Singer is a well-known brand in the world of sewing machines, celebrated for its durable and reliable machines that cater to a wide range of sewing needs. From humble beginnings in the mid-19th century, the brand has grown and evolved to become a global leader in the sewing industry, offering a variety of sewing machines that appeal to both beginners and professionals.
Singer Company Brand History
Isaac Merritt Singer founded the Singer Sewing Machine Company in 1851. With a patented sewing machine design that was both practical and accessible, Singer revolutionised the textile industry. The company’s first sewing machine was known as the Singer Model No. 1. This innovative machine was the first to offer a family-friendly sewing machine, effectively transforming the way families created and mended their clothes.
As the company grew, so did its reputation for quality and reliability. Singer introduced a range of new models over the years, each designed to meet the evolving needs of sewers worldwide. The brand became synonymous with sewing, thanks to its consistent delivery of innovative, easy-to-use machines.
Fast forward to the present day, Singer is owned by SVP Worldwide, which was acquired by Platinum Equity in July 2021 from Ares. The company accounts for more than one-third of consumer sewing machines sold globally, operating under the iconic brands Singer, Husqvarna Viking, and Pfaff. With a presence in over 180 countries, Singer’s products are available across a network of sewing machine dealers, mass retailers, speciality shops, online retailers, distributors, and the company’s 180 internally operated retail stores. The company also boasts manufacturing facilities in Asia and Latin America, multiple R&D centres including a new state-of-the-art facility in Sweden, a software development center in the UK, and a global supply chain with distribution centres in all regions.
Types of Sewing Machines
Singer offers a diverse range of sewing machines to cater to the different needs and skill levels of sewers. Some of the types of sewing machines offered by Singer include:
- Mechanical Sewing Machines: These are the traditional, manual machines that many of us learned to sew on. They are straightforward and durable, making them great for beginners.
- Electronic Sewing Machines: These are a step up from mechanical machines, offering more stitch options and features. They’re perfect for those who sew often and need more versatility.
- Computerised Sewing Machines: These machines are for the tech-savvy sewer. They offer a large number of stitches, automatic features, and the ability to download patterns.
- Embroidery Sewing Machines: These machines are designed for those who love to add intricate embroidered patterns to their projects. Some machines are sewing and embroidery hybrids, while others are dedicated embroidery machines.
- Overlockers (Serger Machines): These machines are used to finish off the edges of fabric, preventing fraying and giving projects a clean, professional look.
- Quilting Sewing Machines: These machines are designed for quilting. They have a wider workspace and often come with a variety of features to make quilting easier.
- Heavy Duty Sewing Machines: These machines are built to handle heavier fabrics and larger projects, often boasting a faster sewing speed and a stronger motor.
List of Singer Sewing Machines
The range of Singer sewing machines spans from basic mechanical models for beginners to computerised machines packed with advanced features for professional use. Each series in the Singer line-up is designed with a specific purpose and user in mind, ensuring that there’s a perfect Singer machine for every sewing need. This list will introduce you to some of the most popular Singer sewing machine series, offering a brief overview of what each series is best suited for, and whether the machines within the series are typically mechanical or computerised.
Please note that Singer has been manufacturing sewing machines since the mid-19th century, so there are many vintage and antique models not included on this list. Also, new models may have been released since we updated this post.
Singer Tradition Series
These are entry-level machines best suited for beginners. They come with basic features like a variety of stitches and easy threading system. They are perfect for everyday sewing and minor repairs.
- Singer 2259 Tradition Sewing Machine
- Singer 2277 Tradition Sewing Machine
- Singer 2282 Tradition Sewing Machine
Singer Simple Series
As the name suggests, these machines are designed for simplicity and ease of use. Ideal for beginners and hobbyists, the Simple series offers a range of basic to moderate features for general sewing projects.
- Singer 3221 Simple Sewing Machine
- Singer 3223 Simple Sewing Machine
- Singer 3232 Simple Sewing Machine
Singer Heavy Duty Series
These machines are designed for long-lasting durability and performance. They feature a heavy-duty metal frame and powerful motor, making them suitable for handling thicker materials and larger projects.
- Singer 4411 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
- Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
- Singer 4432 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
- Singer 4452 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine
Singer Stylist Series
These are computerised sewing machines that offer a wide variety of stitches and features. They’re designed for advanced sewers who want a versatile machine for various projects, from fashion sewing to quilting.
- Singer 7258 Stylist
- Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist
Singer Professional Series
These machines are designed for professional use with a wide range of advanced features. They are suitable for experienced sewers, small businesses, and anyone who requires high-quality, precise stitching.
- Singer 9100 Professional
- Singer 14T968DC Professional 5
Singer Confidence Series
The Confidence series is designed to make sewing comfortable and easy. These computerized machines have a variety of automatic features and are perfect for intermediate sewers looking to take on more complex projects.
- Singer 7640 Confidence Sewing Machine
- Singer 7463 Confidence Sewing Machine
- Singer 7465 Confidence Sewing Machine
- Singer 7469Q Confidence Quilter
Singer Quantum Series
These are high-end, computerised sewing and embroidery machines with a multitude of creative features. They are suitable for advanced sewers and those who want to take their creative sewing and embroidery to the next level.
- Singer Quantum Stylist 9960
- Singer Quantum Stylist 9985
Singer One Series
These machines blend modern functionality with a vintage-inspired design. They are user-friendly, making them suitable for beginners, but they also offer enough features to satisfy more experienced sewers.
- Singer One
- Singer One Plus
Singer Start Series
These are affordable, compact, and easy-to-use machines designed for beginners or those who need a portable machine for small projects and quick fixes.
- Singer 1304 Start
- Singer 1234 Start
Singer Promise Series
These machines provide basic functionality with a handful of useful features. They’re easy to use and are designed for beginners or those who only sew occasionally.
- Singer 1409 Promise Sewing Machine
- Singer 1412 Promise Sewing Machine
Singer Featherweight Series
The Featherweight series features compact and lightweight machines that are beloved by quilters. The vintage Singer Featherweight 221, for instance, is a popular model for taking to sewing and quilting classes due to its portability.
- Singer Featherweight 221
- Singer Featherweight 222
Standalone Models
Singer’s extensive range of sewing machines not only consists of specifically curated series but also includes numerous standalone models. These models, while not part of a named series, each offer unique features and advantages to meet the diverse needs of sewers. Ranging from beginner-friendly machines to those equipped with more advanced functions.