Buying guide
Best lightweight sewing machines
Chosen from what the Amazon listings state, not tested by us. How we pick
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Top picks at a glance
Compare them allBest overall
Janome 360DC: 5.5 kg, 60 stitches and hard cover
A 7 mm zigzag width gives bolder satin and decorative stitches than 5 mm machines.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkBest value
Brother SH40: 4.5 kg with 40 stitches and LCD
At 4.5 kg it is joint lightest here, yet computerised with an LCD screen.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate linkMost features
Brother FS40WTS: 5.9 kg with wide table
A wide table extension is included for quilting and larger pieces at home.
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
A lightweight sewing machine earns its keep if you sew at classes, share a table that has to be cleared, or keep the machine in a cupboard. The aim is a machine you can lift without strain that still does everything a beginner or improver needs: straight and zigzag stitches, a buttonhole, a free arm for cuffs and trouser legs, and ideally a cover or case to protect it on the move. Weight is not everything, though. Very light machines can shift on the table when sewing thick fabric, so look at the build and feed as well. This guide compares seven full function machines between 4.5 and 6.7 kg on stated weight, stitch count, buttonhole type, free arm and included cover or case. All facts come from the listings. Where a listing does not mention a free arm or cover we write Not stated, which does not always mean the machine lacks it.
All products compared
- Janome 360DC: 5.5 kg, 60 stitches and hard cover
- Weight
- 5.5 kg
- Stitches
- 60
- Buttonhole
- 6 styles
- Free arm
- Extra large
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Brother SH40: 4.5 kg with 40 stitches and LCD
- Weight
- 4.5 kg
- Stitches
- 40
- Buttonhole
- 1 step, 5 styles
- Free arm
- Not stated
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Brother FS40WTS: 5.9 kg with wide table
- Weight
- 5.9 kg
- Stitches
- 40
- Buttonhole
- 1 step
- Free arm
- Not stated
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Brother JX17FE: 4.5 kg with carry handle
- Weight
- 4.5 kg
- Stitches
- 17
- Buttonhole
- 4 step
- Free arm
- Yes
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Janome J3-24: 6 kg with free arm and 1 step buttonhole
- Weight
- 6 kg
- Stitches
- 24
- Buttonhole
- Auto 1 step
- Free arm
- Yes
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Janome 725S: 6.7 kg with hard cover and drop feed
- Weight
- 6.7 kg
- Stitches
- 25
- Buttonhole
- 1 step
- Free arm
- Not stated
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link - Singer 3221: 5.7 kg with 21 programmes
- Weight
- 5.7 kg
- Stitches
- 21
- Buttonhole
- Fully automatic
- Free arm
- Not stated
Check price on AmazonAffiliate link
| Product | Weight | Stitches | Buttonhole | Free arm | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Janome 360DC: 5.5 kg, 60 stitches and hard cover | 5.5 kg | 60 | 6 styles | Extra large | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Brother SH40: 4.5 kg with 40 stitches and LCD | 4.5 kg | 40 | 1 step, 5 styles | Not stated | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Brother FS40WTS: 5.9 kg with wide table | 5.9 kg | 40 | 1 step | Not stated | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Brother JX17FE: 4.5 kg with carry handle | 4.5 kg | 17 | 4 step | Yes | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Janome J3-24: 6 kg with free arm and 1 step buttonhole | 6 kg | 24 | Auto 1 step | Yes | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Janome 725S: 6.7 kg with hard cover and drop feed | 6.7 kg | 25 | 1 step | Not stated | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
| Singer 3221: 5.7 kg with 21 programmes | 5.7 kg | 21 | Fully automatic | Not stated | Check price on AmazonAffiliate link |
Details as stated in the Amazon listing or by the manufacturer. See the current price on Amazon.
The products in detail
No. 1 · Janome
Janome 360DC: 5.5 kg, 60 stitches and hard cover
A compact computerised Janome with 60 utility and decorative stitches, six buttonholes, a 7 mm zigzag width and a large LCD that shows tips for the chosen stitch. A hard cover is included.
In its favour
- A 7 mm zigzag width gives bolder satin and decorative stitches than 5 mm machines.
- Adjustable presser foot pressure and a 7 segment feed dog are listed for even feeding.
- Six presser feet are listed, including zipper, satin, blind stitch and automatic buttonhole feet.
Good to know
- There is no automatic thread cutter in the listing.
- At 5.5 kg it is light, so it may shift when sewing heavy layers.
Listing title: Decor Computer 360 DC Sewing Machine
No. 2 · Brother
Brother SH40: 4.5 kg with 40 stitches and LCD
A computerised Brother at just 4.5 kg with 40 stitches, 5 one step buttonhole styles, slide speed control, start/stop, needle threader, drop feed and an LCD screen.
In its favour
- At 4.5 kg it is joint lightest here, yet computerised with an LCD screen.
- Slide speed control and a start/stop button suit nervous beginners.
- A 3 year limited warranty is stated in the listing.
Good to know
- The listing does not mention a free arm or carry case.
- Light weight may let it move on the table with heavy fabric.
Listing title: SH40 Computerised Sewing Machine
No. 3 · Brother
Brother FS40WTS: 5.9 kg with wide table
A computerised Brother at 5.9 kg with 40 stitches, a 1 step buttonhole, backlit LCD, speed control, needle threader, drop feed and a wide extension table.
In its favour
- A wide table extension is included for quilting and larger pieces at home.
- Backlit LCD and adjustable speed control are listed.
- Drop feed allows free motion embroidery and quilting.
Good to know
- The wide table adds bulk to carry if you take it to classes.
- No cover or case is mentioned in the listing.
Listing title: Brother FS40WTS Sewing Machine with Wide Table
No. 4 · Brother
Brother JX17FE: 4.5 kg with carry handle
A compact mechanical Brother at 4.5 kg with 17 stitches, a 4 step buttonhole, free arm, built-in carry handle and a metal internal structure.
In its favour
- A carrying handle is built into the machine for easy transport.
- The free arm suits trouser legs, cuffs and other tubular sewing.
- Double height presser foot lift and a metal plate help with thicker fabric.
Good to know
- A 4 step buttonhole takes more steps than a 1 step system.
- Only 17 stitches, and no cover or case is mentioned.
Listing title: Brother JX17FE
No. 5 · Couling
Janome J3-24: 6 kg with free arm and 1 step buttonhole
A simple Janome at 6 kg with 24 stitches, an automatic 1 step buttonhole, quick foot change, free arm and built-in needle threader.
In its favour
- Automatic 1 step buttonhole and built-in needle threader are listed.
- A free arm is included for circular sewing such as cuffs.
- Compact at 15 by 40 by 28 cm, easy to store in a cupboard.
Good to know
- No cover or case is mentioned in the listing.
- Speed control and an LCD screen are not mentioned in the listing.
Listing title: J3-24 Sewing Machine
No. 6 · Janome
Janome 725S: 6.7 kg with hard cover and drop feed
A Janome at 6.7 kg with 25 stitches, a 1 step buttonhole, drop feed, needle threader, jam proof drop-in bobbin, extra high presser foot lift and a hard cover.
In its favour
- A hard cover is included for carrying and storage.
- Extra high presser foot lift and foot pressure adjustment are listed.
- A 2 year manufacturer warranty and 10 years of EU spare parts are stated.
Good to know
- At 6.7 kg it is the heaviest machine in this guide.
- Free arm is not mentioned in the listing.
Listing title: Janome 725S Sewing Machine
No. 7 · Singer
Singer 3221: 5.7 kg with 21 programmes
A simple Singer at 5.7 kg with 21 sewing programmes, decorative stitches and a fully automatic buttonhole, a straightforward machine for classes.
In its favour
- A fully automatic buttonhole is listed, easier than 4 step systems.
- Twenty one programmes cover utility and decorative stitches.
- At 5.7 kg it is easy to lift onto a class table.
Good to know
- The listing is very brief and does not mention a free arm or cover.
- No needle threader, speed control or warranty is stated.
Listing title: Singer Sewing Machine 3221 21 Programs White and Blue, white, One Size
More buying guides: Beginner machines
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