Brand: Singer
Model: 7442
Year: 2009
Cost: ~$350
How long have you had the machine? 3 years
Is it a basic sewing machine, serger, or embroidery machine? Basic sewing machine
What are your favorite features? The decorative stitches, the reverse stitch button (no presser foot necessary), and the top-loading bobbin.
What are some of the unique features it has? When reversing decorative stitches, the machine does 4 small tacking stitches to secure the stitch. When selecting decorative stitches and adjusting the stitch width and length accordingly, the machine beeps to tell you when the stitch length and width are ideally set for the chosen stitch.
How well does it run? It runs pretty well. When I first got it I thought it ran very smooth and quiet, but it is getting rougher and louder as time goes on (probably normal). The machine skips stitches when using certain fabrics (such as fleece) and does not handle several layers of fabric (especially heavier weight) very well.
Has it ever broken or needed maintenance you couldn't do yourself? A few broken needles, which were probably my fault. Other than that, basic maintenance has been very easy.
What are your least favorite features? The machine always ends stitches with the needle in the upright position. Even if your foot is off the presser foot, it will try to complete the stitch. This took a while to get used to and I broke quite a few needles this way. The machine will try to push through the fabric no matter what because it has to complete the stitch cycle to end with the needle in the up position. Skipped stitches are frequent and annoying.
Would you recommend this machine to a friend? Yes
