Singer 191D-30 Review: A Detailed Look At This Industrial Straight Stitch Workhorse
The singer 191d-30 has earned a reputation as a workhorse sewing machine ready to take on heavy duty projects. With its industrial-grade construction and straight stitch specialty, this Singer model provides professional-level performance for dedicated sewers.
In this extensive singer 191d-30 review, we’ll examine what sets this machine apart. Whether you sew canvas boat covers, make custom jeans, or need to finish quilts rapidly, the 191D-30 deserves your consideration.
I’ll cover the key features, real world performance, pros and cons, ideal users, and everything else you need to know about the Singer 191D-30. Let’s get started!
Singer 191D-30 Industrial Sewing Machine review
Singer has over 160 years of history developing innovative sewing machines. Many of their classic models like the Singer 15 and Singer 201 are prized by sewers globally.
The singer 191d-30 carries on this tradition as a specialty machine designed for heavy duty use. This industrial machine uses a powerful motor and straight stitch only design focused on speed and durability.
While home zigzag machines work fine for most lightweight fabrics, their limits quickly show when trying to sew multiple denim layers or canvas. The 191D-30 provides professional-grade stitching ability in these heavy applications.
Let’s examine why this industrial workhorse stands above other Singer models for serious sewing projects.
Main Features and Benefits of the Singer 191D-30
The core strengths of the Singer 191D-30 include:
Industrial-Grade Motor Provides Serious Power
What really makes the 191D-30 an industrial sewing machine is its motor. This clutch motor can deliver up to 1/2 horsepower while running at high speeds.
Home sewing machines often top out around 70-80 watts of power. In contrast, the singer 191d-30 motor produces closer to 400 watts. This allows it to continuously pierce through heavy materials without lagging.
This extra power couples with an all-metal internal drive train designed for constant use. The 191D-30 can sew for hours a day without overheating. This reduces friction and maintenance needs compared to plastic components.
For sewers tired of their machine bogging down on tough fabrics, the robust motor is a game changer. The 191D-30 keeps going even through multiple denim or canvas layers.
Up to 4000 SPM for Ultra Fast Sewing Speeds
The singer 191d-30 truly earns its “industrial” designation with how rapidly it can stitch. Users report it can reach up to 4000 stitches per minute (SPM).
To put this speed into perspective, most conventional home machines manage around 1000-1500 SPM. So the Singer 191D-30 can stitch at nearly 3-4x the rate.
This ultra fast speed translates into huge time savings on projects. What might take an hour on a typical machine takes only around 15 minutes on the 191D-30.
Of course, managing this pace takes practice even for experienced sewers. The foot pedal offers excellent control over the speed range. Once mastered, sewers can blaze through projects in a fraction of the usual time.
Knee Lifter Allows Hands-Free Presser Foot Lift
Having to manually raise the presser foot every few stitches slows any project down. The singer 191d-30 includes an excellent knee lifting device to prevent this.
With the knee lifter engaged, you can raise or lower the presser foot completely hands-free. Just a light tap of your knee releases the foot to pivot it up.
This is essential when dealing with thick seams that need lots of clearance. Knee lifters come standard on industrial machines, and Singer made sure to include one here.
Between the fast motor and knee lifter, the 191D-30 really minimizes any wasted stitches. You spend more time actually sewing instead of starting and stopping constantly.
Specialized for Straight Stitch Sewing
As the name implies, the Singer 191D-30 only does a straight stitch, not zigzag or other patterns. The stitch length can be adjusted from 1.5mm up to 5mm.
This focused design allows the machine to excel at straight stitching tasks. All the power goes towards optimizing a single purpose without compromise.
Most construction and reinforcement seams simply need a quality straight stitch. So the 191D-30 covers the majority of hard work sewing like:
- Constructing thick materials (denim, canvas, leather)
- Quilting large projects
- Hemming drapes and upholstery
- Crafting bags, accessories, shoes, etc.
For sewers that just need an ultra durable straight stitch, the Singer 191D-30 really fits the bill. It’s not as versatile as a zigzag machine, but provides the best possible straight stitch.
Self-Lubricating System Requires Less Maintenance
One downside of industrial machines is they usually need frequent lubrication. The singer 191d-30 simplifies this maintenance with an automatic oiling system.
The motor sits inside an oil reservoir that circulates fluid while running. This self-lubrication ensures critical components stay smooth during long sew sessions.
While occasional manual lubrication is still required, the oiling system reduces the frequency. Sewers can’t forget to oil the machine since it actively maintains itself.
This innovation decreases friction and wear inside the motor and bearings. Together with the all-metal construction, it’s one reason these machines see decades of service.
Reverse Lever for Locking Stitches
Like most industrial machines, the singer 191d-30 includes a reverse stitch lever. When engaged, it will sew backwards to lock each stitch in place.
This prevents seams from unravelling and adds strength when starting or ending stitching. It also helps reinforce key points when sewing around corners.
The process becomes second nature quickly. Simply press the reverse lever down at the desired point and the machine reverses for a few stitches.
Combined with the fast motor and knee lifter, the reverse function ensures solid, durable seams on every project.
Singer 191D-30 Feature Summary
| Motor Power | Up to 1/2 HP |
| Maximum SPM | 4000 |
| Presser Foot Lift | Knee Lifter +5.5mm |
| Stitch Type | Straight Only |
| Stitch Length | 1.5mm-5mm |
| Lubrication | Self-oiling |
| Reverse Stitch | Yes |
Image caption: Key specifications and capabilities of the Singer 191D-30 industrial sewing machine.
Real World Sewing Performance of the Singer 191D-30
Spec sheets only reveal so much about a machine. Here’s what sewers experience using the singer 191d-30 for real projects:
Sews Through Heavy Fabrics With Ease
The true test of an industrial sewing machine is how it handles heavy materials. The powerful motor on the 191D-30 conquers dense fabrics that cause household machines to choke.
Users report the 191D-30 easily manages:
- Multiple layers of denim, canvas, duck cloth
- Upholstery weight fabrics like vinyl and leather
- Extra loft batting for quilts up to 1” thick
The machine glides through these heavy materials thanks to the knee lifter and fast motor. It provides enough clearance for anything short of saddle leather.
Having this thickness capacity opens up possibilities for all kinds of new projects. You can construct durable outerwear, reinforcement patches, craft bags, and other long-lasting items.
Straight Stitch Excels for Construction and Quilting
While the zigzag stitch has its purposes, a high quality straight stitch handles the majority of sewing needs. The precise stitching of the singer 191d-30 makes it well suited for:
- Clothing construction seams
- Hemming drapes and upholstery
- Crafting leather goods and shoes
- Piecing quilt sandwich layers together
- Topstitching and edgestitching details
The adjustable length from 1.5mm-5mm allows dialing in just the right setting for different fabrics. Shorter stitches are great for smoother materials while longer ones suit rougher textiles.
Between the power and customizable stitch length, sewers gain excellent control with the straight stitch. This versatility combined with speed makes the 191D-30 a quilter’s dream machine.
Speed Saves Hours of Time on Large Projects
While home sewing machines manage around 1000 SPM on average, industrial models like the singer 191d-30 triple or quadruple that rate. The time savings quickly become apparent with large projects.
What might take 5-6 hours of sewing on a conventional machine finishes in under 2 hours on the Singer 191D-30. This increased efficiency lets avid sewers complete more projects that involve yardage or hundreds of seams.
Quilters working on king size or larger blankets see huge time savings. An afternoon session yields the same amount of stitching as 2-3 days on a regular machine. Even at lower speeds, the 191D-30 sews faster than typical machines at full blast.
Between the knee lifter, power, and speed, this machine simply eliminates wasted stitches. If your projects have outgrown a home sewing machine, the productivity increase with the Singer 191D-30 makes it an easy choice.
Adjustable Pressure For All Fabric Weights
Moving between lightweight silks to heavy canvas requires adjusting presser foot pressure. Too much pressure can damage more delicate materials. Too little causes slipping with slick or lofted fabrics.
Fortunately, the singer 191d-30 pressure is simple to fine tune. Just turn the large dial on the top of the machine to increase or decrease foot pressure.
Users mention the presser foot floats beautifully across chiffons and batiste when set light. Cranking it up allows the machine to feed through vinyl and leather without issues. Everything in between is handled smoothly too.
This responsive pressure adjustment eliminates frustration and damaged materials. The 191D-30 can sew an entire wardrobe or quilt despite vastly different fabrics involved.
![Singer 191D-30 Sewing Samples]
Image caption: Examples of heavy duty materials the 191D-30 can handle including canvas, denim, and quilted fabrics.
Ease of Use and Learning on the Singer 191D-30
Many industrial machines require technical knowledge or experience to operate. Here’s howbeginner-friendly the singer 191d-30 is:
Ships Mostly Assembled for Quick Setup
Opening the box to loose parts and vague instructions makes for a frustrating experience. The 191D-30 ships mostly assembled so you can start sewing sooner.
The inner mechanism, body casing, motor, and stand come pre-assembled at the factory. You only have to mount the machine into the table bracket and attach the knee lifter.
There are a few key accessories to put on like the presser foot, needle plate, and bobbin case. But overall, it’s a straight forward process taking about 30 minutes.
The included manual provides decent directions for final setup. And helpful owners have posted assembly videos on YouTube for reference.
Easy to Understand Controls and Functions
Classic green machines intimidate some sewers with knobs and dials covering every surface. In contrast, the singer 191d-30 keeps the controls cleanly minimal.
You get:
- Foot pedal – Controls motor speed/power
- Reverse stitch lever – Sew backwards while pressed
- Stitch length dial – Sets length from 1.5mm-5mm
- Pressure adjustment dial – Increases or reduces presser foot pressure
That’s all you really need to master straight stitch work. The dials provide great tactile feedback so you know right where they are set. Everything is within easy reach while sewing too.
Manual and Videos Quickly Get You Stitching
Reading a 100-page technical manual just to sew a seam feels like overkill. The singer 191d-30 instructions get right to the basics in a straightforward way.
The manual covers:
- Machine assembly and setup
- Threading the machine
- Winding bobbins
- Selecting stitch length
- Adjusting pressure dial
- Using knee lift and reverse levers
- Oiling and cleaning
It may not answer every niche question, but provides what you need for basic operation. Between the manual and YouTube videos, new owners can be stitching confidently within an hour of unboxing.
Compatible With Common Industrial Accessories
Given the popularity of Singer machines, finding compatible accessories is no problem. The 191D-30 works with common attachments like:
- Additional presser feet – walking foot, roller foot, non-stick foot, etc.
- Extra knee lifters and pedals
- Standard metal bobbins and needles
- Generic screwdrivers, brushes, and oilers
You’re not limited to Singer branded accessories either. Generic parts from companies like Naaiso work flawlessly as lower cost replacements.
This interchangeability with other industrial accessories makes it easy to customize your machine. You can get specialty presser feet for leatherwork or free motion quilting down the road.
Potential Downsides to Consider
No machine is perfect, so here are a few potential downsides to think over:
Only Performs Straight Stitch
The singer 191d-30 does one thing – straight stitch – and it does it extremely well. But this single focus does reduce versatility compared to zigzag machines.
If you need to sew knits, add buttonholes, or use decorative stitches, the 191D-30 won’t meet those needs. This machine is really best for sewers focused on construction seams and hemming.
Occasional zigzag work can still be outsourced to a regular machine as needed. But most will want a supplementary machine for maximum flexibility.
Learning the Speed Takes Time
Sewing at 4000 SPM is fast. Expect a learning curve getting comfortable managing the speed, especially for beginners.
The foot pedal helps tremendously for modulating speed. But gaining full control requires developing your coordination and muscle memory.
Patience and practice is key here. Try setting projects to the side and just sewing straight lines at different speeds. It will start to feel natural after a few hours.
Assembly Directions Have Gaps
As mentioned earlier, the manual is decent for basic operation – but lacks specifics for assembly. Some users are left scratching their heads during initial setup.
Thankfully there are supplemental videos online that help fill the gaps. But the manual could be improved with step-by-step assembly instructions and diagrams.
Overall though, initial assembly just requires patience and common sense. The machine’s durability also means you don’t have to take it apart once it’s together.
What Types of Sewers Benefit Most from the Singer 191D-30?
Given its strengths and limitations, here are the sewing profiles that benefit most from the singer 191d-30:
Manufacturing and Production Sewing
For sewing operators in manufacturing or production environments, the 191D-30 is a workhorse. The combination of reliability, power, and speed make it ideal for meeting output quotas quickly.
Whether sewing aprons, hats, pads, or anything else by the hundreds, this machine holds up. Commercial sewing requires consistency and fixable jams – both areas where the Singer excels.
Full-Time and Professional Sewers/Tailors
Serious sewers who make a living from their craft need a machine that can withstand constant daily use. Consumer models wear out quickly under this intensity.
The durable metal components and automatic oiler system let the 191D-30 effortlessly handle long hours of sewing. Professionals that offer mending, alterations, and custom work get a true return on investment from its longevity.
Fashion designers benefit from the 191D-30 when constructing original garments as well. Its abilities sharpen the creative process when working with unconventional materials.
Quilters Working on Large or Thick Quilts
Putting together a king size quilt requires yards and yards of stitching – which takes ages on regular machines. Quilters working large appreciate the 191D-30.
The fast motor (~4000 SPM) makes short work of endless quilt piece seams. And the knee lever allows easy handling of thick batting sandwiches. Less quilting time means more creativity time.
Sewers Focused on Heavy Fabrics
For leather workers, canvas crafters, denim designers, and upholstery makers, this machine handles heavy fabrics with ease. The adjustability even permits moving from light to heavy materials as needed.
If your projects demand a reinforced straight stitch on challenging fabrics, the Singer 191D-30 has you covered.
Sewers Seeking an Industrial Straight Stitch Machine
Many industrial machines only do zigzag or specialized tasks like coverstitching. For those in need of an exclusively straight stitch workhorse, the 191D-30 is a great choice.
The streamlined stitching focus maximizes durability, speed, and power in that single application. While not as versatile as some machines, it’s ideal for sewers wanting the best straight stitch possible.
Final Verdict: An Industrial Straight Stitch Powerhouse
In this extensive singer 191d-30 review, we’ve covered the standout strengths that make this machine a straight stitch powerhouse:
- Robust motor for conquering heavy fabrics
- Blazing fast sewing up to 4000 SPM
- Knee lever allows hands-free operation
- Specialized for unmatched straight stitch
- Self-lubricating system reduces maintenance
- Reverse stitching for added seam strength
- Easy to use controls and accessories
- Stitches thick fabrics like denim and canvas
- Much faster than conventional home machines
- Adjustable pressure for all fabric weights
Some downsides to consider include only performing straight stitch, a learning curve mastering the speed, and assembly directions that lack detail.
But for sewers and quilters working with heavy fabrics, lots of yardage, or large projects, the Singer 191D-30 is an incredible machine. It expertly handles the repetitive straight stitch foundation work that goes into quality sewing.
The decades of life expectancy also make the Singer an investment that pays off over years of daily use. If you’re looking to seriously step up your straight stitch abilities and productivity, the 191D-30 delivers on that promise.
It meets the high demands of manufacturing settings, professional sewers, and dedicated hobbyists alike. While not the most versatile machine, it provides unmatched specialty performance stitching heavy fabrics rapidly.
So if you’re weighing an industrial sewing machine purchase, take a close look at this Singer straight stitch workhorse. The 191D-30 could be the powerhouse machine missing from your workspace!