Singer 7258 Computerized Sewing Machine Review
The Singer 7258 is one of the most popular computerized sewing machines from Singer, a reputable brand known for making quality sewing machines for over 160 years. With its easy-to-use features and computerized functionality, the Singer 7258 is an ideal starter sewing machine for beginners looking to learn the craft.
In this detailed review, we will take a close look at the key features of the Singer 7258 computerized sewing machine and how they benefit the user. We’ll also discuss the ease of use, included accessories, pros and cons, and evaluate if it’s the right fit for your sewing needs.
Main Features and Benefits
Computerized Sewing Machine
The Singer 7258 is a computerized sewing machine, which means it electronically controls settings like stitch selection, length, width etc. This makes adjusting settings and sewing different types of stitches much easier compared to mechanical machines.
The sewing machine allows you to select from 100+ built-in stitches at the touch of a button on the electronic control panel. Optimum settings like stitch length and width are automatically set for each stitch pattern, taking away the guesswork. You can also customize the settings if needed. The LCD screen clearly displays the selected stitch number, length and width settings.
Overall, the computerized functionality enhances the sewing experience and expands creative possibilities for the user. It’s especially beneficial for beginners as the optimized default settings make sewing different stitch patterns effortless.
Stitches
The Singer 7258 comes equipped with 100 built-in stitch patterns, including 76 decorative stitches alongside basic, stretch and buttonhole stitches.
Having so many stitch options allows you to handle a wide variety of sewing projects – from basic garments to decorative crafts and quilting. The decorative patterns can be used to embellish clothes, crafts, home decor items and more, adding a professional touch.
Here’s a quick look at the types of built-in stitches:
- 9 Basic Stitches – straight, zig zag, blind hem, etc.
- 8 Stretch Stitches – for sewing stretchy fabrics
- 76 Decorative Stitches – foliage, floral, heirloom patterns etc.
- 7 Buttonhole Stitches – 6 fully automatic + 1 endless buttonhole
The variety of stitches coupled with the ability to customize length/width gives incredible creative freedom. You’ll be able to sew anything from delicate fabrics to denim using the appropriate stitch for your project.
Example image showing stitch selection
Buttonholes
The Singer 7258 comes equipped with 7 built-in buttonhole stitches – 6 fully automatic one-step buttonholes and 1 endless buttonhole stitch.
Sewing buttonholes manually can be tricky, but the automatic buttonhole stitches on this machine makes the process incredibly easy even for beginners. All you have to do is attach the buttonhole foot, select your desired buttonhole style and the machine will stitch out a perfectly sized buttonhole for your buttons.
The endless buttonhole function allows you to sew buttonholes of any length for odd shaped buttons. Definitely a useful feature if you’ll be sewing garments or craft projects that need button closures.
Buttonhole samples sewn on the Singer 7258
Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
The Singer 7258 allows you to manually adjust the stitch length and width settings as needed. Default settings are automatically set for each stitch pattern, but you can override them for customization.
Increasing stitch length produces a bolder, elongated stitch while shorter lengths make a finer, delicate stitch. Adjusting the stitch width makes your stitch pattern narrower or wider.
Being able to fine tune the length and width settings gives you more creative control and lets you customize stitches for different fabric types and projects. For example, use a narrower stitch on thin fabrics to prevent puckering, widen a decorative stitch to make it bolder or lengthen stitches when topstitching.
Automatic Needle Threader
Threading the needle can be tricky, especially for beginners. The Singer 7258 comes with an automatic needle threader that makes this process much easier.
Simply slide down the lever of the automatic threader after routing the thread around the guides. The thin wire will pass the thread through the needle instantly, eliminating frustration and saving time.
Many users find the automatic needle threader convenient as it allows quick re-threading when changing threads as well.
Easy Threading
This sewing machine features clearly marked guides that lead you step-by-step through threading the machine properly. The guides are printed right next to the corresponding parts on the machine, so you know exactly where to thread.
Between the guides and the automatic needle threader, the whole threading process is very straightforward. Even if you are sewing for the very first time, you’ll be able to get your machine threaded quickly and easily without assistance.
Top Drop-in Bobbin
The Singer 7258 comes with a top drop-in bobbin system that is jam resistant for smooth sewing. The bobbin case drops in from the top rather than being loaded through a side cover.
Once the bobbin is wound with thread, you simply drop it in the marked designated spot and route the thread through the guide before closing the hatch. The clear bobbin cover allows you to monitor the bobbin thread supply as you sew.
Compared to a front loading bobbin, a drop-in bobbin offers advantages like quick removal and replacement. It’s also beginner friendly as it eliminates the need to deal with a bobbin case.
Beginner Friendly Features
The Singer 7258 comes with a host of features that make learning to sew so much easier for beginners.
It has a speed control slider to limit the maximum sewing speed. You can start slow and increase speed as your skills improve. The stitch width and length are optimized automatically for neat results without guesswork.
There is a reverse stitch lever for reinforcing stitches, a programmable needle up/down button for pivoting corners, a start/stop button to sew without the foot pedal and more. All these features really take the frustration out of learning to sew.
Ease of Use
Intuitive Control Panel
The Singer 7258 has a user-friendly control panel for selecting and adjusting settings. Choosing a stitch pattern is as easy as pressing the designated number on the button. The LCD screen clearly displays the stitch number and settings.
There are intuitive buttons for adjusting length, width, needle position etc. Everything is clearly labeled with easy to understand symbols, making the learning curve minimal. Within a few uses, you’ll be able to breezily set the machine up for your project.
Markings and Guides
There are markings and guides printed all over the sewing machine that provide a visual aid as you use it.
The threading paths are marked out right next to the actual parts. There are reference stitch charts under the stitch selection buttons. Icons indicate which presser foot suits which stitch. These thoughtful design touches reinforce the beginner-friendly nature of this sewing machine.
Variable Speed Control
The Singer 7258 has a variable speed control slider just above the foot pedal. This lets you limit the maximum speed of the machine regardless of how hard you press the foot pedal.
Beginners will appreciate being able to sew slowly as they learn to control the fabric. You can speed up the machine as your dexterity improves. The ability to fine-tune the speed adds versatility and control.
Included Accessories
The Singer 7258 comes with a wide range of accessories and presser feet:
- 10 Presser feet – General purpose, zipper, buttonhole, blind hem, satin, darning/embroidery, overcast, gathering, rolled hem, 1/4″ foot
- Pack of needles
- 4 Class 15 Bobbins
- Spool pin felt, spool caps
- Auxiliary spool pin
- Screwdriver
- Seam ripper/lint brush
- Soft dust cover
- Instruction manual
- DVD tutorial
Having this range of presser feet and accessories right out of the box is invaluable. You’ll have everything you need to work on a wide variety of projects without having to buy additional accessories.
The detailed instruction manual and DVD provides a great overview of how to use the various features and feet. We highly recommend going through it as a beginner so you can take full advantage of the machine’s capabilities.
Singer 7258 Sewing Machine Specifications
| Specification | Description |
|---|---|
| Machine Type | Computerized |
| Built-in Stitches | 100 |
| Buttonhole Patterns | 6 Fully Automatic + 1 Endless |
| Maximum Stitch Speed | 750 SPM |
| Bobbin Type | Top Drop-in |
| Sewing Light | LED |
| Needle Threader | Automatic |
| Extension Table | No |
| Presser Foot Pressure Adjustment | No |
| Speed Control | Yes |
| Start/Stop Button | Yes |
| Programmable Needle Up/Down | Yes |
| Onboard Storage | Yes |
| Automatic Thread Cutter | No |
| Work Space | 5″ x 7.5″ |
| Machine Weight | 18.74 lbs |
| Machine Dimensions | 14.5″ x 7.5″ x 12″ |
| Instructional DVD | Yes |
| Warranty | 25 years limited |
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Computerized functionality for easy settings adjustment
- 100 built-in stitches for creative versatility
- Automatic buttonholes of multiple styles
- Customizable stitch length and width settings
- Automatic needle threader saves time
- Clearly marked threading diagrams on machine
- Jam-resistant top drop-in bobbin system
- Variable speed control great for beginners
- Stop/Start button allows sewing without foot pedal
- Programmable needle up/down for pivoting
- Comes with a wide range of presser feet and accessories
- Detailed instruction manual and DVD provided
- Lightweight and portable
- 25 year limited warranty
Cons
- Maximum speed is 750 SPM – slower than other models
- Automatic thread cutter is not included
- Onboard storage compartment is small
- No extension table included
- No presser foot pressure adjustment
- No hard carrying case included for portability
- Some users report issues with skipped stitches
- Not suitable for sewing very thick materials
- Noise level increases at higher speeds
Conclusion
The Singer 7258 offers an impressive array of features considering its affordable price point. It combines computerized functionality with easy controls, making it ideal for beginners venturing into sewing.
The 100+ built-in stitches, automatic buttonholes, needle threader and adjustable settings provide ample creative possibilities. Thoughtful touches like the thread guides, speed control and needle up/down button reinforce the user-friendly design. It’s a feature-packed machine that grows with you as you hone your skills.
The variety of included feet and accessories add even more value, letting you take on diverse projects. While it does have some drawbacks like the lack of a hard case, overall the Singer 7258 delivers outstanding performance and versatility. We think it’s a great choice as a starter sewing machine for entry level users.
However, more advanced sewers or those wanting to work on thicker materials may want to consider a heavy duty machine like the SINGER Heavy Duty 4423. For those seeking more computerized features, the SINGER Quantum Stylist 9960 is a good upgrade choice.
Consider your personal skill level, sewing interests and projects before deciding if the Singer 7258 is the right fit for you. For most beginners looking to hone their skills with a computerized sewing machine, it delivers an affordable and satisfying sewing experience.