Hand held sewing machine

I don't think it's designed for constant use Stoker48 but then I have never used one and I doubt that I would. Could you work on a kitchen worktop?

I have seen some of these which do a chain stitch, not a locked stitch. Chain stitch can come under done very easily so I would avoid it. Could you get a folding table and use a small light-weight (not handheld) machine on it, then put the table away behind a sofa or similar when you are finished with it?

undone, not underdone!

I think they are just for running repairs, or maybe a hem.

For sewing you do need a table for more than just the machine. Cutting out, for example - crawling round the floor is hard on the knees and back - and putting pieces together on a flat surface.

Places like hobbycraft sell much smaller sewing machines but they are limited in what they can do ie only very thin material etc. but they can cost more than standard size machines. I got mine last year in Aldi fir about £30. It’s lightweight too. I wouldn't recommend a hand held one. Not that I am expert.

Thank you all so much for taking time to reply.
I won’t go with the hand held one for all the reasons you outline but I’ll keep eye out in Aldi . That sounds just the job.
Thanks again x