Singer 1304 Review: A Comprehensive Guide For Beginners

Are you looking to buy your first sewing machine or searching for a basic, affordable model for simple sewing projects? If so, the Singer 1304 should be on your radar.

The Singer 1304 is an excellent entry-level sewing machine suited for beginners and occasional hobby sewists. It comes packed with user-friendly features to make sewing easy and approachable, all at a budget-friendly price point.

In this comprehensive Singer 1304 review, we’ll provide an in-depth look at the features, performance, ease of use, pros and cons, and more. Read on to find out if the Singer 1304 is the right sewing companion for your needs!

Overview of the Singer 1304 Sewing Machine

The Singer 1304 mechanical sewing machine delivers the perfect balance of simplicity and functionality. Weighing just 7 pounds, the lightweight plastic body makes the Singer 1304 highly portable.

It has a heavy duty metal interior frame that lends durability along with the ability to handle thicker fabrics like denim. The machine comes with a built-in carry handle that facilitates easy transport.

While it lacks the breadth of stitches and settings of computerized sewing machines, the Singer 1304 offers ample features to handle basic sewing and mending tasks. It is specially designed for beginner sewists who are just starting their sewing journey.

The combination of simplicity and affordability makes the Singer 1304 a great first sewing machine. Let’s look at the key features that make this a standout beginner model.

Singer 1304 Features

Portable and Compact Design

The Singer 1304 sewing machine measures 15.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches and weighs only 7 pounds. The lightweight body and built-in carry handle allow you to easily transport the machine.

This portable design suits the needs of beginners who want to carry the machine to and from sewing classes. The small footprint also makes storage hassle-free when not in use.

Additionally, the Singer 1304 offers a free arm by removing the detachable accessory storage compartment. This provides ease of access when sewing cylindrical pieces like sleeve cuffs and pant hems.

Heavy Duty Metal Interior Frame

Beneath the plastic exterior lies a heavy duty metal frame holding all the interior components securely in place. This rigid support prevents parts from moving out of alignment and enables precise stitching.

The solid metal frame also means the machine can handle thicker fabrics like denim and multiple layers without issues. It offers durability for consistent performance even with regular use.

6 Built-In Stitches

The Singer 1304 comes with the following stitches to cover both utility and decorative sewing needs:

Straight stitch – For seams and topstitching
Zigzag stitch – For finishing raw edges
Blind hem stitch – For invisible hems
Scallop stitch – A decorative stitch for embellishing
Satin stitch – For applique and decorative sewing
4-step buttonhole – For adding buttonholes

While only 6 in number, these stitches provide ample variety for the basic sewing and mending tasks of most beginners.

Easy Stitch Selection

Choosing a stitch on the Singer 1304 is quick and simple. Just turn the dial on the front of the machine to the desired stitch icon and you’re ready to sew.

Each stitch comes preset at an optimal length and width. There is no need for manual adjustments. This eliminates guesswork and makes sewing straightforward for entry-level users.

4-Step Buttonhole

Adding buttonholes is effortless with the Singer 1304’s built-in buttonhole function. Simply attach the buttonhole foot and select the buttonhole stitch on the dial.

The machine will automatically sew a 4-step buttonhole perfectly sized for your button. Marking the position first with fabric marker ensures accurate placement of the buttonhole.

Free Arm

The removable storage compartment exposes the free arm, allowing easy sewing of cylindrical pieces like sleeve hems and pant legs.

Automatic Tension

New sewists will appreciate the automatic thread tension on the Singer 1304. The optimal tension is set automatically based on the selected stitch to prevent tangled threads and breakage.

Easy Threading

Threading the needle is facilitated by clearly marked guides printed on the machine. There is also an illustrated guide on the bobbin winder.

Together with automatic tension adjustment, these aids help prevent threading errors and frustrations for beginners.

[[INSERT IMAGE OF THREADING GUIDES]]

Included Accessories

The Singer 1304 comes with 3 snap-on presser feet – zigzag foot, buttonhole foot, zipper foot – to handle different types of sewing tasks.

It also includes an assortment of needles, bobbins, screwdriver, seam ripper, spool caps, and more to equip you for learning to sew.

Singer 1304 Performance

While the Singer 1304 lacks advanced features, its performance capabilities match what most beginners need.

Sewing Speed

With a maximum sewing speed of 350 stitches per minute, the Singer 1304 offers adequate speeds for learning and basic sewing.

The limited speed allows beginners to better control the fabric while getting comfortable with using a foot pedal. For more experienced sewers, the moderate pace facilitates greater precision on detail work.

Sewing Denim and Light Leather

Despite its portable size, the Singer 1304 can handle moderately thick fabrics like denim and light leather using the appropriate heavy duty needles.

Slowing the speed and using a longer stitch length will enable the machine to sew multiple denim layers. Sticking to garment-weight leather up to 3 oz facilitates leatherwork like accessories and crafts.

However, the Singer 1304 is best suited for lightweight fabrics. Frequent heavy duty sewing risks overworking the motor. A sturdier heavy duty machine would be a better fit for regular leatherwork and thick seams.

Noise Level

With a maximum speed of 350 spm, the Singer 1304 operates quietly enough for apartment living or sewing while others are sleeping. The gentle humming noise causes little distraction while sewing.

[[INSERT VIDEO DEMO OF SEWING MACHINE NOISE LEVEL]]

Ease of Use

One standout advantage of the Singer 1304 is how simple and intuitive it is to use straight out of the box.

Easy Set Up

Setting up the machine is quick and hassle-free. It comes with detailed instructions plus diagrams printed directly on the machine body to guide threading and wind bobbins.

These visual aids eliminate the need to refer repeatedly to the manual for beginners. All it takes is following the clearly labeled guides to get up and running.

Intuitive Controls

The simple selection dial and reverse lever provide easy control over stitches and sewing direction. The labeled diagrams take the guesswork out of operation.

Together with step-by-step instructions, beginners can start sewing with confidence and less frustration.

Great for Sewing Classes

The Singer 1304’s portable design, simple interface, and easy setup make it an ideal machine to bring to sewing classes.

Beginners learning with the guidance of an instructor will appreciate how intuitive and approachable the 1304 sewing machine is for gaining experience.

Suitable for Kids

The combination of limited speed, safety features, and simplicity also makes the Singer 1304 a good kids’ sewing machine (with adult supervision).

Kids can easily follow the diagram guides to get started. The slow pace lets them maintain control as they build sewing skills.

Singer 1304 Pros and Cons

Singer 1304 Pros

Extremely easy to use, especially for sewing beginners
Lightweight and portable for carrying to classes or sewing on the go
Impressively durable metal interior frame
Capable of handling thicker fabrics like denim
Comes with 6 handy built-in stitches for utility and decorative sewing
Built-in 4-step buttonhole function
Easy stitch selection by turning the dial
Equipped with 3 key presser feet – zigzag, buttonhole, zipper
Includes useful accessories like needles, bobbins, seam ripper, etc.
Automatic thread tension eliminates frustrations with settings
Clear stitching guides printed on the machine body
Operates quietly at moderate speeds
Affordably priced for a first sewing machine
Comes with 25-year limited warranty for peace of mind

Singer 1304 Cons

Limited to only 6 built-in stitches
No option to adjust stitch length and width
4-step buttonhole requires extra effort compared to 1-step automated buttonhole
Maximum speed of 350 spm can feel slow for experienced sewers
No speed control beyond the foot pedal
Manual threading lacks automatic needle threader
Bobbin case position prone to shifting, causing jams
Presser foot lever is plastic and may be prone to damage
No dust cover included

Troubleshooting Singer 1304 Problems

Some common issues that may crop up with Singer 1304 use include:

Upper Thread Breaking

This typically happens when the thread tail is too short when you start sewing. Ensure at least a few inches of the thread extends from the needle. Holding the thread taught as you begin sewing also prevents breakage.

Thread Jamming

Jamming usually occurs when the bobbin case is dislodged from its correct position. Make sure it is properly seated and clicks into place. Slowing your sewing speed also reduces jams. Using high quality thread like Gutermann and Mettler will cause less jams too.

Uneven Tension

Adjust the tension dial just right of the needle to get perfectly even stitches on both top and bottom. If the top thread is too tight, loosen the tension and vice versa. The optimal tension may vary based on factors like thread weight and fabric type.

Singer 1304 Sewing Machine Alternatives

While the Singer 1304 suits most beginners well, some alternatives worth considering are:

Brother XM2701

The Brother XM2701 offers more value at a similar price point with features like:

27 built-in stitches vs just 6 on the Singer 1304
Automatic 1-step buttonhole function
Easy top drop-in bobbin
Automatic needle threader
Printed stitch reference guides
Wider table for extra working surface

The Brother XM2701 is a great choice if you want more stitch options to grow into as a beginner.

Janome Mini Sewing Machine

The compact Janome Mini is a portable computerized machine like the Singer 1304. Advantages include:

30 built-in stitches with adjustable length and width
Easy stitch selection via buttons
Top loading bobbin
Automatic thread cutter
LED screen displays stitch settings
Superior stitch quality
Wider range of included accessories

The Janome Mini offers beginners more functionality in a compact computerized machine.

Singer M1500 Sewing Machine

The Singer M1500 is an updated version of the Singer 1304 with features like:

57 stitch applications vs 6 on the 1304
Faster speed of 850 spm
Automatic bobbin winding
Built-in needle threader
Twin needle capability
7 snap-on presser feet included

For just a little more investment, the M1500 adds functionality making it suitable for sewists past the beginner stage.

Conclusion – Who is the Singer 1304 For?

To sum up this extensive Singer 1304 review, here are our final thoughts:

The Singer 1304 strikes the ideal balance of affordability and simplicity in an entry-level sewing machine. It removes any intimidating bells and whistles to focus on ease of use for beginners.

Features like diagram guides, automatic tension, preset stitches, and a 4-step buttonhole provide ample functionality for basic sewing and mending tasks. Despite the plastic body, it sews thicker fabrics like denim with the right needle.

Seasoned sewists may be disappointed with the limited stitches and moderate sewing speeds. However, these very limitations are what make mastering the Singer 1304 so accessible for beginners.

For those excited to try sewing for the first time or purchase a starter machine for a kid, the Singer 1304 removes obstacles and builds confidence. With proper care and maintenance, it will deliver years of enjoyable sewing.

So if you’re seeking an uncomplicated, budget-friendly mechanical sewing machine to start your sewing journey, the Singer 1304 is an excellent choice!