SINGER Tradition 2277: Sewing Machine: Full Review

The SINGER Tradition 2277 is a versatile sewing machine designed for beginners and experienced sewers alike. This mechanical machine includes 23 built-in stitches for basic sewing, decorative stitching, and buttonholes. With easy threading, snap-on presser feet, and automatic needle threader, the Tradition 2277 provides user-friendly features to tackle a variety of projects. Its lightweight design makes it portable to transport to classes or sew on-the-go. While it lacks some of the advanced functionality of computerized machines, its simple operation and quality construction make it a reliable choice for sewing enthusiasts. The Tradition 2277 delivers good value for those seeking an entry-level machine with useful capabilities to grow their skills over time.

Specifications

The Singer Tradition 2277 is a compact and lightweight sewing machine. It measures 15.5 x 6.2 x 12 inches and weighs just 12.6 pounds. This makes it easy to store away when not in use or transport to classes and workshops. Despite its small footprint, it still has a decently-sized work area that can handle most sewing projects. The machine can handle a variety of fabrics from lightweight silks and cottons to heavier denim and canvas up to 1100 stitches per minute. It has an integrated carry handle, so you can easily take it with you wherever your sewing adventures take you. The Tradition 2277 requires 120V to operate.

Another option to consider is the SINGER M1150: Mechanical Sewing Machine. Known for its reliability and ease of use, the M1150 is perfect for both beginners and experienced sewers. It offers a range of stitch options and adjustable settings, making it versatile for various projects. Its robust motor ensures consistent performance, and it comes with several accessories for added convenience. Learn more about the SINGER M1150: Mechanical Sewing Machine.

Built-in Stitches

The Singer Tradition 2277 sewing machine comes with 23 built-in stitches for tackling all sorts of sewing projects. It includes 6 basic stitches, 4 stretch stitches, 12 decorative stitches, and 1 fully automatic 1-step buttonhole.

The basic stitches cover straight stitch, zig zag, blind hem, decorative stretch stitch, triple stretch stitch, and 4-step buttonhole. These enable you to perform all the fundamental stitching needed for garments and home decor projects.

For stretch fabrics like knits, the Tradition 2277 includes zigzag stretch stitch, lightning stitch, stretch blind hem stitch, and honeycomb stitch. These elastic stitches prevent seams from popping when sewing fabrics with some stretch.

To spice up your sewing, you can utilize the 12 built-in decorative stitches. These include popular stitches like the ladder, rick-rack, pin, feather, and more. The decorative stitches open up creative options for embellishing projects.

Lastly, the machine has a fully automatic 1-step buttonhole function that takes care of sizing and stitching buttonholes evenly in one step. This handy feature creates uniform buttonholes for a professional finish.

Overall, the wide variety of stitches on the Singer Tradition 2277 allow you to sew and decorate all sorts of fabrics and projects as a beginner or experienced sewer. The stitches cover all the basics as well as creative options for decorative and stretch fabrics.

For a more portable option, check out the SINGER M1000.662: Sewing Machine. This lightweight, compact machine is perfect for quick repairs and small projects. With 32 stitch applications and a user-friendly design, it's ideal for dorm rooms, small apartments, or travel. The SINGER M1000.662 delivers reliable performance in a smaller package without compromising on essential features.

Bobbin System

The Singer Tradition 2277 uses a drop-in bobbin system, which is easy to load and requires minimal maintenance. To load the bobbin, you simply drop the bobbin case into the hook race and pull the thread through the slit.

The machine comes with a class 15 transparent bobbin that is suitable for most thread weights. The clear plastic construction allows you to easily monitor your bobbin thread supply.

To load the bobbin:

1. Place the bobbin in the bobbin case so that the thread pulls off clockwise.
2. Slide the thread through the slit on the side of the bobbin case.
3. Pull the thread to the right to cut off excess.
4. Holding the bobbin case by the hinged latch, drop it into the hook race with the notch facing upward. The bobbin case should snap into place.
5. Pull the thread to the left and toward the back of the machine under the presser foot.
6. Continue pulling the thread until the cutter blade cuts it off.

The drop-in bobbin system makes changing bobbins a breeze. Just make sure not to pull tightly when removing the empty bobbin case so the thread doesn't tangle.

Automatic Needle Threader

The SINGER Tradition 2277 sewing machine comes with an automatic needle threader that makes threading the needle quick and easy. Simply lower the presser foot and raise the needle to its highest position. Then pull down the automatic threader lever located on the side of the machine.

This guides the thread through the needle eye effortlessly. No more struggling to get the tiny thread through the even tinier needle hole! The automatic threader does all the hard work for you.

Once threaded, return the lever to its original position and you're ready to sew. This handy feature saves time and frustration, especially for those with limited vision or dexterity. Threading the needle is a breeze on the SINGER Tradition 2277 thanks to the built-in automatic needle threader.

Presser Feet

The SINGER Tradition 2277 comes with a variety of snap-on presser feet to handle different types of sewing projects.

• All-Purpose Foot - This is the standard presser foot that comes on most sewing machines. It has a wide opening in the center to accommodate the needle and can be used for basic straight stitching as well as zigzag stitching.

• Zipper Foot - This presser foot has flanges on each side to allow sewing close to the teeth of a zipper. It helps guide the fabric so the stitching is perfectly straight.

• Buttonhole Foot - This foot has a space in the back to accommodate the bartack stitches used for buttonholes. The two tabs on the sides keep the fabric in place.

• Button Sewing Foot - This foot has a grooved underside that holds a button in place while you sew it on. There is space in the front for the needle to stitch over the holes in the button.

• Blind Hem Foot - This foot has a metal guide that folds the fabric to create an invisible hem. It helps you catch just a sliver of the fold for a professional look.

• Satin Stitch Foot - This foot has a groove underneath to hold cording or fabric in place for decorative stitching. The underside is also teflon coated to glide smoothly over fabrics.

The variety of snap-on feet provides flexibility to tackle all types of sewing projects from garments to crafts. Changing presser feet takes just seconds without any tools required.

LCD Screen

The Singer Tradition 2277 sewing machine comes with a high quality LCD screen that displays important sewing information. The screen is backlit, making it easy to view settings even in low light conditions.

Some of the key details displayed on the LCD screen include:

• Selected stitch number and name - The screen clearly shows which of the 23 built-in stitches is currently selected. This takes the guesswork out of stitch selection.

• Stitch width/length settings - The optimal stitch width and length is displayed for the selected stitch. You can easily adjust these settings as needed right on the screen.

• Presser foot recommendation - To optimize stitch quality, the screen recommends which of the included snap-on presser feet to use.

• Tension setting - The recommended tension setting is displayed to help avoid tangled threads and uneven stitches.

Overall, the LCD screen provides an intuitive at-a-glance view of all the key sewing settings. The crisp text and backlighting make the screen very user-friendly. It's a major upgrade over cheaper machines that lack any type of display screen.

Warranty

The SINGER Tradition 2277 sewing machine comes with a limited 25-year warranty. This warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the entire machine except for the light bulb, belts, and electronic components which are warranted for 5 years from the date of purchase.

The warranty provides repair coverage free of charge for any issues arising from manufacturer's defects during the warranty period. To obtain service under warranty, the product must be returned to an authorized SINGER repair center along with proof of purchase date.

The extensive 25-year warranty on the sewing machine head demonstrates SINGER's confidence in the durability and reliability of their products. This gives buyers peace of mind knowing their investment is protected against defects for decades. The separate 5-year warranty on electronic parts reflects their shorter working lifespan. Overall, SINGER supports their products with a warranty comparable to other major sewing machine brands.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• 23 built-in stitches provide versatility for sewing a range of fabrics and projects
• Automatic needle threader makes threading fast and easy
• Snap-on presser feet allow for quick changing between sewing techniques like zipper insertion and buttonholes
• Heavy-duty metal interior frame provides durability
• Automatic bobbin winding clutch disengages when bobbin is full
• Adjustable stitch length and width for customization
• Drop feed dogs for free-motion techniques like darning and embroidery
• LCD screen displays selected stitch setting
• 25 year limited warranty provides peace of mind

Cons

• Manual thread tension adjustment can be tricky for beginners
• No automatic thread cutter
• Smaller workspace compared to other machines
• Lower maximum sewing speed of 800 stitches per minute
• Limited to basic built-in stitches compared to computerized machines
• Presser foot pressure not adjustable
• No extension table included
• No knee lift to raise presser foot hands-free

Conclusion

The SINGER Tradition 2277 sewing machine is a great option for beginner and intermediate sewers looking for an affordable, user-friendly machine. It has 23 built-in stitches for basic sewing needs, an automatic needle threader, and snap-on presser feet for easy changes. The top drop-in bobbin is simple to insert, and the LCD screen clearly displays stitch settings.

Overall, the Tradition 2277 performs well for general sewing projects like hemming, mending, crafts, home decor and simple garment construction. It doesn't have an extensive selection of decorative stitches or advanced features for quilting and embroidery. But it provides good value given the reasonable price point.

For sewists seeking a basic, mechanical machine that's easy to use straight out of the box, the SINGER Tradition 2277 is worth considering. It has helpful features for new users, while still offering flexibility and control as skills progress. Just be aware that it may have limitations if your interests expand into more complex sewing endeavors down the road. But it's a solid choice for learning the basics and tackling everyday sewing tasks.