Singer 7442 Review

Singer 7442 won’t be a bad choice for an average sewer. If new machines are not available, you will be better of going with a better alternative from Singer.

Singer 7442 Electronic Sewing Machine Features

  • 30 built-in stitches
  • Automatic needle threader
  • LED sewing light
  • Free arm sewing

Singer 7442 Review

Singer 7442 ReviewSewing Machine Reviews Recommendation Level : LOW

Singer 7442 is an electronic sewing machine, which means it is kind of a hybrid version of mechanical and computerized sewing machines. You won’t get all the features of a computerized sewing machine there. Option to sew without the foot pedal is absent on Singer 7442. Another problem with this machine is that, it seems discontinued. You won’t get much details about this machine even on Singer’s official website. Refurbished and used machines are on sale though. But you have to be really careful about buying refurbished or used sewing machine, you might end up with a lemon.

Singer 7442 has 30 built-in stitches including 2 one-step buttonholes and a variety of utility, decorative, quilting, heirloom, and stretch stitches. This machine features a 6 second threading system, thanks to the automatic needle threader (not sure about 6 seconds though). Push buttons are provided for stitch selection. Stitch length and width can be adjusted using sliders. It comes with a top drop-in bobbin with a see through bobbin cover plate (which is a nice thing as you can keep an eye on the thread supply). The exterior of the machine is made of plastic but the parts inside are made of heavy duty aluminum. Singer 7442 can sew at a speed of 750 stitches/min.

This machine comes with automatic tension, so that you don’t need to adjust the tension every now and then. Decorative stitches can be locked using the lock function. Singer 7442 has 13 needle positions. An LED work light is provided for sewing in the dark. Electronic twin needle control adjusts the stitch settings automatically for twin needle sewing. The machine is free arm capable as well. An on-board storage compartment is provided for storing all the accessories. A soft cover is included in the box. The machine weighs around 16 pounds.

Usability

Singer 7442 comes with six segment feed mechanism which does a very good job. The machine comes with a decent variety of stitches. Quality of some of the stitches, especially the overlock stitch is quite up there with professional serger quality. The machine does a good job with all kinds of fabrics, but it won’t be great fun sewing with multiple layers. It seems to struggle with three plus layers of denim.

Limitations

A programmable needle up/down feature would have made Singer 7442 much more versatile. However, you can turn it in down position with the hand wheel, not a big deal.

No option to drop feed dogs for fee-motion quilting. Now, this is a feature that comes by default in almost all basic sewing machines nowadays. So it is a huge bummer for sure.

The LED work light needs to be brighter.

Pros

  • Good with all kinds of fabrics
  • Good quality stitches

Cons

  • No fee-motion sewing
  • Dim worklight
  • Struggles with multiple layers of denim

Is It Worth Buying ?

Actually Singer 7442 is not that bad a machine. Yes, there are some areas where it needs to improve, same would be the case every sewing machine in the market (as someone said “the biggest room in the world is the room for improvement”). The major problem with this machine is that it is not readily available in all stores (I am talking about new ones). I am not a big fan of refurbished or used sewing machines, so I won’t recommend them.

The best alternative is the Singer 7258, it is one of the best beginners sewing machine in U.S. It is way more advanced than 7442 in features. It has 100 built-in stitches, programmable needle up/down, speed control slider and much more. It has also won the Women’s Choice Award for the best home sewing machine in America. So if new 7442 is not available, go for Singer 7258. I personally love that machine.


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