Sewing Machine Review: Singer Heavy Duty
After years of sewing off and on with a secondhand, beginner Janome, my husband surprised me with my Singer Heavy Duty machine for Christmas almost ten years ago, and it’s been a beloved and cherished member of our family ever since.
It has the perfect blend of mechanical simplicity (which allows me to perform almost all of the servicing myself), paired with a powerful motor that’s allowed me to dive into jeans making and other heavy fabric construction. While it may not have all the glitz and glamour of some of the computerized machines on the market, it’s been a reliable workhorse that has yet to mess up a buttonhole, which is a total win in my book!
It’s allowed me to build up my closet with fabrics ranging from 12 oz. denim and corduroy to lightweight swimwear fabric without breaking a sweat. The machine’s price point is also more accessible than I’ve seen from other companies, especially considering its motor and stitch speed (up to 1,100 stitches per minute). I’ve lost track of the number of times I’ve recommended this machine to other sewers when they’re looking for an economical upgrade for their wardrobe.
I’ve got a feeling my Singer and I have many more years ahead of us, and I can’t wait to see what beautiful makes it has in store.
About Author
Alyx Vanness
Hi there! I'm a mid-thirties millennial that got asked for my hall pass all ten years as a teacher and who has just stumbled out of the hallways into the corporate world. I spent a lot of years unsure of my style and uninspired by ready-to-wear clothing, and then I started sewing. Fully self-taught with a devil-may-care attitude (I've never met a pattern I'll toile), I use this craft as an opportunity to experiment and play. Thanks for being here!Leave a Reply to Alyx Vanness Cancel reply
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17 Comments
Sarah Kirsten
I’m in love with your photos for this post, Alyx. Captivating.
Alyx Vanness
Ahhh thank you Sarah that’s so kind!!
Gail Hancock
I recently bought that same model and have been completely dissatisfied. It strains to go through 4 layers of medium weight cotton fabric, the threading is super laborious, it’s impossible to start sewing without haand-turning the wheel.. Need I go on. Maybe like so many things, Singer has cut corners over the last 10 years.
Alyx Vanness
Oh no Gail, I hate to hear that! I haven’t had any issues using mine, even when bar tacking belt loops onto my 12 oz. denim, so it definitely sounds like something has changed in the decade since mine was purchased. Did you end up finding a machine that you like?
Laura Raymond
Gail, I wonder if you’re using the correct size and type of needle and when you last changed it. It makes a really big difference with my Singer Heavy-duty. I replace the needle often, especially when starting a new project; if I’m sewing heavy fabric like denim or canvas, I make sure I use a 16 or 18 needle.
Laurie Chaney
Hi Gail i bought the machine and after a couple weeks of sewing it just like seized up. i pulled out my old singer dependable one from 1978. it was about 2 months later i finally got it into my repair shop and the owner said oh no let me see where its made taiwan or i think vietnam. he siad if its one i wont even try to repair it. but he looked at it. plugged it in and it sewed perfectly that was two years ago and i havent stopped sewing. still dont know what happened..
Cidne Hart
I use a Singer Merritt 4530 which is not considered heavy duty, but I can’t believe how well the machine has worked for me. I use it for artwork which includes paper and sometimes many layers of fabric and paint even plaster. The machine has been a trooper. There is a plastic plate that converts its to free-motion, and I sew up a storm. I have had it maybe 5 years and it was used then.
Alyx Vanness
Oh wow, that sounds like a dream! I’ve used mine a couple of times for paper art, but plaster?? Whoa!
Jennipher Mccabe
I would strongly recommend visiting your local sewing machine dealer for knowledgeable advice on a machine purchase. Sewing and making should be enjoyable and your future machines should be taken for a test drive!
Gail Hancock
Sure should have done that! Bought it online.
Alyx Vanness
Completely agree Jennipher! And it supports a local business, win-win.
Shauna Woloszyn
Interesting article! I’ve found several different models of Singer Heavy Duty machines available. Which model do you have? Thanks 🙂
Alyx Vanness
I’ve got the Heavy Duty 4452, Shauna. Thanks for asking!
Alyx Vanness
Woops typo! It’s a 4432!
Shauna Woloszyn
Thanks Alyx!
Becky McGee
Thanks for the machine review. I often see this machine on sale locally and contemplate if I really need another machine, I’m thinking now I might just.
Alyx Vanness
I’ve had nothing but positive experiences with it, though I’d definitely see if your local store will allow an in-store test run of an unboxed machine like Jennipher suggests above to see if it’s your style.