Singer 5523 is a quality sewing machine, but there is an identical twin to this machine, which is more popular among beginners.

Singer 5523 Main Features

• 23 built-in stitches
• Automatic needle threader
• Top drop-in bobbin
• 1-step buttonhole

Singer 5523 Review

Sewing Machine Reviews Recommendation Level : HIGH

Singer 5523 is one of the most beautiful mechanical sewing machines I have ever come across. It looks great in white, but since we are talking about a sewing machine, the looks doesn’t really matter. It is how the machine sews, which matters the most. 5523 belongs to the ‘Scholastic’ series of machines, but it is not very different from the popular Singer 4423 heavy duty model (we will discuss that later). Singer 5523 comes with 23 built-in stitches as denoted by the last two digits of the model number. The built-in stitches include 6 Basic Stitches, 4 Stretch Stitches, 12 Decorative Stitches and a 1-step buttonhole.

Stitch selection on Singer 5523 is done by turning the dials. A separate dial is provided for stitch length adjustment. Stitch width can be set to a maximum of 6mm. There are a lot of beginner friendly features on this machine. The automatic needle threader, top drop-in bobbin, snap-on presser feet and 1-step buttonhole are some of them. I am very glad that Singer has taken usability as a top priority.

Another highlight of Singer 5523 is its motor. It is way more powerful than its competitors. It can operate at a speed of 1,100 stitches/min. The motor is a gem. This is the same motor that comes with Singer’s heavy duty series, so you know what to expect. It can handle heavy duty fabrics with ease. If you want to sew multiple layers of fabrics, the extra high presser foot lifter will provide the extra clearance you need.

The presser foot pressure is adjustable according to the type of fabrics you want to sew. The automatic reverse lever lets you sew in reverse and reinforce the stitches. Singer 5523 comes with 3 needle positions which will be handy while inserting zippers and topstitching. There is a storage compartment inside the removable free arm.

Usability

Singer 5523 is a beginner friendly sewing machine (thanks to the features we already discussed). One good thing about this machine is that it can handle multiple layers of fabrics with ease. It can sew up to 6 layers of denim effortlessly. The overall build quality is excellent and it is a machine made to last, unlike other cheap plastic machines you get from the market.

Limitations

Few more built-in stitches would have made this an exciting sewing machine.

Pros

• Powerful motor
• Good stitch quality
• Build quality

Cons

• Not a lot of built-in stitches

Is It Worth Buying?

You must compare the price of 5523 with that of Singer 4423. Both are identical sewing machines except for the color. So if one is less expensive, go for the cheaper one, as you are getting the same machine. Moreover, 4423 is more popular among beginners, not many would have heard about 5523.