Top Rated Portable Sewing Machines

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Are you looking for top rated portable sewing machines? Well, you’ve come to the right place.



Top rated portable sewing machines have…

  1. Solid Construction
  2. A way to store the machine when not in use
  3. Offer some level of power for completing projects.
  4. Weight under 20LBS for easy carrying

Below, I’ve provided a list of machines both old and new.

Here’s 3 of the best  compact vintage sewing machines to consider.

Model Dimensions Weight Other
Singer Featherweight 221 14 7/8 W x 7 1/4 D x 9 3/4 H 11LBS 4oz Costs is quite expensive due to demand.
Kenmore 3/4 size machine 158.1020, 1030, 1040, 1045, 1050, or 1060. unsure of exact dimension 15LBS without case 17LBS with case. (158.1040) Slight difference in weight depending on which model you get.
Elna Lotus ZZ or SP unsure of exact dimension 14LBS Nice lightweight but difficult to find in some areas.

There are vintage models that didn’t make the list because they don’t meet the under 20LBS weight requirements.

Small vintage sewing machines above 20LBS are as follows:

  1. Morse 221 (24.4LBS)
  2. Elna SuperMatic  (18LBS but add an additional 10LBS for the case).
  3. Singer 99 (22LBS)
  4. Singer 185K (30LBS)
  5. Brother 031 (not sure exact weight but chunky)
  6. Brother Pacesetter  FZ-2 (27.5LBS)
  7. Bernina 801 sport (25LBS)

Here’s a few new sewing machines to consider.*All of these include a case.

Model Dimensions Weight Other
Pfaff Passport 2.0 or 3.0 Models 22w x 16h x 11d 2.0 version is 13.9LBS

3.0 version 14.7

 *Not sure if  weight includes hard cover.
Janome Sewist 725S 16w x 11.9h x 7d 14.8lbs Solid model for a beginner

Here are some new models that didn’t quite make the list because they don’t include a carrying case.

1.Bernette B35 (13.4LBS)

2. Singer 4452 (14.6LBS)

3. Brother Strong and Tough ST150HDH (10.14LBS)

Overall

The vintage sewing machines are always going to be the most durable in terms of longevity. At the same time,  there are brand new small machines that offer a lot of modern day conveniences. The new machines don’t offer as much longevity, but may be a good option for you if you want an automatic needle threader or thread cutter.

*This is a bit of a side note: But, I have a video with information about sewing in a small space. You may check it out by clicking this link or the photo above.

Other Helpful Articles

Kenmore 1030: A Brief Discussion

A Look Inside Janome Sewist 500 Sewing Machine

The Best Vintage Sewing Machines To Buy Now

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2 Comments

  1. Anita Hayes says:
    March 29, 2024 at 10:25 pm

    Hi. In search of the Lotus which I couldn’t get, I found the elna Stella. It’s 16 pounds and is a very user friendly and sturdy machine from late 70s and 80s. I have a picture of them if you want. Its cool how they store all the essentials in the top compartment. Just like Lotus, a bit bigger. thanks for your blog!

    Reply

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