SINGER C5200: Grey Sewing Machine: Full Review

Singer has been a leading brand in sewing machines for over 160 years. Founded in 1851, the company helped pioneer the technology and popularize home sewing. Today, Singer continues to be a top choice for sewing enthusiasts, crafters and hobbyists.

The Singer C5200 is a computerized sewing machine aimed at beginners and intermediate sewers. It has ease of use features like automatic needle threading and an LCD screen while also providing versatility with 67 built-in stitches.

Main pros of the C5200 include its simple controls, automatic functions and smooth sewing performance. The LCD screen and stitch selection make it straightforward to choose your settings. It can handle basic sewing tasks well. Drawbacks are its lightweight plastic construction, noise while operating, and that more advanced users may want more stitch options than the 67 built-in. But overall, it's a solid entry-level choice for learning to sew and working on crafts or simple projects.

Design & Appearance

The Singer C5200 sewing machine has an attractive, modern design with a sleek grey finish. The machine has a streamlined look with smooth contours and minimal protruding parts.

The C5200 comes in two color options - grey and white. Both color choices have a clean, neutral aesthetic that will fit well in most sewing spaces. The grey version has a darker charcoal tone that gives it a more sophisticated look.

Overall, the styling of the Singer C5200 is very appealing. It has a contemporary vibe that sets it apart from old-fashioned mechanical sewing machines. The smooth lines and rounded edges give it an approachable, user-friendly appearance. The machine looks high-tech yet not overly complicated.

The C5200 has a relatively small footprint, measuring just 15.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches. It won't dominate your sewing area but has enough presence to make a statement. The proportions and scale feel just right for a computerized home sewing machine.

Another notable product is the SINGER HD6700C: Electronic Heavy Duty Sewing Machine. This model is known for its durability and power, featuring a robust motor and a metal frame that withstands heavy usage. It's ideal for sewing thicker fabrics and multiple layers, making it a favorite among professional sewists. The HD6700C also offers a variety of stitch options and electronic features, providing great versatility and convenience for different sewing projects.

Features & Functions

The Singer C5200 is a computerized sewing machine that comes with 100 built-in stitches including 6 basic stitches, 7 stretch stitches, 76 decorative stitches, and 11 buttonhole styles.

It has an automatic needle threader that threads the eye of the needle for you at the touch of a button. This is a huge time saver and convenience.

The C5200 offers variable stitch width and length control for customized sewing. You can adjust the width up to 7mm and length up to 5mm.

There are twin needle capabilities as well for decorative stitches using a second spool.

It has a maximum sewing speed of 850 stitches per minute, allowing you to sew faster on straight stitches. The speed can be easily controlled with the speed slider.

Other convenient features include a start/stop button to sew without the foot pedal, a built-in needle up/down control, direct stitch selection buttons, and a reverse stitch lever.

The C5200 also comes with 5 different presser feet, including all purpose, zipper, buttonhole, button sewing, and blind hem feet.

An extension table provides extra sewing surface and support for large projects.

Overall, the Singer C5200 offers many advanced features typically found in more expensive machines, making sewing easier, faster and more versatile.

If you are looking for a heavy-duty option, consider the SINGER 4411: Heavy Duty Sewing Machine. It features a robust metal frame and a powerful motor that can sew through thick fabrics with ease. This model offers 11 built-in stitches including essential stitches and a 4-step buttonhole, with a top speed of 1,100 stitches per minute, making it ideal for both heavy-duty projects and everyday tasks.

Ease of Use

The Singer C5200 sewing machine is designed with beginners in mind, making it intuitive and easy to use right out of the box. The controls are simple and streamlined, with a few basic dials and buttons to select your stitches, adjust settings, and get sewing.

Threading the C5200 is straightforward, with easy-to-follow guides printed right on the machine. There's an automatic needle threader that does most of the work for you, so you don't have to strain your eyes or fingers threading the tiny needle eye. The bobbin can also be quickly threaded and inserted without any fuss.

For new sewers, there is very little learning curve with the C5200. All the stitch selections and settings are clearly labeled. The included instruction manual provides step-by-step directions for getting started sewing. Within a project or two, beginners will feel comfortable using all the essential features this machine offers. More advanced sewers may want additional capabilities, but casual and new users will appreciate the simplicity of this model.

Overall, the Singer C5200 earns high marks for being an exceptionally user-friendly machine. The intuitive controls, easy threading, and gentle learning curve make it accessible for beginners and hobbyists who want a machine that's easy to use out-of-box.

Sewing Performance

The SINGER C5200 sewing machine delivers excellent sewing performance for both basic and more advanced projects. It has enough power and speed to handle a variety of fabric types with precision and consistency.

The stitch quality on lightweight fabrics like cotton is very good. Straight stitches come out uniform with even tension and spacing. The machine also handles medium weight fabrics like denim without any issues. It provides enough piercing power to sew multiple layers of denim while maintaining stitch quality. Even on stretchy fabrics like knits, the stitching looks professional with minimal puckering.

Stitch consistency and precision are also impressive on the C5200. The stitches are perfectly spaced, even when sewing at high speeds. This allows you to complete projects faster without sacrificing quality. The needle position is precise as well, enabling you to sew detailed stitches and patterns with accuracy.

With a maximum sewing speed of 850 stitches per minute, the C5200 offers ample speed for most sewing needs. The motor provides sufficient torque and power for sewing through heavy fabrics without slowing down. Quick and responsive foot pedal control allows you to easily adjust the speed as needed. Even at high speeds, the machine maintains stitch quality and precision.

Overall, the sewing performance of the SINGER C5200 makes it suitable for both simple and more advanced sewing projects on a variety of fabrics. It offers the right combination of power, speed, precision and ease of use.

Noise Level

The SINGER C5200 sewing machine operates quietly overall, especially at lower speeds. When sewing slowly, it produces a low hum that is unlikely to disturb conversations or TV watching. At top speeds, the noise levels increase moderately but are still lower than many other sewing machines.

Even when pushed to its limits, the SINGER C5200 does not have the loud, high-pitched whining sound that some machines develop. The noise is more of a muted roar. While you may not want to use it at full speed late at night, it won't wake up your family members in the next room during daytime use.

Compared to other computerized sewing machines in its price range, the SINGER C5200 is on the quieter end of the spectrum. More expensive machines may have more sound dampening features, but this one is impressively quiet for its class. The smooth operation and quality construction help minimize vibrations that can lead to noise.

Overall, the noise levels of the SINGER C5200 should not be a deterrent for most home sewers. It provides the power and speed needed for most projects without excessive noise, especially at lower speeds. Those sensitive to noise may want to try the machine in person, but it will likely meet expectations for quiet operation.

Accessories

The Singer C5200 comes with a good selection of accessories to get you started on your sewing projects.

• It includes 6 different presser feet - all-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, blind hem foot, and satin stitch foot. Having specialty feet for techniques like zippers, buttonholes, and satin stitching is really useful.

• There is also an accessory bag to store all the feet and attachments. This helps keep everything together and organized.

• A pack of needles is included. Having extra needles on hand is essential for when needles get dull or break.

• Some key stitch tools are provided - seam ripper, lint brush, spool caps, bobbins, and screwdriver. These assist with tasks like unpicking stitches, cleaning lint, securing thread, and changing needles.

• An instruction manual is included to help you learn how to use the various features and functions. This is invaluable when you are first getting started and learning your way around the machine.

If you need any additional accessories, there are many available for purchase separately. Options include quilting feet, hemmer feet, cording feet, ruffler feet, and more specialty feet for techniques like quilting, hemming, cording, ruffling, etc. You can also purchase additional bobbins, needles, thread, and other useful accessories. Having some extra accessories expands what you can do creatively with your sewing projects.

Warranty

The SINGER C5200 sewing machine comes with a 25-year limited warranty. This covers any defects in materials or workmanship for the entire time you own the machine.

SINGER is known for having excellent customer service to back up their warranties. Their support team is based in the US, with agents available by phone or email 6 days a week. They are very responsive, knowledgeable, and willing to go the extra distance to help troubleshoot any issues.

Many users say SINGER helped them get their machine serviced even outside the warranty period. The company stands behind their products and aims to keep customers satisfied. With the warranty and customer service, you can feel confident about the longevity of the C5200.

Price & Value

The SINGER C5200 sewing machine typically retails for around $200-250. This positions it as an entry-level computerized sewing machine, making it very affordable compared to higher-end models that can cost $500-1000.

When looking at competitors in a similar price range, the C5200 stands out for offering an impressive array of features and capabilities. Many comparably priced machines may only provide basic stitches and limited functionality. The computerization and built-in stitches of the C5200 make it an excellent value in its price point.

For sewists looking to upgrade from a basic mechanical machine, or purchase their first computerized machine, the C5200 represents a worthwhile investment. While more expensive machines do exist, the features and reliability of the C5200 will satisfy most hobby sewists. The combination of functionality, ease of use, and price make this a recommended model for beginners exploring computerized sewing.

More advanced sewists may desire some additional capabilities not found on the C5200, such as an automatic thread cutter or knee lift. However, for its intended audience and price point, the C5200 offers excellent capabilities and value. It's a budget-friendly way to start exploring the possibilities of computerized sewing.

Conclusion & Recommendation

The Singer C5200 sewing machine offers a nice balance of features, performance, and price point. Here's a quick recap of the pros and cons:

Pros: - Computerized machine with good selection of built-in stitches - Easy to navigate LCD screen - Automatic needle threader - Drop-in bobbin system for quick changes - Adjustable sewing speed - Free arm for sewing sleeves and pant legs - Included accessories like zipper foot and buttonhole foot

Cons: - Noise level is a bit high during sewing - Not as many decorative stitches as higher end models
- Presser foot pressure not adjustable

This computerized sewing machine is a great choice for beginner and intermediate home sewers looking for an affordable model with user-friendly operation and helpful features like the automatic needle threader. It can handle a variety of sewing projects including garments, home decor items like curtains and pillows, and mending or alterations. The LCD screen and selection of built-in stitches add versatility for creative sewing.

While more advanced sewers may want a machine with finer tuning of settings and features like adjustable presser foot pressure, the Singer C5200 offers tremendous value and quality for the price. For sewists seeking an entry-level computerized machine packed with useful features straight out of the box, the C5200 is easy to recommend.