Singer Athena 2009 is durable and has very good stitch quality associated with it. But sometimes it is overpriced. So be wary of that.

Singer Athena 2009 Main Features

• 30 built-in stitches
• Built-in stretch stitches and hand-look quilt stitch
• Automatic tacking stitch

Singer Athena 2009 Review

Sewing Machine Reviews Recommendation Level : MODERATE

Singer Athena 2009 boasts of an easy threading system. Actually Singer promotes it as one of the premium features of this wonderful sewing machine, Singer calls it SWIFTSMART threading system. Honestly, I don’t feel it is much different from the threading systems of Brother or a Janome, it’s just called by another name that’s all. First of all, let me make one thing very clear, Athena 2009 is not a computerized sewing machine, it is an electronic one. Which means you won’t get sewing start/stop button or a speed control slider on this machine.

Singer bought Athena 2009 as a replacement for their popular Curvy 8763 model.  Athena 2009 comes with 30 built-in stitches which includes 2 fully automatic one-step buttonholes, which lets you make buttonholes in a single step. There are stitches for quilting, decorative projects, heirloom, crafts etc. It features stretch stitches and Hand-Look Quilt Stitch. With the stretch stitches, you can add more strength and flexibility to seams. This works great while working on knitwear and stretchy fabrics. Other unique stitch is the Hand-Look Quilt Stitch, which is designed to look like hand sewing for topstitching or quilting (Quilters will love it).

The Swiftsmart threading system makes threading easy. You just need to follow the guide and the automatic needle threader will do the rest. The automatic needle threader is one of the best I have seen on a Singer machine. The drop-in bobbin system is another huge advantage as you don’t need to remove the side cover to change it. The clear cover for bobbin allows you to keep an eye on the thread supply. Athena 2009 comes with easy push button stitch selection. There is an optimum setting for each stitch, which can be overridden for customization. To ensure consistent stitch quality over different types of fabrics, the machine is equipped with automatic tension and automatic presser foot pressure. The stitch length and width can be adjusted as well. The maximum stitch width is 7mm.

The automatic reverse button is conveniently placed for easy access. You can reinforce the stitches by using the automatic tie-off function which reinforces the start and end of the seams. With the automatic tacking stitch function, you can reinforce decorative stitches with just the push of a button. The extra clearance offered by extra high presser foot lifter is really handy while sewing multiple layers of fabric. The machine comes with 6 segment feeding system along with box feed for accurate fabric feeding. To sew cuffs and collars, the machine can be converted to free arm. For safe bobbin winding, Athena 2009 features an automatic bobbin winding clutch which automatically disengages the needle bar while winding the bobbin.

Apart from the features, the next big thing to talk about is the motor. Athena 2009 has a reasonably powerful motor, capable of delivering 750 stitches/min. Now, this is not the most powerful motor in the category, but the direct drive mechanism makes it feel more powerful. In Direct Drive mechanism, the needle bar is geared straight from the motor, rather than from a drive bar across the machine. This makes the machine more powerful and durable (makes sense, isn’t it). The whole system sits on a heavy duty metal frame.

The machine comes with snap-on presser feet for easy changing without the screwdriver. A manual thread cutter is provided on the side. 3 long lasting LED bulbs illuminate the work space. In addition to all these features, Athena 2009 comes with hell of a lot of accessories, which Singer says is worth $180.  It includes an extension table and a soft cover.

Included Accessories

• All-Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Blind Hem Foot, Satin Stitch foot, Pack of Needles, Bobbins (Class 15J), Thread Spool Caps, Auxiliary Spool Pin, Spool Pin Felt, Darning Plate, Screwdriver, Seam Ripper/Lint Brush, Soft-Sided Dust Cover, Quick Start Guide, Machine Intro DVD, Instruction Manual, Power Cord, Foot Pedal

• Darning / Embroidery Foot, Gathering Foot, Button Sewing Foot, Invisible Zipper Foot, Pintuck Foot, Cording Foot, Rolled Hem Foot, Open Toe Foot, 1/4″ Foot, Special Purpose Foot, Spotlight on Accessories DVD, Extension Table

Usability

Singer Athena 2009 has a premium look to it. This machine has the features that an average beginner needs. The built-in carry handle provides good portability, even though the machine is on the heavier side. The machine weighs around 21 pounds, which is a clear indication about the quantity of metal used. So the machine has to last longer than those cheap plastic machines. The machine doesn’t make a lot of noise, it is one of the quietest machines around. There are no vibrations, the operation is very smooth.  The foot pedal is pretty responsive. The automatic needle threader works straightaway on the first go (on some machines, you need to practice it). The stitches are of very good quality.

Limitations

I feel Singer Athena 2009 is overpriced (if you go by the current price).

Some users have also reported an issue with the bobbin casing going out of place after using it for couple of times. So I tested the machine multiple times with different types and layers of fabric. Fortunately or unfortunately, I wasn’t able to spot any issue. So I guess they got a lemon.

Pros

• Durable
• Smooth operation
• Quiet
• Easy to thread and use

Cons

• Overpriced at times

Is It Worth Buying ?

Be wary of the price. I have seen the price oscillating so much that, it reached some insane amounts. To know the right price (the money Athena 2009 is really worth) , you must know the price of Curvy 8763 and add $20 or $30 to it. It will give you the ideal price range.