# Best lightweight sewing machines Source: https://stitchandhem.co.uk/best/best-lightweight-sewing-machines Publisher: Stitch and Hem. Picks are based on what the Amazon listings state, not on hands-on testing. Method: https://stitchandhem.co.uk/how-we-pick 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. ## Products ### 1. Decor Computer 360 DC Sewing Machine Stitches: 60; Buttonholes: 6; Speed control: Infinitely variable; Needle up/down: Yes; Weight: 5.5 kg 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. ### 2. SH40 Computerised Sewing Machine Weight: 4.5 kg; Stitches: 40; Buttonhole: 1 step, 5 styles; Free arm: Not stated; Cover or case: Not stated 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. ### 3. Brother FS40WTS Sewing Machine with Wide Table Weight: 5.9 kg; Stitches: 40; Buttonhole: 1 step; Free arm: Not stated; Cover or case: Not stated 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. ### 4. Brother JX17FE Weight: 4.5 kg; Stitches: 17; Buttonhole: 4 step; Free arm: Yes; Cover or case: Not stated 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. ### 5. J3-24 Sewing Machine Weight: 6 kg; Stitches: 24; Buttonhole: Auto 1 step; Free arm: Yes; Cover or case: Not stated 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. ### 6. Janome 725S Sewing Machine Weight: 6.7 kg; Stitches: 25; Buttonhole: 1 step; Free arm: Not stated; Cover or case: Hard cover 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. ### 7. Singer Sewing Machine 3221 21 Programs White and Blue, white, One Size Weight: 5.7 kg; Stitches: 21; Buttonhole: Fully automatic; Free arm: Not stated; Cover or case: Not stated 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. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.