Singer Heavy Duty 44S Sewing Machine: A Comprehensive Review

The singer Heavy Duty 44S is one of the most popular heavy duty mechanical sewing machines from Singer, a leading brand in sewing for over 160 years. In this extensive review, we take an in-depth look at the features, performance, ease of use, accessories, maintenance tips and pros and cons of the Singer 44S. Read on to find out if this rugged, no-frills workhorse is the right heavy duty machine for your sewing projects.

Main Features and Specifications of the Singer 44S

The Singer 44S sewing machine is built with a heavy duty metal interior frame and stainless steel bedplate that allows it to sew through fabrics like denim, canvas, upholstery fabrics and more with ease. Here are some of the main features and specifications of this machine:

Heavy Duty Metal Frame and Body

• The internal framework and exterior body is made of heavy duty metal to handle tough projects
• Weighs about 17.5 pounds making it portable but very stable while sewing

Powerful Motor

• Has a 1100 stitches per minute maximum sewing speed
• 60% stronger motor compared to standard sewing machines
• Maintains speed and power even through thick layers

23 Built-in Stitches

• Includes 6 basic stitches, 7 stretch stitches, 10 decorative stitches and 1 one-step buttonhole
• Suitable for garments, home decor and craft projects

Top Drop-in Bobbin

• Bobbin can be easily dropped in and monitored through the transparent cover
• No need for complex bobbin loading under the throat plate

Adjustable Presser Foot

• Can be set to 5 positions to suit fabric thickness
• Helps prevent lightweight fabrics from puckering

Adjustable Needle Position

• Useful for topstitching, edge stitching etc.
• 3 positions available: left, center and right

6mm Stitch Width

• Provides excellent flexibility when doing decorative stitches
• Gives attractive finished stitch appearance

4mm Stitch Length

• Suitable for basting as well as normal seams
• Prevents puckering on lightweight fabrics

Reverse Stitch Lever

• Conveniently located to reverse stitch for securing seam ends
• No need to take your hands off the fabric

Automatic Needle Threader

• Quick and easy threading with the automatic needle threader
• Prevents eye strain and frustration

Technical Specifications

Specification	Description
Machine Dimensions	15.5 x 6.25 x 12 inches
Machine Weight	17.5 pounds
Sewing Speed	1100 stitches per minute
Built-in Stitches	23 (6 basic, 7 stretch, 10 decorative, 1 buttonhole)
Maximum Stitch Width	6 mm
Maximum Stitch Length	4 mm
Presser Foot Positions	5
Needle Positions	3
Lighting	LED light
Warranty	Limited 25 years

Video to demonstrate sewing machine speed and stitch quality

The Singer 44S heavy duty combines a robust metal frame with user-friendly features like automatic needle threading, making it a great choice even for sewing beginners. The powerful motor allows you to sew projects requiring multiple layers of dense fabrics without worrying about the machine bogging down.

Next, let’s take a look at how the Singer 44S performs when actually sewing a range of fabrics and projects.

Performance and Ease of Use

Despite its heavy duty build, the Singer 44S is designed to be easy to set up, operate and maintain. Here’s an overview of how it actually performs in terms of stitch quality, ease of use and reliability:

Smooth Fabric Feeding

• The stainless steel bedplate provides an ultra smooth surface for fabric to glide over
• Minimizes stuck needles and frustration when sewing slippery fabrics like vinyl or leather
• The feed dogs grip and move the fabric precisely for consistent stitching

Excellent Stitch Quality

• Produces neat, even stitches on woven and knit fabrics at high speed
• Sews smoothly over seams and thick layers without deflecting the needle
• Easy to adjust optimal stitch width and length for each project

User-friendly Controls

• Convenient location and markings for thread tension, stitch length/width etc
• Easy-to-operate reverse stitch lever, presser foot pressure and other controls
• Reliable performance even after years of regular use

Quick and Easy Threading

• Automatic needle threader passes thread through eye effortlessly
• Numbered guides for quick upper threading
• Color-coded threading diagrams printed on the machine

Convenient Bobbin Winding

• Swift bobbin winding with horizontal spool pin
• Tension adjustment to produce evenly wound bobbins
• Cutting slot to trim threads without scissors

Sews All Fabric Types

• Ideal for regular wovens like cotton, linen, chiffon etc
• Handles stretch knits very well with the right needle
• Easily sews lightweight sheers to heavy denim and canvas

Reliable “Workhorse” Reputation

• Known for dependable trouble-free performance even with regular use
• Sturdy construction ensures many years of smooth sewing
• Perfect for sewing classes, workshops, home businesses etc

With proper care and regular maintenance, the Singer Heavy Duty 44S provides excellent value by delivering top notch performance for years. Next, let’s go through some of the potential drawbacks and limitations of this machine.

Drawbacks and Limitations

While the Singer 44S is feature-packed for a mechanical machine, there are some drawbacks and limitations to consider:

No Automatic Thread Cutter

• Need to manually cut threads with provided thread cutter on machine
• Automatic thread cutting reduces effort especially when sewing long seams

Noise Level

• Louder noise compared to computerized sewing machines
• May be an issue for those sensitive to noise during long sewing sessions

Limited Decorative Stitches

• Has only 10 built-in decorative stitches
• Computerized machines offer 50-200+ decorative stitches

No Start/Stop Button

• Needs foot control pedal to start and stop stitching
• Start/stop button allows stitching without the foot pedal

Cannot Memorize Stitch Settings

• Needs manual resetting of stitch length, width for each project
• Computerized machines can save customized stitch settings

No Extension Table Included

• Provides a larger flat work surface around the machine
• Useful for sewing large projects like quilts, home decor etc

However, for most home sewing needs, the Singer 44S provides ample stitch options, speed and flexibility. The metal frame ensures many years of uninterrupted service with proper care and maintenance.

Singer 44S Sewing Machine Accessories

The Singer 44S comes packed with a range of useful accessories to get you going with sewing various project types. Here are the main accessories included:

• All-purpose presser foot – For basic sewing with most fabric types
• Zipper foot – For inserting zippers and piping neatly and smoothly
• Buttonhole foot – Ensures consistent buttonhole stitching every time
• Button sewing foot – To sew on buttons, snaps and other fasteners
• Seam ripper/brush – For unpicking stitches and cleaning machine
• Spool caps and holders – Keeps thread spools in place for smooth unwinding
• Pack of needles – Assorted sizes and types for different fabrics
• Bobbins – Original Singer plastic bobbins for proper fitting
• Screwdriver – For periodic machine maintenance and adjustment
• L-shaped screwdriver – Makes it easy to reach small spaces
• Spool pin felt discs – Prevents thread snagging on spool pins
• Dust cover – Protects machine when not in use from dust and debris

There are also numerous optional accessories that can expand the capabilities of this machine:

• Quilting foot – For straight line quilting and stitching in the ditch
• Overcasting foot – Prevents fabric edges from fraying as you sew
• Rolled hem foot – For making narrow rolled hems with lightweight fabrics
• Cording foot – To add cording embellishments while sewing seams
• Walking foot – Helps feed quilt layers and leather evenly
• Quilting bar – For evenly spaced quilting lines and tucks
• 1/4″ foot – Accurate seam allowances for quilting and garments
• Extension table – Supports large projects around the sewing area

Investing in a few purpose-built accessories can really maximize your sewing possibilities. Next, let’s go through some tips for keeping the Singer 44S running smoothly for years.

Singer Heavy Duty 44S Maintenance Tips

With regular care and maintenance, the Singer Heavy Duty 44S will deliver many years of quality performance. Here are some handy maintenance tips for this machine:

Keep It Clean

• Wipe down exterior with soft dry cloth to remove dust, oil and grime
• Clean inner bobbin area regularly to remove lint and thread bits
• Use the provided lint brush to dislodge trapped fibers and dust

Use Singer Branded Accessories

• Needles, bobbins, feet designed for optimal fit and performance
• Avoid cheap imitation accessories that can damage the machine

Oil Regularly

• Put 2-3 drops of sewing machine oil on joints and bearings
• Run machine with fabric scrap to distribute oil after oiling
• Oil every 3-5 bobbins used or once a month

Change Needles Often

• Dull or bent needles can damage fabric and machine parts
• Use appropriate size and type needles for each fabric
• Change after 6-8 hours of sewing or at first sign of wear

Check Power Connection

• Unplug and re-insert power cord to ensure snug fit into outlet
• Tight connection prevents power fluctuations while sewing

Have It Serviced

• Take it to an authorized Singer service pro annually
• A tune-up ensures top performance and prevents bigger issues

Regular cleaning, oiling and part replacement as needed will keep the Singer 44S running like new even after many years of intensive use.

Singer Heavy Duty 44S: Pros and Cons

Let’s summarize the main positives and potential drawbacks of the Singer Heavy Duty 44S mechanical sewing machine:

Pros

• Powerful motor stitches multiple layers easily
• All metal internal framework for durability
• Excellent value for money and features
• Easy to operate even for beginners
• Good stitch quality on all fabric types
• Quick and convenient bobbin winding
• Automatic needle threader avoids eye strain
• Hefty assortment of useful accessories included
• Handles thick fabrics like denim without hesitation
• Reliable brand with excellent parts availability
• Can be used for crafts, clothing, home decor etc

Cons

• Noise level slightly higher than computerized machines
• Cannot save customized stitches settings
• Limited built-in decorative stitches
• No automatic thread cutting feature
• Not suitable for very advanced sewing techniques
• No hard cover included for storing machine

Considering its excellent durability, stitch performance and easy maintenance, the Singer 44S offers tremendous value for most home sewing needs.

Conclusion – Is the Singer Heavy Duty 44S For You?

The Singer Heavy Duty 44S is one of the best mechanical sewing machines in its price range. The powerful motor, all-metal internal parts and robust performance even at high speeds make it a true workhorse.

It’s ideal for beginners or seasoned sewers looking for a fuss-free, no-frills heavy duty sewing machine. The ease of threading, ample accessories and smooth fabric handling ensure quality results on all types of projects. With proper care and maintenance, this machine will deliver years of trouble-free service.

The Singer 44S strikes the perfect balance between heavy duty construction and user-friendly operation. If you need a workhorse sewing machine that can churn through thick fabrics for hours together without hiccups, the Singer Heavy Duty 44S is highly recommended. Go through the user manual and online tutorial videos to make the most of this stellar heavy duty sewing machine.

So there you have it – we hope this detailed review gives you a good sense of the capabilities and performance of the Singer Heavy Duty 44S. Do let us know if you have any other questions as we’d be happy to help!