The Singer 14SH654 Finishing Touch Overlocker: A Detailed Review
The singer overlocker 14sh654 has become a popular choice among sewing and craft enthusiasts looking for an affordable and user-friendly option. In this extensive review, we’ll take an in-depth look at the features, stitch quality, ease of use, accessories, customer feedback, and overall value offered by the Singer Finishing Touch model. Whether you’re a beginner venturing into serging for the first time or a seasoned sewist, read on to find out if the 14SH654 is the right overlocker for your needs!
Overview of Singer Brand and History of Overlockers/Sergers
The Singer Sewing Company has been a leading name in sewing machines and sergers for over 170 years. Founded in 1851 by Isaac Merritt Singer, the brand quickly became synonymous with quality and innovation in the home sewing market.
Overlock sewing machines first emerged in the late 1800s for commercial garment production. Home sergers only hit the consumer market in the 1960s and 70s. Singer launched its first home overlock machine, the Quantumlock 4, in 1990. Since then, the company has continued to produce popular serger models like the 14SH654 for home crafters.
Now owned by SVP Worldwide, Singer remains dedicated to helping sewists of all levels unlock their creativity. The singer overlocker 14sh654 promises to deliver essential serging capabilities in an accessible package. Let’s see if it measures up!
Main Features and Benefits
The Singer 14SH654 Finishing Touch serger comes loaded with features designed for simplicity and ease of use. Here are some of the key benefits this budget-friendly model offers:
Affordable Price
At around $200-$300, the Singer 14SH654 costs significantly less than many new overlock machines. While it doesn’t have all the bells and whistles of professional models that can cost $1000+, it delivers core serging functionality at a wallet-friendly price point. This makes it an attractive option if you’re buying your first serger or want basic features without breaking the bank.
User-Friendly Design
Several design elements make the 14SH654 ideal for beginner sewists venturing into serging:
- Color-coded threading guides – Each thread path is marked with a corresponding color to simplify set up. Just match spool colors to the guide colors for easy threading.
- Clear instruction manual – The included manual provides visual diagrams and step-by-step guidance to get you stitching quickly.
- Built-in stitch selection – Switch between essential stitches like 3-thread overlock, 4-thread overlock, and rolled hem using preset options instead of manual adjustments.
The color-coded threading diagram makes the process seamless
Overall, the singer overlocker 14sh654 is designed for fast learning, even if you’ve never used a serger before.
Versatile Stitch Options
Despite its budget price tag, the Singer 14SH654 offers an array of stitch functions to tackle a variety of projects:
- 3-4 thread overlock – Create professional, durable seams and seam finishes. The 3-thread balances speed and efficiency while the 4-thread offers maximum strength.
- Built-in rolled hem – No need for attachments! Easily convert the machine to produce delicate rolled hems with the flip of a switch. Perfect for scarves, napkins, ruffles, and more.
- Blind hem – The blind hem stitch joins fabric with only a barely visible seam, ideal for hems on pants, skirts, and more.
- Flatlock – Also called an overlapped seam, the flatlock stitch is perfect for embellishing or joining knits creatively.
With up to 6 built-in stitches, you can achieve both structural and decorative finishes without needing specialtypresser feet. The singer 14sh654 offers sewing versatility at your fingertips.
Adjustable Features
While not computerized, the Singer 14SH654 provides ample manual adjustments to customize your sewing:
- Differential feed – Prevents stretching of knit fabrics and puckering on lightweight fabrics. Fine-tune for perfect seams on any material.
- Stitch length and width – Dial in the optimal settings for different weights and types of fabric.
- Tension dials – Control the thread tension as needed for balanced, professional-looking stitches.
No two sewing projects are exactly alike, so having control over the stitch is a must. The Singer overlocker 14sh654 gives you the ability to tweak settings just the way you need them.
Conveniently adjust stitch length, width, tension and more
Portable and Lightweight
Weighing in at just 13.5 pounds, the Singer 14SH654 overlocker is easy to move between work spaces or take to classes and workshops. Integrated carrying handles also make transportation simple. While lightweight, the machine retains a heavy duty metal interior for skip-free sewing and durability.
Reverse Stitch Function
Backtack stitches at the beginning and end of seams with the push-button reverse feature. This reinforces the stitches to prevent unraveling. An automatic thread clearing feature also helps reduce thread buildup.
Free Arm
The removable flat bed attachment reveals a narrow arm for easier sewing on cylindrical pieces like pant hems and sleeves.
Free arm for access to sleeves, pant legs and other hard-to-reach places
Performance and Stitch Quality
With speeds up to 1300 stitches per minute, the Singer 14SH654 makes quick work of hems, edges, and seam finishes. The stitching appears smooth and professional on most light to medium weight woven and knit fabrics. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
- Straight, neat seams on wovens like cotton, rayon, linen, and more
- Flat seaming on knits with balanced differential feed
- Rolled edges on scarves, napkins, or trims
- Visible, but tidy blind hem stitches on hems
- Sturdy seaming on stretch fabrics like jersey knits
The Singer 14SH654 handles most standard fashion and home decor materials with ease. However, users note it has limitations on very thick or heavy fabrics like denim and canvas. The lightweight motor and needles make it an unsuitable choice for heavy duty sewing. Plan to stick to light to medium weight projects for the best stitch consistency.
You may need to test settings and tension balances when moving between fabric types. While not computerized, the clearly marked dials make adjustments straightforward. With some experimentation, the Singer overlocker 14sh654 can produce flawless, professional results on your lightweight sewing projects.
Example of a clean 3-thread overlock seam
Threading Process
Many sewists find threading the most intimidating part of learning to serge. The process involves guiding threads through small openings and around multiple guides and tension discs. But the singer overlocker 14sh654 aims to simplify this crucial step.
The numbered, color-coded threading diagram provides a handy visual map. Simply match spool colors to the corresponding guides on the machine. For example, thread blue threads through the blue guides.
Follow these basic steps to thread your Singer 14SH654:
- Raise the presser foot and place your thread spools or cones on the spool pins on top.
- Refer to the threading diagram, and guide the first thread (often blue) through the numbered points from 1 to 6.
- Pull the thread firmly when it loops through the tension disc to ensure it’s secure.
- Follow the same steps for the remaining thread paths, threading one spool color at a time.
- Use tweezers as needed to grab threads and guide them through confined spaces. The singer overlocker 14sh654 includes a pair of tweezers for this purpose.
- Rethread any threads that catch or feel loose, using the diagram as reference.
Here’s a video walkthrough of threading the Singer 14SH654 for a visual demonstration.
While it takes practice, the color-coded guides help remove the frustration and guesswork from serger threading. Many owners report getting the hang of it after a few tries using the numbered diagrams.
Take it slow, follow each step methodically, and don’t be afraid to rethread any wobbly threads. With a logical, systematic approach, you’ll be serging in no time!
Maintenance and Accessories
Like all sewing machines, regular cleaning and oiling helps keep your Singer 14SH654 running smoothly. Be sure to:
- Brush lint and threads away from moving parts
- Wipe down after use to remove stray fabric bits
- Oil the machine monthly following manual directions
- Replace needles as needed, using singer serger needles 90/14
The singer overlocker 14sh654 uses specialty needles that differ from regular sewing machine needles. It comes with a few extras, but you may need to purchase more Singer 90/14 needles for replacements after heavy use.
A pair of tweezers also aids in threading and maneuvering threads, making it an essential serger accessory. The 14SH654 comes with tweezers in the box to get you started.
While it only includes the basics, you can further expand the capabilities by adding specialty serger feet like the rolled hem foot. With reasonable care and occasional servicing, your Singer machine could continue churning out projects for years to come!
Customer Reviews and Common Issues
With hundreds of buyer reviews across retailers like Amazon, the overall feedback on the Singer 14SH654 leans positive. Most praise its simplicity for beginners and quality results when used within its limitations. Here are some of the most commonly highlighted pros and cons:
Pros:
- Easy threading and helpful color-coded diagrams
- Does the job at a reasonable price point
- Suitable for light fabrics and basic serging needs
- Good for a starter overlock machine
Cons:
- Limited functionality on heavy fabrics
- Inconsistent stitching if tensions aren’t balanced
- Unreliable performance on thick or layered projects
- Occasional issues with needles hitting presser foot
The lightweight build does mean this overlocker can’t handle heavy duty materials. Many reviewers urge new owners to thoroughly read both the manual and enclosed workbook to optimize settings.
Getting the correct tension balance for your fabric takes trial and error. While convenient, the preset stitch options limit adjustability compared to pro sergers.
There are some reports of needle hits breaking the presser foot or missed stitches when sewing multiple layers. Overall though, most users find the Singer 14SH654 a bargain buy if used appropriately for lighter fabrics and simple serging needs.
Technical Specifications
Here are the key technical specifications for the Singer 14SH654 overlocker:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Mechanical |
| Thread Capacity | 3-4 threads |
| Stitch Length | 2-4mm |
| Stitch Width | 3.0-6.77mm |
| Needle Threader | No |
| Maximum Speed | 1300 SPM |
| Free Arm | Yes |
| Presser Foot Lift | Extra high |
| Bulb | Yes |
| Weight | 13.5 lbs |
| Dimensions | 14 x 11 x 11.5 inches |
| Warranty | 25 years limited, 2 years electronic, 90 days labor |
Conclusion and Recommendation
The Singer 14SH654 Finishing Touch makes serging accessible for sewers on a budget. Despite some limitations with thicker materials, it delivers on core overlocker functionality from hemming to decorative edging.
For crafters and home sewists looking for an affordable introductory serger, the 14SH654 deserves consideration. With practice, its preset stitch options, ample adjustments, and easy threading provide a satisfying sewing experience. However, the lightweight build and mechanics make it less suitable for frequent or heavy duty use.
While not as versatile as professional sergers, the Singer Finishing Touch Overlock 14SH654 earns our recommendation as a starter machine for lightweight projects. Approach it understanding the limitations, and it can serve beginners well for years of sewing creativity ahead!