SINGER Start 1304 Portable Sewing Machine | Lightweight, Beginner-Friendly with 57 Stitch Applications, Automatic Bobbin Winding & 4-Step Buttonhole | Includes Accessory Kit

I've had this for over a year, and I am very pleased with it. Great as a beginner machine, or if you're like me and do few projects a year and mend. I could also see it as a "portable" option since it is so lightweight. I mostly use it for mending or small work - I think this machine's price point is perfect for this; you'll save money if you learn to fix your clothes. It does have an invisible hem for dress pants, so you can buy them unfinished and taylor them to what you want. This comes in handy for my the pants my tall and skinny fiance wears! I have used it on heavier fabrics, including denim and canvas duck. Because the machine is so lightweight, it slipped a little on the table I was using when sewing large pieces of canvas (Sprinter window covers). I wouldn't recommend this machine if the bulk of your projects is upholstery or quilting, I think a heavy duty machine would be more appropriate. It worked fine with the right needles on the heavier fabric, so if its an occasional thing it's probably alright. The main limitation is really stitch variety. There are other machines out there with same vary fancy stitches, which might be preferred on garments, especially baby clothes or lingerie. If you're headed that direction, you might grow out of this very quickly. All in all, simple to use and maintain, sews nice even stitches. A great little machine for the occasional or beginner sewer.

I took a sewing class in high school over 50 years ago. I haven't sewn much in many years, but needed a good basic machine for household mending. The first one I bought was advertised to be easy, but definitely was not! The Brother cs6001 was extremely complicated, and even with a so-called "self-threading needle," I found it almost impossible to thread that needle. The light was a harsh blue LED, which made it hard to see. The number of steps needed to sort through 60 stitches to find a basic stitch was confusing. I began to wonder what happened to the simple, mechanical sewing machines from high school days, and voila, I found the Singer 1304! I was a little hesitant because it was advertised for beginners, and also had references saying it was suitable for children, but I finally took the plunge and ordered it. I am so glad I did! Even though I've only hemmed 2 pet towels and mended a stretchy undergarment so far, I am in love with this little machine! It is lightweight, has a built-in carrying handle, sewing light which is easy on the eyes, and just the basic stitches - several straight and zigzag stitches, a blind-hem stitch, a scallop stitch, and a buttonhole stitch. Even with a bobbin case, I find it much easier to insert the bobbin than the drop-in bobbin of the previous machine. And as for threading the needle, my senior eyes and fingers have been able to do so the first time, every time. I am writing this review mainly because I don't feel adults should shy away from this machine. 60 or 100 stitches may be necessary for a professional seamstress or tailor, but the average person will find enough here to do mending or make clothes, curtains, etc. with this machine. The machine is very intuitive, and Singer even provides online videos to help you get started, so the learning curve is short. And at under $100, the price is right.

I bought this sewing machine after reading reviews about its ease of operation and that it was a good machine for beginners. I have never sewed a thing in my life, and I have certainly never used a sewing machine. I had a project I needed this for and it was easier to buy a machine than try to find time to use someone else's. This machine was incredibly easy to set up. It comes with step by step directions and diagrams. It took me about 45 minutes to set up, again because I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but it was no fault to the directions at all. Once the machine was up and running, I was able to complete my project with ease. I was sewing some heavy duty fleece fabric and had zero issues with the machine. I was really impressed how my son's Jedi robe turned out. I would recommend this machine to anyone looking for a simple machine. I am not sure what kind of limitations it has for the advanced sewers, but for basic, it's perfect!

Over all I like the machine and am getting good use from it. My complaints are side issues that would make the machine a bit more user friendly. I would still buy the machine and am glad I did. First, the cord from the machine to the foot petal is very stiff, too short and goes into the side of the petal. All of this means the petal wants to turn sideways all the time. Please, make that cord a foot longer and put it in the back of the petal. The petal also slides around. It would be nice to have some rubber pads on the bottom. My next minor complaint is with the Presser Foot Lifter. It goes half way up with no issue, but the second half of the lift is spring loaded. It is hard to hold that up and still do some of the maneuvering of the material with only one hand. I will work a fix for this, but it is annoying. Maybe there is a good reason for this, but I cannot understand what it is. Finally, the manual does not come with the machine. I had to go on-line to download it and then print it for my use. Every other page is not in English, so wasted paper. The Manual is skimpy to say the least. I could use more detail. Yes, it is a simple machine, but the Manual is over simplified. I guess they saved a few bucks. Remember, the machine is for beginners and we need more guidance. But I can use the machine to make the repairs I need, sew on buttons and am working on sewing from a pattern. It works.

Every decade or so I decide to get out the sewing machine to make something that I'm certain can't be "that hard". With a new grandchild due any day I thought about a quilt, until I found about 2000 pieces of fabric in the kit I ordered and sent it back to go to a beginner who was going to live that long. I finally settled upon a receiving blanket, two pieces of fabric and only straight lines to sew. This I could handle. I went out to my local craft store, I'd seen fabric there, bought enough for two, according to the lady who cut it for me and went home to find my sewing machine. When it surfaced it seemed to be missing some parts, probably in a box in the garage. I live in SE TX, too hot to hit the garage that day, so I went to Amazon, instead. I love Amazon. Very happy that when I hit 69 or even 65 I had Amazon to bring me things. Eureka! A bit of searching brought me to the Singer Start and the first machine that I've actually been able to thread and change stitches and all that good stuff. I am delighted! It only cost $63.00 and I've completed 8 blankets for my newly arrived granddaughter and one big 'un for her Aggie daddy. This machine is wonderful, I even used zig zag on the last one I made and I still haven't gotten through the instruction manule, probably won't, I've discovered YOU TUBE. You can find out how to do anything on there, including how to work a Singer Start, and make at least 50 different versions of receiving blankets. I'm addicted and am about to move on to pajama pants. There may be fancier machines out there but ignorance is bliss and I don't miss what I don't know. Happy sewing. I love this machine, it's so easy.

BUY THIS ONE! If you are looking for a great little machine, with basic stitches such as zig zag, baste and a basic button hole stitch, along with a blind hem and one decorative one, then this is a great machine! It is quiet, the motor runs smooth and it easy to thread. I literally opened the box and in 20 minutes was sewing with it. I have two high end Berninas, and one Bably Lock Ellisimo Gold, I purchased this machine for my young daughter to use, and for me to use when I scrapbook and make cards. Right out of the box I had it threaded, and ready...then put in a scrap of fabric and sewed it out fine, all the stitches work well. I then sewed through Bazzill basics kraft cardstock...and yes it did great. The motor isn't super fast, but it isn't slow, it stitches with ease and goes along at a pretty good clip. It is isn't as lite as a Janome Sew Mini, however, it is built MUCH better (I bought that one first and returned it) and it sews faster than the Sew Mini. This is lovely, quality little machine, perfect for travel, classes, and general home sewing.

You can add me to the list of beginners who is absolutely delighted with the ease of using this machine. I bought it because I was tired of spending time and money bringing clothes to tailors for simple repairs and wanted to start fixing them myself. I had never used a sewing machine in my life and was up and running with this one in about an hour just from reading the instructions (which, for me, included learning what a bobbin is and how to thread one!). The machine provides a variety of straight and zig-zag stitches, as well as a blind hem stitch and the ability to do buttonholes. It also comes with everything you need to start sewing except thread. Finally, the instructions include pictures and are easy to follow. For those concerned about quality, the stitching looks straight and even in a variety of fabrics. I'll also add that my mom has been sewing for 40 years and she liked this machine, even though it is more "basic" than hers. It has handle for carrying, but is heavy enough that it stays put on the table when you're using it, even with denim. I've only had it a few months so I can't speak to longevity yet, but it seems solid. All in all, this has met my expectations and then some.

I got this maching to replace my OLD stylist 534. I had put alot of money into repairs lately, it was time to give up, but I was hesitatnt. After reading reviews of seemly all the machines, I knew I no longer needed anything but basic. I need to sew a straight seam to mend, I'm not making clothes anymore. I decided to stick with Singer as I have a surplus of bobbins, needles etc. This machine is fine. I should have done it sooner. I miss the ability to move the needle position to each side of center, but I'll adapt. Threading is much easier (although I had to watch a YouTube video to figure it out). Bobbin threading is easier; I can still see mostly how much thread is left before I run out. I wanted to be able to pick up and sew without learning a whole computerized system. I'm sure those are fabulous, but I just don't need all that. I don't even need the button holer and zipper foot this one comes with. It's smooth and steady and fairly quiet. It's lighter than my old machine, but still solid. Now, If I can just get used to where the pressure foot lever is instead of reaching for the old position. :-)

After years of not getting pants hemmed or being able to fix a tear in a pocket of my pants or jackets, I took the plunge and bought this unit when it was on sale for 35% off. I don't regret the decision even though I had never sewed in my life (and I've often regretted that boys aren't normally afforded the chance to take a few Home Economics Classes in High School, at least when I went to school). Many a time I wish that I had known how to sew and make a few basic repairs or alterations. Anyway, from a total neophytes point of view, I write this review. The manual if well written and includes numerous diagrams. A couple of things weren't entirely clear to me vis a vis threading and installing a loaded bobbin. I went to YouTube and looked up a few basic lessons there which certainly clarified the upper threading process. This process would likely have gone faster and easier if there had been 1 or 2 small sample spools of thread included in the accessory box. Trying to visualize the process without actually doing it probably slowed my progress. It was too late to go to the store that night to purchase some thread. The bobbin was a bit more of a challenge, at least for me. Initially I didn't have the thread properly inserted under the metal flap on the bobbin. In spite of that I managed to sew about a 1" repair in a pocket. I ran in to problems taking the item off the machine however. Since I didn't have the bobbin thread properly aligned it was catching on itself every other stich or so and was all but jammed with 7 or 8 threads coming up out of the needle plate when I had finished. I had to remove the needle plate to clear the mess (simple enough with the small "L" shaped screwdriver included). Back to the videos and another couple of read throughs for that section of the manual and I had the problem solved. I had to loosen the bobbin tension screw about 1/16th of a turn which then allowed the thread to slip under the flap to the correct position. Once I had this operation mastered sewing was relatively easy, though keeping the seam straight is another matter which only practice will make perfect. I practiced after that on a piece of paper (not having a lot of spare fabric pieces lying around to practice with. This was instructive since I could easily see the various stitch patterns that I tried, enabled me to practice the procedure for turning corners, reverse stitching at the start and finish to lock the seam etc. Armed with this practice, I removed my first repair stitches, refolded the fabric and pinned one small section to keep it aligned. A minute later I was all done and this time quite pleased with my results. I went on to repair a rip in the lining of the pants and to zig-zag lock stitch the web belt to keep the plastic buckle from sliding under tension. One pair of pants down and about 5 more that need hemming, repair a hole in a jacket pocket and when I get really ambitious I will replace the broken zipper on my favorite pair of insulated coveralls. This machine will have more than paid for itself by the time I do these projects. The satisfaction of being able to do these simple things myself is also well worth the investment.

recién compre una maquina brother de 27 puntadas, por alguna razón no me agradó mucho, y compre ésta, que es mas pequeña que la brother, tenía mis dudas por tener solo 6 puntadas, pero oh sorpresa!!! las puntadas, están mas definidas, mas bonitas, es mucho mas fácil su manejo, el sonido al coser me agrada mucho.. en fin... estoy muy feliz de haberla comprado, definitivamente, me quedo con marca singer.... si llego a necesitar una mas grande, será de ésta marca.

It is a lovely machine ...since I am a beginner I messed it up ..... However I think physical demo should be made compulsory ....... I would know how to use smooth if only I was guided properly

No soy profesional, sólo coso algunas cosas sencillas y casi siempre por necesidad. Buscaba algo que no fuera estorboso, económico y que tuviera sólo lo necesario. Esta máquina de coser fue eso y mucho más. Viene con un instructivo en español e inglés que explica paso a paso cómo usar la máquina y sus accesorios, así como recomendaciones de costura que me han sido muy útiles. Además, es super ligera y no es nada estorbosa. Ideal para principiantes y personas que recién se inician en el tema de la costura.

Nice product for home use. working well with all functions. easy to use. only one start missing because price difference is 1000 inr high on Amazon vs flipkart