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.
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. 👏🏽
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
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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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.
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 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 have been sewing (on and off) for nearly 50 years, I have had several machines over the years. My second to last purchase was the heavy duty singer 4423, I paid about $200 and have had it over 10 years. I call it my little workhorse. I’m retired now and purchased a higher end computerized machine ($3000) that I love and prefer for quilting and precision but I go back to my old faithful singer for heavier projects like bag making.
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?
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. 🎉❤
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. :)
Never would thought I would have found one of the most well paced review videos on YT, be about sewing machines. Incredible work on this piece of production.
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.
@@pipermoonshine The singer label is not the same company as the great machines of the past. The Singer Manufacturing Company folded in the 1970’s and all their factories were bulldozed. The name was revived by a consortium who put the badge on cheap plastic machines that are a disgrace to the great reputation. There are many other brands that are much better than Singer ( in fact Singer are the worst machines around in my opinion)
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 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 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’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 RUclips for information. Amazing!
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. 😅
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,
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!
Wow. What an amazing video! I’ve been sewing for 15 years and my hand-me-we aching is on the fritz. This video was so engaging and informative. I’ve never shopped for a machine before, I am not even really sure what all the features are available these days, so this was really nice to be able to walk through and see a couple different options. Thank you!
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 ;-)
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.
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.
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.
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.
About 20 years ago....when I was 5....my parents bought a Janome 18W and I'm so glad we still have it and she still works a treat. Been learning to sew with it and it's great fun!
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.
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 ,
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 bought the Singer 4423 and it has been a great machine. I purchased cause I noticed the small tailor shop I go to uses this machine. I asked about it and the tailor was very happy w it and its performance. I have now owned it for 3 years and have done a ton of sewing on it. Zero issues, great performance and a great price. It’s paid for itself over like 5 times.
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!)
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.
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.
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’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.
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!!
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'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'd recommend the Brother CS6000i and the Singer 4423 as good beginner machines. The brother has many stitch options and attachments and is great for fine work. The singer is heavy duty and great for canvas, thin leather, etc. I've owned both for many years without issue.
@@jordynoche Singer 4423. I hem jeans with mine every once in a while and it's great for the multiple layers of folded denim. Just powers right through those. The Brother would get jammed up and I've broken needles before - Just doesn't have the power or heft. Also look into denim needles, as they're thicker.
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.
Literally paused this video to comment - THANK YOU. This is exactly the video I was looking for when I typed in 'sewing for beginners'. Thank you for making such an educational and informative video
I bought a new SINGER from LIDL. Its rather rare they sell good brands and i used to love my old SINGER machine, but i couldnt work much with it due to university was overwhelming. I had to sell it and now i bought a new SINGER machine 2 days ago. I love that i found your channel so i can restart learning sewing, since most of the clothes i can buy either dont fit me. Or look like i wear a potato sack
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.
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!
I’ve been sewing for 15 years and I’ve always used singe with the exception of my wheeler Wilson treadle machine from 1905 but that model was later sold as a singer so I guess it isn’t an exception. Never used brother but never known anyone who liked it or had it hold up long term. Not saying brother is bad just saying my experience. Get the machine you can afford right now and upgrade later. The best machine is the one you can afford.
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 take sewing classes at a local center and we use the singer heavy duty. We can throw anything at it and it works very well. I thought at was bad at sewing before realizing having a good machine is crucial. Also a lot of people are using them all day and they don’t seem to have any problem with the machines. I will definitely buy one for home. Thank you for the video 😊
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.
This video is really good! Ty for making it. I liked the editing and the information. I wanted to say the manual for brothers machines is so excellent. I wanted to learn how to sew and it walked me through a bunch of the basics with really clear directions. I started with a Brother xm2701 and now upgraded to se1900 many years later to get embroidery feature.
I've had extremely good experiance learning and using my singer heavy duty. It is built like a tank and handles anything I throw at it. I also really appreciate its simplicity, as there's less room to make errors, and less fuss about what fancy stitch to use. It's very utilitarian, easy to learn, and forgiving.
I absolutely agree with you. After a number of years of dissatisfaction and frustration with two computerized machines, I found myself longing for my old simple,and sturdy, Singer sewing machine from years ago. Unfortunately, I had given it away when I got my brand new Brother. Oh what a mistake. Two years ago I began looking for something like my old Singer and found this online. It is great. The other two fancy machines have not seen the light of day since!😁
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 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!
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.
I've been sewing since I was 12 (58 years) Still have and use my mechanical Pfaff which is 42 years old , it is best for general sewing like kids clothes, mending, up cycling. Love my baby lock melody for quilting, and baby lock Jazz for heavy duty leather work like upholstery projects. Really enjoy my baby lock imagine serger. It elevates all projects to a professional level. A good basic metal machine is a good place to begin. I doubt very much that my computerized and plastic machines will have the longevity of my ola Pfaff tipmatic.
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.
I have had my heavy duty singer for several years and I have had no problems with it. Bought it on amazon for 99.00 love it I use it most every day I am a quilter .
I have been sewing for 15 years. I am currently using a Singer Brilliance 6199. I bought it from a sewing dealer and that's what they recommended at the time. So now I would like to get another machine and I haven't decided what yet. I have been using the Singer Brilliance and I have sewing any project I could ever imagine with it, so it has treated me very well. I don't know why I have never found any reviews about the sewing machine, But it is surely BRILLIENT indeed. I have been thinking of replacing it with a Brother machine, I am thinking.
Thanks for this, just ended up buying my first sewing machine yesterday. I got a 4423. Was leaning towards Singer to start with, but the fact that you said you used it since 2016 with no problems was the kicker for me. Thanks again!
Awesome, super excited for you to start your sewing journey!! The 4423 for me has been great and if it breaks down I'll buy it again. It's been running smooth for 8 years, can't complain!
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.
100%. I’ve been using it since 2016, haven’t felt the need to upgrade and would still buy it again 🙌
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.
I’ve always thought the same
@@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. 😂
As someone who really wants to start sewing but has been overwhelmed with info, this has been the most helpful video! Thanks!
Me too - go back and watch all his sewing ones - they are GEMS !!!!
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.
What are the machine details and where can we buy it
@@joyz_style I think she is just referring to the Singer Denim (6335M) model
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
@@HogTime Singer Heavy Duty machines usually made in Vietnam.
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.
J
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.
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. 👏🏽
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
agreed !
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.
Just curious. What machines do you own?
Bernina’s are like $1500-$20,000 machines. Amazing quality!
@@dukesy7093 my b330 has lasted 10+years this far
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.
@@adaumusthat’s probably why it feels high quality it’s 5-10x more … they’re probably industrial machines
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.
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.
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)
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.
That's what I learned on. My mom had one. Would love one like that again.
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.
It does not feel right watching something of this quality for free, amazing stuff as always
🥹🥹🥹 thanks Charles
Are you subscribed yet? 🙂
Education should always be free you loser
@@GloryAllanis stinger good with sewing jeans?
I actually bought my Singer 4423 heavy duty because of watching all your tutorials.... :)
WOO! Excited to see what you make, good luck sewing 🤓🤓
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.
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.
That's interesting. I wondered what the difference between machines was. I was overwhelmed looking around.
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 have been sewing (on and off) for nearly 50 years, I have had several machines over the years. My second to last purchase was the heavy duty singer 4423, I paid about $200 and have had it over 10 years. I call it my little workhorse. I’m retired now and purchased a higher end computerized machine ($3000) that I love and prefer for quilting and precision but I go back to my old faithful singer for heavier projects like bag making.
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-_- yeah i would say so, its slow enough for me now and im a beginner too.
Super helpful. Thanks!
That’s exactly why I returned mine and got the brother st150hd.
I wouldn’t want to keep adjusting the pedal because I adjust my speed constantly.
@@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?
oh my god i have been looking for this option thank u so much!
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. 🎉❤
You are a wonderful teacher. This was a master class. Thank you for the video.
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. :)
what is the model number? thanks
@@Ahmed7255 I’ll ask my daughter as she has it now and I’ll get back to you.
Never would thought I would have found one of the most well paced review videos on YT, be about sewing machines. Incredible work on this piece of production.
I have owned a dozen machines, two years ago I got Singer 4423 brand new and am delighted!
This feels as high quality as a masterclass. You went all out.
I haven't sewn in 20 years and want to start back again. Thank you for this refresher
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.
@@pipermoonshine The singer label is not the same company as the great machines of the past. The Singer Manufacturing Company folded in the 1970’s and all their factories were bulldozed. The name was revived by a consortium who put the badge on cheap plastic machines that are a disgrace to the great reputation. There are many other brands that are much better than Singer ( in fact Singer are the worst machines around in my opinion)
just in the 10 first minutes i learned more about sweing machines than i did in school
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 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 have the 4423 for 15 + yrs has never skipped a beat
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 😊
which one would u say is best for denim?
Not all sewists sew the same thing! You understand that. I most appreciated how you gave us the best use case per machine. Thank you!
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 RUclips for information. Amazing!
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. 😅
Wow, what a life you have had! ❤
I’m from Cleveland, where White was located, so we all learned on a White. I still use a vintage model and it is a true TANK , I love it!
You seem very cool 💗
Thanks, I have this Singer machine and I like the smooth way that it sews
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,
What a pleasant, obviously knowledgable, articulate RUclips host. Well done review!
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!
I'm glad you finally got to opening it, excited to see what you make 😊😊
I'm about a year into sewing, and your videos are super enjoyable to watch even though I don't sew much clothing. Thanks for the awesome content!
You’ve sold me, and inspired me. First time watching you when I had questions about sewing machines, and I will now be purchasing your kits.
Wow. What an amazing video! I’ve been sewing for 15 years and my hand-me-we aching is on the fritz. This video was so engaging and informative. I’ve never shopped for a machine before, I am not even really sure what all the features are available these days, so this was really nice to be able to walk through and see a couple different options. Thank you!
Still using my lifetime (50+ yrs)Singer. Regularly serviced. Absolutely no need to change it. It does everything that I personally need.
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 ;-)
Singer is crap. Worst ever.
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’m actually a researcher and you’re speaking my language with that presentation. Excellent research skills, good job 👏🏻 👏🏻👏🏻
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.
I’ve got one, too, was my mother’s. I’m sure it is over 30 years old. It’s fine.
Dude, the quality of your videos are amazing, great work! Just received my DYI kits and can't wait to make them.
Ayyyye excited for you to try those DIY Kits🫶🫶🫶 LETS GOO😚
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.
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.
I just bought singer after watching this video. Thank you for your review. I am loving it soo far
About 20 years ago....when I was 5....my parents bought a Janome 18W and I'm so glad we still have it and she still works a treat. Been learning to sew with it and it's great fun!
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.
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 ,
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 bought the Singer 4423 and it has been a great machine. I purchased cause I noticed the small tailor shop I go to uses this machine. I asked about it and the tailor was very happy w it and its performance. I have now owned it for 3 years and have done a ton of sewing on it. Zero issues, great performance and a great price. It’s paid for itself over like 5 times.
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!)
the production value is chefs kiss!
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.
And it will outlast you, and your children if oiled and cleaned regularly.
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.
randomly stumbled across your channel because I wanted to start a new hobby and i just loved your video, the filming technique and storytelling.
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’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.
ayyye jackpot, congrats on your first sewing machine 😊 Good luck!!
This is perfect, i want to start creating my own clothes in 2024 and this might just be the drop to overflow that initial push
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!!
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'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 just bought a Kenmore 158 yesterday! My second choice for heavy duty would be an old Singer. I'd like to maybe get one of those too...
I'd recommend the Brother CS6000i and the Singer 4423 as good beginner machines. The brother has many stitch options and attachments and is great for fine work. The singer is heavy duty and great for canvas, thin leather, etc. I've owned both for many years without issue.
which one would u say is better for denim/jeans
@@jordynoche Singer 4423. I hem jeans with mine every once in a while and it's great for the multiple layers of folded denim. Just powers right through those. The Brother would get jammed up and I've broken needles before - Just doesn't have the power or heft. Also look into denim needles, as they're thicker.
My mom has been using the same Singer for over 30 years. She had it rebuilt once during that whole time.
I have my mom's 1970 Singer. Just bought the 3300. Love them both.
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.
@@GloryAllan you are absolutely right. Not to mention the space they require.
Literally paused this video to comment - THANK YOU. This is exactly the video I was looking for when I typed in 'sewing for beginners'. Thank you for making such an educational and informative video
Glad this was helpful!!! I'm trying to make learning to sew as easy as possible for beginners 🙂
I bought a new SINGER from LIDL. Its rather rare they sell good brands and i used to love my old SINGER machine, but i couldnt work much with it due to university was overwhelming.
I had to sell it and now i bought a new SINGER machine 2 days ago.
I love that i found your channel so i can restart learning sewing, since most of the clothes i can buy either dont fit me. Or look like i wear a potato sack
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.
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!
I totally agree. I’d tried many others Been sowing on and off for 70 years Always come back to singer and now use 4423
I’ve been sewing for 15 years and I’ve always used singe with the exception of my wheeler Wilson treadle machine from 1905 but that model was later sold as a singer so I guess it isn’t an exception. Never used brother but never known anyone who liked it or had it hold up long term. Not saying brother is bad just saying my experience. Get the machine you can afford right now and upgrade later. The best machine is the one you can afford.
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 take sewing classes at a local center and we use the singer heavy duty. We can throw anything at it and it works very well. I thought at was bad at sewing before realizing having a good machine is crucial. Also a lot of people are using them all day and they don’t seem to have any problem with the machines. I will definitely buy one for home.
Thank you for the video 😊
So I’m 65. And I have been sewing for 56 years since I was 9
good for you hoe
I'm 63. I've been sewing since I was 11.❤😊
Hugely helpful--thank you. I haven't bought a sewing machine in a couple of decades, but I was about to do it and this has helped enormously.
I bought the 4423 over a year ago because I saw what you were doing with it-no regrets!!
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.
It's tough to remember all the little pieces and steps for sure. Glad you're back on top of things :)
This video is really good! Ty for making it. I liked the editing and the information. I wanted to say the manual for brothers machines is so excellent. I wanted to learn how to sew and it walked me through a bunch of the basics with really clear directions. I started with a Brother xm2701 and now upgraded to se1900 many years later to get embroidery feature.
I've had extremely good experiance learning and using my singer heavy duty. It is built like a tank and handles anything I throw at it. I also really appreciate its simplicity, as there's less room to make errors, and less fuss about what fancy stitch to use. It's very utilitarian, easy to learn, and forgiving.
I absolutely agree with you. After a number of years of dissatisfaction and frustration with two computerized machines, I found myself longing for my old simple,and sturdy, Singer sewing machine from years ago. Unfortunately, I had given it away when I got my brand new Brother. Oh what a mistake. Two years ago I began looking for something like my old Singer and found this online. It is great. The other two fancy machines have not seen the light of day since!😁
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 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!
I love this Singer! It’s strong, it will last forever and got great stitches. I’m not a beginner, and I use it often.
The data and the explanation and the editing and cinematic experience… amazing treasure trove of a channel ❤
Thank you for this in dept review with pros & cons of all three and not just pushing one model.
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.
I'm just now getting back into sewing your helping me remember a lot, thank you 😊
I've been sewing since I was 12 (58 years) Still have and use my mechanical Pfaff which is 42 years old , it is best for general sewing like kids clothes, mending, up cycling. Love my baby lock melody for quilting, and baby lock Jazz for heavy duty leather work like upholstery projects. Really enjoy my baby lock imagine serger. It elevates all projects to a professional level. A good basic metal machine is a good place to begin. I doubt very much that my computerized and plastic machines will have the longevity of my ola Pfaff tipmatic.
You got the best setup! Those are all great machines, I hope to have a setup like that some day.
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.
I have had my heavy duty singer for several years and I have had no problems with it. Bought it on amazon for 99.00 love it I use it most every day I am a quilter .
Thank you, this saved me hours and hours of research and frustration of not knowing what to ask about or look for
Blown away by the detail and video quality!! Thanks so much for all the time and effort to make this cool video
I‘m very happy that I purchased 4423 - I have shortened a lot of trousers, sewn multiple hats and repaired bags. Great price, great stability!
I have been sewing for 15 years. I am currently using a Singer Brilliance 6199. I bought it from a sewing dealer and that's what they recommended at the time. So now I would like to get another machine and I haven't decided what yet. I have been using the Singer Brilliance and I have sewing any project I could ever imagine with it, so it has treated me very well. I don't know why I have never found any reviews about the sewing machine, But it is surely BRILLIENT indeed. I have been thinking of replacing it with a Brother machine, I am thinking.
Thanks for this, just ended up buying my first sewing machine yesterday. I got a 4423. Was leaning towards Singer to start with, but the fact that you said you used it since 2016 with no problems was the kicker for me. Thanks again!
Awesome, super excited for you to start your sewing journey!! The 4423 for me has been great and if it breaks down I'll buy it again. It's been running smooth for 8 years, can't complain!
Man, this is the best video. You are explaining the machines so well. I was becoming overwhelmed.❤