Singer 7463 Confidence 30-Stitch Electronic Sewing Machine Review

The first one I got was in Jan '09.It lasted me until June, and I started having a lot of problems with it.It started making terrible noises, sounded awful, wouldn't sew straight, stitches were inconsistent, tension was messing up intermittently I had to stop using it for vacation, got back and it was worse than ever.I sent it in for service (it took 3 weeks) and they sent it back saying they had adjusted the tension and found nothing wrong.It worked quietly for about 10 minutes, and then started freaking out again.I took it back and they swapped it out for a new one . The new one started having problems with feeding the fabric and rattling by the second day.The pressure on the presser foot was off, and there was no way of adjusting it.No way to lower the feed dogs either.I ended up returning it for a refund.

I was really disappointed with the quality of this machine.I wanted it to work well, and it did... briefly.It seems Singer has really lowered the bar with their quality standards.

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Product Description:
Loaded with user-friendly features, this versatile sewing machine makes it easy to sew with confidence. Choose from 30 stitch patterns, including two fully automatic one-step buttonholes, a hand-look quilt stitch, several decorative stitches, and a variety of construction stitches. Each stitch supplies a one-touch selector button and pre-programmed optimal settings for length and width that can be adjusted as desired. Even more, it comes with a Drop & Sew system with a top drop-in bobbin that holds the thread exactly where it's needed as users pull the thread toward the back of the machine along a threading path--no need to draw up the thread before beginning to sew like with other machines. For added convenience, the unit provides an automatic built-in needle threader (no more squinting or frustrating repeated attempts), 13 needle positions, and a free arm that makes easy work of pant legs, cuffs, and sleeves. Other highlights include a clear bobbin cover, horizontal thread delivery, automatic tension, a StayBright LED light to illuminate the working area, a heavy-duty metal frame, a carrying handle, and on-board accessory storage. Accessories include needles, bobbins, a buttonhole opener/brush, spool caps (mini, small, and large), an aux spool pin, a dust cover, and snap-on presser feet (a zipper foot, buttonhole foot, general-purpose foot, and a blindstitch-hem foot). The sewing machine measures 17-1/5 by 8 by 12-1/2 inches and carries a 25-year limited warranty.

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Janome 7330 Magnolia Computerized Sewing Machine with 30 Built-In Stitches w/ Free Shipping!!!! Review

I am a first time sewer and I wanted a solid machine below $400.I wanted something I could grow into, but something that wouldn't overwhelm me.I had gone online to research machines.I was actually considering the Brother CS6000I before I had even heard of the Janome 7330.At the time there were 97 reviews on Amazon for the Brother CS6000I and I read every one.I was concerned b/c the low rated Brother reviews and even many of the 4 and 5 star reviews complained about the machine's tension and a finicky bobbin.The last thing I wanted to deal with was a touchy machine.If you read the reviews, without looking at the stars, most of them talk about the machine's quirks.I started to wonder if the Brother was trying to be too far reaching for it's price point.I was also wondering why so many were willing to overlook this touchiness that they all mentioned.

I went to SewVacDirect.com and did an online "ask a consultant" thing.I asked the person about the Brother CS6000I and the person directed me to the Janome.I had never heard of Janome before, but the consultant said that the Janome was far more sturdy than the Brother and that it was very easy to use.Still unsure, I decided to go to a store to see the machines in person.

After seeing the Janome and the Brother in action, I came home with the Janome 7330.After seeing the two machines work, I did feel that the Janome was better made and more sturdy.I felt more confident in the Janome's ability to grow with me through the years and felt it was more of the work horse that I was looking for.Twenty minutes after opening the box I was sewing.I'd never touched a machine before and I was sewing!It was as easy to use as they had told me.No weird finicky tricks to learn; just a solid machine.

The 7330 is computerized.It has a good number of stitches, including 5 different overcast stitches, three different one-step button holes, a darning stitch, and good number of decorative stitches.It has a free arm that has been great for doing the small arm and leg holes on the children's clothing I've been making.It has a foot pedal, although you can also use it sans the pedal.It has an up/down button that "remembers" if you last made the needle stay down when you stopped stitching.It also has a reverse button and an automatic needle threader.It's very easy to wind the bobbin and you just pop open the little lid and drop it in the hole.Super easy!

The instruction manual is very easy to follow and it comes with an all purpose presser foot, a satin foot (great for sewing on buttons!), a button foot, and a zipper foot.It also comes with a seam ripper, some bobbins, a brush for cleaning, a screw driver, and some plastic rings that hold the spool of thread in place.

When I told my friends that I had purchased a Janome, all of them said it was a very good brand.I found out that is a Japanese company and Janome means "eye of the snake" as it was one of the pioneers of using a round bobbin instead of a long shuttle back in the 1920's.Janome was the first to make a computerized sewing machine in the 1970's.I'm including this information b/c if you've never heard of this brand before, it's not a fly by night.It's been around for awhile and it has a very good reputation with those who know it.I also found that Janome sponsors a DIY website, threadbanger.com, which has some really neat ways to be green by reusing, recycling, and reconstructing things.

In conclusion, go to a retailer and see for yourself.It's a solid machine!!

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Product Description:
The Janome Magnolia 7330 Computerized sewing machine combines lots of sewer friendly features in a wonderful machine. The 7330 has 30 well thought out stitches. Included in the stitches are 6 one step buttonholes that sew a buttonhole exactly for your size button. The Janome 7330 has a bright LED screen for easy view of stitch width and length. The LED screen also displays the number of your stitch. Easily adjust the stitch width or length by just pressing the plus or minus button. How nice to be able to adjust the stitch width or length with precision with just a press of the button. Janome's 7 Feed Teeth Box Feeding System assures Superior Feeding! From the lightest weight fabric to heavy fabric! The Automatic Needle Threader is simple, just pull down the needle threader, put your thread in the hook and in front of the needle, pull back and your needle is threaded! The bobbin cover is see through to let you see if you are running out of thread! In addition, if you sew off the edge of the fabric it is jam proof. Free motion quilting to old fashion darning is easy with the drop-feed system. Do pants legs and shirt sleeves with the Free Arm Feature! The precision tension dial lets you set your tension and your tension stays there. Precision tension makes sewing enjoyable. Handy Central Control Buttons: From bottom to top: Start/Stop for Sewing Without a Foot Control, Reverse, Pattern Stop, Needle Up/Down all conveniently located for your sewing pleasure. Just push the bobbinwinder to the right and the auto-declutch will automatically stop the needle from moving and wind your bobbin! The Start/Stop button allows you to sew without using the foot control. One Step Automatic Buttonhole foot, Zipper foot, Satin Stitch foot, Screwdriver, Bobbins, Needles, Seam Ripper, Additional Spool Pin, Spool Caps, and Felt are all included with the Janome 7330!

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Brother SE350 Computerized Embroidery-and-Sewing Machine Review

I bought my Brother in April 2008 and have been sewing on it daily for at least 3 hours every day since then.I've never had ANY trouble with it.It's a MUST that you also buy the PED Basic to go with your machine so that you can download designs from the internet.I've downloaded over 8,000 free designs so far, and that's just a "drop in the bucket".You're limited to 4 x 4 designs (that's the only drawback).The machine is very light weight and has accompanied me on many trips.You don't have to have special needles or special bobbins for this machine.It's VERY user friendly!The patterns that come with the machine are very high quality, as are the Alphabets.I'd like to have more fonts on the machine, but they are so easily accessible on the internet that this really isn't an issue.I will say that 40 weight rayon thread seems to work best (and use a bobbin thread when embroidering).When I finally wear this machine out, I'll probably go with another Brother machine.

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Product Description:
Ideal for both sewing and embroidery, this easy-to-use machine provides an array of convenient features. As a computerized sewing machine, it comes with a wide array of built-in stitches, as well as a large, backlit, LCD touch screen for easy stitch selection and editing, making it possible for both novice sewers and professional designers to create fashionable projects tailored toward their unique preferences. Choose from 67 built-in stitches, 98 stitch functions, and 10 styles of one-step automatic buttonholes. As an embroidery machine, the unit offers 70 built-in embroidery designs, five monogramming fonts, and 120 frame pattern combinations. Other highlights include an automatic needle threader, an automatic push-button thread cutter, 15 needle positions, a maximum sewing speed of 710 stitches per minute, and a free arm, as well as a snap-on presser-foot attachment, a drop-feed function, auto presser-foot pressure, and a maximum embroidery field of 4 by 4 inches. A vast array of useful accessories are also included: seven feet (buttonhole, overcastting, monogramming, zipper, zigzag, blind hem, and button fitting), a seam ripper, four bobbins including clips, a needle set, a twin needle, a cleaning brush, an eyelet punch, a screwdriver, a touch pen, three spool caps, a spool pin, a spool net, and a foot controller, as well as scissors, a disc-shaped screwdriver, an embroidery hoop, an accessory case, a hard cover, and a user manual. The computerized sewing-and-embroidery machine measures approximately 18 by 8 by 12 inches and carries a 25-year limited warranty.

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Brother Sewing/Quilting Machine LX 3125 Review

I ordered this machine because the one I had only did forward and reverse and zig-zag and I have had it for 20 years and it still works very well,It to is a Brother. I started doing applique quilting and needed a machine that had more stitches so I ordered this machine. It was everything I had expected and it was a good price at $60.00. I priced a new one and found it was over a hundred dollars. This machine would be perfect even for a beginner. It is easy to use and can handle alot of different materials. I would highly recomend this machine.

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Brother 1034D 3/4 Lay-In Thread Serger Review

I think if you're looking at this machine, you're either a) new to serging or b) impressed by the price and interested in the quality.I'm completely new to sergers, but I did my homework before buying this one, and for the price and the performance, this serger has a perfect balance.

I was also concerned about being able to figure out how to use it on my own (so many people talk about taking a class) but within a day I felt like I knew it inside and out.It's setup is uncomplicated and I was able to get right to work.There's something to be said about passing over the machine that can "do it all" and buying one that just does what you need.

1) The "how-to" videos are wonderful for the visual learner.You can pick up the same knowledge from the thorough instruction book(s) included, but the videos reinforce the book.Watching the video on "threading" once, and following the line drawings on the machine itself, I was able to thread the machine in 5 minutes. (It's really not that hard - it's all color coded and the steps are numbered, but the videos help)

2) Included are two additional feet, one for a blind hem/flatlock and another for gathering ruffles as you sew.Together, they themselves are an $60 value.The feet are "snap-on" (when I read about that online I instantly thought of breakable plastic, but the feet are primarily metal with some plastic pieces on the blind hem foot) - the "snap-on" construction is very easy to use and solid (i.e. nothing is going to snap OFF over time)

3) It's very easy to set the tension and the manual has a very clear chart on troubleshooting uneven stitches (with 4 threads, there are multiple things that can be off with the tension).

4) The company description says that it does 22 stitch functions, which I think is a little misleading (it does the basic stuff and they show different applications for the basics).
THIS IS WHAT IT DOES:
1. 3/4-thread overlock (uses 4 threads; best for use with knits or upholstery fabric)
2. 3-thread overlock (general use) in two widths - 3mm (using only the right needle) and 5mm (using only the left)
3. Rolled hem (great for edges of napkins, pajama bottoms, frilly skirts, etc)
4. Flatlock stitch (decorative or flat seams)
5. Blind hem
THIS IS WHAT IT DOESN'T DO:
1. Coverlock stitch (stretchy stitch with two straight lines on the front of the fabric).If you're sewing for yourself (i.e. not selling what you make), you can fake this stitch on your regular zigzag sewing machine with a twin needle.It's not quite the same, but close enough for me.
2. Chain stitch (a semi-straight stitch, similar to a regular sewing machine but easier to rip out (i.e. good for basting) and a good reinforcement for upholstery)
Other sergers I looked at that did the coverlock stitch in addition to overlock, etc. had complicated and time consuming adjustments to be made to switch to the coverlock.If you're going to use it a lot, consider getting a separate machine that does it (the Brother model is 2340CV).
The one feature the 1034D is missing for me is the ability to do a 3-thread overlock and a chain stitch at the same time - good for upholstery but something available only on a 5 thread machine.

5) Nice little things:
1. You have the option of using regular thread spools (cheaper and smaller if you don't need 1000 yards x 4 of whatever color you're buying)
2. You use regular needles - so you can use them in both your regular sewing machine and your serger
3. It's really easy to control speed with the foot pedal - very responsive
4. Disabling the knife (that trims your fabric as you sew) is done with just the flick of a switch
5. Differential feed allows you to sew any thickness of fabric, line up stripes evenly, etc.

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Product Description:
The Brother 1034D serger features a 3/4 lay-in thread system with lower looper threader.Stitch options include 4 thread overlock, 3 thread overlock, narrow hem, rolled hem, and ribbon lock stitches.Additionally you can sew blind hem, pin tuck and flat lock stitches by purchasing optional presser feet.The machine has a free arm/flat bed convertible sewing surface.The 1034D also offers a F.A.S.T. lower looper threading system for easy thread changes.The differential feed improves sewing results on stretch or thin fabrics to give you a perfect finish.Snap-on presser feet allow quick and easy changes to transition to each desired stitch.The 1034D also includes an instructional video tape to make serging fast easy and fun.

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Singer 1507 8-Stitch Sewing Machine Review

I've worked with those really old, big, and clunky sewing machines when I was about 8-13 years old under my mom's and grandmother's supervision. Now I'm 25, and recently decided I needed a sewing machine of my own. I don't have room for any big machine similar to what I was used to, so I thought a small portable one should do the job for me.

I got a really cheap $30 set from Walgreens, and that stopped working 5 minutes out of the box. Figured I ought to be a little more serious, so I opted to spend more than I really wanted to get this. I am very glad that I did.

I just got it today. The manual is super easy to understand. I'd never threaded a machine on my own before, but there is even a numbered guide right on the machine to tell you where the top thread goes. The guide on the machine plus the very simple instructions in the manual made threading the thing a breeze.

With the foot pedal, it's fairly easy to control the speed. I've read some reviews on similar machines (a Brother one, in particular, that I was also looking at) with complaints of it going from 0 to 100 with nothing in between. Not so with this one.

It's really quiet. It's a little awkward having the top spool horizontal, but it works. It's a little heavier than I expected, but that makes it more sturdy. It has a little storage compartment that's really convenient and a nice way to keep everything in one place. It has a little lever for reverse sewing, which I really like. Comes with a neat little cover that has a slot at the top for the carrying handle.

Overall, it is a very straightforward machine that works great, is simple to use and easy to understand.

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Product Description:
The Singer Model 1507 is a 8 stitch machine. If you are a beginner sewer or are looking for a machine to do some basic mending and sewing, this could be the machine you need. The machine features a 4-step buttonhole; 2 needle positions to help get your stitching in just the right spot; an easy bobbin winder; a free arm for sewing those pant legs and sleeves; horizontal threading for smoother stitching; and adjustable presser foot pressure (useful for heavier fabrics). With the machine comes an instruction manual (in English, French, and Spanish) to show you how to get the most from your machine. The 1507WC also a canvas cover included and a compartment for storing the accessories which include: a pack of needles, 4 bobbins, standard presser foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, zipper foot, small bottle of oil, feed dog cover, 2 spool caps, stitching guide, screwdriver, and a seam ripper/lint brush. For further assistance with your machine, you can contact Singer's Consumer Affaires at 1800-474-6437 Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:00pm CST.

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Singer Futura CE-250 Sewing and Embroidery Machine Review

I purchased this machine because I wanted to learn to do machine embroidery and didn't want to spend a fortune.I think it is an excellent value.It seems very solid and sewed beautifully with no adjustments straight out of the box.There are sensors in the thread path that are very sensitive and incorrectly report broken thread quite often.As soon as I got the hang of flossing the thread into the sensors this became less of a problem.There are several yahoo groups dedicated to machine embroidery and the nice peoplethere were of great assistance to me as I got started.

Folks like me who are new to machine embroidery should understand that the sewing machine must be physically attached to a computer while you are embroidering.The soft ware running the computer sends the information to the sewing machine one color at a time so don't think that you can download the design and then sew it out later. You are going to need a computer to run the embroidery feature of this machine.I'm using an old computer that was discarded at my office because it was too slow to run large office programs over a network.I took all the other software off and it runs the Future software just fine.If you are going to need to acquire a computer to run your embroidery machine you should consider that cost along with the price of the Futura.

Thread is the paint of embroidery and since it is different than regular thread you are also going to have to make an investment in thread to get started.The price of a spool can vary greatly but if you buy a bunch at one time it can be pricy so think about this to when deciding to make the plunge into machine embroidery.

The difference between the Futura 250 and the Futura 350 is the software.If you plan to create your own embroidery designs you should know that only the basic software comes with the 250 but you can purchase the full software separately.Making clip art into machine embroidery is much more difficult than I first thought and to run the Futura software the sewing machine must be connected to the computer even if you are just working on the design and not doing the actual sewing. There are other software packages that do not have this requirement.You could use them to make the art into embroidery files but you will still need to be connected to your Futura to stitch them out.

I am extremely happy with this product and would recommend it to other people like me who just want to have some fun and spice up their craft and sewing projects.If you are looking to do embroidery professionally then purchase a higher priced and faster machine.


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Product Description:
Ideal for both sewing and embroidery, this easy-to-use machine provides an array of convenient features. As a fully electronic sewing machine, it supplies 100 stitch options, including six styles of one-step buttonholes with pre-programmed, yet adjustable, stitch settings, plus it offers a one-touch selector button for 11 of the most common stitches. It can even sew up to 600 stitches per minute. The unit also comes with electronic stitch control for precise results, an automatic needle threader, drop feed, a top drop-in bobbin with a see-through cover, needle up/down selector, twin needle control, 13 needle positions, and more.
The sewing machine can also be used as an embroidery machine when hooked up to a PC, making embroidering as effortless as clicking the mouse. To use, simply download the included Windows-compatible software to your computer, layout and edit your designs, then download them to the embroidery machine using the provided USB cable. A built-in tutorial, 120 embroidery designs, and five popular fonts are included, as well as AutoPunch software for converting a wide variety of graphic files into embroidery designs (designs can also be downloaded from the Internet or CD collections) and two embroidery hoops--a large 4-1/2-by-6-3/4-inch hoop and a smaller 3-1/8-by-4-3/4-inch hoop.
Other highlights include access to Live Software updates for up-to-date information, an LCD display, optimum power control, and built-in accessory storage. Accessories include class 15J bobbins, a general-purpose foot (zigzag foot), an embroidery/darning foot, a zipper foot, a buttonhole foot, a button sewing foot, a special-purpose foot, and a blindstitch hem foot, as well as needles, a buttonhole opener/brush, a small and large screwdriver, a special screwdriver, a small and large spool cap, a foot control/power cord, and a user manual. With its durable, aluminum frame, the all-in-one embroidery/sewing machine measures approximately 17 by 11 by 12 inches and carries a 25-year limited warranty.

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