini sewing machines are usually shipped as completely assembled units due to their small size.
However, parts such as the power cord and foot pedal must be plugged into the machine for first use. That is all you need to do as far as “assembly” is concerned with these small machines.
Thread the machine
This is a general step that must be done when you are using any type of sewing machine. Threading involves placing the thread spool on the spool pin and passing the thread through the thread guides. These guides are usually marked differently, depending on the machine manufacturer.
The final step in this process is threading the needle. Most advanced sewing machines come with in-built needle threaders, but mini sewing machines come with a separate needle threader (which helps maintain its small size). This component minimizes the strain and effort of pushing the thread into the needle hole, making this task a lot easier to accomplish.
Different manufacturers might build different threading processes into their machines, but if you have the know-how of threading one machine, the skill to thread a different type of machine comes naturally.
Wind and load the bobbin
The bobbin thread combines with the upper thread to form the stitches on your fabrics. Therefore, it is essential to wind the bobbin and do it properly. Most mini sewing machines do not have automatic bobbin winding systems, and thus, this has to be done manually.
The important thing to do in this step is to ensure that the thread is loaded into the bobbin evenly on all sides. This can be achieved by guiding the thread into it using your index finger while rotating the bobbin using the lowest speed of the machine.
After winding it, load it into the bobbin holder, then pull the string tip out and pull it using the needle by turning the handwheel if everything goes well, which it should, close the bobbin cover and proceed to the next step.
Test the machine stitching
Before going directly into stitching, it is important to test the machine to determine if it is properly threaded and set for use. You can use a small piece of waste fabric to try this out, and this will help you avoid destroying your fabrics just in case something goes wrong.
Test the different speeds
This goes hand in hand with testing the stitching. Even though they have limited features, some mini sewing machines come with different speed options have low speeds for beginners and faster speeds for the more experienced sewers. Testing these speeds will help you determine which one is the best for you before working on your actual project.
Begin stitching
After you have gone through all these, the next step is to begin working on your actual project. Something important to note here is that you need to place the mini machine on a flat and stable surface so that you can work comfortably and produce perfect stitches.
Apart from being portable, most mini sewing machines come with the option of using either batteries or mains power. Therefore, you can use batteries if the power goes off or when you are not close to a power outlet, then switch to mains power later on.
The flexibility, affordability, and portability of this machine make it a must-have tool for every sewer.
Are You Looking For Mini Sewing Machines? Here’s What You Need to Consider
It may feel like a daunting task when you are looking out in the market to buy mini-sewing machines. This is often due to the various models, brands, and types of machines that are out there in the market. It can often leave you confused with all the available options available for you to choose from.
However, when you consider buying a mini-sewing machine, you have to consider a few important things. If you consider the below-mentioned things before you make a purchase, you can be assured of getting the best value for your money by all means. We list these important things below that you can take into consideration before you make a purchase.
Getting the Basics Right
One of the foremost things you would have to consider in a sewing machine is getting the basics right. This can help you get along with any sewing quite easily. There are a few things that make up for the basics of a mini-sewing machine, and they are as follows:
- Metal Parts: Buying a mini-sewing machine that is made mostly of metal parts is important. This is essential because plastic parts are likely to break or get damaged quite easily. However, metal parts withstand the test of time. A metal rotary hook that goes around in a circle can help you to avoid jams. You may want to avoid hooks that spin back and forth.
- Open Arm: You can see that modern machines come with this feature. To slide towards one arm in a bid to sew legs or pants or sleeves, you may need this feature.
- Universal Pressure: A machine with universal pressure helps adjust toward the varying thickness of the material used. It would prevent materials from getting jammed while using thicker ones.
- Easy Threading: Machines that thread easily is suggested by experts for beginners or the ones using mini-sewing machines.
Variety of Stitching Options
The mini-sewing machine that you purchase should allow you to use different stitching options. Some of the basic stitching options that you may use include:
- Buttonhole
- Blind hem
- Tri-motion
- Stretch straight
- Zigzag
- Straight stitch
Electronic or Mechanical
The two major mini-sewing machines available are electronic and mechanical ones available in the market. Choosing a solid-state mini-sewing machine that is electronic can help you sew with multiple layers of material. It also enables you to sew with thicker materials like denim or leather.
Turning dials manually would be necessary with mechanical sewing machines. So, depending on what projects you wish to undertake, you can choose between electronic or mechanical mini-sewing machines.
Additional or Add-On Features
Always look for a machine that has provisions for features to be added on at a later point when you are in the process of sewing.
Some machines come with in-built features, while others have options of adding them on when necessary.
If your mini-sewing machine comes with either of these, it should be a good bargain for you.
Size and Weight
Always consider the size and weight of the mini-sewing machine that you wish to purchase. This depends on the space you have available for your sewing needs and how versatile or mobile you want the sewing machine.
A machine that is too heavy or big might not be ideal for most people. Hence, considering these are important for you while selecting a mini-sewing machine.
Budget, Service, and Warranty
These three are considered the most important for any mini-sewing machine. The mini-sewing machine that you wish to purchase should not go beyond your budget.
Apart from the budget, the service availability of the machine should also be good. With good service and a warranty provided by the manufacturer, you can ensure that you can get the desired help you wish for in times of need.
How to Thread a Mini Sewing Machine?
I understand the kind of excitement one would usually have as one buys a mini sewing machine for the first time. Many cute Mini sewing machines are around these days. However, apart from the brilliant compact look, mini sewing machines can be challenging to thread.
If you have just bought a sewing machine and are wondering how to thread it, I will explain and help you quickly comprehend everything you need to know to thread your mini sewing machine. We will get deep into how you can thread your mini sewing machine most appropriately. So, let’s jump in.
To begin with, you must first place your spool (thread) on the spindle. The spindle is at the top of the machine. After that, you have to get your thread through 7 places. In the final step, you would need to pass the thread through the needle eye.
How To Thread A Mini Sewing Machine In 7 Simple Steps
- First, you have to place your thread spool on the spindle and pass your thread through the first coil, from right to left.
- Next, you must pass your thread through the tension controller towards the left side, which has the same purple color as the bobbin. The tension controller comprises two metal discs, and you must pass your thread between the two discs. Right after you do that, you will experience tension in the thread.
- You can now pass your thread through the second coil, just as you did with the first coil. You must pass the thread from right to left.
- You must pass the thread through the up-down lever positioned on the machine’s head after you do that. The lever has a hole in it through which you could put your thread from right to left.
- In the fifth step, you would need to pass your thread through another coil located below the lever, and this time, you are going to pass the thread from the top to the down direction.
- Next, look for the little metal plate where the needle sites, and you will notice a hole slightly above the needle. You must pass your thread through this hole.
- Once you do that, it’s time that you put the thread through the eye of the needle. To get the needle’s eye visible, you can get the needle a little up and have the handwheel face towards you. You could pass the thread from right to left and pull the threader a bit backward from the needle’s eye.
You finally have threaded your mini sewing, and I am sure it should not be difficult anymore to know how to do it. However, you have to bear in mind not to yank the threaded needle to get extra thread. Doing this can damage your needle and even the lever.
The best way you can pull out extra thread is by grabbing the thread on the left of the tension controller and pulling it down vertically. That way, you can create a loop of additional threads.
Conclusion
When you are going to purchase a sewing machine, you have to make a budget for it. However, making a budget is necessary for buying a sewing machine for beginners. As a newbie, you should look for the cheapest sewing machine with better sewing quality.
You have to learn sewing before buying a sewing machine. In the first stage of learning, you have to carry your sewing machine to the sewing sessions. So, it is better to choose a lightweight sewing machine.
If you want to buy a sewing machine with multipurpose features, then you can choose MICHLEY LSS-202. For durability, Magicfly mini sewing machine can be a good choice for you. When it comes to basic features, you can pick the KPCB mini sewing machine or DAPRIL Mini Sewing Machine. It is up to you. Thus, you can choose among the best mini sewing machines.