Can anyone recommend a small travel sewing machine?

Question

I travel a lot and can't take a full size sewing machine along. I would love to get a small travel sewing machine that would be satisfactory to use for making clothes. I don't expect it to be as good as a full size machine but I want it to do more than just repairs.

Answer 1

You'd be surprised at what you can get in a lightweight machine.  My mother in law traveled with an Elna Lotus in her purse (ok, she likes big purses) all over the world.  They're now vintage collectibles, and rather high priced, but they're excellent little machines in the 12-14 lb range.  All the accessories are stored in a tray in the machine, and the case unfolds to become the table of the machine, then simply snaps back up when you're done.  

I've heard good things about current lightweight Janomes and Babylocks, at least as class machines -- some in about the 11-12 lb range.  Not sure how they'd hold up under airline travel conditions.

I'd also suggest checking out the machine reviews on http://www.patternreview.com  They even have a comparator of machines with properties you want, like needle position selection.  You will have to join to read older reviews, but the basic membership is free, and there is no spamming nor selling of email addresses.  (I've been a member since it was a shiny new site.)