Customer Reviews

SINGER 6038 46-Stitch-Function Sewing Machine

5 star:		(34)
4 star:		(12)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(11)

 

 

I bought this machine, in anticipation of receiving the Singer Izek (the machine with the Gameboy) in the distant future, so that I could get started on my home decorating projects. I figured, "I will just try it out, and then I can return it when my Izek gets here." As it turns out, I quickly became very attached to this machine. It is very attractive to the eye and the knobs and wheels are all very simple and intuitive to use.

I really only planned to use this sewing machine in order to make some window valances and cornices for my house, and I have found that it is very simple to use and heavy-duty enough to handle thick upholstery fabric. It doesn't have a zillion and one different stitches or other bells and whistles, but it certainly has enough to meet the needs of somebody who is not an advanced seamstress, and yet it is still not an "entry-level" model. For what I was planning to do with this machine, I really didn't need all of the stitches and other bells and whistles.

As it turns out the Izek arrived quite quickly and after watching the video that arrived with it, I decided to return the Izek and keep the Singer 6038! The video for the Izek demonstrated the laborious process of programming in the kind of stitch you wanted to make, every single time you wanted to change a stitch. With the 6038, all you had to do was turn a knob to achieve the same result. The choice between the 2 machines seemed like a no-brainer. The 6038 is a great machine, reasonably priced, and easy to use. Within 2 days of owning this machine, I had made 2 huge valances for my kitchen, and now I look forward to making more. I highly recommend this machine to anybody who is new to sewing, but does not want the most basic model out there. Within 10 minutes of unpacking this machine, you will be well on your way to many creative projects!

I have been sewing since I was a child. I LOVE this machine!! It is the best I have ever used. I have had no problems whatsoever with it, and now even look forward to hemming and small fixit's. I use to avoid delicate or heavy fabrics with my other machines because the tension would always muck up. I've nad no trouble adjusting the tention (when needed) and the machine sews beautifully!! This is also a very quiet machine!! The needle threader is wonderful. Very easy to see and use stitch adjustment nobs and the included video is very helpful if you need more instruction than what is in the manual. However, Singer I suggest an instruction DVD for easier menu search. All in all, highly recommended. Totally don't get the negative reviews.

I have been sewing on a Brother sewing machine for 13 years and decided I needed a new one. I'm so glad I got this one. It's metal construction makes it very durable, and the plastic outer shell makes it very attractive. I've been a stay-at-home mom for 14 years and supplement our income by making curtains and doing repairs, so I needed a new machine. This one is much faster than my old machine and has more power for sewing over those blue jean seams that are such a pain. I had no trouble with the needle threader or any of the other features and the video was very helpful in introducing me to my new machine. I am looking forward to making my daughters' Easter dresses on my new machine! I have to admit, some of the other reviews made me a little nervous, but I'm glad I bought this machine anyway. I think most of the complaints come from user error and impatience. I recommend this machine highly.

I bought this machine based on the positive comments I read here on Amazon.com. I am extremely pleased with my purchase. In fact, I have no negative comments at all. The free instruction video was very helpful to me as this is my first sewing machine. The buttonhole accessory included is much better than others I've seen. I am rather new to sewing and this machine was a snap to use. I love the needle threader device on this machine. Its very easy to use. The machine is also not as heavy as other portables I've seen and is easy to carry.

My husband bought this machine for me as a gift knowing that I have an interest in sewing, but have limited abilites. My experiences with sewing machines were limited and troublesome until I tried this one. It was very easy to figure out and the knobs and buttons were very easy to read and use. I was able to thread the machine quickly and easily, and I was sewing within a few minutes. I love this machine and will be keeping it quite a long time. I would highly recommend it for a beginner, but even an expert will love it's ease of use and durability. Happy sewing.

Well, I have not had it that long, but...

If you are looking for a multifunction, first machine, then this would be a good choice for the price.

On thee plus side:
1. The instructional video is very helpful. Watch it before using the machine. It will save you a lot of grief.
2. The drop in bobbin is very easy and convenient.
3. The clear bobbin cover makes monitoring amount of bobbin thread a snap. It reduces the chances of running out of thread at inconvenient times.
4. The shape and color are unusual. It reminds me of an orca whale. Subsequently, I nicknamed mine "Shamu".
5. The easy threading system works well up to the needle (see below). It can be done with one hand.
6. Comes with all the basic feet you need.
7. Feed dogs drop for free motion quilting.

Minus:
1. "Automatic" threading of the needle? NOT!! I can thread the needle faster the old fashion way. This function has not worked once for anyone that I asked to try it or me. (Not even the gal in the instructional video can get it right the first time.)
2. It "eats" the fabric if you start a seam too close to the edge.
3. I have the IMPRESSION that it will break if I try thick fabric (e.g. denim). This is my first brand new machine: the plastic parts seem flimsy or delicate compared to my 20 and 30 year old all metal models.

Thanks for listening.

I am very happy with my new machine. It's the first new sewing machine I've had in 42 years, and it is just as good as my trusty, and wonderful, old Singer "portable" machine. It is even more lightweight, probably because of the outside plastic case. I find it to be very simple to use. The automatic threader works beautifully, and is a great feature. The machine was easy to learn to use by watching the video and reading quickly through the instruction booklet. My only complaint is minor: the bobbin does not fill up more than half way before it automatically stops. I've learned to fill up two bobbins at a time, just because they seem to run out quickly while I do my machine quilting. I've made several quilted tote bags and one baby quilt so far, and it has been excellent for those jobs.

The first machine that I recieved was defective. Singer felt that it was either a defective motor or a defective foot control pedal. Amazon quickly replaced it at no cost to me. The second machine was wonderful. I watched the video but found the instruction manual to provide better instructions on threading the machine. The customer service representative at Singer said that many people call them with threading issues on this machine. If you follow the instruction manual you shouldn't have a problem. The features seemed quite easy to use. I tried out most of the stitches and they looked great. No tension problems. I used the button hole foot within an hour of opening the box and after a few adjustments had a perfect button hole. After watching the video I decided to try freehand monogramming. They recommend a hoop to stabilize the fabric. I didn't feel like hunting one down so I tried it without. I was absolutely amazed to find that I was able to produce beautiful professional looking script monograms quickly. Now all of the neighbor kids want one. Based on my experience with this machine I would highly recommend it.

Hm. I thought I'd written and submitted a review for this, but it never showed up. I'll try again.

This machine and I got off on a bad foot, but overall it's OK.

The bad:
- included oil bottle leaked all over the accessories compartment during shipping. I took apart and dried off everything I could, but it all still reeks of oil. I'm leery of putting the bottle back in the compartment, 'cause it'd have to go on its side again. This then becomes a storage issue.
- bobbin loading didn't work like I thought. I assumed it would pop over when full as other machines I've used do, but instead the "stopper" just sort of almost stops the full bobbin from turning.
- drive belt came off during shipping. I was able to remove the small side panel and wiggle my fingers in and get it repositioned (which was relatively easy, thankfully), but opening the plastic casing any more would have required removing all of it, which would have required a very long thin screwdriver that exceeded the contents of my decently-stocked toolbox.
- needle threader doesn't line up if the needle is fully seated. However, the needle can be pulled down a fraction of an inch before tightening the screw, and the threader will line up properly.

I haven't yet watched the video, but the manual is good and the operations are fairly straightforward if you've used another machine before. Changing stitches and stitch widths is pretty easy and straightforward.

The machine isn't very fast even at full speed (my old White was faster), but it gets the job done and there are some handy accessories, including button sewers and buttonholers and a few different specialty feet. I had no problems with the variable-speed pedal control (it's more sensitive than that old White, at any rate).

Other people have complained about the plastic body, but it's really just a plastic shell over a metal body, so the core of the thing is sturdy enough without all the extra weight of an all-metal machine (like my old one). The bad thing in my eyes is that the case Amazon recommended to go with this (Singer 611 - you can read my review of that on its product page) is little more than a sturdy dustjacket. I'm used to a case that allows the machine to be integrated in and only the top has to be removed to use the machine, but this combo doesn't get that privilege. The integral carry handle on the machine is pretty nice, though, and actually more comfortable to carry than the case.

Overall, not a bad machine. Not a great machine, either, but for the price you get a pretty good amount of functionality.

You can count on Singer to produce the same basic, simple sewing machine they have for over 100 years, but the contemporary version has some nice features: a device to thread the sewing needle, a nice range of stitches, an easy button-hole stitcher, and even a way to sew buttons on.

The price is amazingly low for what I consider to be a fine machine - lightweight, easy to use (although I do recommend watching the video before starting - I didn't and found I missed a few things, and the manual is not very clearly written).

All in all, a 5-star recommendation.