Most users do not like SINGER Futura CE-250 much. There is a reason to it. On paper, it looks good but it is not a machine built for easy use.
SINGER Futura CE-250 Computerized Sewing And Embroidery Machine Features
- 120 embroidery designs and 100 built-in sewing stiches
- AutoPunch software
- Two embroidery hoops 4.5” x 6.75” and 3.125” x 4.75”
- 25 year limited warranty
- USB connectivity
SINGER Futura CE-250 Review
Sewing Machine Reviews Recommendation Level : MODERATE
SINGER Futura CE-250 is primarily an embroidery machine with an added advantage of normal sewing. It is a computerized machine with a lot of automated features.
Embroidery Features
It has 120 built-in embroidery designs and 5 fonts. You will get 2 embroidery hoops with this machine. One is the large 4.5” x 6.75” hoop and a smaller 3.125” x 4.75” .You normally get one hoop with embroidery machines, but this one comes with two. You can connect this machine directly to the computer via USB port. The best part is that, you will get an autopunch software along this machine. With the autopunch software you can convert the images created by you to embroidery designs. The autopunch software now costs couple of hundred dollars. So you must consider the price of the software while buying this embroidery machine. Is Singer trying to take your attention away from some of the flaws of this machine by giving away a lot of freebies? Let us see that in the usability section. This machine supports all popular embroidery formats, so it will be much easier for you to download designs from the internet. Thousands of free and paid designs are available online.
Sewing Features
It has 100 built-in stitches for sewing. It comes with 6 automatic 1-step buttonholes. The bobbin system is top drop-in type. There are sliders for adjusting stitch length and width. It has vertical and horizontal spool holders. 3 stay bright LEDs illuminate the work space.
Other Features
You can easily move forward and backward through a design using programmable needle up/down button or the reverse stitch button. There is drop feed feature for free motion quilting. Another good feature is the warning sound which goes off when something is not right. It ensures trouble-free sewing. You can easily tie off stitches with just a push of a button. Extra high presser foot lifter offers more clearance while working with multiple layers of fabrics. Automatic tension ensures consistent stitch quality irrespective of the fabric type. It has 13 needle positions. That pretty much summarizes all the features of SINGER Futura CE-250. Now let us have a look at the usability of this machine.
Usability
Most people do not like SINGER Futura CE-250 much and there is a reason to it. Good things first, one good thing I noticed while using this machine is that it has a unique design. All the push buttons for stitch selection and stuffs are placed horizontal, like a computer keyboard. This lets you make the adjustments in a standing position than bending over, which is a great advantage if you are a tall person like me.
The autopunch software is not easy to use, beginners may find it difficult. I have encountered thread breaking issues several times. One thing you should give proper attention to while threading is that, it requires a flossing kind of move to make the sensors read the thread. I haven’t seen this kind of threading in any other machine I reviewed and there is a high chance of getting it done the wrong way. So a learning curve is required there. That is the reason why I said, it is not a great machine for ease of use. Other than the above said problems, everything seems to work nicely.
The machine does a nice job with embroidery and sewing, apart from those threading issues. It does what it is supposed to do. It has a lot of good features on board.
Limitations
The most annoying thing about this machine is the error alarm. They are so annoying that, you might lose the interest in sewing. Something is wrong every single time it seems. A function to turn off the alarm would be better.
Pros
- Lots of good features
- AutoPunch software
- USB connectivity to import designs
Cons
- Not a user-friendly machine
- Threading issues
Verdict
You can’t promote SINGER Futura CE-250 for ease of use. It is a machine that requires quite a bit of ‘learning curve’. So I won’t recommend it for beginners. This sewing machine is not that popular among its users for the same reasons I pointed above.
Some alternative models I can suggest are Brother SE400 and Brother DZ820E. Both models are very different in the sense that SE400 is a sewing and embroidery machine, whereas DZ820E is an embroidery only machine. There is difference in the prices as well.
The good thing about SE400 is that it is a stunning machine at a very good price. It features in our list of “Machines You Can Buy With Your Eyes Shut”. The quality is never under question.