Singer S10 Review

Singer S10 has some premium features and it also has a good embroidery area. It can work without a PC. But the included software is not mac compatible.

Singer S10 Studio Main Features

  • 55 built-in embroidery designs
  • 3 built-in lettering fonts
  • Built-in memory
  • USB compatible
  • 5.5″x5.5″ and 2″x2″ embroidery hoops
  • Advanced editing

Singer S10 Review

Sewing Machine Reviews Recommendation Level : HIGH

First of all, let me make one thing very clear, Singer S10 is an embroidery only machine. This is a machine designer for advanced sewers. The current price of S10, keeps it in direct competition with one of its kind, the Singer Futura XL-400 which is a sewing and embroidery combo machine. XL-400 is clearly the most advanced (built-in design numbers wise) among the two, so the decision making is tough. Now let us focus more on Singer S10, rather than doing comparisons.

Singer S10 comes with 55 built-in embroidery designs. The machine has 3 built-in lettering fonts namely Gothic, Script, and Cheltenham, in upper and lowercase. Numbers and symbols are also included. The maximum embroidery area is 5.5 x 5.5 inches. Two hoops are included, 5.5″x5.5″ and 2″x2″. The embroidery area is quite large, especially for the price. The machine also comes with 18 built-in border patterns (quite a lot of variety).

One notable difference between S10 and Futura XL-400 is that this machine can be operated independently without the help of a laptop or a PC. On XL-400 all the editing is done on the PC and then transferred to the machine. Whereas all the editing and stuffs can be done on S10 machine unit itself. However, you still need a PC to make use of the advanced editing software that comes included in the box. The machine has a reasonable sized LCD screen on which you can view all the settings including the design size, number of colors, hoop needed etc. The brightness of the screen can also be adjusted. I would have loved to a slightly bigger screen though.

The machine itself will suggest the size of hoop, colors etc and you can override them for more customization. Customization has no limits on this machine. You can increase the size of the design, do mirror imaging, rotate, combine patterns, repeat patterns etc. There is a help button on the side of the screen which will give you tips on how to change needle, wind bobbin and thread the machine. Once you are done with the settings, you just need to press the start/stop button. You can edit and save up to 100 designs on Singer S10’s built-in memory. For expanding the memory, you can always save the designs on a USB stick as the machine comes with a USB port. You can download designs from the internet as well. And don’t forget the 2800 designs that comes on the CD (It’s a lot).

In addition to the premium features, Singer S10 comes with common features like the automatic needle threader, top drop-in bobbin, sewing light, automatic presser foot sensor (which senses and stops the machine from operating if the presser foot is raised), extra high presser foot lifter etc. The motor of Singer S10 is more powerful than that of Futura XL-400. Singer S10’s motor can deliver 650 stitches per minute. At 17 pounds, you can say that it is moderately heavy. A carry handle is provided for portability.

While comparing machine prices, sometimes you need to include the price of accessories as well. Singer S10, comes with a lot of included accessories. Included accessories are Embroidery Hoops & Templates, Embroidery Design CD, Bobbins (Class 15, plastic), Lint Brush, Auxiliary Spool Pin, Spool Pin Felt, Thread Spool Stand, Thread Spool Caps, Scissors, Screwdrivers, Needles, Template Sheets, Instruction Manual, Quick Start Guide, Power Cord and Soft-Sided Dust Cover.

Supported Embroidery File Formats

.fhe, .jef, .psw, .che, .xxx, .pec, .pes, .hus, .sew, .exp, .dst, .pcs, .vip, .shv. All these files needs to be converted to .jef by the included software, so that the machine reads it.

Usability

The first thing you need to look at before buying an embroidery machine is its hoop size. Make sure that the S10’s 5.5×5.5 inches and 2×2 inches hoops are right for you. If you are looking for a really large embroidery area, then you might have to go with something like the Futura XL-580 (It is really expensive, trust me). With the included software on S10, you can convert pictures or drawings into embroidery design. A certain level of expertise is required to do that.

Threading the machine is quite easy. Still beginners will need to practice how to use the automatic needle threader. In order to have that perfect finish, you must use a stabilizer. The first attempt, must be done on some scrap material. This will get you rolling and cut out any issues on the way. Some patience while setting up the machine will do real good. Even though the quick start guide is good enough to get you started, it is better to read the detailed instructions. The designs come out looking good and it works on all kinds of fabric.

Limitations

The editing software that comes in the box won’t work with Mac computers, it is compatible with Windows only. I really don’t understand the thinking behind this, as we all know most people in US use Mac computers. And Singer being such a big player in sewing machine industry, should have done something about it long ago, it is overdue now.

Pros

  • No need of a computer
  • 3 lettering fonts
  • Two hoop sizes
  • Lot of customization
  • Built-in memory and USB compatibility

Cons

  • No Mac support

Is It Worth Buying ?

When you consider the price and features on offer, Singer S10 studio looks like a very good deal. And never forget the accessory kit that comes with it. Overall a very good embroidery only machine to consider.


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