SINGER 44SFR: Heavy Duty Sewing Machine: Full Review

The SINGER 44S is a heavy duty sewing machine designed for advanced home sewists looking for versatility and ease of use. This machine is part of the 44 series from SINGER, representing their more heavy duty computerized sewing machines. The 44S model offers a wide range of built-in stitches and automatic features while maintaining SINGER's signature ease of use.

With 110 built-in utility, decorative, and buttonhole stitches, this machine provides ample options for clothing construction, home decor projects, quilting, and crafting. It has an automatic needle threader, top drop-in bobbin, and adjustable presser foot pressure to make sewing projects easy and enjoyable. The 44S is substantial enough to handle heavy fabrics like denim, canvas, and multiple layers, but not overly bulky or heavy. Its automatic features include programmable needle up/down and cutter, so projects can be sewn efficiently. This machine is reasonably priced for the quality and capabilities it provides.

The SINGER 44S is a great choice for sewers who want more stitch options and automatic functions than a basic machine offers, but don't necessarily need an industrial strength computerized model. It hits a nice sweet spot between entry-level and high end machines. Keep reading for more details on the features and capabilities of the 44S.

Specifications

The SINGER 44SFR Heavy Duty sewing machine features a heavy duty metal interior frame that provides durability for handling thick fabrics. The all-metal internal frame ensures stability and prevents flexing while sewing, allowing the machine to tackle heavy duty projects without compromise. Sturdy and resilient, this metal frame stands up to high sewing speeds and rigorous use, giving you a solid foundation for your sewing projects. With its robust construction, the 44SFR is built to last, so you can rely on this machine for years of consistent performance on a wide range of fabrics. Whether sewing denim, canvas, quilts or home decor projects, the heavy duty metal interior frame provides the strength and reliability needed to easily handle thick materials.

Stitch Options

The Singer 44SFR sewing machine comes with 10 built-in stitches to choose from.

It has 6 basic stitches:

• Straight stitch
• Zigzag stitch
• Blind hem stitch
• Buttonhole stitch
• Elastic/Stretch stitch
• Multi-stitch zigzag

These basic stitches will allow you to sew most common projects like hemming pants, sewing on buttons, and finishing seam edges. The zigzag stitch is especially useful for sewing knit fabrics as it provides stretch.

In addition, there are 4 decorative stitches:

• Scallop stitch
• Satin stitch
• Cross-stitch
• Decorative stitch

While basic for embellishment, these decorative stitches add some flair and interest to your sewing projects. The scallop and satin stitches in particular can be used to decorate garment edges and add texture.

Overall, the 10 built-in stitches cover all the essentials for basic sewing and garment construction, with some decoration as a bonus. The Singer 44SFR offers a well-rounded selection of stitches for sewing apparel, crafts, home decor, and more as a mechanical sewing machine.

Buttonholes

The SINGER 44S Heavy Duty sewing machine features a fully automatic 1-step buttonhole function, making it easy to sew buttonholes for your projects. The buttonhole foot on this machine helps guide the fabric and stitches for consistent results every time.

To use the buttonhole function, you simply select the buttonhole stitch on the machine. The width is automatically set for you. Then the machine will sew the buttonhole in a few easy steps:

• It will sew the first column, then reverse to sew the bartack.
• Next it sews the second column, reversing again for the second bartack.
• Finally, it sews a few reinforcement stitches and stops automatically.

The entire buttonhole is sewn by the machine in just a few seconds. No need for four-step buttonholes! The automatic buttonholing takes the hassle and difficulty out of this task.

The buttonhole stitches are dense and sturdy. The bartacks lock the columns in place neatly. The results are professional-looking buttonholes that are perfectly uniform in length and width.

The automatic 1-step buttonhole function on the SINGER 44S Heavy Duty makes sewing buttonholes a breeze. Simply set the machine for buttonhole stitching and let it do its work quickly and precisely. This handy feature helps save time and effort while sewing projects.

Needle Threader

One of the standout features of the SINGER 44S is the automatic needle threader. This handy mechanism makes threading the needle frustration-free.

Simply follow these steps:

1. Raise the needle to its highest position by turning the handwheel toward you.

2. Pull down the needle threader lever found on the side of the machine head. The wire loop will pass through the needle eye.

3. Place the thread through the guide and under the hook on the threader.

4. Let go of the lever gently and the wire loop pulls the thread through the needle.

5. Pull the thread loop out behind the needle and you're ready to sew!

The automatic needle threader takes the hassle and eye strain out of machine threading. It's easy to use and makes threading virtually effortless. This convenient feature is something any sewer will appreciate, from beginners to experts.

Foot Pressure

The SINGER 44S has adjustable presser foot pressure, allowing you to sew delicate fabrics that might otherwise get pushed or stretched by the foot. With most sewing machines, you're stuck with one static foot pressure that can't be changed. But on this model, there's a dial underneath that lets you increase or decrease the amount of pressure exerted. Lower settings are perfect for working with lightweight, sheer, or slippery fabrics that need a gentle touch. Higher settings provide more power and control for sewing through thick seams and heavy materials without distortion. Having this adjustment available makes the 44S very versatile for both light and heavy projects. You don't have to compromise or fight against the foot pressure. Just dial it in for what you're sewing and get optimal results.

Feed System

The SINGER 44S Heavy Duty sewing machine comes with a drop feed feature that allows for free-motion sewing. When engaged, the drop feed lowers the feed dogs below the needle plate so that the fabric can be moved freely in any direction instead of just being fed forward by the machine.

This is useful for free-motion embroidery, quilting, and other techniques that require controlling fabric movement with your hands. The drop feed gives you full control over the fabric for sewing freehand stitches and patterns. Once disengaged, the feed dogs pop back up to resume normal forward feeding.

The drop feed on the 44S Heavy Duty makes free-motion sewing projects like quilting much easier since you don't have to attach a separate darning foot accessory. You simply flip a lever to lower the feed dogs and can then move the fabric manually for creative stitching.

Warranty

The SINGER Heavy Duty 44S comes with a limited 25-year warranty. This provides peace of mind that the sewing machine will have longevity and SINGER stands behind their product. The warranty covers manufacturer defects and workmanship issues. Normal wear and tear or damage from improper use are not covered.

To activate the warranty, you must register your sewing machine with SINGER within 60 days of purchase. The warranty is not transferable, so only the original purchaser is covered.

The warranty covers the sewing machine head, motor electronic components, and light assembly. It does not include consumable parts such as belts, bulbs, bobbins, needles or other accessories. The warranty also excludes shipping costs for service.

Overall, the 25-year limited warranty provides assurance about the build quality and durability of this SINGER sewing machine. Just be sure to register within the first 60 days to take advantage of this extensive coverage in case any defects arise.

Pros

The SINGER 44SFR is a heavy duty sewing machine that offers users many benefits.

• It is designed for heavy duty use, making it a durable and long-lasting machine. The internal metal frame and stainless steel bedplate allow the 44SFR to sew through thick fabrics without issue. This makes it great for frequently sewing denim, canvas, and other heavy materials.

• Despite being heavy duty, the 44SFR has basic utility stitches that handle most sewing projects. It comes with 6 built-in stitches including straight, zig zag, blind hem, buttonhole, stretch, and decorative stitches. The simple stitch selection covers all the basics for garment sewing, crafts, home decor, and mending.

• Threading the needle is made easy with the built-in needle threader. Simply follow the threader guides, lower the lever, and the wire will go through the needle eye effortlessly. This handy feature prevents eye strain and frustration when threading, especially for beginners.

Cons

While the SINGER 44SFR heavy duty sewing machine has many great features for basic sewing, there are some limitations to consider:

• Limited decorative stitches - This machine only offers 6 basic stitches, including straight, zigzag, and 4-step buttonhole. So it lacks decorative stitches like satin stitching or applique stitches found on more advanced models. The stitches it does offer are high quality and useful for most sewing projects. But creative sewers may miss having more stitch options.

• No speed control - The 44SFR sewing machine runs at one speed. While the speed is suitable for most fabrics, some sewers may prefer a machine with a foot pedal to control the speed. This can help when sewing delicate fabrics that require a slower pace. The single speed may be less ideal for advanced sewers who want maximum control.

Overall the simplicity of stitches and single speed allow the SINGER 44SFR to be very easy to use. But those desiring more creative options may find it limiting. The machine focuses more on providing excellent performance for basic sewing needs.