Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing Machine Review

A Feature-Packed Machine That Will Impress You To The Point Of Overwhelm

If you are dealing with larger sewing projects most of the time, you should get a machine that will help you out. And there is no sewing machine that can deal with complicated and difficult tasks better than the Singer 9960 sewing machine. It is the workhorse of your dreams.

Designed for professional sewers, it can finish all the hard stitches and make your sewing dreams come true. Seriously, it will take your sewing skills to the next level and make you proud of your work. The Singer 9960 sewing machine will turn sewing into a fun and easy activity.

However, just like any sewing machine on the market, it has its benefits and disadvantages. So, if you are searching for an honest Singer 9960 review, welcome. If you need something simple and effective, Singer sewing machine is the perfect choice. Still, read this article before you buy it.

What Makes Singer Such a Great Choice?

Singer is a brand with an incredibly long tradition. The company was founded by Isaac Merritt Singer way back in 1854. As a matter of fact, its eye-pointed needle designed served as a blueprint for numerous sewing machines in years to come.

However, the brand Singer is probably most recognizable for its series of treadle-powered sewing machines that at some point and in certain countries became synonymous with the very term sewing machine itself.

Although these glory days are far behind us now and competition has drastically improved its game, the word Singer still commands a lot of respect in tailors of all sorts around the world. Even if you’ve never taken a needle in your hand, you will recognize this brand and gravitate towards this brand.

Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 computerized sewing machine does nothing but respect this legacy and stay true to the brand roots.

Of course, we have to remember that we are talking about an affordable unit that tries to bring the top-notch sewing experience at an affordable price.

The fact that Singer 9960 manages to offer such a good experience makes it all more impressive.

What Makes Singer Quantum Stylist 9960 Sewing Machine So Special?

So, let’s start building the hype and get to the point.

For a start, Singer 9960 sewing machine offers an astounding number of 600 built-in stitches. To put the things into perspective, if you are an average user, you will hardly ever go past the number of 300. Having such a vast number of options to choose from still makes a very solid selling point.

All these different patterns can be stitched at the speed of 850 stitches per minute – a number that will make even the most demanding projects pretty fast and effortless.

And then, there are some features that are plain handy. How about mirror/reverse image utility that allows you to flip stitches (both vertically and horizontally) and the ability to elongate the stitches up to five times of their original length? Or the choice of five different alphabets, one of which is Cyrillic?

All of them are pretty sweet.

As for the very sewing, the machine uses the intuitive drop-in bobbin system that’s very approachable for beginners. The affairs are made even simpler by the clear sewing plate that allows you to easily monitor the amount of tread left.

Another feature that is envisioned to make sewing absolutely approachable for beginners is the electronic auto-pilot function that serves as a stand-in for foot control which allows for better control. Here, you have both options, so no matter what you ought to get a blast, regardless of
your skill level.

When it comes to the accessories, Singer 9960 is truly shining. The unit comes with an extension table that can easily take care of even of the larger projects. You also get a convenient speed slider, 18 included feet, needle up-down button and much more.

Finally, there are the highly advertised “computer” functions. To be quite honest they are a bit gimmicky but they have a purpose. The backlit LCD screen serves as a sort of digital advisor that display various stitch patterns and even offers recommends the best pressers for different situations.

Not something you can’t live without but more than useful in some situations.

The Things to Know about Singer Quantum 9960 Computerized Sewing Machine

An honest look: So, we’ve spent quite of time praising the 9960. Of course, the unit is not without a couple of flaws. First, it should be mentioned that this machine is not professional. You can get an insane amount of mileage out of it, but it’s not meant for continuous production.

Second, although it is advertised as portable, Singer 9960 is simply too heavy to be easily moved around. Also, the fact that the machine has a built-in CPU could be used to give you an opportunity to create and save your own patterns, but this functionality is sorely missing.

Finally, it should be mentioned that, although very intuitive Singer 9960 can be too overwhelming for absolute beginners. If you are making your very first steps, or you are just a casual tailor, the abundant set of options this unit offers will probably go to waste, at least for the time being.

Still, these few minor gripes don’t change the fact that we are talking about a very powerful and very reasonably priced sewing machine.

Main benefit: If you are willing to truly dive into the set of options the machine has to offer, Singer 9960 offers stellar performance and an opportunity to gradually progress your sewing skills without having to change your unit.

The Things You Should Consider Before Buying Singer Quantum Stylish 9960 Portable Sewing Machine

So, we’ve pretty much established by now that Quantum 9960 is a very versatile tool that’s suited for tailors of different skill sets. Also, we mentioned that the abundant set of features may prove to be a bit too overwhelming for absolute beginners.

That puts Singer 9960 firmly into the mid-range sewing machine segment, at least when it comes to the user experience and the available options. The good thing about this situation is that if you are willing to deal with a bit of learning curve you will get an excellent way to progress your skill as time goes by.

Also, take into consideration that this machine is quite heavy. Although it is advertised as portable, moving it around for too much will prove to be quite strenuous. The chances are that once you find it a place in your home, the machine will most likely stay put.

These two considerations are very important to take them into account when making a purchase. Of course, there are some other things that need to be mentioned:

• Are you just a casual tailor? If you are, you can get away with a simpler and more affordable unit.
• Do you have spare Singer parts available in your vicinity?
• The experience of previous customers. Reading the user comments is a valuable way to discover some important insights that have escaped the general reviews.
• Is the machine you are buying upgradeable? At some point, you may want to start installing new parts, so it’s always useful to discover which of them are compatible with your unit.
• Just how exactly are you willing to pay?

And now that we’ve covered these important considerations, let’s try to summarize everything good and bad about this excellent sewing machine through a couple of pros and cons.

Is It Suitable For Beginners? And If Yes, Why?

As said earlier, it is an excellent choice for beginners because it offers easy setup. Also, it has different automatic features including auto needle threader, auto stitch length and width settings, an auto thread trimmer and so much more in order to simplify your sewing.

So, instead of focusing on learning what every part and feature does or trying to memorize it, you can focus on generating creative ideas and realizing your wildest sewing projects. It will boost your creativity and skills. And most importantly, it is built to last for a long time.

Not to forget the interface which is user-friendly and very simple and intuitive to use. It comes with 19 various presser feet. However, if you need more, you can always buy extra. No matter what sewing projects you want to complete, Brother 9960 model has your back.

Does Singer 9960 Model Do Embroidery?

Yes, it does. Fortunately, it comes with embroidery and darning foot and different décor stitches. However, it is not made to create patches or finish massive logos. And you cannot connect it with your PC like other advanced embroidery and sewing models on the market.

However, you can finish decorative embroidery on tablecloths, napkins and different items for the household. Ald you can also decorate your denim jacket and jeans with this model. You can drop the feed dogs and apply the satin stitch to make your free-hand embroidery.

It comes with 600 built-in stitches which is a lot for the price you pay. Also, they are very easy to set up and apply. However, you will learn more about the stitches later in this text.

What Do I Need to Know About The Feed Dogs Mechanism?

If you rely on other Singer 9960 reviews, you will not find any information about the feed dogs mechanism. 9960 has a different motion for their feed dogs on this model known as the box feed motion. And seemingly, it offers a more consistent feeding of the material.

Apparently, the feed dogs establish equal contact with the presser foot and the project. Other sewing machines do not have this type of feed dogs mechanism. They use the typical arc motion. This is the reason why pros search for “walking feet”. It allows the bottom and top material pieces to pass through the needle subsequently unlike other sewing machines.

How About The Speed and Speed Control?

Quantity Stylist 9960 offers speedy sewing at 850 stitches per minute which is pretty impressive. Also, 9960 features a slider bar to adjust the speed control for big projects.

And if you are wondering about the power of the motor, know that Singer 9960 features a DC motor. It provides a more consistent power source on both heavy denim and light silks.

One of the best ways to test out a motor of sewing machines is to watch out for humps in the material. For example, when you sew jeans, you have a hump where the seems all meet up. However, Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist will not disappoint due to the powerful motor.

How About Quilting?

Since it is designed to pass through high loft batting, this model is great for quilting. It offers different built-in decorative stitches which can be useful for quilting too. You can change the size of the stitch to ivy along your quilt or perform different sizes of scrolls.

One more interesting feature on the list of impressive features on Singer 9960 is the fact that you can adjust the presser foot. All you have to do is lift it in order to get extra-high position and get large quilts in and out of the workhorse sewing space. How great is that?

Can I Sew Clothing with Singer 9960?

Of course! In fact, you can create countless couture details with this model. It features 13 different one-step automatic buttonhole styles. If you want, you can make professional seams with 2 lines of stitching. It is easy to get clear lines on clothing thanks to the fine-tuning stitch length, needle position and being able to pivot the needle downwards simple.

What Materials Can I Sew with Singer 9960?

If you wonder what fabrics can you sew with this model, the answer is lightweight such as georgette, silk, violate and more. However, you can also sew medium weight fabrics such as velvet, linen, gingham, satin and more. But different fabrics require different needle sizes.

If you sew lightweight materials, you should use the 9/70 – 11/80 size needles and silk or cotton thread. For medium light fabrics, make sure to use 11/80 – 14/90 size needles. Use leather needles for leather and 11/80 – 14/90 sized needles for knits, swimwear and so on.

How Heavy is Singer 9960?

Although it weighs 20 pounds, Singer 9960 is not very hard to lift and move around your home or workspace. Just think of the outdated machines which weighed over 50 pounds…

If you wonder about the lighting, we have mentioned earlier that it is far better unlike the light of other sewing machines on the market. It features 2 LED lights to brighten up the needle area and offers you to watch what is going on. Did you know that LEDs last longer?

Have we mentioned that the frame of this model is designed of heavy-duty metal? It holds all the important mechanical parts firm. And will definitely last longer than other products.

Designed for home projects, Singer 9960 can handle different household decorations with the proper speed control, needle and presser foot. Do you want to hem jeans? No problem! However, it is not designed as a heavy-duty. It does not perform like an industrial machine.

If you want, you can try some heavy duty sewing, however, do it very carefully. However, if you want to finish a large number of heavy duty projects, we do not recommend this model.

Can You Say that Singer 9960 is Feature-Rich?

We all have to agree that the Quantum Stylist 9960 model is an amazing deal for the price you pay. If you are interested in learning all the features and accessories, keep on reading.

• Stitches (600 in total)

We have mentioned earlier that Singer 9960 comes with 600 built-in stitches including 13 automatic one-step buttonholes and 4 calligraphic styles. The number of stitches is one of the machine’s best and most appealing features. It gives you the freedom to experiment.

• Top drop-in bobbin

Next on the list of modern features of Singer 9960 is the top drop-in bobbin. We refer to a system that is very simple to use. And you will notice that it is designed to be even more user-friendly due to the clear plate. It allows you to watch how much of the thread is left.

• Digital information adviser and LCD screen

If you were reading carefully, you probably noticed the mention of the LCD screen earlier. If you purchase this model, you will get a sewing machine with advanced design. Most users claimed to be surprised by the advanced appearance of this fully computerized workhorse.

It features an LCD screen along with a digital information adviser which provides an easy selection of stitches, width, and length. Also, you get a recommendation of the preferred presser foot. you can edit your crafts with elongating editing features or mirror imaging.

• Automatic needle threader and cutter

Although this model is feature-rich, it is not complicated to understand. So, if you are just learning how to sew, do not worry because the modern features like the automatic needle threader and cutter will help you sew with ease. And they are extremely simple to master.

If your sewing machine has an automatic needle threader and cutter is a BIG plus. It will prevent eye strain and frustration. Instead of worrying about the needle, you can focus on your project. If you pick this model, you will get one of the most user-friendly machines on the market right now. It is not designed for beginners but they all find it very easy to use.

• Speed slider and electronic autopilot

If you are not confident in your skills, you can always use the electronic autopilot. Singer features foot control. However, you can sew without the foot pedal and get notified with there is a problem. It will point out the error area. If not, you can turn it off via the LCD.

Not to forget the speed slider which allows you to adjust and control the maximum speed. This is great for beginners and users who require extra precision in their sewing projects.

Additional features:

• Free Arm
• Drop feed with box feed motion
• Brightness control on the LCD
• Two LED lights
• Needle up/down button

As you can notice, Singer 9960 is feature-rich and will simplify your sewing. In fact, it will turn it into the most fun experience. However, in case you are still wondering, whether it is worth your money or not, let’s check the pros and cons one more time and decide together.

A Couple of Tips for Buying a Sewing Machine

And for the very end, we will breeze through a couple of tips that should help you to find the best suit for your sewing needs and purchase the unit with as little hassle as possible.

Tip 1: Mind your ambitions

We already partially covered this issue, but it’s worth underlining. Before you spend any money, you seriously need to think out just how interested in sewing you are. If you want to make any serious progress the unit with a lot of options is definitely a great choice for you.

Tip 2: Do you need a portable unit?

Portability is always useful, but you have to ask yourself – just how often you are going to move your sewing machine around. This option can come very handy if you are a professional tailor who needs to make a lot of interventions on the spot.

Tip 3: Consider buying online

Although it is always useful to see and test the product you are buying first-hand, purchasing your sewing machine can save you a lot of trouble, especially if the delivery is free.

Tip 4: Pay attention to your budget

Sewing and tailoring is a nice hobby and a potentially a very lucrative profession. Still, you should invest extensive amounts of money into a sewing machine only if you want to start making money out of it.

Final Thoughts

If you noticed, the pros of Singer 9960 overshadow the cons and disadvantages. So, if you are looking for something effective, modern and simple, this is the model for you. It is the best model you can get for the price. Feature-rich, modern design and great performance.

What more could you possibly ask for? No matter if you are a professional or someone who is interested in turning a hobby into a full-time job, you will find Singer 9960 very helpful.