5 stars

I purchased this for my daughter-in-law, who wants to learn to sew. Besides looking nice, it is very functional, with a variety of stitches. I especially like the 1-step buttonhole and the auto-threader. I did a bunch of practice stitching and the tension is excellent. The blind hem stitch is very handy. I have a tip for "wifey" and anyone else who experiences bunching thread... these more basic mechanical sewing machines (as opposed to the digital ones) have a few rules that must be followed for proper sewing results. Always have the needle in the "going down" position to remove your project or to start stitching. When you stop stitching, your needle stops exactly where you are and doesn't return to the UP position, as in more expensive models. If you try to start stitching with the needle in any other position than "going down," you will experience bunching and a big thread tangle. You'll soon get the habit of turning the handwheel (on the right side) TOWARD you every time you stop until the needle has just passed the high point and is "going down." This is just a basic lesson you are taught in beginning sewing class but might miss if you are a do-it-yourself student. "wifey" might also find that the needle threader needs a little adjustment. There is a tiny little wire hook which is supposed to line up with the needle eye, but sometimes it gets askew, either in the factory or in regular use. You can usually use your seam ripper or other fine tool to move it a little right or left until it goes truly through the eye of the needle and picks up the thread. Just because a sewing machine is basic doesn't mean it is an simple machine. It is a very complex process to combine an upper and lower thread to stitch a seam. Get familiar with the operation of your sewing machine so you can troubleshoot your own problems instead of taking it to the repairman. He will charge you for the service even if it was operator error. Good luck and happy sewing.

5 stars

Purchased this machine because I was starting a sewing class. Did not know how to buy a machine first puchased a traditional singer, but was not easy with it. Returned for this machine, that was an excellent choice. Sewing instructor said that it was the best one to invest in for now. I could set up and thread the machine just wonderful. I would reccommend this machine to any beginner, I used it one day and was able to hem Jeans. This is one to invest in it will last you for a while, it has many nice features.

5 stars

I just purchased this machine today, and tested it out using a fairly heavy twill fabric. All in all, I feel it's a good machine for the price.

I did need to adjust the bobbin tension (it was too tight), but as an experienced sewer, I could feel that it needed adjustment when I put the bobbin in the case. For a beginner, I think the instructions for adjusting the bobbin tension are well written.

I also needed to guide the thread while winding the bobbin to get an evenly wound bobbin. Again, as an experienced sewer, this was expected, so I don't have an issue with that.

The machine itself is somewhat heavy in comparison to some others. I like that because it keeps the machine from bouncing or moving when sewing fast. And after all, nobody carries their machine around like a purse, so lightweight isn't really an advantage.

All the stitches worked fine. The overcast and scallop stitches are not as clean and closed up as some machines I've used, but I think they are good for the price range of the machine.

I prefer the front loading bobbin to the top loading drop in bobbins, which is one reason I chose this machine.

Another factor in choosing this machine was the ability to adjust the stitch width and length. Some low end machines do this automatically...I prefer more control.

The motor is fairly quite, and did become a little noisy when I sewed through 6 thicknesses of twill -- no surprise. No adjustment to the tension was needed to sew that thick fabric.

For those of you who have never used a machine, or those of you who are used to a very old machine, it's important to remember that when you turn the hand wheel to raise or lower the needle, turn it towards you ONLY. Turning it away will eventually mess up the timing of the machine. This holds true for all new machines.

I also have a Brother sewing/embroidery machine -- completely computer controlled. I wanted a mechanical machine as well. Because I teach sewing, I wanted something that had enough features to give my students a solid understanding of the various functions, without being expensive. This little [...] machine really fit the bill.

I'm giving the machine 5 stars not because it's the greatest machine in the world (it's not), but I do think it performs as "advertised", and is a good value for the price.

5 stars

Bought this machine after my old machine went on the blink. It was easy to set up and was sewing in a matter of minutes. After reading several reviews I was a little confused on which machine to purchase. However, I think I made the right choice. I sure you will enjoy this machine as well.

2 stars

ive recently wanted to start sewing and ive been looking for a good machine that is easy to use. everyone says singer, singer, singer. so i bought this on sale and got it home it was easy to put together so i thought why not start sewing. i first had a problem winding the bobbin, which turned out to be operater error. once i got that all figured out, and the top part of the machine threaded i tried to use the automatic needle threader but it was pretty iffy. sometimes it worked sometimes it didnt. so i finally started sewing and pulled my fabric right down into where the bobbin is! the thread got all bunched up, it tore my fabric, it was awful! this happend about 10 times before i finally got some stiches going, but they were so loose they basically fell out with a little help. i also tried to get it to sew the decortative stiches and it wont. im very frustrated with this machine but i dont want to give up on it yet. the only thing i like about this machine right now is that its cute, but that dosnt change the fact that its sitting under my dining room table until someone who knows how to fix it, does.

5 stars

I think this sewing machine looks like a good sewing machine. I saw it had good reviews so now I really want it.

5 stars

I have not sewn since high school and I needed a good machine that was easy to operate.
There was a different machine on sale, but too cheap. I spent a little more for this one, and I am soooo happy. Easy to operate, a DVD comes with if you need it. I am back to doing minor sewing repairs, buttons, so easy to operate.
Easy to fill bobbin. I am happy as the last machine I did own had so many problems. I am ready to take on bigger projects, as this machine makes me feel good and confident.

5 stars

This machine is perfect for me. It is super easy to work. It comes with a dvd that shows you how to thread the machine and bobbins which is great for me because I am just starting to learn how to sew. It looks cute, for a sewing machine. It comes with a compartment to put bobbins/thread/needles/etc. It's cheap, compared to other sewing machines, and works great. I can not stop using it, I love it sooo much!