Customer Reviews

SINGER 8763 Curvy Electronic Sewing Machine

5 star:		(20)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Before reading, please understand that this is my fist sewing machine. So while I do not have a lot to compare it against, I can provide what I've learned through my research that led me to choose this product, as well as my experiences with it so far.

After doing a lot of research, I chose THIS sewing machine for some pretty specific reasons:

1. It's pretty heavy, weighing in at 27 pounds. Why is this a benefit? It's sturdy, very sturdy, with a metal frame inside. Everything I've read leads me to believe that the lighter plastic machines simply don't last, while the old-school metal monstrosities keep working forever. I feel that this one has the best of both worlds. It looks sleek and classy, but can still sew through multiple layers of denim or thick fleece with no trouble.

2. The controls are all analog, with no digital programming to malfunction. You just push the buttons to select your stitch and go, and there are sliding levers for stitch width and length. It seemed that the digital models are wonderful, but sometimes they go wrong, and I just wasn't willing to deal with that.

3. It got good reviews. I read all the reviews for a number of different machines I was considering by Brother, Singer, and Janome, literally thousands in total. Considering that I was trying to come up with something that would LAST and be an investment without spending an arm and a leg, this one beat out the others. I also considered % of reviewers who rates it 4 stars or higher vs. 3 stars and under for each machine. They all have some 1-star reviews for some reason or another, but at the time of both my purchase and the writing of this review, this one seems to have less than its share of unhappy buyers compared to other similar machines here on Amazon.

Now, I'll share a bit of my actual experiences and observations now that I've been playing with this thing for about a month...

Pro's:

-Threading is incredibly easy. It does not have the "1, 2, 3..." instructions printed on the machine, but it does have little diagrams with arrows to remind just how the thread should go through each step. The auto-threader to get though the tiny needle hole is VERY easy, and the bottom bobbin is easy to put in right.
-The built-in light is bright and well-placed, making it very easy to see your work from all sides. It comes on automatically when you power on the machine.
-There is a reverse function to lock your stitches... just push once and it completes a stitch in reverse for you.
-The storage compartment is roomy enough for 5 regular spools of thread plus needles and the darning plate and bobbin cover discs and felts.
-The stitches are illustrated on the front (as you can see in the product photo), so you can just look for what you want, press the button, and go.
-It's really easy to use, and the tension seems to come out right just set on "auto." However, if needed tension adjusts by turning a dial on the top.
-Comes with CLEAR and EASY TO READ instructions with good diagrams/drawings to help you figure stuff out if you don't want to deal with the DVD.
-Also comes with a DVD tutorial! How cool is that?
-The stitches all seem to come out beautifully and effortlessly. It pulls the fabric in at the needed speed, so all you have to do is guide it side to side. There is also a darning plate that easily pops into place for "free form" work if needed. (Like if you wanted to sew in a circle or tight curve... wide curves you can just guide without the darning plate.)
-The foot-pedal is easy to operate. You can vary from one slow stitch per second so you can see what it's doing, to wound up going really fast. Apparently some are rather "all or nothing" in their control, but that has not been the case for me with this one. Barefoot or with shoes on my feet, it has been very easy to get used to it, so that now I can get it to the exact speed I wish for effortlessly.

My only "con" is that it has a limited number of stitches, and already I have seen a stitch called for that was not available exactly. However, it seems that all of the basics are here, plus several decorative ones.

So, overall, 5 stars. The only other thing that I think is worth mentioning is about the thread. From my research, it seems that using quality thread is highly important in helping your machine last a lifetime. Don't buy bargain threads - it's just not worth it. You can evaluate the quality by pulling to test for breakage, and also by looking at the thread under a microscope. Lots of stray fibers will wear away at internal components of your sewing machine over time. The most perfectly smooth thread I've been able to find is "Coat's Cotton" which is 100% Egyptian Cotton, and "Coat's Extra Strong" for denim and jeans, both by Coats & Clark. I would imagine their silk and polyester would be ok too, and they are available at any and every fabric store in the U.S.

I hope this helps you in making your decision! There are so many machines out there that it took me forever to decide on this one, but I am 110% delighted with it, and would recommend it to anyone. I was also VERY pleased with Amazon's service in getting it here safely and promptly. It was very well-packaged and arrived as pristine as if I'd carefully brought it home from a local store. Truly, I am a very tough customer, yet couldn't be happier.

This is the first new sewing machine I've ever bought and I love it. I've been sewing for 40years, quilting for 30 and never treated myself to a decent machine. When my second hand-me-down died I decided it was time. I love the nice bright light, the auto needle threader, and the drop in bobbin feature. The foot pedal took a little getting used to, as my old one was wider, but it works well.
I've sewn several different kinds of fabrics both light and heavy and it handles them all great!

I purchased my Singer Curvy Sewing Machine in August 2008 after taking sewing lessons learning on a Pfaff machine. After getting accustomed to some of the convenient and easy to use features on the Pfaff machines, I set out to find an equally convenient, easy to use AND affordable sewing machine. My research led me to the Curvy, and I have no regrets. I have completed many projects with this machine, all of which came out beautiful. Best of all, the machine is easy to use and has many convenient features. All in all, the Curvy has proven to be a great value to me and I will be enjoying it for a very long time!

After many decades of service, my wife's old Singer finally went kaput so we researched several different machines before deciding on this one. Not only did Amazon offer the best value, but my credit card had barely cooled when the machine and case arrived - super fast shipping. I know, I know - guys aren't supposed to give APPLIANCES as gifts but that's what she wanted and that's what she got.

Although this was a Christmas gift the wifey has been dieting and had quite a few outfits to alter before the holidays, so I encouraged her to open the boxes and get acquainted with her new machine. Right away, we were struck by just how much larger this machine was in person than when viewed on the web site. It's not really huge, just a bit bigger than we's envisioned. The machine works great, and she is still learning all the functions and features.

One curiousity - there was no instructional DVD with this particular machine, and nothing in the product description to indicate there would be one included, but it sure would be helpful - especially for a guy like me that is not very sewing machine savvy. Beyond the presser feet described on the web site, ours came with a whole 'nother bag of different presser feet - 4 or 5 others that we have not yet identified. Not sure if this was a packaging mistake or what, but it was a bonus. Singer *should* at least include a descriptive sheet of the different presser feet along with the intended use for each one so we'd know exactly what we're working with here. My bride is no stranger to Singer products, but this has even her a bit baffled. There's a double fistful of presser feet and are left to discover their useful functions on our own. This is the only reason I only rated this product at four stars instead of five.

Overall, first impressions are very favorable and we are both pleased with the purchase. Whether you are new to sewing or a wily veteran seamstress I think you could do quite well with this middle of the line machine. Buy with confidence, but do your homework first.

I had seen a Curvy at a store and thought it was what I wanted, so I checked on line and found a fair price so I ordered it. I received it at the time specified, and have now tried it out and like it very much. There have been no problems with it, it is light enough to carry around, compared to my old machine that I needed help carrying, and it works better than my Singer Athena ever did. The auto threader works fine, and the bobbin rewinder took two tries to figure out, but it is great. The DVD sent as instructions was a little lacking in detail, but I am happy with my new machine.

We purchased this machine for our 86 year old quilting mother. She loves it and can work more independently. This is a dream for her. We combined this with other vision aids and it seems to be working like a charm.

I can't believe this machine, even though I have had a Singer for 30 years. I was hoping it would not be too hard to learn to thread and program. I never dreamed it would be such a breeze. A few minutes with the manuel and I got it --- then confirmed the processes with the excellent video.

The instructions are clear. The machine sews quietly and beautifully. I love using it.

I considered a Brother for a long time, but decided on the Singer so I could sew on all fabric weights. Well worth the money --- can't do better!! Particularly great for someone like me -- over 65!

I needed to replace a 25 year old Singer 6233 that had served me well, but was starting to become unreliable. My research led me to this machine, which, for under $300 and a Singer with great new features seemed like the one. I have been sewing like mad with it since the day I got it! I loved the DVD tutorial, and the fact that the machine threads the needle for you is a huge plus. My nearly 50 year old eyes thank Singer for this. Also the bobbin winding is easier than my old machine. I love the clear bobbin case, so I know before I run out of bobbin thread to replace it. The machine is nice and lightweight and has a nice smooth feel to it. Also, being able to keep my accessories in the removable arm is very cool. The variety of stitches is great as well.

What a great purchase for a new sewer. I did all my research online and found the reviews here at Amazon really helpful. I was able to get up and sewing in less than an hour. Threading couldn't be easier. I do agree with the reviewer that said the DVD instructions were lacking. For a big company like Singer, I would have thought they could put more than the 5 or 6 basics features of the machine. I would recommend this machine model to anyone.

My wife join the sewing class 2 months ago and looking something that is easy to use. She also wants something that is durable. This unit turns out is everything she hopes for. It's easy to setup after viewing instruction DVD (included). System operate smoothly, not too loud and nice finish with soft edges. She use it for few projects now , and she still very happy with it.