Customer Reviews

SINGER 4423 Heavy Duty Model Sewing Machine

5 star:		(41)
4 star:		(16)
3 star:		(5)
2 star:		(15)
1 star:		(22)

 

 

I had the singer simple, which broke down after only 2 years. I purchased this machine because I was looking for a sewing machine that was faster & hopefully better made. I stuck with the Singer brand since I have a lot of accessories & didn't want to buy everything all over again. I have to say this machine is very fast (compared to the Simple) and quiet. I love seeing the bottom bobbin so I know when I need to respool. Threading the machine is the same on the top thread, but the bottom is different. It is actually easier. There are more thread sewing patterns than the Simple. It also has a nice feature on the top where the top spool can be used in a vertical position, instead of always horizontal. I like to free-hand quilt, and it is just a dream. If you dont' want to spend a ton of $$ on a sewing machine, I would highly recommend this machine. For the price, it is just perfect! I just hope it lasts longer than my Simple :)

I purchased the Singer 4423 Heavy Duty because I wanted a more powerful replacement for my older but reliable Singer sewing machine. I wanted to able to sew a variety of projects using denim, canvas, leather, or other heavy fabrics with better results than what I was currently getting. I liked the simple design and straightforward operation of the 4423. It has a good selection of stitches (both functional and decorative) and some other nice-to-have features like adjustable needle position, automatic threader, and the one-step button hole which I was especially excited about. The other "Heavy Duty" Singers don't have these features.
When I started using it, the first thing I noticed was the less-than-stellar quality of some of the decorative stitches, but I figured that it wasn't really a big deal because I do a lot of hand embroidery and don't use those stitches that often. I decided to do a little "test project" on the machine: a zippered pouch with denim lining. The machine ran quickly and quietly on the pima cotton shell and putting the zipper in was a breeze. I was disappointed, however, with how poorly the machine handled the multiple layers of denim in the lining. It started knocking loudly and a few times stopped completely when sewing over a bulky seam, i.e. the feed dogs couldn't pull the fabric through. I rethreaded the machine, adjusted the stitch length, tension, and anything else I could think of that would be cause for "operator error". It didn't help. I guess the machine just isn't as powerful as they chalk it up to be.
I would recommend this machine as an excellent starter for a beginning seamstress. It's a bit more substantial than most of the other "entry level" machines but still has those nice features I mentioned earlier without a very big price tag.
For anyone who wants a TRUE heavy duty machine...this is not for you. I would recommend upgrading to a non-heavy duty machine in a better brand. That is, if you can afford it. I ended up buying a Husqvarna Viking Emerald 118. 9 layers of denim, no problem! It was significantly more expensive than this Singer model, but for me, it's been worth the investment.
Hope this helps!

I am an entry level sewer so I needed a machine that was reliable and could sew through a few layers of thick fabric. I found this machine at a great price and decided to go for it. I have not owned any other machines but I can say that this one did mostly everything i needed it too. However, I was doing a project with a 1/4" layer of very light open cell foam, and as i was mid-sew the machine made a couple knocking sounds as was stated in the previous review. I rethreaded the machine, made some minor adjustments, and finished what I was sewing. I do not think I would try to sew anything excessivly thick again, but lukily that dosent affect my using this machine. overall, i like it and am happy with my purchase. I know that singer is a trusted compnay, that has been around for many years as well.

I first wrote a glowing 5 star feedback for this machine, but within 3 months, I was fit to be tied with this machine. I sew for a living and have been sewing for over 40 years, so I know sewing machines and can normally figure out a problem and resolve the issue. However, with this machine, I started experiencing so many problems, there was no solution.. I've listed some of the problems below.. However, I want to give a thumbs up to Amazon, because when I contacted them to tell them of all the problems I've experienced, they told me they would make an exception to the 30 day return policy and will accept this return. Thank you Amazon!

3 MONTHS LATER: I am so dissapointed in this machine. After a month of use, it started having little problems here and there. Nothing I couldn't live with, but within a few more weeks, it just started having major problems. I have continual bobbin tangling, even though I use good quality thread, needles and the correct bobbins. I have a mess of thread at pretty much every new seam..looks horrible and there doesn't seem to be any reason for it. The thread somehow slips out of thread station #5 often, which then creates a mass of tangled, messy stitches on whatever I'm sewing. The thread station located just before the needle also comes unthreaded all the time for no apparent reason. The self threading needle worked until the first time I changed the needle, and now the self threader will no longer line up with the eye of the needle. I've tried readjusting the needle, changing to other brands, tried the replacement needles that came with the machine, nothing will now line up with the threader.. The pressure foot peddle pops off at any given time, usually while I'm sewing. I've NEVER had a machine do that before. The zig zag stitches and decorative stitches are never consistant. I started writing down the perfect settings for each stitch so I would always know exactly where to set the machine for each stitch. It doesn't matter because the stitches are never the same! Sometimes they're loose and large, sometimes tight, sometimes just a mangle messed that destroys whatever I'm sewing on... The machine "eats" my fabric every now and again, which means I have to ease the fabric out of the feeder plate carefully in order to save the fabric. The stitching occassionally just starts puckering or is so loose it starts gathering. The thread cutter is already very dull and it's like sawing the thread to get it to cut.

This machine may have metal guts, but the mechanics of it do not work correctly. I was looking for a machine to last years and years, and this is not that machine. When are these sewing machine company's going to get a clue and stop producing these machines made from the cheapest parts available and start building quality machines that are built to last?? I'm about ready to get out my 1954 Brother Sewing Machine and say good riddence to these newer machines once and for all!

I was able to find this sewing machine at Joanne's for about $140.00. I was looking for a sewing machine that would be easy to use and learn with, since I am new to sewing, and I want to start making my own clothing.

Appearance: I have to admit that what I love about the initial design is how different it looks from other sewing machines. I love the matte grey finish on the exterior, and I love how angular the design is.

Cost: This is a great price for a beginner. I was originally going to purchase something for twice as much, but I figured since I am learning, I would want something durable as well as cost effective. Also, the features for this machine are very nice compared to the price.

Features: I have to say, although it's pretty standard, I love the needle threader the most. I was not looking forward to spending five minutes attempting to get the thread through. The rest of the features are quite standard. My friend owns a Singer Simple and the speed this machine has compared to Simple is amazing. However, it's difficult finding a good pace. The second I press my foot down just a little bit, I feel like the fabric is running away from me.

Reliability: I just purchased this product, but I have faith that it will last for years. I did a lot of research and of course a major need in anything we purchase is how long it will last. Because I will be sewing as a hobby and for making clothing, I need something that will be with me for the long haul. I will update if anything goes wrong but if I don't, that means this product is running as it should.

Weight: This machine is quite heavy, and I was surprised by its weight the second I picked it up. It's not unbearable, and I was able to haul it around but not comfortably for very long. I plan on moving my machine to and from my friend's house as we are learning together. But it doesn't affect how much I really enjoy this machine.

Overall, I think the affordability, features, and appearance of this product make it worth the purchase for someone beginning to learn. And from the amount of research I've done on the product, it can also withstand the test of time for those who are advanced sewers as well.

UPDATE 6/13/2011

I have owned this sewing machine for a little over five months now, and I only have two words: buy it. For the price, it's an unbelievable find. Great design quality, perfect if you're just learning, and suitable for a few heavy duty sewing. If you want to learn how to sew, this is definitely the sewing machine to get. It's easy to learn with and it just simply works. It's a rarity that I have a problem with it. Hope this helps.

As a beginner sewer, I was looking for a machine that was sturdy, had a drop-in bobbin, looked slick and didn't have too many fancy (read: expensive and unnecessary) gadgets/buttons/displays. I also wanted something that was going to allow my skills to grow with it, so I didn't want a cheep-o machine either.

The machine in use is fantastic! I love the look, the grey is sleek and pretty and I adore the pink details. It's charming for sure. The machine runs smooth and once I had the tension adjusted right (see below) it's been super easy to use. I love the simplicity of the design, and that it's not full of fussy unnecessary stitches and "features". Just what I need, where I need it!

A few things I was worried about:

The Speed - It's advertised that this machine is speedy and I was worried it would be too speedy for my inexperienced fingers & foot. I found the pedal to be very responsive and sensitive which allowed me to keep control of a speed I'm comfortable with. I will admit when working a long straight line it's rather exhilarating to push the pedal to the medal per-say and watch it fly! Wooooo! No problems here!

Learning Curve - I'll be honest, the manual is not very informative. It helped me get the machine threaded and well, that's about all I used it for. Thank goodness for the Singer help forums on their website! There are no instructions in the manual on how to use the various feet properly or adjust tension (by the way, for you newbies like me, make sure the foot is DOWN before you adjust the tension wheel.. apparently the tension gears will not engage if the foot is up, making any movement on the wheel utterly useless. I'm sure every experienced sewer knows this, but I sure didn't and the manual said nothing about it! Talk about a really frustrating hour!!) I also had to google how to use the various levers to use the one-step button hole foot. Very disappointed with the level of detail in the manual.

Ultimately I feel like I made a really great choice. I was really disappointed with the manual, but I feel this was made up for by the great support forums Singer has for their machines. This is a great machine for someone like myself who is just learning the ropes, but is enthusiastic and will want a machine that will last the years. I can also seeing it being a favorite with experienced sewers who like a simple, beautiful and hardy machine. I cannot speak to how "heavy duty" the machine is, but it feels well made and sturdy. I had no trouble hemming over a four-layer seam in a pair of jeans, which let's be honest is about as "heavy duty" as I'm likely to get.

I would highly recommend this machine to my friends.

Great Machine. I had it running right out of the box. simple to use. Durable. A bit stiff, but you just need to get use to it. Great for chain stitching many pieces. Very fast. Easy to thread. I do most sewing on leather and this is by far the best machine I've ever used for it!

I am an intermediate sewist. I sew for my small business, I sew for fun, I dabble in quilting and have been sewing for around 15 years. This was not my first time at the sewing rodeo, or sewdeo, if you will. My first machine was a mid-90s Singer and while it wasn't great, it got the job done until I upgraded to a computerized model in another brand and really fell in love with sewing. I needed a more basic workhorse machine with speed for production, though. I read the reviews and thought I would take a chance anyway since I do know my way around a sewing machine. And I had read the review here about that stupid fiddly step #7 to thread the darned thing that is not clear in the manual, so I felt prepared to take on the Singer Heavy Duty.

So, let the gripes begin:
This machine is not very heavy at all (didn't feel like a lot of metal in it) and the case is all plastic, and not even very sturdy plastic. The area over the lightbulb was actually flexing when I lightly pushed on it with a finger. Which I was doing because when reaching over it, I noticed that it was VERY warm from the heat of the bulb. When winding a bobbin it seemed to strain once the bobbin began to fill up. And what is with the thread spool? It's tucked into the notch for the handle like they forgot to make a place for it until it was all assembled and just stuck it on there. It's awkward and feels like it could break off very easily. Woe be unto you if you are not firmly holding down the threads behind your work when you begin sewing, this thing will snatch them right up and you have to thread the whole stupid thing again.

Oh yeah, it's also not quiet. I expected it to be loud, but several times at top speed a very faint high pitched noise would occur. Loud enough to be heard over the sweet sounds of Whitesnake's Here I Go Again blasting out of my mp3 player dock. Just loud enough for me to stop sewing and listen to see if it was the smoke alarm going off. Seriously. And going from high speed to stop and then starting again will will screw up your tension for a moment and leave a few loosey-goosey stitches on the bobbin side. And as long as I am griping, the whole thing smelled very plasticky and after 10 days out of the box, the smell was not fading. It got worse the longer that the light was on. Not like hot plastic, just very chemically plasticky unpleasanty to be sitting a foot away from for a few hours at a go.

I will say this: once I got the hang of holding the threads and not stopping and starting at high speed down, there is no denying that it is very fast. And it did sew pretty well, until it suddenly didn't sew anymore. At all. Which happened 10 days after it was delivered and after I sewed 12 little cotton bags for knitting projects, these are not heavy duty or difficult materials. I was sewing along and it went kerrr-CHUNK in mid stitch and then...nothing. The timing was completely out on it. I looked at the list of repair shops in my state and there was exactly one. It happened to be ten minutes away, but after thinking about it and checking with some far more experience friends who sew, I decided it wasn't worth it. If a little bit of light duty sewing threw the timing out of a brand new machine, what was going to happen when I needed to do something fancy? The UPS driver picked it up this morning.

Buy something else. Or learn to hand sew. Use fabric glue, scotch tape, hell, just staple whatever you need to join together. Just don't get this machine.

I have used several sewing machines during the years and for the price you pay, this is a great deal! My main sewing machine before this was a Bernina... for 37 years :-) Had a lighter Brother on the side (which is way too light for me). This seems sturdy/ heavy duty enough for what I need, not quite like my old Bernina, but then again, it doesn't cost even a half what new Bernina would have!

This machine is not heavy duty,no way no how!!!!! The sew rate is slower than any machine that I have ever had in 50 years.The casing is plastic not metal. Only a portion of the machine where the fabric touches is stainless steel. The button hole attachment is flimsy and so is the automatic threader along with the spool holder,not just plastic , but flimsey plastic. easy to break for those people like me who sew all the time. I was looking for a basic heavy duty machine that had a fast sewing speed,and I was delighted to see it offered for 50 dollars less than at Joannes on Amazon. How ever I was not expecting such an extremly poor quality product. This is machine those who need to hem pants every now and then. I am quite surprised at Singer for offering such a lousy product. This is a far cry from a heavy duty machine.

Lynn