Since 1851, the name Singer has been synonymous with sewing. The spirit of practical design and creative innovation that characterized the company at its beginning continues today as we develop products for every level of sewing. We have celebrated many firsts, including the world's first zig-zag machine, the first electronic machines and we now proudly produce the world's most advanced home sewing and embroidery machine. From home décor and clothing construction to embroidery and quilting, SINGER® is dedicated to help people express themselves through sewing.
Pros:Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality, Great For Beginners
26 out of 28 people found this helpful.
I just purchased this machine a few days ago, and I consider myself a beginner. I made a few crafts when I was a teenager (20 years ago), but nothing since then. My old machine stopped working right long ago, & I thought I was doing something wrong. Then I purchased this machine. I can't believe how easy it is to use! After all that struggle with my old machine (not a Singer), this one works like a dream. This is definately the machine to buy, easy for beginners and good for more advanced users, too!
My old Singer pooped out on me after 16 years, had it been an expensive one, I'd probably taken it in, but since it wasn't...I decided to replace it. After looking at many top of the line machines, I decided that I really didn't want a machine that required payments, or me taking out a second mortgage. With that said, I went to Wal-Mart and found the 5500 Fashion Mate. I looked at some reviews on my Smart Phone, and decided to take it home for a spin. After only using a mechanical machine I was a bit nervous (I don't do well with change!), but I took it out of the box, threaded it up and was ready to go in no time flat. I didn't know it was a front load bobbin until I got home, and I wasn't crazy about that, but it isn't a show stopper. Additionally, the auto needle threader didn't work....after going on a couple of different websites I was able to bend the threader (ever so slightly) with a small screwdriver and it works now...no problems. I wish the presser foot went up a little higher, but again...not a huge deal, just different than I'm used to (did I mention that I don't like change?) All in all the stitches are perfect and super easy to select...oh and the machine is pretty and comes with a hard cover which is nice.
I have only really started sewing this year, at first sewing by hand and then later I borrowed a family member's very, very old machine to see if I liked it. It was a bit complex but made week long projects take sometimes less than a day so I shopped around and decided to buy this machine, the Fashion Mate 5500. I am very impressed, it was easy to learn to use, and is very fun to work with. I use it every single day. I love all of the different stitches and that I can slightly customize the size of each stitch. I think the price was pretty good for a product like this too. If I could change anything about it I would change the light bulb. The light it gives off is blue and makes my projects hard to see sometimes but other than that I don't think I could be any happier with it.
Got this machine last year to take my garment construction to the next level. This machine did not disappoint. Buttons and buttonholes are a snap. I really enjoy all the decorative stitches available to add a little flair to any garment. Great for an avid hobbist.
Pros:Good Value, Light Weight, Easy To Use, High Quality
14 out of 16 people found this helpful.
I previously used my mother's 1947 sewing machine. This machine was easy to set up, quick to learn and ready to go. I have taken it to several classes as it stores easy and not too heavy. Great overall machine.
The first machine I bought would not pick up the thread and Singer told me the timing was probably off...so I took that one back and got another one that works great! Love this machine - SUPER easy to use, I bet my 6 year old could figure it out if I actually let her, lol.
I have been sewing on a Montgomery Wards machine since the 1980's. But since I have bought my Fashion Mate I didn't realize what I was missing. My mother always had a singer and now I have this new one. I love it because it is quite but also has all the different stiches. Made my first quilt and love the ease of this machine.
Pros:Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality, Very Handy Extender For Working On Large Pieces.
Cons:Inadequate Sewing Area Lighting., Not As Good With Very Thick Material Like My Old Kenmore Is.
9 out of 10 people found this helpful.
This is the first electronic machine I've had. It's really amazing how much time is saved just having the needle raise automatically when you stop sewing!
I use a table lamp to augment the lighting of the sewing area.
Pros:Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
9 out of 11 people found this helpful.
Love sewing on this machine! My first to have a needle thread er, I love it! The button hole feature is exceptional. Plenty of stitches regular and stretch and easy to switch from one to another. All around great machine and would recommend it to anyone!
Pros:Good Value, Easy To Use, Buttonhole Choices Are Excellent
4 out of 5 people found this helpful.
Wonderful machine. Very happy. Quite a bit less than the Futura I purchased in 1972!!!!
Two gripes. Foot raiser position. I am right handed and when I am holding the fabric in the rear, the lever gets in the way. Second gripe is the raised needle. Took a week until I realized (smart aren't I?) that I could lower the needle manually for swivel purposes.
Don't misunderstand I am very happy with the machine. Very handy changing patterns while fabric still in machine. Yes. Good Value.
Pros:Good Value, Great Features, Easy To Use, High Quality
2 out of 3 people found this helpful.
I am fairly new to sewing but splurged on this machine anyway. So far I love it, I had to learn how to work it but anyone who is sews regularly would probably have no problems getting the hang of it! Great machine and easy to use!
I wouldn't give it even 1 star. This machine is a nightmare. It's cheaply made, tempermental and you can't see a thing with the ridiculous LED bulb. I dislike that it defaults to the preset settings when you pause for more than a few minutes. I dislike that the foot stops in the up position after some hesitation. It's horribly noisy. Actually, so far, I can't think of a single thing that I DO like about it. Buying this machine was a HUGE mistake.
Cons:Terrible Thread Jamming Problems (and I've Been Sewing For Over 40 Years, So I Know How To Use A Sewing Maching)
2 out of 4 people found this helpful.
I will update this review if I keep this machine and it starts working better. I bought a Futura about 1979 and never had the problems with thread jamming the way I'm having with this one. At this point, I'll try it a little more, but will definitely return it if it continues to change. Can someone tell me if the front loading bobbins are more problematic? I really like the top loading one on my old Futura. I learned to sew on my Mom's two Singers when I was young, and then sewed a lot on the Futura. Maybe I should just try to get the broken belt fixed??
I just purchased this product. Just took it out of the box. The bobbin would not wind. I went through the instructions numerous times. It is very simple and basically the same as the old singer I own. But to no avail. Out of frustration I decided to wind the bobbin on my old machine. I inserted the bobbin correctly. And the machine will not sew. I get a C4 message. I haved owned this machine for less than 24 hours and I already hate it.
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