5 Best Portable Sewing Machine 2021 – Strong Enough!

Last updated on October 17th, 2021 at 02:01 pm

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best-mini-sewing-machine

Portable sewing machine cannot replace the regular ones but can serve as a strong back up. With a strong motor, they will sew through quite some materials.

A perfect place to start for any beginner or any professional who needs a backup small sewing machine.

First let’s start with comparing the top 5 portable sewing machine 2021.

Afterward I will go into the details and review each one.

Comparing Best Portable Sewing Machine 2021

FeaturesJanome Merlot Sew Mini Sewing MachineBrother XM2701 Sewing MachineJanome Fast Lane Portable Sewing MachineImax FHSM-202MICHLEY LSS-202 LIL’ SEW Mini
Number of Stitches2271011
Automatic Needle ThreaderNoYesNoYesYes
Stitch Per Minute350800350-         -         
Colour Options31811
Finger GuardNoNoYesNoNo
LED LightNoYesNoYesNo
Speed ControllerNoVariable SpeedNo2-Speed2-Speed
Weight7 lbs.12.6 lbs.5 lbs.2.09 lbs.1.76 lbs.
Battery PoweredNoNoNoYesYes
Size13.8 x 12.2 x 7 inches12.1 x 5.9 x 15.3 inches10.5 x 5 x 9 inches9.2 x 8.4 x 5.4-Inch7.7 x 4.5 x 8.3 inches

Here are my

5 Best Portable Sewing Machine for 2021

You’ve got many options to choose from!

Janome Merlot Sew Mini Sewing Machine

This is a sewing machine that can fit into your hand bag. Anywhere and anytime you feel like carrying out your sewing projects, this portable sewing machine is ready to fit in perfectly.

More like a sewing machine that you can take to class or a client’s place to carry out a project. You can even make this a travel sewing machine.

As it is meant for a beginner, there’s a reverse button that will make sewing easier.

Looking at the cost and function, this is a nice offer. There may be the absence of sophisticated features but this sewing machine is ok for kids or any individual always on the go.
Features Recap:

  • 7 Pounds of Total Weight
  • 4 Point Feed Dog
  • Wall Plug
  • Powerful Motor
  • J Style Drop In bobbin
  • 1 Presser Feet Included

Brother XM2701 Sewing Machine – Portable/Sophisticated

Brother packed a lot in this mini sewing machine. A look at it will reveal how careful Brothers Engineers were in the design. In the end, it came out as a simple sewing machine that even professionals adore. Interestingly, this machine isn’t made only for entry level users but also experts in the sewing profession.

Packed with six sewing feet and instructional DVD that help you settle down quickly. With the LED light, you are able to work or practice at odd hours. The threading and bobbin winding system of this portable sewing machine is exemplary, making sewing easier and faster.

Don’t look down on the Brother XM2701, riding over material in a jiffy is what it is made for. You also have adequate sewing options that brings out your creativity. However, the LED light is a concern. Yet, this machine is as sophisticated as it should be for the price and portability.
Features Recap:

  • Six Sewing Feet
  • LED Light
  • Twin Needle
  • Automatic Needle Threader
  • Instructional DVD
  • 2 Pounds
  • Extra Spool Spin

 Janome Fast Lane Portable Sewing Machine – Classy

Janome Fast Lane sewing machine comes in eight different colors and all that is needed to get started. Regardless of the immovable nature of the feed dogs, several materials can still be sewn. The unique feature of this sewing machine is the safety measure put in place to protect both young and old users. There’s a plastic finger guard that ensure your finger is not stitched.

You can get this in any color that your little girl loves, or any color that suits you also. This machine is without all the bells and whistles like the other machines, but the basic features are enough. 

We are talking about mini sewing machines, but this one is indeed comparable. Don’t look down on the basic features, even experienced users will still bring a project to fruition with it.
Features Recap:

  • 10 Built in Stitches
  • Available in 8 Colors
  • Finger Guard
  • 5 Pounds weight
  • Power Cord
  • Hand Wheel
  • J Style Bobbin
  • Left and Centre Needle Positioning

Imax FHSM-202 – Small Sewing Machine

Best described as perfect, strong and basic. Just feed in the material, take your mind off the fragile look of this mini sewing machine, your jeans or denim will be handled perfectly. The double threading mechanism of the Imax will deliver a perfect stitch, you can even control the stitch speed to a level you can handle.

Imagine a sewing machine that is easy to use by anyone and does not hurt the pocket. At the same time, it delivers excellently on every task. Small but powerful, Imax LSS-202 will ride over nearly every material you feed it. The main strong point of this machine is the weight, at just 2 pounds.  

You need not search too far for the perfect sewing machine for your girls, this is good enough to start learning the age long craft. There’s even a light around the needle portion to help for illumination at night. 
Features Recap:

  • Top Drop-in Bobbin
  • 1 Built in Stitches
  • 110 Volt Power
  • 1 Pounds
  • Battery and Electricity Powered
  • Automatic Thread Rewind
  • Speed Controller
  • 2 x 8.4 x 5.4-Inch dimension


MICHLEY LSS-202 LIL’ SEW Mini – Battery Powered Mini Sewing Machine Option

Apart from the pint-size, there’s no difference between the performance and delivery of this sewing machine compared to the larger ones. This is the smallest yet excellent machine in the market. At the same time, coming at a very pocket friendly price.

In case you’ve dreamed of a sewing machine that can slip into your bag and sit on your laps, then Michley LSS-202 is perfect. There may be just two built-in stiches, but it is strong enough to sew your denim, blankets and window blinds.

Just like most mini sewing machine, this can be powered with battery or the power cord. However, this portable sewing machine delivers better through the power cable. Arguably a good value for the money as it packs a lot for less. 
Features Recap:

  • 42 Piece Sewing Kit
  • 2 Built in stitches; zigzag and straight stitch
  • Thread Bag
  • Hand Wheel
  • Foot Pedal and Adapter
  • 2 Pounds weight
  • Battery/Electricity Powered.


Final Verdict

Most of the portable sewing machine reviewed may not be a household name but their efficacy and performance has never been in doubt. Overall, MICHLEY LSS-202 LIL’ SEW & SEW MINI 2-SPEED has emerged as a game changer. With a pocket friendly rate, size and features, it’s a good value for the money.

Looking to buy the perfect gift for your young daughter, god daughter, nephew or cousin?  Janome Fast Lane Portable Sewing Machine is the way to look. With a beautiful design and beautiful colours. This small sewing machine is embodied both beauty and performance.


What makes a sewing machine Portable?

There are certain attributes that qualifies a sewing machine to have “portable, mini or small” attached to it.

  1. The size and weight.

A look through any of the portable sewing machine recommended above will reveal the average weight of between 2 to 7 pounds. This makes mobility and set-up easy. The machine will slide into your back pack or carry bag, ready to follow you anywhere.

  1. The source of power

The power source of a portable sewing machine must also allow it to be used anywhere. There must be an arrangement for an alternative power. A good portable sewing machine must allow for the use of battery and also the traditional source of electricity.