Have you finally bitten the bullet and come to realize that your daily household chores involve more stitching than a simple needle can handle? Well, that’s great. Now you can invest in a sewing machine and learn the art of sewing to improve your workflow. Since you are just getting started, you will need a sewing machine that is designed with novice seamstresses in mind – one that’s forgiving of mistakes and easy to use.
There are plenty of beginner-friendly models currently available in the market, but one of the best ones come from Singer – the Singer 1234. The Singer 1234 is loved by many novice seamstresses. In this Singer 1234 Sewing Machine Review, we will take a look at the features and capabilities of this machine to help you decide whether it is the right option for you or not.
Our Review of the Singer Start 1234
The Singer 1234 is a portable sewing machine, targeted at entry-level seamstresses. Since it is light and compact, you’ll find it easy to carry it with you to the sewing class and when you are done, you can put it away for safe storage. With a weight of fewer than 10 pounds, it can be a good choice for kids too. Since the Singer 1234 is a beginner-friendly machine, it doesn’t boast advanced features found in modern computerized sewing machines. However, the features that it does have are implemented well by Singer.
Singer 1234 Pros
- The light weight of the unit allows you to easily carry it with you
- Simple controls make this sewing machine suitable for kids over 7 years of age
- The Compact size means that the machine needs very little storage space
- Reverse stitching compatibility
- Length and width of the stitches come preset
- Great for beginners and kids
- Easy to understand instructions
Singer 1234 Cons
- Not suitable for heavy-duty use
- The top threading system might be an issue for some people
- The small width of the table means that you can’t work on larger projects
- No case
- No automatic needle threader
- The bobbin may pop out
6 Built-in Stitches
The Singer 1234 sewing machine comes with six built-in stitches. This might be less for intermediate or advanced seamstresses, but basic stitches should be enough for beginners. The pre-built stitches that are included in the machine are zigzag, satin, straight, blind hem, scallop, and a 4-step buttonhole. The stitch quality of this sewing machine is brilliant, which should boost the confidence of novice seamstresses. A guide manual also comes with the machine, which shows how to use each individual stitch.
To make controls easier, the Singer 1234 comes with a pre-set stitch width and length. This means that you won’t have to manually set these values every time you select a pattern. This will help save time and also allow you to maintain perfect tension. When the tension is right, the stitch will remain for a longer period, preventing tearing of the fabric.
4-Step Buttonhole
The 4-step buttonhole feature is amazing as it allows you to easily add buttonhole in four simple steps. Buttonholes can be added to different things like children’s clothing, pillows, and more.
Free Arm
You can expose the free arm of the Singer 1234 by sliding off the removable extension table. This free arm is pretty useful for hemming sleeves and trousers and for other small projects.
Heavy-Duty Metal Frame
The price of the Singer 1234 may give an impression that it’s made from cheap material. However, this isn’t the case. Singer has maintained its reputation for providing quality products by featuring heavy-duty metal frame construction in the Singer 1234. This means that the machine should last a long time and would help you get accustomed to the art of sewing before you switch to a more advanced sewing gear.
LED Lighting
Sewing on dark clothes can be a problem, especially when there isn’t enough light in the room. Fortunately, the Singer 1234 provides a solution to this issue with its LED lighting. The light is bright enough to help you sew on dark fabrics. Moreover, it stays cool to touch regardless of how long you use it.
Automatic Bobbin Winder
Winding a bobbin can be difficult, especially for beginners. To make this task simpler, the Singer 1234 features an automatic bobbin winder. All you have to do to wind a bobbin is follow the numbered diagram on top of the machine. The bobbin will stop turning automatically when it is completely filled.
Accessories and Setup
The Singer 1234 comes with a number of accessories including bobbins, all-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot, pack of needles, needle plate screwdriver, power cord, foot control, tote bag project sheet, seam ripper, darning plate, quick start guide, and an instruction manual.
The setup of this machine is quite easy. All you have to do is follow the instructions in the included manual and you will be done with it in no time.
Darning Plate
Darning plate is positioned over the Singer 1234’s feed teeth. This will prevent unwanted contact between the fabric and the feed teeth. Darning plate is used for free-motion sewing like monograms, sewing on buttons, and stipple quilting.
Extra-High Presser Foot Lifter
This sewing machine comes with an extra high presser foot lifter that should come in handy when you are dealing with thick fabrics.
Portability
Since the Singer 1234 only weighs 12.7 lbs, it is easy to carry. You won’t have to spend your money on a rolling tote as you can take it with you to your sewing classes in a small bag.
Maintenance
The Singer 1234 hardly requires any maintenance. Just wiping it with a dry cloth after each use is enough. There are a fewer chances of any part malfunctioning, which means that you will save yourself from the trouble of carrying it to a repair shop. When it comes to durability, the Singer 1234 is built strong, so it is very durable.
Alternatives to the Singer Start 1234
The Singer 1234 is a pretty good option for novice seamstresses. However, if this model doesn’t suffice your needs, you could consider the Janome Arctic Crystal or the Brother XM2701. The Janome Arctic Crystal is also a beginner-friendly machine, so its functions are easy to understand. This sewing machine takes the lead over the Singer 1234 in terms of the number of pre-built stitches as it features 15 of them. It also comes with a 4-step buttonhole. The 3-piece feed dog system is perhaps the most impressive feature of the Janome Arctic Crystal and it allows for smooth fabric feeding, which improves the finishing of the work.
The Brother XM2701 is another sewing machine designed for novice seamstresses. It features 27 built-in stitches to help beginners get accustomed to the art of sewing. Be it decorative stitching, blind hem, or quilting, the Brother XM2701 has the capability to handle different kinds of projects. Also, it is easy to select a pre-built stitch pattern with a dial knob – just rotate the knob and select the pattern you wish to use. The Brother XM2701 also features a top drop-in bobbin to ensure that your bobbin doesn’t pop out while you are working on a project. This machine also features an automatic needle threader, which isn’t found in the Singer 1234.
Our Final Thoughts
The Singer 1234 is a beginner-friendly machine that comes with six built-in stitches and 4-step buttonhole. It doesn’t have all the bells and whistles found in high-end sewing machines, but it comes with several basic features that should make it easier for novice seamstresses to learn to sew. Moreover, it is lightweight and portable, which means that they can easily carry it with them to the sewing class.
There are a few minor issues in the Singer 1234. For instance, it the bobbin can pop out sometimes. The small width of the table is also a problem as it won’t allow you to take on larger projects. The main issue is that there is no automatic needle threader in this machine, which can be quite useful for new seamstresses. If Singer had included an automatic needle threader, the Singer 1234 would have been a perfect machine for beginners.
Currently, there are better models than the Singer 1234 available in the market – like the Brother XM2701. So if you want a beginner-friendly sewing machine with plenty of built-in stitches and an automatic needle threader, the Brother XM2701 is an option worth considering. If you want a durable, lightweight and portable sewing machine with simplistic features, the Singer 1234 might be a good option for you.
