Singer 5400 Review

Even though the price seems very tempting, Singer 5400 is not a great machine for beginners. It has some issues with threading and tension, which might be very frustrating.

Singer 5400 Sew Mate Sewing Machine – Main Features

  • 60 built-in stitches
  • Automatic needle threader
  • Automatic reverse button
  • Extra-high presser foot lifter

Singer 5400 Review

Sewing Machine Reviews Recommendation Level : LOW

This is a low cost beginners sewing machine. The price of this machine really impressed me as it has all the features of a medium level beginners machine. I don’t know whether the low price is a limited period offer or not. This machine comes with 60 built-in stitches which include 6 essential, 40 decorative, 8 stretch stitches and 4 1-step buttonholes. It also features an automatic needle threader. Tension is set automatic. Same is the case with stitch length and width but you can override the settings for customization. The stitch width can be set to a maximum of 6.5mm. Stitch selection is done via push buttons.

Singer 5400 comes with snap-on presser feet, which means you don’t need a screwdriver to change presser feet. There is an easy to access automatic reverse button for reverse sewing and reinforcing stitches. Presser foot pressure is automatically set on this machine. There is a convenient storage compartment on the front of the machine. There is an extra-high presser foot lifter to offer more clearance, especially when placing bulky fabrics for sewing. The motor inside this machine is capable of delivering 750 stitches/min.

You can sew cuffs and collars by converting this machine to free arm. There is an automatic bobbin binding clutch as well. It will disengage the needle bar while winding the bobbin, which prevents the needle from moving up and down for safe operation.

Is It Worth Buying?

On paper Singer 5400 looks very good. This machine has its pluses and minuses. The plus is its features and the price. But does that transform into performance ? Not really.  The threading and tension adjustment can be frustrating at times. However, you can make use of all those decorative stitches for creative work. If you can get the threading and tension part right, this is a good machine. But it is not worth taking that risk, especially when you can get better, trouble free models from Singer itself.

Limitations

The biggest bummer of this machine is the front loading bobbin. A top drop-in bobbin is a must for a beginners machine, Singer missed the trick there.

Pros

  • Unbelievable price
  • Great features for the price

Cons

  • Some threading and tension issues
  • No drop-in bobbin
  • Not quite user-friendly

Verdict

Singer 5400 has a high rate of ‘return’ on Amazon, so I can’t really recommend this model to you. Yes, it has all good features, yes its price is awesome, but its performance is quite below par. I can suggest two alternative machines for you. One is Singer 4423, it is the one of the best heavy-duty, low cost machines you can get. But it lacks some features that 5400 has. Features wise, Brother CS6000i is identical to 5400, so you may consider that as well. Moreover this Brother machine features our list of ‘Sewing Machines You Can Buy With Your Eyes Shut’. It is that good a machine.


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