5 Best Singer Sewing Machines: For Everyone from Sewing Starters to Savvy Stitchers

From basic models perfect for beginners to more advanced options with all the bells and whistles, we've picked the best Singer sewing machines.
By
Daniel
Daniel
Writer
Daniel is among our most talented writers: based on the dull expert reports he's able to make up a comprehensive, reader-friendly article which anyone can benefit from. Also read more
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Reviewed By
Tom
Tom
Tom
Expert Consultant
Initially being an engineering specialist, Tom has never stopped learning and acquiring other knowledge and skills. Now he’s involved in technical support for a well-known read more
Last updated: August 12, 2023
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Did you know that the Singer company is actually named after its founder, Isaac Merritt Singer? It was founded all the way back in 1851 and their very first sewing machine was designed to sew leather and canvas.

Today, Singer sewing machines are some of the most popular on the market. Out of more than 100 different models that the company produces, we’ve chosen the 5 best Singer sewing machines for you. The SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 has got to be out top choice due to its high sewing speed, variety of accessories, ease of use and its durability against heavyweight fabrics. It’s perfect for projects like sewing jeans or quilting. So, if you’re looking for a sewing machine that does it all, you’ve come to the right place.

Quick Summary

  • Editor's Choice: SINGER Heavy Duty 4452
    "An incredibly fast machine, perfect for professionals and enthusiasts alike"
  • Best for Home Use: SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960
    "A highly versatile, state-of-the-art sewing machine"
  • Budget Pick: Singer Start 1304
    "Great machine for small projects and repairs, easy to operate, even for a novice"
  • Best for Beginners: Simple 3232
    "Highly portable and lightweight, great for those new to the world of sewing"
  • Best for Clothes: SINGER Tradition 2277
    "A quality sewing machine suitable for beginners or advanced-level sewers"

Top 5 Singer Sewing Machines Review 2024

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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 4540 people in the past 30 days
9.4
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.9
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
9.2
Features & Benefits
Product Review
9.2
9.4
1
Editor's Choice

SINGER Heavy Duty 4452

Features
  • Built-in stitches: 32
  • Stitches per minute: 1,100
  • Number of presser feet: 4
  • Weight: 14.6 lbs
  • Warranty: 25-year limited

Extra features: extra high presser foot lifter, dust cover included

For our best all-around pick, the Heavy Duty 4452 is a revolutionary sewing machine that not only gets the job done for your sewing project, but does it faster and better than any other standard machine on the market.

Built with a stronger motor than most other sewing machines up to standard, you can easily sew and stitch through heavyweight fabrics without a problem.

To get into the details, the Heavy Duty 4452 has 32 built-in stitches, that can tackle any job or task. These stitched programs include 6 Basic, 7 Stretch, 18 Decorative Stitches, and 1 Fully Automatic 1-step Buttonholes. Since you need a multi-tasking sewing machine to be able to use it for any project, the Heavy Duty 4452 can handle crafts, home decor, construction of clothing and so much more.

A special feature that makes the Heavy Duty 4452 one of the best sewing machines out there is the automatic needle threader. It helps you effortlessly thread the eye of the needle without eye strain or frustration. No matter if you are dealing with failing eyesight or poor-lighting, every sewer knows how difficult or frustrating not being able to get that initial thread in can be. With this feature, you can avoid that entire issue.

It is fast, too! With a maximum sewing speed of 1,100 stitches-per-minute, you can get those last-minute jobs done quickly. The motor is actually measured to be 60% stronger than other standard sewing machines on the market.

It also comes with a variety of different accessories. From an all-purpose foot to a zipper foot, from a buttonhole foot to a button sewing foot, the Heavy Duty 4452 also comes included with a seam ripper, lint brush, quilting guide, needles, bobbins, screwdriver, auxiliary spool pin, and spool pin felt.

Designed with a stainless steel bed plate and an interior metal frame, it really is the best all around.

    What stands out?
  • Perfect choice for heavy-duty fabrics and last-minute tasks
  • Has a speed of 1,100 stitches-per-minute
  • Comes with a variety of different accessories
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Too much for lighter jobs and simple stitch-fixings
Also Product Ranking:
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Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 3381 people in the past 30 days
9.2
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
9.0
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.9
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.9
9.2
2
Best for Home Use

SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960

Features
  • Built-in stitches: 600
  • Stitches per minute: 850
  • Number of presser feet: 13
  • Weight: 18.2 lbs
  • Warranty: 25-year limited

Extra features: electronic twin needle settings, one touch stitch selection

The Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 is backed by a 25-year guarantee—for a reason. This portable sewing machine is packed with easy-to-use features so you are ready and geared up to tackle any project. With a light weight of 18 lbs, you can easily store this machine in your home, awaiting its call of duty.

Some features that set the Quantum Stylist 9960 apart from the rest is the fact that it has a large selection of stitches including basic, stretch and decorative stitches for fashion sewing, quilting, home decor, and crafting. If you are the type to really get into personalizing projects, you can even utilize the selection of fonts, which is a special feature of the Quantum Stylist 9960.

This sewing machine also comes with an automatic needle threader, which seems to be the pretty high standard of most sewing machines in the business. This makes it possible for you to have the entire machine threaded, from the spool to the needle’s eye, in a matter of seconds. No longer do you have to deal with the needle-threading frustration and straining of the eyes.

With 600 built-in stitches, including 5 alphanumeric fonts and 13 built-in 1-step buttonholes, this sewing machine has everything you need to equip yourself for an awesome project. Not to mention, it also comes with mirror imaging and stitch elongation, making it perfect for home use. You are free to come up with as many creative projects as you want or can think of.

The Quantum Stylist 9960 also doesn’t shy away from speed. Although it is not the fastest sewing machine on the market, it still sews at 850 stitches-per-minute, making it highly capable of finishing those last-minute projects.

With 13 presser feet, the Quantum Stylist 9960 is one of the most versatile sewing machines by Singer.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Five alphanumeric fonts and automatic needle threader
  • Comes with 13 different presser feet for any project
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Not the fastest sewing machine, at 850 stitches-per-minute
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9325 people in the past 30 days
9.0
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.7
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.8
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.5
9.0
3
Budget Pick

Singer Start 1304

Features
  • Built-in stitches: 6
  • Stitches per minute: 350-400
  • Number of presser feet: 3
  • Weight: 11.5 lbs
  • Warranty: 25-year limited

Extra features: automatic bobbin winding

If you’re looking to begin a new hobby of sewing—the best tool to start is a “Start”. The Start 1304 is rated as one of our top sewing machines for beginners since it is also the best priced Singer sewing machine on the market.

Even though it’s an affordable choice, it doesn’t shy away from extra features—not including the already built-in ones. The Start 1304 comes with six built-in stitches and a 4-step buttonhole. It also comes with a removable storage compartment, which houses its sewing accessories. This makes it extremely easy for you to get any task done without having to get up and get extra accessories. This helps eliminate the time needed for any project—and extra effort!

The Start 1304 is lightweight and extremely portable—one of the lightest on the market, weighing in at 11.5 pounds. This also goes to show that it is a great choice for those who have limited space and maybe cannot lift heavy items because of certain health circumstances. As a beginner, you might be enrolled in a sewing class. This means that you will be taking your personal sewing machine to and from class. When you are lugging around a sewing machine, you’ll want it to be as light as possible. Since the Start 1304 is a beginner’s machine, it will definitely fit that purpose.

The Start 1304 also comes with an automatic bobbin winding feature. This means that you just have to follow the numbered diagram printed on the sewing machine. Since the needle bar automatically disengages when winding the bobbin, it really makes bobbin winding safe—perfect for the beginner. Plus, when you’re all finished, the bobbin will automatically stop turning when it’s completely filled.

    What stands out?
  • Extremely lightweight and portable—perfect for bringing to sewing class
  • Comes with an automatic bobbin winding feature for beginners
    What cons did we manage to find?
  • Might be too basic for an advanced sewer
Also Product Ranking:
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 9034 people in the past 30 days
8.7
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.6
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.6
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.6
8.7
4
Best for Beginners

Simple 3232

Features
  • Built-in stitches: 32
  • Stitches per minute: 750
  • Number of presser feet: 4
  • Weight: 12.2 lbs
  • Warranty: 25-year limited

Extra features: automatic reverse sewing, plenty of accessories included

The Simple 3232 is a portable sewing machine that, even though it’s not the fastest or the lightest, is still pretty fast, pretty light, and also pretty dependable, with a 25-year limited warranty on the machine.

With 32 built-in stitches, the Simple 3232 can complete any task you put before it. It is a true portable sewing machine, able to get the job done—anywhere you are. Since it is so lightweight, weighing in at 12.2 lbs, you can take it anywhere—whether it’s a beginner’s class, or you’re heading to your daughter’s dance recital and need it for backup in case of a wardrobe crisis.

The Simple 3232 comes with a built-in 1-step buttonhole, a built-in needle threader, and 4 snap-on presser feet, just to name a few of the features that sets this Singer sewing machine apart from all the others.

Available with simple stitch selection, up to 5 mm stitch width, and designed with a heavy-duty metal frame, the Simple 3232 can balance out tradition and design with modern ingenuity.

This Singer sewing machines also has a few additional features up its sleeve, like the extra high presser foot lifter, so you don’t have to strain or adjust your chair. It also has automatic reverse stitching capabilities, making it easy to go back and forth on the job without having to turn the entire project around.

In addition, the Simple 3232 comes with accessory storage, an automatic needle threader, adjustable stitch length and width, and 32 built-in stitches.

    Why did it make our list?
  • Lightweight and compact, weighing only 12 lbs
  • Comes with an extra high presser foot lifter
  • Has a dependable 25-year warranty
    What is not ideal about it?
  • Not the best for an advanced sewer
?
Consumer Engagement
Chosen by 2191 people in the past 30 days
8.6
Customer Feedback
Customer Feedback
8.1
Brand Reputation
Based onweb analytics
8.3
Features & Benefits
Product Review
8.3
8.6
5
Best for Clothes

SINGER Tradition 2277

Features
  • Built-in stitches: 23
  • Stitches per minute: not specified
  • Number of presser feet: 3
  • Weight: 13.6 lbs
  • Warranty: 25-year limited

Extra features:  extra-high presser foot lifter

The Tradition 2277 is a lightweight, basic sewing machine that can be used with a variety of different jobs and comes with a broad range of features that make it one of the top choices on the market.

With an automatic needle threader and easy stitch selection, you can navigate through the uses and function of this sewing machine, whether you are a beginner sewer or an expert.

The Tradition 2277 is designed with a heavy duty metal frame, meaning that it will last long and strong into your sewing years, and with a 25-year limited warranty—it really should!

Some other extra features included in this sewing machine are an adjustable presser foot pressure, adjustable tension, an extra-high presser foot lifter for thicker fabrics and multiple layers, and adjustable stitch length and zigzag width. These extra features really make it possible for you to take on any task, project or job with ease.

Capable of using 23 built-in stitches, its fully automatic 1-step buttonhole, and the automatic reverse function, the Tradition 2277 has most of the standard features that any high-quality sewing machine should have.

What sets it apart from all the others, is its and its Four-Segment Feed Dog System. It also has an feature, which makes it a really easy-to-use sewing machine for beginners.

The Tradition 2277, as its name suggests, is built on tradition, but doesn’t shy away from innovation. With its multiple needle positions and portability, it can be used any time, anywhere, by anyone. It is also cabinet-mountable.

    What are its best features?
  • Comes with 23 built-in stitches
  • Has a 25-year limited warranty
  • Comes with a variety of different features
    What could be improved?
  • Might be too simple for advanced sewers
Also Product Ranking:

Things to Consider

Now that you have been introduced to some of the best Singer sewing machines on the market, we’re going to help you decide which is the best fit for you and your sewing projects.
Here is our buying guide to go over the different features you need to look out for when comparing one sewing machine to another.

Advantages of a Singer sewing machine

When it comes to sewing, it’s all about tradition. The Singer brand began back in the late 1800s, meaning it has had a few years to perfect the sewing machine. If you’re looking for the best sewing machine for your projects—whether you need one that is easy-to-use or one that has multiple advanced features—you can’t go wrong with investing in a Singer.

Singer

Features to consider while choosing a Singer sewing machine

When choosing a sewing machine among all the options out there, it’s hard to make a decision—especially among the top ones we’ve already provided you with! However, to help you out, we’ve named a few features that you should take a look at under each product. From the number of built-in stitches to the speed of the machine, there are no features that should be excluded from making your decision!

Number of built-in stitches

Number of built-in stitches

It’s important to know the number of specialty stitches—other than straight-stitch and zig-zag—that are available on your sewing machine, because it defines the diversity of what the machine is capable of. You’ll want to look for decorative stitches, like scallops and arrowheads, or functional stitches, like blind-hemming and buttonholes. You can even find decorative stitches that use cams or discs, which use the foot pedal—those are often found in older models, including those by Singer, since the brand has tradition to its name.

Speed – stitches per minute

The last thing you would want is for your job to take forever—not because you’re enjoying sewing, but because your sewing machine is inefficient and hard to work with.

Even though your task at hand could still take hours, it’s important that you have an efficient machine that has a high number of stitches per minute that can get the job done quickly.

The Heavy Duty 4452 is one of the fastest ones on the market, for example, with 1,100 stitches per minute.

How many presser feet are included?

The presser foot is what is used when you are trying to hold the fabric flat while feeding it through the machine. This is an important feature to look at if you want to get the job done efficiently. The type of presser foot that your sewing machine has is a telltale sign of a quality machine.

Drop feed and free arm

The free arm on a sewing machine has to do with the area underneath the needle—which is known as the bobbin, the shuttle, and the feed dog.

As a free arm machine, you’ll be able to extend that area out so you can manipulate and move the fabric around much easier.

The free arm is often found on portable sewing machines like Singers.

Top drop-in bobbin

Top Drop-in Bobbin

You might be wondering what a drop-in bobbin system is—especially comparing it to the front-loading bobbin. The bobbin is the plastic wheel that fits right under the needle plate. Since it’s threaded, the thread will get pulled up by the needle to form the bottom of the seam. Basically, the type of bobbin you have can dictate your entire sewing experience, which means that this is an extremely important feature!

Weight

Especially if you are a beginner, the weight of the machine can make a huge difference.

You might be taking it from your home to class quite often—so the lighter the sewing machine is, the better!

The Start 1304 sewing machine, for example, weighs only 11 lbs, making it extremely lightweight and portable.

Warranty

Since you already are making the investment here, you might as well make one to last. Most of the sewing machines listed here have 25-year warranties. However, that is definitely a feature you need to check back on before buying a sewing machine!

How to choose a sewing machine

For any last minute questions that you may have, we’ve rounded up the answers to three of the most frequently asked questions that we get from customers.

FAQ

How many stitches do I need?

The stitch patterns are already programmed into the machine. It is one of the only features that you really cannot change once you’ve already built the sewing machine. Therefore, it’s important to know what tasks you’re going to use the sewing machine for when purchasing it. With every task you’re going to take on, you’ll need more stitches. Whether you’re:
  • Mending clothes—for which you’ll need a straight stitch, zigzag, and blind hem stitch
  • Making clothes—for which you’ll need to add an overcasting or overlocking stitch
  • zigzag stretch, blind hem stretch, and an overlocking or overcasting stretch stitch
  • Working with lace or delicate fabrics—where you’ll need to add a simple decorative stitch or two
  • “hand look” quilting stitch and a few more decorative stitches
  • Adding fun crafts and scrapbooking—for which you’ll need decorative stitches in shapes like hearts and stars
  • Using machine embroidery—which takes a few more decorative stitches to the mix for patterns and shapes.

I am new to sewing. What should I consider when choosing a sewing machine?

You’ll need to see if the sewing machine is beginner friendly, with features like the Automatic Bobbin Winding, which the Tradition 2277 and the Start 1304 both have. This will help you in your sewing classes.

What sewing machine is best for minor DIY tailoring and alterations at home?

You’ll definitely want to get a sewing machine that is small and portable—easy to put away since you won’t be using it too much. A high- speed machine is also not extremely necessary, either. The most important features you need here is the reliability—meaning the warranty, and its weight. The Tradition 2277 is a great choice for sewers who want to do some light jobs at home.

Our verdict

Finally, here is where we offer our advice on helping you choose the top three Singer sewing machines on the market. Whether you’re going to be selecting a sewing machine based on a budget, based on skill level or based on the number of features, here are our top three and why:

The Heavy Duty 4452 is our top-rated choice for the best sewing machine all-around. With a speed of 1,100 stitches per minute, this machine can whip through any project with any heavy-duty fabric. Perfect for all jobs and all different levels!

The Start 1304 is our top-rated choice when you’re looking for the best sewing machine on a budget. Even though it is one of the lowest priced machines out there, it still has all those extra features covered—not compensating for any type of cheap design or build.

The Simple 3232 is the best sewing machine for beginners. With its compact size, it can easily be taken from home to sewing class—or wherever you strike up the inspiration to sew. It also has easy-to-use features and helpful additional elements that can make your first sewing experience an enjoyable one.

We hope that our guide on the best Singer sewing machine has really helped you work through your decision to choose the machine right for you.

9,4
Total Score
SINGER Heavy Duty 4452 - Editor's Choice
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