Singer Simple 2263 Sewing Machine Review – Returnees Best Choice

Catch a Glimpse Of This Amazing Machine Here and Now

So, your sewing skills got a bit rusty?

You just decided to start practicing sewing more and get back on track?

Well, now you need a competent machine to help you master the basics.

If the first thing on your mind is a Singer machine, I don’t blame you – they are well known for their reliability and quality. Well, is there anyone in the sewing world (no matter if it’s the newcomer or professional) that didn’t hear of this company? No, I don’t think so too.

You are in the right place at the right time because I’m just about to present to all of you the most primary machine that you can encounter on the market nowadays.

Singer Simple 2263 sewing machine can’t get simpler than it already is – even kids can operate on it and master it in no time. This machine will remind you how fun sewing can be (and how much you missed it). It will allow you to grow your creativity and help you go through any project you desire.

Singer 2263 Through Appraisal Chart

If you are a newcomer, this model will be a valuable piece of equipment for you because it is very simple to use. It is good enough to teach you all the basics you need to know before you start sewing on a more experienced level.

So, I’ve put together a list of general perception I got after I finished working with this machine. Continue to read the full review if you are interested in finding out why did I evaluate this machine as I did.

Thorough Product Analysis

After I worked on this machine for some time, I learned a lot about how it operates and what are the advantages and disadvantages of this model. So, let’s get on to the business.

Features and All-around Purpose

This model has a great size with 15 x 7 x 12 inches (38 x 17.8 x 30.5 cm) in dimension – you can put it almost anywhere. The machine weighs less than 13 pounds (5.8 kg), so it’s also very easy to carry it from place to place, thanks to carrying handles that you will find on top of the machine.

See the official representation here:

Interior frame of this model is entirely made of metal which guarantees you stability and long lasting.

Like almost all Singer models, this one too comes with a removable storage compartment at the front side of the machine covering the bobbin case. And when you remove it, you will clear the space around your free arm and be able to hem jeans and sew the cuffs easily.

See the quick tutorial on how to sew a hem on Singer 2263 here:

Here is a thing that makes it all a little bit complicated for most beginners – inserting the winding bobbin. But luckily, this model has a front loading bobbin case, which makes it way easier. The bobbins that come with this machine are class 15 plastic bobbins.

I already mentioned once that I am not a big fan of plastic bobbins because they aren’t as durable as metal ones.

Here you can see the official tutorial on how to insert a bobbin:

To select the stitch you desire, you will use the stitch selector dial, and to help you define the length of your stitch, you will find the stitch length dial just above.

On top of your machine, you will find a tension dial that regulates the tightness of your stitches. Next to it is a stitch width dial to help you control how wide your stitches will be. Also, you can control the needle position on this dial too.

On the side of the machine where your needle is, you will find a built-in thread cutter, which speeds up the process significantly. One more thing I must mention is the darning plate. This little installation will allow you to sew buttons, monograms, or even stipple quilting without the risk of your machine pulling the fabric with fabric feeders.

This model comes with a soft-cover to help you protect the machine from dust.

Hints on How to Use Singer 2263 from My Point of View

In this section, I will try to help you understand more how this machine works and give you some basic advice that you can apply to every machine you use.

So let’s get started.

To start the machine, you need to plug the power cord in the wall outlet and plug the foot control in the machine. After you switch the On/Off button, the LED light above the needle should come on.

I always advise people to crank the handwheel towards themselves before starting sewing to secure that the needle is always in the right position.

Every time you need to change the needle, turn off the machine.

Cover the needle plate when you are loosening up the needle holder.

Needles are prone to slipping out and can get stuck in your machine, so always hold the needle with your free hand, and I guarantee you that nothing can go wrong if you follow these simple instructions.

Take a look at this step-by-step tutorial on how to change a needle:

Threading can be a real ball and chain to someone who is new at this. Proper threading is essential, so your stitches will stay tight, neat, and secure after you finish sewing your seams.

Here you can see the seam sewing tutorial:

Finally, let’s talk about threading the bobbin. Follow this order of operation, and you will thread your bobbin in an instant:

1. Take out the bobbin from the bobbin case.
2. Place the thread on the spool (you can choose between the main spool pin and auxiliary spool pin) and place the spool pin holder to secure the thread.
3. Pass the thread from the spool to the bobbin and pass one end of the thread through any hole on the bobbin rim.
4. Place your bobbin on the bobbin winder on top of your machine, and press it until you hear that the bobbin clicks into place.
5. Step on the foot controller and hold it as long as you are not satisfied with the amount of thread on your bobbin.
6. Cut the end of the thread, remove the bobbin from the pin, and you are done.

To see the official tutorial, click here:

Threading the machine is way easier, and all you need to do is follow the drawing guides. Almost all Singer machines have built-in needle threader to help you thread your needle quickly, which is a great component because we all know how exhausting it can be.

You can see how the needle threader works here:

You can also make buttonholes on this machine, but this is a more complex process then on most other Singer models. On this model, buttonholes are sewn in four steps, this might require more manual interventions, but it is still quite simple.

Few features will help you make this easier: the guidelines drawn on the stitch selector dial and the buttonhole foot presser. This means you will do two long parallel lines on the sides of the buttonhole and two shorter parallel lines to end and secure the long ones. So let’s go over it once more:

1. Select the stitch on the dial for the first long side and sew it;
2. Select the stitch on the dial for an end and sew it;
3. Select the stitch on the dial for the other long side and sew it;
4. Select the stitch on the dial for the end, sew it, and your buttonhole is done and secure.

You can watch the buttonhole making tutorial here:

After you finished the buttonhole, you can sew up the button with this machine too.

Take off the buttonhole presser foot. Now you need to lower the feed teeth to prevent your fabric from moving along with the feeding teeth. This model does not come with a lever for dropping the feet teeth, so here is where the darning plate comes into action.

Attach the sewing button presser foot and select the zig-zag stitch (needle must go back and forth between the holes in the button), set the length to 0 and width between 3 and 6, and put your needle in. It should be in the center position.

Check the width by cranking the handwheel to see if the needle goes smoothly through both holes. Secure the button in place by selecting the straight stitch and positioning the needle on one side, and sew a few stitches in the spot.

Peculiarities That Will Draw Your Attention

This model implements 23 built-in stitch patterns, including the four-step buttonhole stitches, so you can do basic stitches, decorative stitches, and stretch stitches.

Here you can see how to sew up the stretch stitches:

You can easily manage through the stitch menu by turning the stitch selector dial left or right. You will find some blue, red, and black stitch icons on the stitch selector dial. The black stitches are basic stitches, blue stitches are the stretch ones, and red stitches are for sewing buttonholes.

When you need to adjust your stitches, you can choose between stitch length and width (make them narrower or wider). You can change the position of the needle to the left, right, or center. You will choose its position depending on if you are going to sew a zipper, stitch an edge, or simply secure the button after you sew it up on the desired spot.

The great thing is that you can adjust the tension of your stitches, but I recommend that in most of the cases, you keep the tightness of your stitches on 4.

The reverse sewing lever is here to help you secure your seams at both the beginning and the end.

You will find three different types of presser feet: regular, buttonhole, and button sewing presser feet. But you can purchase the additional presser feet like blind hem foot and quilting foot.

Now you can quickly change and attach new presser feet thanks to the snap-on presser feet feature. All you need to do is lift up the lever that is located behind the needle arm to release the current presser feet. Now attach the new one by slowly lowering the presser foot holder until you hear its click on the right spot. When you are working with thicker fabrics, you can put your presser foot in the extra high position.

Incorporated Accessories and Further Improvements You Can Make

In the removable storage compartment, you will find some additional machine accessories like a pack of needles and a pack of bobbins, L-screwdriver, seam ripper, main spool pin and auxiliary spool pin, spool pin cap, darning plate, and soft-cover.

For any additional help, you can always install and consult the SINGER Sewing Assistant App.

See more here:

Recapitulation

Closing Words and My Recommendations

Singer 2263 is a small, compact, and simple-to-use sewing machine that will perfectly fit the needs of every novice sewist who decided to start practicing sewing. This starter machine comes with a warranty of 25 years for the machine head and 5 years warranty for motor and electronic components. That ain’t bad for the price it cost, don’t you think?

But if you are a professional, I will recommend you to keep looking more. The machine works very well, but it lacks some features that anyone who works as a professional sewist needs.

Singer has a wide variety of sewing machines, so don’t let this review discourage you and keep following my reviews, and I’m sure we will find the perfect machine for you too.