LIGHTWEIGHT SEWING MACHINES

There are two types of lightweight sewing machines: miniature and full-sized. Miniature sewing machines are extremely portable and very lightweight, but they won’t do more than basic sewing tasks. They will travel well and won’t weigh you down, but don’t expect to have more than a handful of stitches or any durable ability. They will also be among the cheapest sewing machines you can buy.

Full size sewing machines are less portable, but there are many machines that are still very light and don’t take up much space. They have more features and are often more expensive. The smallest full size sewing machines will be mechanical rather than computerized sewing machines. These machines are smaller than traditional sewing machines and many people like to use them. Here are some reasons why you need your own mini sewing machine.

SEWING FEATURES OF LIGHT SEWING MACHINES

Here is a list of things to consider when choosing the best lightweight sewing machine.

• Weight and size

Please check the weight and size of your sewing machine before purchasing. You know the dimensions of your workspace and the maximum weight you can lift and transport. If you want to travel with a larger sewing machine, consider choosing a rolling sewing machine bag to help you transport the sewing machine.

• Carrying handle

If the sewing machine is on the larger side, check the back or top to make sure it has a handle. My Brother CS6000i sewing machine has a molded handle on the back, while my Brother SE625 embroidery machine has a folding handle on top.

• Stitch options

All sewing machines come with a straight stitch, although some miniature sewing machines may not be equipped with a reverse straight stitch option. Other basic stitches like zigzag stitch, blind hem stitch, basting stitch or satin stitch may be something you want to look for as well.

• Presser feet

Presser feet hold the fabric in place while sewing. All sewing machines will include a universal zigzag foot to cover most projects. However, if you want more sewing options, it can be nice to look for a buttonhole, buttonhole, zipper, or even a hemming foot when shopping.

• Buttonholes

If you are sewing clothes, choose a sewing machine that can sew buttonholes. Personally, I love the one-step automatic buttonhole feature, but you’ll have to decide if that’s a big deal for you compared to the manual four-step buttonhole.

• Automatic needle threader

As you get into the more sophisticated small full size sewing machines, you will find several sewing machines that come with an automatic needle threader. The lever and hook apparatus on the side of the machine helps you thread the needle “automatically” instead of doing it yourself. Although these devices have a small learning curve, they are very useful once you get the hang of them.

2 BEST MODELS OF LIGHT SEWING MACHINES

• NEX Portable Sewing Machine

The NEX Portable Sewing Machine offers a bit more than the Janome Basic Sewing Machine, but is fairly comparable in price. If you don’t mind a separate branded sewing machine, the NEX sewing machine offers a lot of features in a very compact machine.

With 12 stitches, a buttonhole stitch and an overlook stitch are included. Although only one presser foot is included, it can be removed and replaced with most other generic presser feet. Unlike other truly miniature machines, this NEX machine has a more stable base as well as a reverse stitch function.

Since this falls more into the realm of miniature sewing machines than full-fledged sewing machines, there are some other nifty features. For example, you can use batteries to run the machine! Although you can use the included power adapter, if you want to sew on a camping trip, for example, you don’t have to look for a power source.

• Mini sewing machine with extension table

Miniature sewing machines are just that: miniature.

They weigh less than 3 pounds and fit into a small space. The folding wide table included in most versions is removable, which means that the machine itself takes up even less space.

It’s not a full-fledged sewing machine, but it finds its place in the sewing machine community as a small sewing machine that costs very little and works for people looking for a simple sewing machine for basic sewing tasks. For example, mending clothes or making simple alterations.

There is no zigzag or reverse stitch, so keep that in mind before purchasing. Also, setting up and threading the mini sewing machine is more difficult because the included instructions are not very informative. Many brands like KPCB, Varmax and Magicfly sell very similar miniature sewing machines.

REASONS WHY YOU NEED A LIGHTWEIGHT SEWING MACHINE

• Takes up little space – Even if you have little space at home, you can fit in a mini sewing machine. Minis are very small, they don’t weigh much and you can use them practically anywhere. This allows you to set up the machine in your home, even if you don’t have a dedicated space for it.
• Use them anywhere – One great thing about mini sewing machines is that you can use them anywhere. Many minis are actually wireless, allowing you to use them even if you don’t have an electrical outlet available.
• Easy to store – Because the mini sewing machine is small, it does not take up much space when stored. Even if you don’t have much space, there will be a place for this mini.
• Portability – Another reason to have a mini sewing machine is its portability. Since they are very light, you can easily take them with you almost anywhere. If you travel, you can easily put them in your suitcase and take them with you.
• Efficiency – You will also find that the mini sewing machine is very efficient. It does a great job and is also comfortable and simple, which definitely makes it a great choice if you like to sew but have little space to work with.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR IN A LIGHTWEIGHT SEWING MACHINE

If you’re looking for a quick and convenient way to do quick repairs and on-the-fly repairs, you might want to consider super-light hand-held models that can be plugged in and used without any setup.

If you need simple sewing for craft projects, a manual hand machine will do the trick. But if you want a little more versatility and power for your craft projects, check out the desktop mini models. The desktop mini can be stored on a shelf or out of the corner, and their super light weight makes them extremely portable.

If you are looking for a very simple machine for the beginning sewer, the mini machine may not be your best choice. And if you’re looking for a very basic machine for beginning sewers over 12 years old, the compact might be a better choice.

Conclusion

Lightweight sewing machines are a perfect example of the old saying, “good things come in small packages.” One of the most attractive things about these little machines is the small price tag. Most mini sewing machines are very affordable and cost a fraction of the price of a full size machine. Minis are available in both electric and cordless versions.