Great for Beginners and On-the-Go Sewists
Singer is a synonym for a sewing machine, and that is no wonder as this company was the first to produce this useful gadget. Therefore, ever since 1851, the Singer company has remained a leader on the market. Their sewing machines perform well but will not cost you a fortune. Moreover, there are so many different models that you are sure to find the one that is tailored to your needs.
If you are a beginner or a moderate sewist, the Singer 1304 Start Sewing Machine might be a perfect match for you. It is not only budget-friendly and easy to use, but it also offers enough features for an array of projects.
Yes, it is simple, maybe even too simple for some users, but I am sure many will appreciate that they do not need to learn much before being able to get down to actual sewing.
I have written a thorough Singer 1304 review for all of you who are interested in an entry-level sewing machine suitable for newbies and even kids, so read on and discover what it offers!
The Singer Start 1304 Sewing Machine Specs Table
If you want to find out some basic info about the Singer 1304 sewing machine, take a look at the following chart.
If you are interested in finding out more about the Singer 1304 and you want to hear all about its features and performance, read the following full review.
The Top Features of the Singer 1304 Sewing Machine
The Singer 1304 sewing machine does not have bells and whistles that serve only to attract buyers. On the contrary, it is simple and offers essential sewing functions. It does provide many useful features that will help you finish your sewing project trouble-free.
So, what are the most beneficial features Singer 1304 has to offer?
Those are the following:
All the Basic Stitches
Singer 1304 sewing machine has six basic stitches for you to choose from including a straight stitch, zigzag stitch, blind hem stitch, satin, and decorative scallop stitch. All you need to do is turn a well-labeled dial as both length and width are preset. It is so simple that even the first time users can quickly master it.
The Four-Step Buttonhole Feature
The four-step buttonhole feature enables you to add buttonholes to your garments with almost no trouble at all.
Easy-to-Remove Free Arm
This machine is designed for beginners, and you can see that the company has tried to keep things as simple and easy to understand as possible- the removable free arm is evidence of that. It allows users to work on collars, cuffs, and hems without frustration.
Automatic Bobbin Winding System and Tension Adjusting Feature
The automatic bobbin winding system and tension adjusting feature in the Singer 1304 contribute to the ease of use; this is not only good for beginners who don’t need to waste time struggling with unfamiliar tasks, but it is also beneficial for experienced sewers who can concentrate on details.
Interchangeable Feet
There are three presser feet you will receive with the Singer 1304: all-purpose foot, buttonhole foot, and zipper foot. They snap on and off quite easily.
Accessories
This Singer 1304 comes with a plethora of accessories that can be stored in the free arm storage tray for your utmost convenience such as dual spool pins; spool pin felts, a pack of needles, class 15 bobbins, a needle plate screwdriver, and the combination seam ripper and lint brush.
The Rest of the Singer 1304 Features
I have presented the most prominent features that the Singer 1304 machine has to offer, but there is more to it than that. Here are the other features this sewing machine has to offer:
- A fold-down carry handle
- Preset stitch length and width
- The LED sewing space lighting
- Extra-high presser foot lifter
- Darning plate for free-motion sewing
- Quick-Start guide
- Foot control
- Power line cord
- Detailed instruction manual
- 25-year limited warranty
My Complete Singer 1304 Review
The Singer 1304 features smooth curved lines and a modern look on the outside, and on the inside, there is a durable, heavy-duty metal frame. Surprisingly it weighs under 12 pounds and if you add in the practical carry handle you can conclude that this machine can be easily transported or even carried around which makes it ideal for on-the-go sewing enthusiasts as well.
This Singer sewing machine might not offer many stitches, but the six built-in stitches are more than enough to get the job done for any hobbyist or moderate user. These stitches are clearly marked on the selection knob and together with the threading system instruction diagrams printed on the machine exterior, they make the sewing process a breeze.
The budget-friendly price, paired with the limited 25-year warranty, makes this sewing machine a safe choice for all of you who want to give sewing a try. It will provide you with just enough features to test your creativity and learn the basics of sewing.
More experienced sewist can make good use of the Singer 1304 as well as it is flexible enough to meet the demands of a number of sewing projects. The three presser feet you can easily snap on and off enable you not only to sew but also add buttonholes and zippers when needed.
Those of you who like to express their creativity will be happy to know that the dual spool pins on Singer 1304 sewing machine enable you to sew with parallel rows of stitching. That means that you can use two different colors at once.
You can easily express your creativity when hemming your garment too, so with a little bit of ingenuity, you will not require an embroidery machine to express your artistic side at all!
There is more good news – Singer 1304 might be compact, lightweight, and plain looking, but it is powerful enough to handle heavy-duty fabrics such as denim or even leather too. The motor is strong but also runs very smoothly, and thus, the level of noise will be acceptable even at the top sewing speed.
Speaking of speed, I must admit that it is the biggest disappointment of this sewing machine as it can be controlled only by its foot pedal. There is no speed adjusting knob that would allow for fine-tuning as well as easier speed control. The top speed is also a bit disappointing.
While we speak about the downfalls, I have to mention the jamming problem as well. Namely, the automatically threaded bobbins tend to get caught in the bobbin case and jam the machine. This is not a difficult problem to resolve, but it interferes with the concentration of the sewist as well as takes precious time to deal with.
The Pros and Cons of the Singer 1304 Start Sewing Machine
Pros
- Perfect for first-time users
- Easy to use
- Ultra-portable
- Three different sewing feet
- A free sewing arm for cuffs, hems, and sleeves
- Comes with lots of practical accessories
- Powerful yet smooth motor
- Budget-friendly
- 25- year warranty
Cons
- Limited speed & speed control
- The foot pedal made from plastic
- Jamming
My Final Thoughts
The sewing machine must meet all your needs but also correspond to your level of expertise. You can buy the most expensive and feature packed machine out there, but if you lack knowledge and experience, it will hardly do you any good.
For this reason, sewing machines such as Singer 1304 are made. They are affordable, user-friendly, and make the learning process much more manageable.
Therefore, I highly recommend Singer 1304 sewing machine to all of you who are just starting with sewing. It will not overwhelm you. Instead, it will provide you with all the features and functions you need to finish your sewing projects.
The decision is yours, but I am here if you have any further questions!
Hello, I cannot find anything on oil or lubricant for this machine.
Could anyone please provide what oil can be used for the 1304 Singer.
Thank you !
Dear Sandra,
Thank you for your comment.
Please, check my sewing machine oil reviews and pick the one that responds to your needs.
Hopefully, my recommendations can help you find the right machine oil.
Have a wonderful day and happy sewing!
Love, Mary.
Thank you for the great review. I just got this machine from my mother in law for Christmas as im always hand sewing small things for my daughters. I cant wait to use it. My wife hs already made a sewing list for me! Thanks again
Dear Peter,
Thank you for your comment.
I was so glad that my review has helped you somehow.
I will be waiting to see some of your creations in the comments below.
Happy holidays and happy sewing.
Love, Mary.