Singer

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Singer

90 mentions from real owners

• #1Dec 21, 2025

  Need BIFL Recommendations as a Graduation Present!

  I love my 1950's Singer Featherweight 222k sewing machine and it's beautiful enough yo leave out as decor when not sewing.

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• #2Dec 2, 2025

  1930s Singer 99K is a Work Horse

  Indeed, the serial is stamped into the bed, below the Singer badge and model plate. #EM154874, so commissioned early 1957 instead of 30s, but that's consistent with the [Singer badge with black border which was introduced in the early 50s](https://www.singersewinginfo.co.uk/singer_machines/domestic_machines/decoration/badges/).

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• #3Dec 1, 2025

  1930s Singer 99K is a Work Horse

  I used to collect these. I'm down to 1, which is a Singer 201(k). I expect that thing to still be alive and well in 1000 years.

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• #4Dec 1, 2025

  Help Me Pick a Sewing Machine

  The last photo 1970s Singer. It has stitch choices without cams.

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• #5Dec 1, 2025

  Help Me Pick a Sewing Machine

  The first one looks like it’s a Singer 347. I’ve had one for around 30 years and is an absolute workhorse. It’s a late 60’s machine that is mostly steel with nylon gears. It’s your best bet for a reliable and repairable machine.

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• #6Dec 1, 2025

  Help Me Pick a Sewing Machine

  oldest is better. Modern machines are not repairable Of the lives you're picture here, that vintage Singer is worthwhile. The rest are crap

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• #7Nov 7, 2025

  Sewing Machine Recommendations

  Any old pink singer

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• #8Nov 6, 2025

  This 62-year-old German Phoenix sewing machine vs modern machines that last 5 years

  I agree that modern machines are garbage. I grew up sewing on a 60s Elna machine. Now I use a Singer 99k. It handles everything I could need, from all kinds of clothes to leather goods. I haven't enjoyed using any modern machine.

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• #9Nov 1, 2025

  What did your grandparents buy once that's still in the family?

  I also have my grandma's Singer sewing machine from the 1950s. Fun fact, I now work for a descendent of the Singer family.

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• #10Oct 4, 2025

  What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?

  Singer sewing machines are legendary, every grandma in my village had one

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• #11Oct 1, 2025

  What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?

  1990s Singer sewing machine, 1990s Miele canister vac

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• #12Oct 1, 2025

  What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?

  My 1937 Singer sewing machine. Still works like a champ at 88yrs old (it was my grandmas)

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• #13Oct 1, 2025

  What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?

  My grandma's is a model 99 but I also own a Singer Featherweight from 1955(was a coworkers moms machine) and a 1960 Singer 401a from the thrift store, they all work perfectly!

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• #14Oct 1, 2025

  What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?

  Probably a Singer Featherweight. They were/are nearly indestructible. They sold thousands over many decades.

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• #15Oct 1, 2025

  What’s something you’ve bought once and never had to replace?

  I inherited my grandmothers 1937 Singer sewing machine, still works like a champ at 88yrs old. I clean it and give it some oil every 6 months.

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• #16Sep 7, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  Vintage Singer sewing machines are nearly indestructible work horses. Modern ones are cheap plastic junk

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• #17Sep 4, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  I bought the model the OP is referring to. I wanted a machine that zigzagged. I had been using my mom’s old machine from 1948. I made over 3,000 masks with it and many project bags & grime guards for my Etsy shop. I would suggest before you get super into a project, try sewing a small piece in the thickness you want to make to be certain the machine will handle it. I have since upgraded to a Janome, but I still pull the Singer out when my Janome is in the shop.

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• #18Sep 3, 2025

  What's one kitchen appliance you've owned for 10+ years that still works perfectly?

  I could say the same about my parent's Singer sewing machine. If my kids pick up sewing they'll definitely still be able to use this workhorse long after I'm dead

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• #19Aug 13, 2025

  What's the oldest thing you still use daily that works like new?

  My grandma's 1953 Singer Slant-o-matic sewing machine. It's in a table with a knee pedal. I LOVE it.

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• #20Aug 13, 2025

  What's the oldest thing you still use daily that works like new?

  https://ismacs.net/singer_sewing_machine_company/serial-numbers/singer-sewing-machine-serial-number-database.html

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• #21Aug 12, 2025

  What's the oldest thing you still use daily that works like new?

  My singer sewing machine, passing down from my great gran. Circa 1920.

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• #22Aug 12, 2025

  What's the oldest thing you still use daily that works like new?

  My great-grandmother's 1920 Singer Model 66 treadle sewing machine. So, 105 years.

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• #23Aug 2, 2025

  What products used to be well built back in the day but now are low quality?

  Singer sewing machines

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• #24Jul 11, 2025

  What's something you've had forever that surprisingly outlasted its time ?

  I've got 5 singer machines, the newest of which is 65 years old. Around the late 60s they started including plastic parts, more and more since then. Outside of a factory, they will run for 100 years or more.

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• #25Jul 4, 2025

  Ever Bought Something That Quietly Changed You?

  1982. A Singer store. Bought my used, reconditioned sewing machine. I forgot what it cost, but we were in grad school and dirt poor. It was our anniversary gift to each other, me to use it, him to appreciate how much I saved with it. I'd been sewing since I was maybe eight, but hadn't had my own machine. The first year, we dumpster dived the school's dumpsters as students left for the summer, and I remade that furniture to furnish our place. I had a small stash of fabric and sewing notions. He did the cleaning, and polishing, I did the upholstering. Over the next years, I did mending for other students, sometimes for cash, sometimes for trade. I made maternity clothes, baby clothes, quilts from scraps, curtains, aprons, anything and everything we needed. People started to give me bags of fabric from people they knew that couldn't sew anymore, and I used those for whatever was needed. I made gifts of all kinds, for years, for many people. Made wall decorations for kids, and other people. Made a lot of quilts for people I love. Every move, and we moved a lot because of the Jobs, I made more curtains, remade them, remade them again, upholstered and reupholstered furniture, furnished kids' rooms as they showed up, and made clothes for them, and later for their cousins. I made costumes, first for the kids, then for local theaters, neighbors, local schools, and more. And props. I remember the giant snake for a play, that ended up in a local library for the kids to enjoy. Finally, I'm doing my dream sewing, here at retirement, making yet more costumes, for friends and family, for a certain historical re-enactment. And making a new wardrobe for myself, of all the dream items I'd collected photos and sketches of, all these years. Same machine. Just oiled it this week, and it's humming along beautifully. It goes forward, and backward. To do buttonholes or zig zags, it needs an attachment added. That machine opened doors for me. It made friends for me. It kept me to my budget and let me give nice gifts when I didn't have much money, but had the time after work and when the kids were sleeping. It let me be creative in ways I hadn't dreamed of before I was challenged with creating something. Now that my health is broken, it's giving me a goal to keep me focused on doing something as much as I can.

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• #26Jul 3, 2025

  Name your top 5 BIFL items

  1) 1961 Gillette adjustable safety razor 2) 1951 Singer 201 treadle sewing machine 3) 1987 Kenwood 901E kitchen stand mixer 4) 2016 Fujifilm XT2 camera 5) 1990 Miyata 1000LT touring bike These could also easily make the list: 2000 Ford Falcon, 1980s Tormek grindstone, assorted fountain pens, Starrett engineers square, other woodworking hand tools

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• #27Jul 1, 2025

  Name your top 5 BIFL items

  The brands aren't too important, but these are some of my faves. * Vintage audio equipment. 80s Marantz amp and Advent speakers for my pc. * Vintage lamps. Living room lamp is from the 30s while my new Ikea lamp couldn't handle more than 15W and snapped in half just trying to use the damn thing. * A good mortar and pestle. Don't think capitalism was a thing when my oldest one was made. * All-metal sewing machine. I have my great grandma's straight stitch singer and a 70s new home/janome for specialty stitches. * Perennial food and herb garden. My family has been growing and dividing the same rhubarb plant for over 50 years. And rhubarb-anything is the best. * Bonus: Mason jars and rechargeable desiccant for herbs. Dishonorable mention: [Any car from the 2020s](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrIVG0pp1ag)

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• #28Jun 12, 2025

  BILF / USED SEWING MACHINE - BRAND / MODEL ?

  There is a big difference in quality depending on age. What do you want to do? Generally, old machines were built better. Straight stitch - look at 50+ old machines, they will do that perfectly and be reliable. Zig Zag? A bit more complex because it was rare back then. If you can find an old Singer or Pfaff with a zig zag function it will perform well but it will be hard to find. To be honest I'd avoid most other things - zig zag and straight stitch take care of nearly everything. Modern ones have tons of bells and whistles that are quite useless. If I was buying a new hobby machine I'd probably look at Brother because it is generally a good company but I would not expect too much...

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• #29Jun 12, 2025

  BILF / USED SEWING MACHINE - BRAND / MODEL ?

  yes, look on eBay for them. singer machines are pretty good but also look into husqvarna, that's the brand I have and it's great

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• #30Jun 10, 2025

  I’m thinking of buying a Singer 251-3 Industrial sewing machine

  They are solid machines, but if you aren't used to a foot pedal, just be aware it can get tedious. It might take some time to build up that muscle and get used to sustaining that motion.

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• #31Jun 10, 2025

  I’m thinking of buying a Singer 251-3 Industrial sewing machine

  I have several of these, but I am also a machinist. They aren’t hard to work on, but you’ll have to familiarize yourself; just find the manual and read it. Focus on timing the needle in relation to the bobbin and tensioning the thread. They are awesome…

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• #32Jun 8, 2025

  I'm learning to sew on a Singer from 1970.

  I love that you’re celebrating this machine. Just so you know, this era of singer is when they started using nylon gears and they are at the end of their natural life right now. This machine will die soon and it’s ok. This machine was released in the 70’s and the person who bought it surely bought it for life.  When you go to replace it, avoid the touch and sew line and stick to slightly earlier models or Japanese imports. My two main sewing machines are singer 403 from 1960 and singer 66 from 1922. With my whole soul, I believe that the singer 66 could easily last another 100 years.

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• #33Jun 8, 2025

  I got this singer 48k from 1905, and it still works. I just would not use it for normal sewing but it's definitely cool to see. The only issue is the rubber on the bobbin winder is so old that it just crumbled.

  I know, it still is very impractical to use as it turns so easily that when you let go of the handwheel it moves. I use my 401a for most of my sewing.

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• #34Jun 7, 2025

  I got this singer 48k from 1905, and it still works. I just would not use it for normal sewing but it's definitely cool to see. The only issue is the rubber on the bobbin winder is so old that it just crumbled.

  Me and my partner just got one from a thrift store recently for like $200 that was built into a table with a treadle. We carried it home on the motorcycle

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• #35Jun 6, 2025

  I got this singer 48k from 1905, and it still works. I just would not use it for normal sewing but it's definitely cool to see. The only issue is the rubber on the bobbin winder is so old that it just crumbled.

  I have my mother's Singer portable from 1952 that is still in working condition.

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• #36Jun 6, 2025

  I got this singer 48k from 1905, and it still works. I just would not use it for normal sewing but it's definitely cool to see. The only issue is the rubber on the bobbin winder is so old that it just crumbled.

  We have one of those in a lovely wooden case, picked up from a local flea market! It needed a little bit of a service (basically just putting some sewing machine oil in all of the oil holes) but works brilliantly. It even came with a load of little attachments for hemming, etc.

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• #37Jun 5, 2025

  What’s one item you bought that way outperformed its price?

  The Singer 5528 sewing machine. My mom bought this machine in the early 90s when I was a kid. And because of her work, that machine was being used every single day. Then at some point, I went to college and she gave me that machine as a gift. I'm not a clothing designer, so it didn't see much use from me for a while. But then I got into alterations, and it has seen occassional use from me anytime I need a pants, or shirts, to be thinner or shorter.

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• #38Jun 4, 2025

  What’s one thing you bought once and it’s still going strong years later?

  Not "bought" per say, but my handknit garments will hopefully outlive me. I work exclusively with mostly natural materials (for sensory reasons mostly), so they are more breathable than anything I can buy. And I know exactly how it was made and constructed so I can easily repair anything, but I haven't yet had to do any mending. I guess the things I bought in relation to that has been my tools. I have a spinning wheel that I can use to produce as much yarn as I want out of fiber I can get for free. I have a vintage singer sewing machine made of all metal materials that will hopefully only need basic maintenance for a long time. Im hoping to grow my fiber studio to eventually include a floor loom, drum carder, and other fiber tools. All of which are very expensive, but with them I can help clothe myself and others in my life. And because of the nature of these tools, they will either be vintage and already lasted one lifetime (or more) and still good to last another couple, or they are built with the same goal in mind.

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• #39May 11, 2025

  How are the mighty fallen

  Damn… Such a shame, my entire family used to have Singer’s and my grandmother loved hers. The newest one is from 70’s though lol

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• #40May 10, 2025

  How are the mighty fallen

  I have a late 50’s Singer that I prefer over the modern machines. It’s simple and it works a lot more reliably, but you definitely are limited by the stitch options.

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• #41May 10, 2025

  How are the mighty fallen

  I have my grandma’s singer 500 AND her Bernina from the 1980s. Both are so, so solid.

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• #42May 10, 2025

  How are the mighty fallen

  Look on Marketplace, Craigslist, etc and find a Singer from the 1950-60’s. Older ones are likely to be straight stitch only (which are great if you are making bags or quilting and not using stretchy fabrics). Look for a Singer 401 or 500. These are all nearly indestructible. Depending on the condition you find it, it may need to be cleaned or serviced but lots of people do this on their own. There’s lots of info online about how to do so.

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• #43May 7, 2025

  What’s something you’ve had so long it feels like it’s legally part of your family

  Not as old but I also have an old singer, 1960s from my grandmother. I have a modern machine so I only use it for decoration but it still works.

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• #44May 7, 2025

  What’s something you’ve had so long it feels like it’s legally part of your family

  I have a 1958 Singer sewing machine with a dial that makes all the fancy stitches. The only maintenance it has ever needed was replacing the little rubber wheel on the bobbin winder. It was one of the machines in my grandmother’s costume and bridal shop, and I love and cherish it.

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• #45May 7, 2025

  What’s something you’ve had so long it feels like it’s legally part of your family

  Mine isn’t quite that old, but it’s the industrial Singer that enabled my refugee grandmother to take care of her 5 kids by making window treatments for rich folk. I think it was bought used in 1968, but it’s coming to my house next time my dad visits.

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• #46May 7, 2025

  What’s something you’ve had so long it feels like it’s legally part of your family

  I have a 50's Singer that was my great grandmother's. It's still going strong! I still have replacement feet and other small parts that either came with it or she bought around the same time. My great grandmother, grandmother, mom and I have all sewn many a garment on that machine. Wouldn't trade it for the fanciest of fancy new machines.

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• #47May 6, 2025

  What’s something you’ve had so long it feels like it’s legally part of your family

  I have the same Corningware baking dishes that my grandparents got for their wedding in 1961, well the ones my grandma didn't break. I've since found most of the rest of the collection at thrift stores and estate sales. I also have my great great great grandparents fine china set, originally purchased sometime in the 1800s. Again, the pieces that survived my grandma at least. Replacing those pieces has proved to be much more difficult and expensive than the Corning ware. I have the same pots and pans set my great grandma gave my parents for their wedding in 1989, and when my grandma passed, I inherited her set as well. I also inherited her vintage KitchenAid mixer. I've been lugging around a 1960s-70s Kenmore sewing machine since my mom found it at the flea market 21 years ago. I have since acquired a modern sewing machine and a 1952 singer. The two vintage machines are going to be projects this summer since the Kenmore has never been serviced in my ownership (I didn't know I needed to until I started sewing again two years ago) and the singer was a thrift store find this year. I have multiple blankets and doilies made by my great grandma. That includes my and my brothers baby blankets, ones I stole from my parents as a kid, and ones that I inherited after my grandma passed.

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• #48May 6, 2025

  What’s something you’ve had so long it feels like it’s legally part of your family

  So much! My Moms Singer sewing machine that she purchased with her first week's wages in 1968. Also all her old knitting sundries, including yarns that date from the 70s and 80s. A little wooden pull-along dog toy from approx 1982. All his paint has been loved off, and his tail is gone, but he's been through me, my brother, and both of my kids. A little badger puppet that belonged to my husband as a baby and now is cherished by our own children, it's almost 40! An old tobacco tin that belonged to my great grandfather. My grandfather, his son, used it for storing spare loose screws, and I use it for buttons and small needles. Back when I smoked I used it to carry my tobacco and papers! Think it harks from around the 1920s. Lots of kitchen gear my parents bought in the 70s and 80s. My favourite teaspoon is from a cafe my Dad had in the early 80s. Chimney pot from the 1800s that was originally on the house my grandparents owned from the 1950s until the 1990s. Came down in a storm during the 80s, they used it for years after as an umbrella stand. Now being used as a plant stand in our garden. Also an iron mooring post that came from the canal near my grandparents old house that has moved house...8? times with me so far. That section of the canal opened in 1790, no idea how old the post is. Definitely not modern!! Bits and bobs of old tools from my grandfather too. Ledgers from my great grandfather's shop. I could go on. Every room in our house has at least one item that has been with one or more generations of our families. I know that makes us sound like hoarders, lol. We are actually quite minimalist, we just focus on keeping the items that matter AND stand the test of time ❤️

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• #49May 6, 2025

  What’s something you’ve had so long it feels like it’s legally part of your family

  An 1891 Singer sewing machine that my great-great grandmother bought from the Kilbowie factory in Scotland, and my grandmother brought with her to Australia in 1948.

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• #50Apr 10, 2025

  What is your current BIFL item you recommend to everyone?

  My janome sewing machine. I've had mine for 8 years and it's mended dozens of pants, made countless clothes and quilts. Highly recommend getting a good sewing machine. My grandma had her singer since my father was born in 77, do your research and get a good one.

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• #51Apr 8, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  Mines been great. Everyone's going to hate on something for some reason. 🤷🏼‍♂️

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• #52Apr 8, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  Don’t worry - it’ll be fine for your needs! Enjoy the making process and if you find you really get into sewing you might find there are some quality of life improvements you’ll be looking for, at that point you can have a lot of fun looking at the older machines. They were built to last. Modern machines have a lifespan and are quite unforgiving. I have a Singer 201k made in 1934. It runs through anything with ease, denim, canvas, the odd finger. Mines entirely powered by a hand (it’s a hand crank) and I regularly make shirts. You can get treadle (powered by foot) and electric too for those old machines. They’re straight stitch only, but you don’t need zig zags and fancy stitches, they just bump up the prices on modern machines and are often really quite niche use. The upside of a straight stitch machine is that the needle bar gives you a laser focused line that doesn’t deviate and your needle plate has a very small hole for the needle to dip into, modern machines don’t handle finer fabrics too well because they try to ‘do everything’. If you get the bug, a Singer 201 or 128 are fun to use. Those old machines are an experience, you can easily service them yourself, they’re truly built to last and there is no fighting with the machine like modern consumer models. You can literally take it one stitch at a time, pivot and take curves without worry!

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• #53Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  I used to work for a nonprofit teaching refugee women to sew. Singer HD was our sewing teacher's #1 request for new sewists. The ladies usually requested something with a screen and a million capabilities, but she was insistent that this is a better machine to learn on. It is straightforward and easy to figure out, and has enough capability for pretty much all the sewing you'll do as a beginner. If you grow beyond it in a couple of years, it's easy to resell. I haven't heard of any major defects or frustrations, it just does what it's supposed to. I'd take the reddit opinions with a grain of salt.... Lots of experienced folks over there who have different needs than beginners.

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• #54Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  I like mine. I’m blaming it eating my thread on my own incompetence, but when it works, it works, it works well.

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• #55Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  I don't know, mine works great. I think people buy them thinking that they will go through anything. You still need to research something before you buy it. ' It's meant for heavier fabrics at a hobbyist duty cycle. If you are sewing a little bit for fun and you plan on doing denim or canvas it's probably great for the price. If you are sewing 5 oz pleather goods 5 hours a day and your small business can't run without it, then you probably got the wrong machine. ' There are performance tests on YouTube where people sew layers of denim until the performance drops. These things can handle quite a bit with a good setup and some care. It just can't do it continuously.

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• #56Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  If you are happy with it and the results, it’s the right machine for what you need! It should have come with a manual? Give it a read and follow the care instructions. And the threading instructions. As long as you treat it well it should return the favour! Using the correct needle, correct thread and stitch length, you should be fine for most things. I don’t recommend trying the buttonhole though, unless you want to tear your hair out in frustration. Depending on the fabrics you plan to make curtains from, you should be fine. (I have sewn professionally, OMG some sewists are rude and judgmental).

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• #57Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  The reviews I saw were good- we just got one based on them. That said, my husband has broken 4 needles trying to use is it (obviously we need to adjust something)

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• #58Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  Got one on sale around 10 years. It gets pulled out a few times a year for projects including curtains, rugs and tablecloths and has never missed a beat. (if you don’t count the times I’ve threaded it wrong, forgot I’m supposed to oil it, or bumped the tension dial accidentally).

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• #59Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  My modern Singer heavy duty is a fine sewing machine - it is simply not a heavy duty maching in any sense of the phrase. My 1940s Singer is an exquisite and hard-wearing machine that is nonetheless also not a heavy duty machine.

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• #60Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  My Granny sure used hers without issue for numerous ...... forever basically. I've not used it but idk that anyone else I know with one enjoys using theirs as nearly all of them got rid of are trying to get rid of theirs. And now that I'm saying that I realize it's one of the most common models I find people selling. But it might really just be because there are less people sewing.

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• #61Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  Related and unrelated question: does a "Singer Merritt 1862" qualify as an "older Singer?" I know its not an all-metal Singer treadle machine or anything, but its what I have. Related because i was considering the Singer HD6380 if i could get a deal on one

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• #62Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  Perfectly fine, and should last you plenty long.

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• #63Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  I have had good luck with mine for occasional projects. I made a frame bag out of 500d cordura and I also made a sleeping quilt with some ultralight fabric and it did both without any trouble.

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• #64Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  I wish I still had my mom's old Singer. I think it was from the 1940s. Made out of cast iron I believe. Built like a tank.

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• #65Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  Going on 10 years with my singer heavy duty 4423. It struggles a bit with thick layers like denim, or quilting layers. For curtains and other projects mentioned, it should do the job.

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• #66Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  I have that exact machine. I don’t really sew much, but I have put mine through its paces. It’s about 15 years old and I have never had it repaired.

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• #67Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  It sounds to me like this machine will be perfectly adequate for your needs, likely for a number of years to come. Vintage singer sewing machines are a lot better than modern ones, but they still make a few good models, and the Heavy Duty, as far as I know at least, is their only machine at an entry level price point that is any good. For someone at entry level, a hobbyist like yourself, it's a perfectly fine choice. I'm not even sure that I could recommend another brand that makes a decent machine at that price point.

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• #68Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  The hell is wrong with people these days... You got a machine that you have personally *proven to work for you*, yet you still give a rats arse about what some internet nobodies think. Live your sow life, and live it freely.

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• #69Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  I don’t think you made a mistake, it’s going to work and you are going to be able to make things with it! I took a beginning sewing class and the teacher used those machines for students who needed to rent and I used one a couple of times— my only complaint is it really wants to go fast, lol. It took me a while to figure out how to get the pedal to go slow. We used it on upholstery fabric, so I think you’ll be fine for curtains!

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• #70Apr 7, 2025

  Is the Singer Heavy Duty Sewing Machine Really That Bad?

  My first machine was a singer heavy duty and it works just fine for hobby sewing. For $100 you really can’t go wrong, you could turn around and get your money back. Is it top of the line? No. But you can definitely get use out of it. If you really want a BIFL machine i’d keep my eye out for singers from the 50s and 60s. You can find them for $50 on marketplace and they’re built like tanks

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• #71Apr 5, 2025

  1952 Singer 15-91 Sewing Machine. I sew on this machine daily and made 4 quilts on it this month alone. As long as its serviced regularly and properly cared for, it could possibly outlast me.

  Here's another reddit post I found from someone else that has my exact cabinet. I think their pics will be more helpful than mine...as my cabinet is painted hot pink, teal and magenta...yes, you're allowed to he horrified. LOL I just love my pink too much. https://www.reddit.com/r/vintagesewing/s/4bIwRIKjNE

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• #72Apr 3, 2025

  I am looking to buy a sewing machine

  My mom is a quilter. She has used Singer and Brother machines. She really doesn't like any of the Singers except the very oldest. She prefers Brother for her stuff i think mainly for the available features. Maybe ease of use. I have an old "Singer Merritt 1982." I just recently got it in working order. Its relatively easy to use and works well despite being an older household machine. Like another comment said: buy a used machine, and see how well you like it. AS FAR AS THE QUILT GOES: Firstly, you plan to use hoodies for it. Thats going to be hard. Hoodies are a knit material with a felt on the back. It is stretchy and thick. Normal quilting material is thinner and tighter woven. It doesnt stretch much. The hoodie material will be hard to piece and have lay flat. If you continue with that plan, just be aware and minimize the number of seems you need. Secondly, quilting is an art. There is alot to learn. There are many techniques you need to know just to make a decent one, not even a good one. So take a class, watch videos, or find someone who can show you. Thirdly, it is expensive. You'll buy a machine, thread, bobbins scissors, cutters, rulers, pins, fabric, batting, an iron, binding/bias tape, backer fabric, and thats not even to do the quilting. Thats just piecing. Paying someone else to quilt it for you can be $300 or more. My mom makes the designs and pieces them, then has someone else quilt them, then she binds them herself. Time and materials can easily be $1,200 for a full sized quilt.

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• #73Apr 2, 2025

  I am looking to buy a sewing machine

  Luckily singer standardized all these things over 150 years ago so it’s not all as extreme or expensive as you portend. The machines aren’t over $1000. Don’t worry, there’s no threat, no one wants to lug around the boat anchors anymore anyway.

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• #74Apr 2, 2025

  I am looking to buy a sewing machine

  *coughs and gasps* for a thousand dollars!? Yikes.. a restored mint antique singer may cost you a couple hundred, or less if you wanna clean it up yourself! It’s dangerous tho, soon you may have a room full of project machines like an old auto shop.

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• #75Apr 1, 2025

  I am looking to buy a sewing machine

  My grandma had a Singer with the foot pedal. My mom and aunts learned how to sew from her. I got my mom an overlocker from Singer also. Still going strong.

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• #76Mar 11, 2025

  What is the longest lasting item you've bought?

  I have a Singer from the late '70's that I picked up for $10 at a garage sale about 10 years ago. Definitely needs a tune up, but the beast is more reliable than my mom's modern machine. And with the solid metal body, I'm pretty sure it can be used as a weapon.

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• #77Mar 11, 2025

  What is the longest lasting item you've bought?

  My sewing machine. When I bought it from the thrift store, it was already nearly 70 years old. I took it to a local shop for maintenance, and I bet the old girl will outlive me. Vintage/antique Singers are absolutely amazing!

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• #78Mar 6, 2025

  What's the oldest appliance you own?

  1928 Singer sewing machine. I'm in the process of restoring it but intend to use it when complete.

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• #79Mar 6, 2025

  What's the oldest appliance you own?

  My Singer sewing machine. Built in 1952. I just used it last week to taper a pair of jeans!

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• #80Mar 6, 2025

  What's the oldest appliance you own?

  1949 Singer sewing machine. I am not an original owner, bought it at yard sale 20 years ago for $5 and repaired it. Still works!

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• #81Mar 6, 2025

  What's the oldest appliance you own?

  I have a toastmaster from the 60s A Singer treadle sewing machine i got from my mom from the 1870s that still works well

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• #82Mar 6, 2025

  What's the oldest appliance you own?

  Sewing machine, I think. My mom's early 60s Singer. Not fancy, just functional. 60 something years and we've only had to replace the power cord. It fell prey to a pack of slavering poodles (puppies).

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• #83Mar 6, 2025

  What's the oldest appliance you own?

  My toaster dates to 1937 (according to the serial number). It makes great toast several times a week. I will say that when I bought it at a yard sale in the early 2000s, I don’t think it had been used much, if it all; it looked brand new then. So it might only have about 25 years of actual use. I also have several vintage Singer sewing machines that will never die. My favorite one is from the late 40s. I use a cheap Brother for buttonholes and such, though. Life is too short to mess with finicky Singer attachments from the 40s. 🤣

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• #84Mar 5, 2025

  What's the oldest appliance you own?

  singer model 127 sewing machine

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• #85Mar 5, 2025

  What's the oldest appliance you own?

  1965 singer sewing machine. Got it a couple years ago. People had it out in the trash after they didn't sell it at a garage sale. Case and original manual included.

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• #86Mar 4, 2025

  BIFL, but also BISecondhand. What are some things that everyone should keep an eye out for, but can commonly be found for cheap when preowned.

  Oh, sorry, i didn’t mention that i mean the new singer (bought by Chinese company) not the Old Singers. these Singers are BIFL of you, your children and grandchildren.

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• #87Mar 4, 2025

  BIFL, but also BISecondhand. What are some things that everyone should keep an eye out for, but can commonly be found for cheap when preowned.

  Hey now my singer is going on 4 generations... (as a fancy table for my Kenmore to sit on.)

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• #88Jan 9, 2025

  What do I need to start repairing my own clothing?

  You can do a lot with a small sewing kit and YouTube videos to teach you different types of stitches. Sewing machines are great if you’re willing to spend the money. You can pick up a reliable machine like a Singer or Brother for under $200. With regular cleaning and maintenance it should last for decades. The nice thing about learning basic sewing on a machine is that you can hem your own pants and alter clothing that doesn’t fit quite right. It also makes mending a breeze!

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• #89Jan 5, 2025

  Has everything we buy reduced in quality over time? Has anything increased in quality or stayed high quality and durable?

  A great example of this is sewing machines. My grandmother got a top of the line singer in the 1960s. All the extras. 150$. Hell of a deal right? Well accounting for inflation that machine 1500$... Now singer as a brand sucks, but if you want a solidly built sewing machine with the same kind of parts (no computer or electronics) you buy the basic bernina, pretty much the same set of functions, better sewing experience and will probably last forever, for 1500$ or so. You can also get great industrial basic machines for what my grandmother spent on her domestic machine. The features you can get now are things they would need a single specialized industrial machine for, or have to finish by hand, in the 1960s. We also have a bit of survivorship bias in many used markets. Sewing machines included. The ones still working, are the ones we see. That being said the only thing I really care about inherenting is the 1960s rocketeer sewing machine. They are not particularly rare, as so many of them were made and still function. But it's a damn good machine.

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• #90Jan 1, 2025

  Buy It For Multiple Lifetimes!

  My grandmother's 1924 Singer sewing machine. Still in regular use, sews through just about everything. Still has belts, replacement parts and maintenance pieces available. The things a beast.

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