There are no issues with features and performance of Singer S800. But watch the price before you buy, as better options are available.
Singer S800 Fashionista Computerized Sewing Machine Features
- 100 built-in stitches
- Automatic needle threader
- Extension table
Singer S800 Review
Sewing Machine Reviews Recommendation Level : MODERATE
S800 is a sewing machine designed for beginners and intermediate sewers to a certain extent. I am not too keen about the price of this machine and there is a reason for it, we will get to that later. First, let us have a look at what you get in features. You will get a total of 100 built-in stitches which includes 76 decorative, 9 essential, 8 stretch, 6 one-step buttonholes and an endless buttonhole. Endless buttonhole lets you make buttonholes with infinitely long sides. The automatic needle threader lets you thread the whole machine in 6 seconds (needs practice to be honest).
Singer S800, being a computerized sewing machine, you will get start/stop button and speed control slider. Speed control slider lets you sew at speeds comfortable to you, without using the foot pedal. S800’s motor can deliver a maximum of 750 stitches/min. Easy to load top drop-in bobbin with clear cover is a useful feature and is pretty much a default feature in modern sewing machines. LED work light could have been brighter. Programmable needle up/down is another feature to love. With this feature, the needle can be set to stop in the up/down position. Stopping in the up position lets you remove the fabric in one motion and stopping in the down position is very useful for pivoting, appliqueing and quilting.
The internal heavy duty metal frame provides stability to the machine. The stitch length and width are automatically set, but you can override them for customization. Stitch width can be set to a maximum of 7mm. You can lower the feed dogs for doing free-motion quilting. Automatic presser foot pressure control lets you switch between heavy to lightweight fabrics without making any adjustments. Automatic tension ensures consistent stitch quality. Singer S800 has an auto lock button to reinforce the stitches so that the stitches won’t come off easily.
You can easily sew cuffs and collars by converting the machine into free arm mode, by removing the storage compartment. 13 needle positions are available on this machine. Extra-high presser foot lifter is provided for offering more clearance for bulky fabrics. An extension table is included for working on large projects. The machine weighs 14.8 pounds, you can’t say that it is heavy or light, it is somewhere in-between. S800 comes with 25 year limited warranty.
Usability
To be honest, Singer S800 is a very good sewing machine. I really like the build quality and performance of this machine. The machine is easy to thread and use. There is nothing confusing about this sewing machine, everything is straight forward and buttons are easily accessible. Stitches are consistent and the quality doesn’t change across different kinds of fabrics. The machine does a very good job with multiple layers of denim. The machine has a nice variety of stitches, which allows you to experiment with your creativity. The machine is very stable while operating at high speeds. It is reasonably quiet as well. As far as the features and performance are concerned, there is nothing to worry.
Pros
- Good variety of stitches
- Easy to use
- Consistent stitches
- Smooth operation
Cons
- Price
Is It Worth Buying ?
Whenever you think of Singer S800, you must compare it with Singer 7258. The reason is because, both machines are almost identical. Both machines have the same number of built-in stitches and almost same features except that 7258 lacks the drop feed dog option. You will also get an extension table and 10 extra presser feet with S800. Even interesting thing is the price, currently S800 costs almost double the price of 7258. Literally, you are spending double the money for drop-feed, extension table and 10 presser feet. You are the one to decide whether S800 is a good deal at that price.
Update : The price gap between S800 and 7258 has reduced now. So it’s not that bad a deal now.
Personally, I won’t recommend Singer S800 at that price, especially when you can get far more superior Singer 9960 if you are ready to spend few more dollars. Singer 9960 is an advanced sewing machine with 600 built-in stitches, 13 buttonholes, automatic thread cutter and much more. Basically you will get lot more advanced features with more or less the same price. Moreover, 9960 features in the list of ‘Machines You Can Buy With Your Eyes Shut’, so you are rest assured of its quality. I am not trying to up sell here, I am just letting you know that there is a better option available. If you are satisfied with the features of Singer S800, chances are that you will be satisfied with the features of 7258 as well, then why spend double the money.
You can read the comparison between Singer S800 and 7258 Here.