Millions of people find mini sewing machines to be a daily lifesaver. Whether you spend most of your time at home, at the office, attending classes, or on the go, one of these miniature machines could prove invaluable. Here are five reasons why:

1. No matter how crowded your space is, you’ve got room for a mini. Minis are the smallest of all sewing machines. They are as light as a feather, typically only a pound or two at most, and have an extremely compact size that makes them usable in even the tightest of conditions.

If you have a space that you can dedicate full time to sewing and crafts, congratulations, you are one of the lucky few. But if you need to turn your desk, table, or nightstand into a temporary workspace, a mini machine could be the answer.

2. Minis can be used almost anywhere… no outlet required.
Many manufacturers offer cordless minis, and several models give you the option of AC or battery power. This means you can use them almost anywhere: when you’re camping, when you’re traveling, or even in your car.

3. Limited storage space? No problem with a mini!
If you have even a few inches of free space, you can store a mini machine. But shelf space is optional, because most minis are small enough to fit in a drawer. This makes them perfect for a bedroom or an office.

4. Minis are super portable.
Even the largest mini machines weigh less than five pounds, making them easy to transport. The smaller minis can easily fit into a suitcase, briefcase, or backpack.

5. Minis are versatile and efficient
The idea behind mini machines is to make sewing fast, simple, and convenient. While they don’t pack all the features of full-size machines, they definitely offer amazing versatility and efficiency in a small package.

Tabletop minis, very small versions of standard sewing machines with limited features, offer the most options. Many mini tabletop models include variable speeds and adjustable stitch length, foot pedal power control, and other “big machine” features. Tabletop minis can be cordless or AC powered, with many offering the option for either.

Handheld minis definitely have limited features and capabilities, but they’re designed to do one thing: straight stitch for quick craft projects and emergency repairs, and they do it well. Most are cordless, but some models can also run on AC.