Whether you’re just starting out or have been sewing for years, there’s a good chance you haven’t fully unlocked the full potential of your SINGER® sewing machine. Many users, especially beginners, tend to stick to the basics—straight stitch, zigzag, and maybe the occasional buttonhole. But today’s modern sewing machines come packed with useful, time-saving, and skill-enhancing features that can take your sewing to the next level.

In this blog, we’ll explore 10 overlooked sewing machine features that can make a significant difference in your projects. We’ll also share essential sewing machine tips along the way, helping you get more confident behind the needle. 

1. Needle Up/Down Function

The needle up/down feature allows you to set your needle to stop in either the up or down position when you stop sewing. While it might sound minor, this functionality is essential when pivoting fabric or working on curves. It eliminates the need to hand-turn your wheel constantly, giving you better control and accuracy. Many Singer sewing machines, like the SINGER® SE9185 Sewing & Embroidery Machine, include this helpful feature as a standard.

2. Speed Control Slider

Perfect for both beginners and advanced sewists, a speed control slider lets you limit the maximum speed of your sewing. This feature is especially useful for delicate fabrics or precision work where slower speeds help avoid mistakes. Beginners often find this helpful as they gain confidence using their SINGER® sewing machine at a pace they can manage.

3. Automatic Needle Threader

If you’ve ever struggled with threading a needle, this one’s for you. An automatic needle threader is a small but mighty feature that saves time and reduces eye strain. For those new to sewing, this is one of the best sewing machine tips: don’t skip features that reduce friction in your setup. 

4. Adjustable Presser Foot Pressure

Different fabrics require different amounts of pressure from your presser foot. Being able to adjust the pressure ensures your machine feeds the fabric evenly, preventing puckering or stretching. This is especially important when switching between thick fabrics like denim and lighter materials like cotton voile. Understanding this adjustment is a valuable part of sewing tips for beginners that can prevent frustration early on.

5. Drop Feed for Free-Motion Sewing

A drop feed feature allows you to lower the feed dogs, giving you the freedom to move fabric in any direction manually. This is ideal for free-motion quilting or embroidery. If you’ve never experimented with this setting, it’s a great way to unleash your creativity and try new techniques using your SINGER® sewing machine.

6. Twin Needle Capability

Twin needle sewing allows for two parallel rows of stitching, often used for hemming stretch garments or adding decorative details. It’s a feature that’s available on most modern machines but often underutilised. To get started, all you need is a twin needle and an extra spool of thread. It’s a fantastic upgrade for anyone looking to make their projects look more professional.

7. Top Drop-In Bobbin with Clear Cover

A top drop-in bobbin not only makes threading easier, but the clear cover lets you keep an eye on your thread supply. This small feature saves you from running out of bobbin thread mid-seam—a common mishap, especially for beginners. SINGER® sewing machines like the SINGER® Fashion Mate 3333 come with this user-friendly design built-in.

8. Programmable Stitch Patterns

Modern sewing machines come with dozens (sometimes hundreds) of built-in stitches. But programmable stitch combinations take things further, allowing you to customise your stitch patterns for decorative or functional purposes. Whether you’re monogramming a gift or adding flair to a cushion, learning how to use these features is one of the most overlooked sewing machine tips.

9. Free Arm Capability

The free arm is a removable portion of the sewing bed that allows for easier access to cylindrical items like sleeves, cuffs, and hems. Beginners often forget to utilise this feature, resulting in awkward seams or twisted fabric. Learning how to use the free arm effectively will dramatically improve your finishing and ease when working on smaller items.

10. Locking Stitch or Reverse Stitch Button

Finishing your stitches properly is essential to ensure durability. A locking stitch or reverse stitch function reinforces the beginning and end of seams. Rather than manually backstitching each time, this feature provides a clean, professional finish with one touch. This is a key item in sewing tips for beginners that should become a regular habit in every project.

Ta-da! Now You’re Ready

With so many built-in sewing machine features available, it’s easy to overlook ones that could truly elevate your crafting experience. For those seeking sewing tips for beginners, mastering these features early will help you feel more confident and inspired every time you sit down to sew.

Ready to explore your machine? Revisit your manual, test a new feature, and rediscover just how powerful your SINGER® sewing machine can be.