SINGER® Start 1306 Sewing Machine

I originally bought mine in 2019 and LOVE it. I'm only at a "beginner's level", just doing basic hemming, but want to start making clothing from simple patterns and know that this will just suit me fine.

I like this machine. It is very compact and easy to use. It is like old times getting on sewing again it comes naturally to me because I have got a lot of experience behind me in sewing. It makes life so much easier when you can mend yourself instead of going to a mender to fix your clothes. It could come at a better time it was in my budget and being on low money, I treated myself something nice for a change. I have previously had a sewing machine which I had when was fifteen years old. It was a Piaf sewing machine which my mum bought for me when I was young but it broke down so I had to buy a new one. I did my research on which one to buy on a budget which I have done and I am so happy with the results. It runs smoothly and it is easier to use for any beginner who is starting out on their sewing skills. The manual is also easy to follow. Once you have been sewing for over 40 years or more it is all because my loving parents encouraged me to learn different skills by putting them into practice

I am an experienced sewer with two high-end machines in my separate sewing studio but wanted a simple machine for quick repairs or patchwork straight piecing in the house, something I could tuck in a cupboard when not in use. This was a bargain price from Spotlight with plenty of included accessories and delivered in only 2 days. This is a solid machine, a good small size and weight, probably a bit larger than I was expecting. All the stitches and bobbin winder worked well from the start, though it was quite noisy. After a couple of weeks of use, it has ‘run in’ nicely, and is quieter and smoother. I only have a couple of issues with this machine. Obviously, for the price, it doesn’t have an automatic needle down feature - that’s fine, except that the flywheel is very small, very stiff and very slippery, so lowering or raising the needle all the time really gets painful on your hands. I have had to wrap it in foam grip tape. Likewise, the accessory drawer is very stiff to get in and out. Also if you want this machine for patchwork, the stitch lengths are just a touch out: the short length is too short, and the mid-length just a bit too long. But this is a small compromise for what seems to be a sturdy, well made little machine.