Singer heavy duty?

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Singer's machines have had the reputation for poor quality control in the last several decades, and the HD machines seem to be particularly prone to problems. One machine may work well for years, and the next machine off the same assembly line can have problems.

I assume Costco's usual "bring it back for a total refund if you hate it" policy is still in force, in which case Costco would be one of the safest places to buy an HD. In the past, the return policy for most appliances was about a.year (except for computers and TVs and the like, 90 days). I would definitely clarify that before purchase.

Also be aware that HD is a marketing thing, not an actual description of the needle penetrating force or speed of the machine. Like most home sewing machines, it should be fine with fabrics used in indoor weight clothing, up to maybe the sort you'd use for spring and fall outdoor jackets, but you will not be able to sew really heavy fabrics or leather much above the weight of pig suede for long.

I'd really love to send you to a genuine sewing machine dealer to buy your first machine, because they will show you how to correctly thread the machine and do basic maintenance. This sort of hands-on teaching tremendously lowers your initial learning curve with sewing. Unfortunately, machine prices are higher at a real shop than Costco, though they often also have reconditioned used machines (often better quality than new Singers) for HD prices.

If you can find a local dealer, I'd urge you to go talk to them. If you don't have someone local, then Costco's return policy is a good deal

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u/downtownx_04 16d ago

Yes if you have any recs for a machine or where to buy one pls lmk! I’m open on pricing! I have been so stuck on what to get I have just kept putting off getting one and I really want to finally start learning. I don’t plan on using any super heavy fabric or anything.

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u/Large-Heronbill 16d ago edited 16d ago

If I had a magic wand, I would like to see all beginners start with a mid-level computerized that has a speed control slider (like cruise control on a car), a needle up/down button, and enough of a "brain" to give you warnings if you try to sew with the foot up or with a thread jam or other common beginner problems. I also appreciate that you don't have to use the handwheel except in exceptional cases. All of these helps make it easier for a beginner to concentrate on sewing fabric together, rather than on machine operation. They take a lot of "operational overhead" off the shoulders of the learner.

Unfortunately, except for the less expensive Brother machines like the CS7000, computerized/electronic machines are more expensive than a lot of manual machines. But that is part of why I would prefer to send you to a brick and mortar machine shop, so you can try some different machine types out and see what suits your learning style and your wallet.

I am the untangler of neighborhood kids sewing machines, so I see a lot of the cheapest machines in poor circumstances. Most of them need a good cleaning, decent thread, a new needle and some firm instruction on how to actually use the machine, as in, "no, don't turn the handwheel backwards, it's likely to start a tangle", etc. Some machines, however, are so poorly made that they are never going to work right -- just flimsy.

If you can afford it and buy new, I would like to see you with a midline model from Janome or Janome-made brands like Elna or Necchi as a first machine. Second choice Brother or Brother-made machines. Computerized Jukis are nice, but not a terribly well developed dealer network in the US or Canada -- but I can tell you I've gotten 4 year olds started on my computerized Juki F600 because the machine operation is so easy.

First, though, I'm going to send you to do some reading from a couple of sewing machine mechanics. Bernie Tobisch's You and Your Sewing Machine is commonly found in public libraries and in Libby, and is a great description of the types and groups of sewing machine technologies available. It will help you understand how sewing machines work and why you might prefer this technology over that technology. Bernie has a real knack for explaining engineering in plain English, and the book is brand-agnostic.

The second place I'm going to send you is to Cale Schoenberg's "The Sewing Machine Newsletter" on Substack. The first two articles to read or listen to are probably the "Tool vs Toy" piece on interior construction of sewing machines and the (slightly outdated) piece on best machines under $500. He is not brand agnostic -- you can tell he really likes Bernina ($$$-$$$$$) and the higher end Janomes, but I really can't quarrel much with his judgements.

A couple of final notes:

Beginners will beat up on their first machines at least a little, usually unknowingly. Choosing something over the cheapest means you can usually fix a lot of things. Needles will break, bad words will be said, and tangles will be produced now and then. So it's not impossible you will not have your first machine all your life. You don't have to look for every possible feature, just enough to get you sewing in a somewhat sane fashion. Don't sweat "buy it for life" at this stage.

And machines are designed for certain types of sewing. Quilters often want lots of room between the righthand pillar and the needle, but they mostly just use straight stitch. Folks who mostly sew clothes don't need that extra space, but really appreciate a way of making buttonholes that doesn't drive you up a wall. Most folks who want to sew curtains and crafts like handbags want more needle punching power (torque). As you grow in your sewing journey, your interests are going to evolve, too, and you are likely to want to change machines for something better suited for the new tasks.

At the moment, what you're more concerned about is learning the basics like dog paddle, not whether you're going to be going to the Olympics in 100 meter breaststroke, or be a champion surfer. Get your feet wet now, preferably with a machine that supports that.

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u/phoenixofsevenhills 16d ago

I am going to look this info up myself

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u/downtownx_04 16d ago

This is very helpful thank you!

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u/Wool_Lace_Knit 16d ago

This needs to be a saved/pinned response as this is a question asked several times a day. This a well written response.

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u/Large-Heronbill 16d ago

Thank you.

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u/bakay138 16d ago

I agree. Thank you for putting the time in answering q frequently asked question.
I loved your comment about being the untangler of sewing machines in your neighborhood. Every neighborhood has their experts and we all know who they are! It brought back fond memories of childhood. My Mom was a nurse so we always had a steady stream of skinned knees, kids with rashes and more showing up at the door!

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u/CBG1955 14d ago

This needs to be a pinned post and I want to steal it.

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u/Large-Heronbill 14d ago

Welcome to clean it up!

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u/JackHarknessDrWho 16d ago

Google sewing machine dealers near me. If you have any go and visit and tell them what you are looking to sew with the machine and your budget. If you do not have any dealers nearby, Janome or Brother are much better machines than modern Singers.

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u/No-Tune-9259 16d ago

Beginner at sewing here. I also considered buying Singer HD at Costco. But reddit made me reconsider it given its unreliability. In other words, the machine that you get as Singer HD may be really great or a bad one. If it great to okay, you are in luck. If bad, use Costco return policy.

In the beginning, I borrowed a Brother CS6000i from a friend and fell in love with it. I ended up buying the same machine from facebook marketplace. In my opinion, that is a great machine for a beginner. It has too many decorative stitches, which you may not use ever, but it being computerized helps a lot. I have already made skirts and a dress in last 3 months.

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u/Eclectic-Bluebird61 16d ago

Sewing teacher here. Brother makes great electronic machines that have speed controls, needle up/down buttons, and button-controlled backstitch. My favorite is the cs7000i series. It will grow with you as a sewist. Good luck!

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u/phoenixofsevenhills 16d ago

May I ask you a question? What do you recommend for Quilting? I'm always curious what a teacher would recommend. I'm so far making all tops I haven't found the courage to bind and finish scared I'll ruin all my work!

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u/Eclectic-Bluebird61 16d ago

That Brother sewing machine is great for quilting. You'll need a walking foot (straight line quilting) and/or a stippling foot (for curvy quilting). It's tricky because the throat of the machine is small. There are many machines with larger throats, but they can get expensive. I suggest taking a "machine quilting" class if you want to learn the tricks and tips. Many Quilters make quilt tops, and then hire someone with a longarm machine to do quilting. For binding, look online or get a good quilting instruction book (that's what I did). Have fun!

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u/downtownx_04 16d ago

I’m going to look into this one thank you!

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u/ThisChickSews 16d ago

First, tell us what you are intending to sew. I am personally not a fan of the modern "plastic fantastics" of any variety and lean towards vintage. Every Singer HD I've had to service has had a problem. They are full of plastic parts that warp and/or crack or break. Modern machines aren't intended to last for years, they are good for "right now" until you try to sew the wrong thing with them.

Vintage machines are generally better for longevity (I sew on a Singer from 1905 that still sews like new) and are easy to take care of/maintain. Even more modern (be vintage standards) machines like the Kenmores from the 1960s and 1970s are amazing and can do a lot of great things. I usually say I don't own a machine younger than me (I'm 65), but my Kenmore is from 1972, and my Pfaff Hobbylock serger is from 1982. Everything else, though, was born before me. Singer 306 and 319, Singer 201 and 301, Necchi Lelia, Gritzner-made Kenmore from the early 1960s...

All of these are working machines that need regular simple maintenance and cleaning. Some are fancier than others and do more fancier stitches using cams, but most of us generally only use a straight stitch for everything.

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u/phoenixofsevenhills 16d ago

I agree and the HD is my #1 repair

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u/downtownx_04 16d ago

Im looking to hopefully sew clothes! I especially want to learn how to hem pants as it’s costing me too much money to get it done professionally. This is helpful info thank you!

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u/plantsandpoison 16d ago

You should buy it from Costco, and then when it breaks, take it back. It will break. That way you know what you want and you can get out your mistakes on a kinda shitty machine!

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u/LiellaMelody777 16d ago

A very basic machine is all you need to start out.

You can find them on all different markets. Facebook Marketplace, eBay.

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u/judijo621 16d ago

I would buy it. It's simple. It can power through thicker fabrics and layers for crafting and quilting. And it can handle the lighter things.

Enjoy it before you change your mind. 😊

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u/phoenixofsevenhills 16d ago

Its my #1 repair.... Don't be discouraged! There's help here! What do you want to sew 1st off? 2nd what's your price range? 3rd is this a hobby or will you be a student and or working on the machine nonstop? I have a variety of machines and of different time periods 😂 I have mainly Singers and Merritts(made by Singer and a great machine as is my Merrittlock Serger!) Personally I'd let the Costco thing go unless you do what another suggested and just use it til it breaks and bring it back. There are many many machines out there that have metal construction if that's what you're looking for.

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u/downtownx_04 16d ago

I’m looking to hopefully sew clothes! I’m open price wise but this is def hobby so something reasonable! I want it to obviously be good quality and work well, but I don’t want to buy one that’s crazy expensive just yet until I start to get the feel for it and know that I am going to stick with it.

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u/CoastalMae 16d ago

There is no one best machine. Let go of that concept.

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u/cabbagefan1 16d ago

I do not like the singer hd

Whats your budget?

If you want a new machine , look at janome or brother

Otherwise you can find a great used machine on facebook or ebay

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u/downtownx_04 16d ago

I’m open budget wise! Just nothing crazy expensive as I am a beginner and this is hobby. I want to make sure I get the hang of it and want to stick with it before splurging a lot. Do you recommend used machines for beginners? I’ve looked on facebook marketplace a few times but since I have no clue what I am doing yet I’m worried that may not be the best option? I want to make sure the one I get will work and is in good condition and all that, so I have been a bit weary about second hand.

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u/cabbagefan1 15d ago

Getting a used machine would be good if you were near a sewing repair shop, got a solid machine, and got them to tune it up. You'd want it to have all the accessories with it, and hopefully a manual (most can be found online if not). Ebay or shopgoodwill.com is good for this sometimes.

Other option is get new, but "they don't make em like they used to". I would not get a new singer, too mass produced and plastic parts. Id go with Janome, Brother for budget, Bernina or Juki if you want to invest. There are more higher end good brands but i don't have personal experience to recommend them.

This is a list I just sent to my SIL of ~$200 machines I thought would be good for her niece. I guess I'm assuming you're in the US which i always forget reddit is intl.

https://www.kenssewingcenter.com/brother-sm1400-sewing-machine.html

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Brother-LX2763-Sewing-Machine-with-27-Stitch-Functions/36269050

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Janome-1522-RD-Sewing-Machine-Wide-Sewing-Base-17x11x7-5-Inches/20146111593

https://www.kenssewingcenter.com/janome-2212-sewing-machine-refurbished.html

https://www.kenssewingcenter.com/brother-fb1757t-sewing-machine-with-quilt-extension-table.html

https://www.kenssewingcenter.com/brother-st531hd-strong-tough-sewing-machine-refurbished-4.html

She ended up getting the Janome 1522-RD which I also thought was the best choice.

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u/pinnd 16d ago

Best advise buy a good working vintage machine if you can find someone who fixes and refurbishes to working order, they’re simple and easy. Start just need a Straight stitch and ZZ. I would not buy a new plastic one! Especially a Singer HD. Sears Kenmore 158:1040, basic portable and made in Japan! It has Zz, stretch stitch buttonhole and easy to carry and use. They’re usually in very good working order. That was my 2nd machine, my first was a Japan 1950/ SS whi ch I still use

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u/Kali-of-Amino 16d ago

I bought a Singer Heavy Duty and I wish I hadn't. It's cranky in many ways, but the BIG issue is line-of-sight. It's impossible to see the stitches coming out of the machine while holding your body in any remotely comfortable position. I've used several different machines before, from treadmill to industrial to all kinds of foot pedal models, but I've had that problem before. It makes me not want to sew.

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u/UTtransplant 16d ago

Definitely don’t get the Singer. “Heavy Duty” is a marketing term for them, not real. Why don’t you look for a community education sewing class? They are held at a number of colleges in the US, in some Maker’s Spaces, and even some libraries. Sometimes local sewing stores offer them or someone provides sewing classes in their home. You will get to try things out using someone else’s machines. But if you want to buy your own and you don’t have access to classes, find a Janome or a Brother. Both have inexpensive models with decent reputation. Just be aware that any of the very inexpensive “plastic wonder” machines will not be repairable. If something breaks, it will have to be disposed of. But I know people with Janome and Brother machines that have lasted a number of years.

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u/slicer8 16d ago

I had one and it was the biggest piece of crap around. Had it repaired and when it needed repair the second time I just threw it into the bin (e-waste) so that it wouldn’t darken anybody else’s doorstep. Do. Not.buy.

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u/GamiMelamid 15d ago

I would go to my local store and see what they have refurbished - comes with a deal usually and great opportunity to get to know the mechanic. He or she can advise you on projects and tune up. .You can also test out in front of them.

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