For me it's reassuring that people who started sewing with that Singer usually are still using it once they are experienced. To me that's the best endorsement that can be made. I'm okay paying a little more now if it's dependable enough that I can grow with it for years and still like it once I know what I'm doing.
After sewing for 40 years with Singer machines I decided to get a new machine in the early 90s so of course I blindly marched to a Singer dealer and bought a machine. What a piece of junk! I got rid of it as fast as I could and after lots of comparison I bought a European machine. Much better made and much more reliable. The only Singer machines I have now are a couple of Featherweights that were made in the 1930s.
@@hobbyhopper3143At one point in its history the manufacture of Singer was moved to Eastern Europe and the quality went ‘plop’. Unfortunately, it appears you bought a ‘plopper’. Singer was taken over by SVP who also own Pfaff and Husqvarna Viking. And the quality is back up again. I was lucky. I was warned and went for a Husqie instead.
Been sewing since 1968. I used to buy Brothers at first, always breaking (1980's-90's) Then got Singers. Ditched all my Singers (3) 9 years ago, except my embroiderer, can't justify a better one. Janome's are what I have now, (Memory Craft, HD and a serger) and a Q'nique longarm with automation. I sew lots of clothes and quilts. And quilted clothes. 😂
I’ve been looking into this, and this is the most helpful video I’ve watched. I love that he went though the trouble of asking others their opinions on machines too!
In Germany, Singer has grown veeeery unpopular since they transferred their production to China. Granted, their supermarket/ discounter models are now cheap money as well as quality wise. But as soon as you start spending a little more money, you also get your money's worth. I upgraded from a discounter Singer to a Heavy Duty Denim last year and I really love it. With my latest project, I'm making it stitch through 20 layers of fabric at a time. This machine is going strong.
Thank you for this comment!! I use a Singer Heavy Duty but since I work with thick fabrics it still gets stuck sometimes. I've been wanting a new machine that's tough enough for what I sew without being super expensive or complicated to maintain. I didn't know Singer made a denim model and happy to learn it can handle that much fabric!!! It sounds perfect for what I need, I'm so glad you shared your experience with it
I have been sewing for 60 years and I've used and owned many machines each with its own strengths and weaknesses. The last time I brought a machine in for servicing, the shop had an unbelievable number of Singer 4423 machines needing major repairs; by far the number one machine brought in for repair. That seems to be because the term 'Heavy Duty' leads to the false assumption the machine can speed sew through many layers of heavy weight fabric with no regard to needle size, stitch length etc. Not many machines can withstand that kind of abuse and still stitch beautifully. I think you did a good job of demonstrating a slow steady pace and care when using each machine.
how the hell do I stop this machines presser foot from moving so much when it sews hard to explain in text but a normal presser foot even walking foot does NOT move like this machine does! I cant figure out if I got a defect or this machine is just not for me!
@@aviantileathersandfurs9596 Presser feet don't move. Check the back of the machine for the feed dog up/down. You want it on the one that looks like arrows pointing up, WITHOUT the line above it.
i used to repair video cameras, my main brand in for repair was Canon, but canon sold the most cameras too, back then when ever someone asked what brand to buy i told them Canon, point of the story seeing items in for repair does not mean its actually bad, maybe the repair shop does the Singer underwarranty, not having a go at you for your observation just giving another point of view, but your comment with the layers and stich/needle size is spot on too. Happy Sweing
I’ve got a Singer Heavy Duty and it is a good machine but with limitations. It is not an industrial machine. My mother was a professional seamstress and used industrial machines and they are not for the faint hearted.
Holy crap man the amount of hours of editing and filming this video took. The effort was insane on this one! Big proud so much good info and input thank you brotha
Singer has come along way. They were good to start out with back in the olden days, then they went to cheap in the 70's and now they are going strong with many of their machines. They have come along way.
Hey man, love your videos and content, thankyou so much ! Ive just bought the singer HD 4423 and im completely new to sewing. I found its starting speed to be way too fast for me to do accurate stitching. I had a look on reddit and found out theres a TINY hole in the bottom of the foot pedal to adjust the starting speed of the machine. Counter intuitively, turning it towards the + makes the starting speed slower on my machine. Just wanted to see if you could make people aware of this, as i would be struggling massively without it. Thankyou so much, your videos have been part of whats inspired me to begin sewing!
@@ohwow-_- common sense and logic should answer your question. If they were complaining that it was too fast and then told you about an adjustment screw and then saying they wouldn’t be able to use it without that. Doesn’t that basically answer your question?
Subscribing simply because you had the mind to know that it’s a BEGINNER watching this video, therefore you proceeded to explain how a sewing machine works, which was so helpful as this is my first ever sewing machine video. 👏🏽
Before I start watching I just want to say thank you for being a real human being. I've seen written reviews that are just copies of copies of copies, and there's no way to know whether those have even been AI generated or not. It's relieving to see that there's a real person behind this.
My very own machine in 1964 was a Kenmore. It is metal easy to thread and easy to sew with and came with many sewing attachments. i HAVE MOVED OVER THE YEARS AND IT HAS GONE WITH ME. Yep I still am using the same machine. I clean it and oil it 2 times a year. I have made school clothes for 3 kids and many gifts on it I now have 2 Singer 1920s machines, but still keep on going with the Kenmore.
Kenmore was not actually a manufacturer but rather a label - they outsourced their manufacturing to other major brands. Their sewing machines were actually manufactured by several different brands over the years (some good and some bad), so while some old Kenmores are amazing old workhorses, other ones were pretty terrible/unreliable (I've experienced both). Unfortunately it's not really the "Kenmore" brand name that means anything, it's the model/era.
Singers are literal work horses. Both their knitting flatbeds and sewing machines just work and don't break down. We have had one since I was little (mother bought it in the early 1990s) it STILL works today (just needs some oil)
I use a portable Electric Singer from 1938. My grandfather purchased it shortly after my mom was born. All the parts are original and it still runs like a champ.
I live in a religious community who only wears hand made clothing. All of the girls are given Bernina as graduation gifts. I've got a Singer and the Bernina is way beyond. Doesn't matter the model. Bernina just feel high quality.
I have recently bought a second-hand Bernina, mechanical model, to replace my computerised Bernina Activa, once its motherboard collapses. ( Apparently they do after some years) The Bernina I bought recently, is a Bernina Record, 60 years old and sews like a dream!! My other machine is a semi-industrial Juki, which I use for quilting of large quilts.
This is the fifth “what sewing machine should I buy” video I’ve watched. I don’t have to look any further. Thank you so much for your informative, well thought-out video. You’ve sold me. On my way to buy a Singer 4423. It marks off all of my requirements. Appreciate you!
I'm 45yo and suddenly I feel the need of starting sewing and be creative, I always kinda wanted but this days been seriously thinking about, there's a lot happening in my life and this could be my moment, I want this heavy duty singer and your excellent video just confirm it, I have to say the quality and effort in your video equals lots of thinking,working,acting and making real...THANK YOU SO MUCH. New subscriber.
I have a different checklist when looking for a solid beginner machine: - Can do straight and zigzag stitch. - Was built before the late 1960s. - Has an electric motor. That's it. You can get lots of those machine for free or very little money because few people can make use of grandmas old machine and will get rid of them. With a bit of TLC, you'll have a very pleasant and next to undestructable machine that just works. If it doesn't turn over, put petroleum everywhere where metal rubs on metal, move, heat with a hairdryer, repeat. Once it moves freely, oil it and enjoy ;-)
I tried multiple times to learn how to sew and just never felt comfortable and each time ended up giving up. My friend had this singer and I ended borrowing for awhile and once I was done I knew I could only buy that machine because as a beginner I felt really comfortable using it. I love how it has great numbering to show how to thread the need and bobbin.
i’m a beginner and scored a 4411 for $50 on fb marketplace!!! so happy to see it’s one of the recommended singers ones (2nd to the 4432) thank you for your videos. they’re very encouraging.
The 4411 has fixed needle placement to the center. The 4423 needle can be moved to the left, center and right. (Same with Janome HD1000 and HD3000). Using the needle to the right is better for quilting, as you still have all the feed dogs touching the fabric. There's a tool that came with the 4423. It's either red or gray plastic H, which helps you go over thick areas. If you buy a 4452, it is a 4423, with walking foot and the table. You can buy LED lights (usually for a frig) that fit in most machines, at the hardware store.
I've been sewing since 1963 and have used many different machines but my 1977 White machine was my "Harley Davidson." It saw me through three children, 25 years of Renaissance Faire and Halloween costumes and many other projects. I used it until 2010 when life changed and stuff went into storage. I still have it but it needs parts replaced due to rust (from storage). I currently use my Brother Laura Ashley machine and it has made many a Halloween costume since 2015. But nothing compares to my Harley. 😅
I went for the Brother. Its a thoughtful machine. Its makers consider the small time-wasters (threading the needle, the notch) and common issues (side bobbin, the tray for cloth extension ) with conventional machines and made changes to fix those. That puts them ahead of those who dont bother to improve in these areasin my mind.
I’m only 3 minutes into this video and I already had to like and subscribe. Very well done. This is exactly the kind of content I want when I come to RU-vid for information. Amazing!
I HAVE THE SINGER 4411. THIS IS MY VERY FIRST SEWING MACHINE AND I BEEN SEWING FOR A YEAR NOW (I AM 63 YEARS OLD AND I ALWAYS WANTED TO GET BACK INTO SEWING. THE LAST TIME I SEWED WAS WHEN I WAS IN HIGH SCHOOL. I ONLY MADE THREE THINGS WHEN I TOOK THIS CLASS ) I'M NOW A CREATIVE DESIGNER OF CANVAS TOTE BAGS AND ACCESSORIES. I GREW UP WITH SINGER. I DIDN'T KNOW ABOUT THE OTHER BRANDS UNTILL I GOT ON RU-vid. IT'S AMAZING. BUT I LOVE MY SINGER 4411. SHE IS A WORKHORSE, AND SHE GIVES ME NO PROBLEMS, BUT I KNOW I WILL EVENTUALLY DO AN UPGRADE TO ANOTHER BRAND (MAYBE)
I've watched many buying guide videos, for many different products. This one by far is one of the best, my wife had a sewing machine many years ago and recently mentioned she'd like to get a new one. I wanted to surprise her with one but had no idea where to start or what to look for, now I can buy her one, with confidence. And when I do give it to her I'll definitely also be introducing her to your channel. Thanks! and keep making these incredible videos.
I am a beginner and I've been working for a year with the singer 4411, at first a wanted the 4423 but at the time a bought my machine, I got the 4411 for a very good deal, been working with it since then and it's been doing great. Also, thanks for making this video, before buying a sewing machine I did tons and tons of research and ended with a good machine, but this video could have saved me so much time. This is so useful for those wanting their first sewing machine
I still stand behind the 4411, it performs just as good as the 4423 minus the extra features like buttonholes and stretch stitches. So if you got it for a good deal, I would’ve done the same in my past 😊 There’s a tonnnn of research and opinions out there for sewing machines, very easy to get lost in it all so I’m glad you found my video insightful 😊
I did a fair amount of sewing on a Singer 1884 treadle machine, then bought a Singer 401A from my aunt (her late mother's). NO computer chips! NO plastic parts to break.
I started sewing with a Singer Brilliance over a year ago and have already moved on to the 4432 and I couldn’t be happier. With that said, I did try a few machines out at my local craft store and what really sold me on the Singer 4432 was the foot pedal sensitivity. I love that it will sew very slowly, but also take off when needed, unlike other machines in that price range.
I have a singer brilliance and wanted to get another machine that would do slightly thicker sewing like a bit of quilting, which I have not tried yet, do you think the 4423 would be good for this and do you miss the decorative stitches. I also have a45 year old novum that I can see his blankets on lol
@@mckeon1960 I would say the brilliance should be fine for quilting if you buy a walking foot attachment. I don’t miss the decorative stitches, because I never really used them anyways. My goal was to sew roughly 8 pieces of duck canvas when needed and that pretty much maxed out my 4432. So, for me it’s great. I have done a little quilting with the 4432 in the form of pot holders and without a walking foot, it looks like garbage, but looks acceptable with one added. I would say, just get the walking foot and see what happens :)
I just ordered a singer 4423. I’ve never sewn before but am excited to start this new hobby! I ordered a few of your DIYs and beginner kit to get me started. 🎉❤
This is super helpful, thank you! I bought the singer 4423 a few years ago as a mega-beginner (I bought it during the pandemic after going into hyperfocus mode and researching machines to make a quilt). Then I got overwhelmed and never even opened it. Until today! It is annoying to have to print off the user manual from their website. That being said... I love seeing that the reviews are just as good now as they were when I first bought it in 2021. I need to get myself some thread and then... finally start playing and learning!
Vintage machines built with next to no plastic up into the seventies are also excellent choices and can often be had for a song. They tend to be nearly indestructible and after some cleaning and oiling are a real treat to work with. I wouldn't swap my Pfaff 262 from the late sixties for any contemporary machine and can live very well without all the electronics bells and whistles.
Just started playing with a old Kenmore that I bought for $30 about 25 years ago. The thing is a Sherman tank. The owners manual is very good. Lubed it first ,started experimenting. Very green operator at this point.
My first sewing machine was a Singer Junior for children (1972 was the year). Then I purchased a White brand sewing machine when I started making quilt tops. That was followed by a “portable singer” that was metal and in an oak case. I never used it and eventually sold it. Then I got my Janome that had a speed control.
As someone who has repaired quite a few machines I have a gripe against the modern Brother models. You'd be surprised how many times they end up in the shop because the owner has snapped the bobbin winder. This little part being made of cheap plastic instead of metal should never have been a cheapening change made to machines given the amount of use they get. In my experience the Janome brands tend to be more reliable with long term use, and you can get a LED light to replace the standard that comes with the machines if it is preferred. I think the older model Singer machines are more reliable than the new ones, but agree the button hole feature of the Singer machine can be a game changer for a lot of people. Very handy for both experienced and beginner sewers. All in all though, I tend to find machines have their own personality regardless of choice. I've had many experiences where there has been identical machines yet one is a dream to work with and another just does not want to play nice for no apparent reason.
I second the comment about individual machines having their own personalities! I often sew at a craft store that has 14 identical Janomes, all new at the same time, yet they all behave differently! I had a work horse Janome New Home for 30 years before it died. I am now using a Janome QDC machine as it covers all the bases as I sew anything and everything that comes along to inspire me.
I LOVE my Singer Heavy Duty. I have the Model HD 6700C which I got on Amazon. It's my 2nd Singer Heavy Duty. I use my machine to make bags/purses. So much fun. I'm 67 and my Mom taught me to sew when I was about 8. I could barely reach the pedal. She had a Singer machine that was built into a table with a bench seat that held accessories underneath.
I still use my mom’s singer she bought used in 1958. I love that machine. Simple to use, adjust and repair. Tons of stitch attachments too but I use only the most basic. :)
About 60 years ago I had a basic singer which I used for over 30 years. Then I had a Brother, which I used for about 25 years, but I had quite a bit of trouble with it over the years. I needed for frequent service. Now I have an upscale Janome for quilting which I love. I'd definitely recommend any for long term use and basic sewing,
Great video! I always recommend a vintage machine. I own a Singer 201 and 15-91. They are made with better materials and will last a lifetime. I only use my modern machine to sew knits.
Amen, you can’t beat the longevity of all metal vintage! The gears alone on these are what keeps them going. I love my 201 for tough jobs and my Singer 500a and 401a for most jobs, including knits, but I couldn’t do without my serger in any case. The only thing I miss is the automatic buttonhole function, but I also bought a buttonhole attachment and I can do them manually as well.
Actually, all my vintage machines but one have a drop in bobbin (even the 1902 and 1907 models, sort of, bullet shuttles). Whether it had a front loading or top loading bobbin really depends on the brand. The Janome did have a presser foot tension dial, but it’s on the front, not the top. While a new machine is okay for someone who is just starting out and may not stick with it, they may or may not last 10 years, particularly if they are computerized. I made the mistake of buying an expensive computerized machine 20 years ago and learned that lesson the hard way!
Thank you for breaking down the individual parts! 😭 I was pretty overwhelmed when I got my first basic machine and didn't know how to use half of it or what some of the extra pieces were used for. I barely remembered how to thread a bobbin from when I was in school. Am I the only one who didn't know there were universal features and functions across all the brands of machines? 😅 After watching this, I feel a lot better with how to use my machine and feel like I can actually start practicing with it.
The review was fair and right. He is only comparing " box store" machines, the ones most.beginners look at. The 4423 may be the number one machine on repair shelves, but it was the first machine I ever sewed on and mine has rocketed thru hundreds of projects such as diaper bags. I will keep it forever because I take care of it and I research how to do that. On that same note, I also own a Baby Lock Accomplish 2 ( also a work horse) and I cant tell you how many people complain about it because they simply don't bother to " learn" the machine and how to use it. It is not a box store machine and costs 6 times what the Singer cost, yet they still get broken and receive unfair reviews ( as all machine do if you look) because of lack of knowledge and user error. Saying the Singer HDs are broken easily because they are improperly labeled as HD, as one of the comments below had stated, is not correct. I have re covered RV cushions, and sewed thru layers of quilt sandwhich topped with nylon handle strapping and had no problem. In this video, he demonstrated that the other machine clearly showed signs of distress when sewing a thick item. So as far as this grade of machine is concerned, the Singer is the HD one. People should always refer to their manuals and tutorials if they are trying a new concept with any machine.
My mom taught me on singer that you used your feet to make it work the kind were your feet go up and down it works without electricity. My mom finally bought a brother electric in the 70s which I was so glad. I did fi ally buy a sewing and embrodery machine again a disney brother my children were young and my daughter loved me putting on patches on her jeans. So the biggest thing I loved the most though was the self threading needle I relied on my mom when I was young.I know you would think it was the Electric foot peddle.but no I was learning how to use the tension because I broke the thread so much I had to learn that later.
I researched the hell out of new machines for my wife and went with the singer heavy duty 4411.. after watching a review by the sewing machine repair guy channel that had a 4423 machine in bits seeing it was a metal frame and a powerful motor sold it.. its bulletproof never skipped a stitch even on thick coating fabrics and thick leather
Regarding the metal frame, all machines have a metal frame. What differs is the type of metal, and how thick or thin it is. What really matters, is the body metal or not, and a good motor with enough torque, and plastic or metal gearing, which domestic machines don’t have, regardless of the price. This is why there are industrial and commercial machines where what type of frame and gears, motors, and shell matter. If you want metal everything, buy industrial or commercial. If you watch a video on sewing machine repair guy about European machines vs singer etc, your thinking may change.
Brother, honestly perfect video. Sometimes finding the information and attempting to collect data on these kinds of questions seems like such an taunting task. This video perfectly mentioned all the points (and also looked stylish af while doing so, honestly props for the videography!!). Thank you, super helpful through-and-through!!
I was new to sewing and wanted to start and thought the Singer 4411 due to the term “heavy duty” as well as brand name recognition. It broke within two months of buying but only two easy skirts of sewing (basically a total of 3 hours total actually sewing). The timing of the bottom bobbin was off and I had to take it two hours away to have it repaired by an official Singer repairman. And 2 hours was a short travel time compared to some other states I looked at. My aunt who was teaching me to sew has 40 years of experience and even gifted me a vintage Singer to tide me over while I waited for my repair appointment. Again, nothing but issues. We purchased Singer 4423s for our craft programming at my library and we have had 3 out of 10 of “break” in this first year, either they have off timing, the bottom thread is there but catches wrong, or it won’t wind a bobbin. It makes it difficult to program when the machines have to be taken out halfway through a program because they no longer work. The repairman I went to said the 4411s are the main machines that need fixing because of the same misconception I had: namely that they are NOT truly heavy duty machines, and in fact are incredibly “light duty” if you will. He did say he loves and recommends the machine anyway, which was reassuring to me, but only one more project (small tote bag) after I got my Singer fixed it broke again, and this time it was no longer under warranty. I am guessing I got a lemon, but I don’t think I would ever buy from Singer again. I was lucky enough to then be able to get a Baby Lock, and when I tell you the experience was night and day, it honestly was midnight versus noon. Ease of use, smooth stitches, even for someone like me who has only been sewing a year, and really professional results. When I found out Brother and Baby Lock are basically sister companies, that made me feel like I could trust Brother so much more. Sorry for the thesis. I just wanted to share my beginner sewing experience, and while I know it may not be typical per se, because we really think I got a defective machine, I feel that the fact that my group has sewn with 15 Singer machines between us and that they have given us just about nothing but trouble, if I had to do it again, I think personally I would try Brother over Singer if you are on a budget, but if you have the patience and means, save for a Baby Lock, and go to a sewing shop to buy it, not a big box craft store. The service and assistance you get is beyond amazing. 100% recommend. Good luck fellow sewers! ♥️
35 years experience here, and I have owned multiple Singers. Slow down, stop abusing your machines and you won't have so many issues. TBH your main issue is lack of experience, and most likely incorrect equipment usage. You need to change stitch length and tension with each fabric, choose needles carefully and DON'T RUSH.
@@sue.d.nymn69she has 3 hrs of work on her machine, what gave you the knowledge that she's "abusing" the machine? Your 35...allegedly... years of sewing neither makes you an expert except in your own mind and sure as hell doesn't give you the right to accuse her. You have no idea how she uses it, but you assume and that makes you a dyck... dyckhead
I got both of my granddaughters sewing machines for Christmas. The youngest, 7, has a pretty short attention span still so I got her a vintage Kenmore, made in Japan. She has made a pillow case and a blanket for one of her dolls. My oldest, 9, I got a vintage 401a machine in cabinet. I own a modern brother embroidery machine, a vintage 421g singer, my mother’s made in Germany and a Singer 201-2 made in England. IMO, you can’t buy better than vintage. They are solid machines, no plastic parts (other than the cams for decorative stitches). They are easy to maintain, make beautiful stitches and all run like a dream, 40-65 years later. Even the metal they used was much better. I think if you used a vintage reconditioned machine, you would never go back. Oh also, my eldest granddaughters (9) first project? Your bucket hat pattern, so thank you!!
Exactly, vintage machines are much better in general and come at an interesting price. As for Singer: your Singers were still made by SIMANCO, the Singer Manufacturing Company. The modern machines that bear the name Singer are produced by a completely different company by completely different standards. I own some Singers as well, but I would never want to own one that was produced after 1970.
Yes, this. A pre-1980 machine will run you less than $100 usually on FB marketplace or in a thrift store and last FOREVER. My main machine is a 1960s avocado green Kenmore that only does a straight stitch and zigzag. 99% of the time that's all I need. It'll sew through denim, heavyweight upholstery vinyl, and lightweight sheers and silk. I'm about to acquire my grandmother's 1950s Pfaff straight stitch machine and have another early 70s all-metal machine I got at auction for $35. Modern machines are terrible (I have one, but only for portability and it's rarely used)....save a vintage machine from the landfill!! It probably just needs a tune up and oiling to run just like new.
As a person who started his sewing adventure with a HD 4423 it's good to know I made the right choice. I have since moved on to bigger industrial machines for heavier materials however still use my singer when the material calls for it. Saw your video from start to finish and applaud your efforts for its in depth and honest reviews for a number of machines. One of the most important points is that each machine serves a purpose and while many have different stitches built in. There really is no "One machine does it all". Meaning if your goal is working on thicker materials say canvas, denim, vinyls and leathers. You will most likely be using an industrial machine. I gravitate towards the vintage side which in my opinion are built like tanks and will ensure many years of service. Again, my singer is still my go to when thinner fabrics are concerned. My Consew 225 will go through upholstery material with ease but does not fair well with the thinner stuff. I am glad I have kept my Singer and I am still very happy with it. If you are thinking of starting out don't be afraid. The hardest step is the first one. There are a ton of resources online to make this a much easier journey for you! Take the plunge and you will not regret it. Stay safe and good luck to you all!!
I agree, vintage machines are built to last. If they were more readily accessible, I would’ve included them in this too but that’d be tough for people to source from different areas. Sounds like you’ve got a solid setup for anything, happy sewing mate
Brother st150 is a much better choice than the Singer HD for beginners. I would say the singer HD without speed adjustment is a horrible choice for beginners.
I have 4 sewing machines and a serging machine, including the treadle sewing machine that was my great grandmother’s, she gave it to my grandmother when she got married and it still works. I have the singer heavy duty machine ,
Reverse lever above the needle, one-step buttonhole stitch, built-in needle threader, a side thread cutter, all while with a tighter budget of under 200. Get ALL OF THESE in a machine and that machine wins.
I bought a secondhand Singer 348 BabyBlue 5 years ago and boy its like a tractor ploughs through anything. It has plastic pattern making cogs but it can take a modern walking foot too. I especially love the way it sings and claps lol...my other is a super Janome.
I was raised on Singers from my grandmother's and mothers models from 1940's and 50's and I myself went through many different models. I now have the Heavy Duty 4432 and The Singer Patchwork, and an ancient Viking Prisma. I use the Patchwork and Heavy Duty nearly daily and love the ease of both and quality of stitches. Both are very easy to use.
Thanks for this! I’ve been sewing for 60 years. Started on a Singer that was my mom’s. Had Kenmores for years. Finally upped to a Bernina years ago, stitching was beautiful, but later in its life developed tension problems and difficulty getting service. Now what I want is a machine that can sew silk and canvas at a high speed. Had a Brother serger that was horrible so don’t want that brand. Intrigued by the Singers, leaning toward the Janome. Appreciate your help! Thanks!
I was thinking about searching for a video just like this when it got served up! Just finished a Christmas sewing project with my old (1969) singer 457. While I have loved sewing on it since the mid-90’s, it’s time to add a new machine that can sew knits better. Still a Singer gal!
I've been sewing over 50 years. Bridal, apparel, drapery, upholstery and now bagmaking. The best value? A vintage Singer or Kenmore. If you need zig zag and a variety of stitches, I'd go with a Kenmore 158-xxxxxx. If you only need a straight stitch, older Singers are tanks. My favorite machine of all time? My Juki DU1181n industrial walking foot. I have 5 other machines right now, but it's my go-to. Second is my Kenmore 158-17600. That was $75 on Marketplace in 2023.
I was given a used Singer 935 over 20 years ago. I've have regularly maintained and it works great. I've also just bought a new Singer 4423 heavy duty, I'm waiting for the confidence to pull it out of the box to try it. My old machine is going to my daughter who now wants to learn to sew at 34. Thanks for the great videos. You are very informative and speak very clearly, helps me with my hearing problems. Keep up the great work!!
My first machine, an older Singer 1120 that was gifted to me by a dear friend, had a front loading bobbin and four step buttonhole system. Now I have a Singer Confidence Stylist that I found on Nextdoor for $100, and I love the top loading bobbin and auto button holer.
FYI for the metal bobbin cases, it you open the latch on the case the bobbin will drop right out. This is so your bobbin doesn't fall out of the case as you are installing/removing it from the machine. I learned on a used Kenmore back in the 60's (yes, I'm vintage) Bought my first machine, a used Singer golden touch and sew in the 70's, loved it and wore it out in the 90's. I needed a new machine as I was sewing for a paycheck and got a Brother manual machine. I upgraded (?) to a Brother CS6000i computerized about 7-8 years ago, it's OK but I wish I had had the funds for a Janome or a BabyLock to try out. This was very interesting, Thank you for the review.
I learned to sew on a singer featherweight as a kid (I did competitive sewing in 4H), in college my step mom bought me a fancy singer but it was hard to use as an occasional machine. 10 later I got given a machine that was easier to use occasionally and it worked for 20 years and then needed to be serviced (it stayed untouched in a closet). 10 years ago I inherited my mom’s featherweight and began sewing costumes. It really needed a full service after a year of a lot of sewing. $300 to service it but no zigzag. My other was some off brand so they estimated $200 to repair. I bought a new baby lock 9 for around $200. I also bought a walking foot so I could sew on faux fur. I sewed a wide variety of clothes from faux fur to spandex and a LOT of tulle but the machine struggled with heavier fabrics. My stepmom was clearing out her house and wanted to give me a Janome she’d bought maybe 3 years prior on QVC that was still in the box! Unlike the baby lock it came with a walking foot, a needle threader (super nice one), more stitches and an automatic buttonhole maker which worked very poorly so I had to use the manual one on my baby lock (which didn’t work on denim, canvas or heavy twill). I started looking into a new machine. I was looking at the singer heavy duty machine and the 4443 went on sale in January dropping down to $180! I bought it! Its automatic buttonhole maker works like I expected the Janome to work. It worked really well on denim though it does struggle if I am sewing over a flat felled seam. I found getting thread on the bobbin a nightmare. I wasted a lot of thread and finally watched a video on it! Then dealing with the top loading bobbin was a nightmare until I finally watched a video with the details. Then threading the machine was a nightmare! It was all pretty standard until i got near the needle and then there was that last hook which the first 3 or 4 videos forgot to mention. I broke 2 needles. I finally found proper videos. I’ve got the fundamentals and started my denim jacket. Then I came to the topstitching. I broke 2 needles on the Jean topstitching thread so I switched to a thread between jean topstitch thread and standard thread. Then I got pretty far on in my denim jacket until I began to attach the sleeve to the body and I broke 3 needles and then went and picked up a set of topstitching needles and 2 new packets of jean needles. I’m not even sewing with 9oz denim! Sigh. The machine was a bargain and I do not have room for an industrial machine (I need to get rid of two of my machines as it is!). I’m still on the fence as to whether it was the right machine for me… (this video was fab!)
Good reviews, as someone with almost no knowledge on machines, looking to purchase but this review did seem very biased and very clear that you use a singer. but thanks for this very informative video!
Great video. I love seeing more male sewists! My mother is a quilter and we are trying to convince my father to take up the hobby, we keep telling him the best quilters are men. I’m sharing this video with him. He’s 84, never too late.
I am a gen X male, 99% of my peers learned sewing from our moms and Home Ec, and I agree with you, happy to see more men sewing. Even better, more young men. I taper and hem my jeans because I am very picky about my pants.
As a new sewist, with 4 projects under my belt, I feel fortunate to have acces to your library. This video, in particular, reinforces my decision making and thought process. Independantly, I chose the HD4452 and have been satisfied with my experience and the machine's performance. I look forward to more learning and continued guidance that seems objective and well thought out.
The production quality on this video is absolutely insane. I've never seen a video of yours and I expected you to have 3 million subs. You deserve more and they'll come no doubt
Thank you for the thorough review of these! I was lucky enough to get my hands on a singer featherweight from the mid-fifties that my grandmother used to make clothes for my dad! I think I will eventually get an additional more modern machine in the future, so this was very helpful! Not sure if anyone else mentioned this already, but one thing I noticed on the brother machine you reviewed is it looks like it does have a presser foot tension dial located on the back of the machine. :o
I got a free JX2517 from my Grandma to start off on after she lost interest in sewing, and I’ve been playing around with finally upgrading now that I really want to begin doing my own garments … this has convinced me, and it’s been really helpful!
