Singer M1500 Sewing Machine Review

The Singer M1500 is a lightweight and portable mechanical sewing machine that is perfect for beginners. In this in-depth Singer M1500 sewing machine review, we will cover everything you need to know about this affordable and user-friendly model.

Whether you are looking to buy your first sewing machine or want to learn more about the Singer M1500’s features, capabilities, and performance, this review will break it all down. Read on for a complete overview of this starter sewing machine.

Singer M1500 Overview

The Singer M1500 is Singer’s newest entry-level mechanical sewing machine. As a lightweight and portable machine, it is an excellent choice for those starting out in sewing who may want to bring their machine to classes or work on projects in smaller spaces.

With an affordable price point, the Singer M1500 manages to remain simple without sacrificing the essential features a beginner needs. There are no complex computerized functions, just the basics to help you get set up sewing quickly.

The user-friendly design focuses on ease of use, making sewing approachable and simple for novices. Right out of the box, the Singer M1500 has everything you need to begin learning and creating projects.

Singer M1500 Features and Capabilities

Now let’s dive into the features and stitches you get with the Singer M1500 sewing machine:

57 Stitch Applications: While the total number of unique stitches is small, there are 57 stitch applications for essential techniques like straight stitch, zigzag, blind hem, decorative stitches, and buttonholes.
Preset Stitch Length and Width: The stitch length and width are preset to the optimal settings for each stitch. This eliminates any guesswork for the beginner.
4-Step Buttonhole: Making buttonholes is a simple process marked clearly in 4 steps on the stitch dial. The steps make it easy to create buttonholes to precisely fit your buttons.
3 Included Presser Feet: The all-purpose presser foot, zipper foot, and buttonhole foot come standard to get you started.
Front Load Bobbin: Bobbins load into a front compartment, making it easy to access. The machine includes 4 bobbins to start.
Free Arm: Sliding off an attachment exposes the free arm for ease in sewing cuffs and pant hems.
Twin Needle Capable: You can sew two parallel lines of stitching using the optional twin needle.
LED Sewing Light: An LED light illuminates the needle area and workspace.

Singer M1500 Technical Specifications

Specification	Description
Dimensions	7 x 13 x 11.5 inches
Weight	12.12 pounds
Power	AC/DC motor
Bobbin	Class 15 front load
Presser Foot Lift	5mm automatic
Lighting	LED sewing light

Here is a quick video overview of the Singer M1500’s main parts and features:

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Now that you are familiar with the machine’s features and capabilities, let’s move onto getting it set up and ready to start sewing.

Set Up and Use of the Singer M1500

To start enjoying your new Singer M1500 sewing machine, you will need to get it threaded, wind a bobbin, and learn the basic operation. Follow these steps:

Threading the Machine

Threading the machine can seem daunting, but the Singer M1500 makes it simple with guides printed right on the machine.

Raise the presser foot to release tension discs.
Lift spool pin. Place thread spool on pin and secure with holder.
Draw thread through top thread guide.
Wrap thread counterclockwise around tension disc.
Thread down through slot and then down to the needle.

Refer to the numbered diagram on the machine and it will be threaded in no time!

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Video showing how to thread the Singer M1500 sewing machine

Winding the Bobbin

Place empty bobbin on spindle.
Thread guide, down through channel and through bobbin spindle hole.
Move bobbin winder spindle to right position. Hold thread tail.
Step on foot pedal to start winding the bobbin. Stop when full.
Cut thread and return winder spindle to left.

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Video showing how to wind the bobbin on the Singer M1500

Inserting the Bobbin

The Singer M1500 bobbin housing is accessed from the front.

Open cover and remove housing.
Holding bobbin case, insert wound bobbin with thread coming counterclockwise out of case.
Follow diagram inside housing to thread case correctly.
Replace housing and pull thread to test.

Getting the bobbin threaded properly is crucial, so take it slowly until you get the hang of this step.

Choosing Your Stitch

One of the easiest parts of using the Singer M1500 is choosing a stitch. Simply turn the dial on the front to the number of the stitch you want. Refer to the stitch chart if needed.

You’re ready to start sewing!

Starting to Sew

Select stitch and appropriate thread/needle for fabric. Insert recommended needle and thread for common fabrics
Turn handwheel toward you to lower needle to starting position.
Place fabric under presser foot and lower the presser foot.
Use foot pedal to sew, guiding fabric gently.
Use reverse lever for backstitching.

And that is the basic process for using your Singer M1500 sewing machine! It only takes a few projects to become comfortable with the steps.

{%youtube%}https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LoHyt2vGwgI{%endyoutube%}

Video showing how to use the Singer M1500 sewing machine

Now let’s try out some specific tasks…

Sewing a Buttonhole

Buttonholes are formed using the 4 dedicated stitches marked on the dial.

Select first buttonhole stitch on dial.
Lower presser foot and sew length needed. Stop.
Change to second stitch and sew a few bartacks across end.
Select third stitch and sew length needed to back.
Finish with fourth stitch for bartacks and to lock.

The buttonhole foot ensures even stitches, but you can use the all-purpose foot as well. Just take it slow!

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Demonstration of sewing buttonholes step-by-step on the Singer M1500

Accessing the Free Arm

The free arm is used for sewing tubes and smaller circumferences. To access:

Open accessory compartment cover.
Grasp end and slide off compartment.
Place fabric around now exposed free arm.

Replace compartment when done using free arm.

Sewing with Twin Needles

twin needles

For parallel lines of stitching, follow:

Insert twin needle making sure flat side is toward back.
Thread each needle separately.
Select a zigzag or decorative stitch.
Carefully sew test swatch and check clearance.
Sew project slowly, ensuring needles clear the foot.

Use twin needles for pintucks, hemming, decorative effects, and more.

That covers the main functions and how to use the Singer M1500 sewing machine. Now let’s discuss how it actually performs.

Singer M1500 Performance and Capabilities

While designed as a starter sewing machine, the Singer M1500 has impressive capabilities. Let’s look at how it handles common sewing tasks.

Lightweight Fabrics

The Singer M1500 performs beautifully when sewing lightweight woven fabrics like quilting cottons or shirting fabrics. The preset straight stitch and zigzag are perfect for constructing garments, piecing quilts, and finishing seam allowances.

With lightweight fabrics, the M1500 produces excellent stitch quality. The stitches form evenly and have proper tension.

Medium Weight Fabrics

Medium weight woven fabrics such as broadcloth, poplin, or linen are also handled admirably by the Singer M1500 machine. There is enough power to cleanly sew two layers together with a nice straight stitch.

Zigzag and decorative stitches work great on medium weight fabrics. The automatic buttonholes turn out nice and dense on most shirting weight fabrics.

Overall, medium weight fabrics are where this sewing machine really shines. The results are nice looking stitches and professional finishes.

Heavy/Thick Fabrics

While the Singer M1500 has an extra high 5mm presser foot lift, it is still just a standard home machine without an industrial motor.

You can sew thicker fabrics like denim or canvas using the correct needle and thread, but the process will be slow. The motor doesn’t have as much piercing power as a heavy duty machine.

Thick seams like jean hems may require using the hand wheel and sheer force to complete. So thick fabrics are possible with patience, just not the machine’s specialty.

Stretch Fabrics

The Singer M1500, like most basic machines, works best with stabilized knits. The zigzag does stretch to accommodate some give, but performance on jersey or sweatshirt material is just average.

You can achieve better results by using knit interfacing on the fabric reverse. This adds body and prevents the raw edges from stretching.

So while sewing knits is possible on the M1500, you may eventually want a machine with more dedicated knit stitches and differential feeding for best stretch fabric results.

Sewing Speed

With a maximum sewing speed of 700 stitches per minute, the Singer M1500 offers decent speed for most general sewing.

As a mechanical machine, speed is controlled by the foot pedal pressure. Sew slowly by light pressing, or push the pedal down farther for full speed.

The speed allows you to sew smoothly without abrupt starts and stops. For intricate details and corners, you can control the speed for precision sewing.

Free Motion Features

Free motion quilting and embroidery are achievable on the Singer M1500 with the right accessories and setup.

You will need a darning and embroidery foot to allow easy movement over the fabric. Lower or cover the feed dogs with the included plate.

With practice, you can produce nice free motion stitching using the foot pedal speed control. The straight stitch gives the best results for free motion work.

While basic free motion is possible, the Singer M1500 does not have all the features of a dedicated quilting machine. Lack of stitch width adjustment is one limitation.

Overall, as an entry-level mechanical machine, the Singer M1500 allows you to try free motion techniques on a small scale with good results.

Now that we have tested it out, let’s sum up the key pros and cons.

Pros and Cons of the Singer M1500

Pros

Extremely affordable price for a full-size machine
Lightweight and portable for easy transport
Straightforward operation good for beginners
Enough stitches, buttonholes, and feet for basics
Performs well on light and medium fabrics
Free arm and twin needle capabilities
Darning plate included for free motion attempts
No computerized features to learn

Cons

Not suitable for heavy thick fabric projects
Preset stitch length and width limits adjustments
Four step buttonholes more tedious than 1 step
Front loading bobbin trickier than drop-in
No specialty stitches for knits or stretch
Manual needle threading can be frustrating
No speed control except foot pedal

How It Compares to Other Entry Level Models

The Singer M1500 holds up well when compared to similar beginner’s sewing machines. Here is how it stacks up to some of the other options out there:

Singer M1500 vs Singer 1304

Nearly identical machines with the M1500 having updated styling
Both have the same mechanical stitches, with no electronic features
Lightweight plastic body but with sturdy interior metal frame
Better value than the 1304 since it’s the newer model

Singer M1500 vs Brother XM2701

Brother XM2701 has 27 stitches vs only 6 types on the M1500
Brother offers adjustable stitch length and width
M1500 has easier dial selection vs LCD screen
Both have automatic 4-step buttonholes
Brother includes instructional DVD

Singer M1500 vs Singer Simple 3223

Simple 3223 has 23 stitches with automatic 1-step buttonhole
Simple also includes 6 presser feet vs 3 with the M1500
M1500 has heavier frame and can sew thicker material
Both very easy to thread and use for beginners

While there are machines with more options in the same price range, the Singer M1500 delivers reliable performance in an ultra user-friendly package. More stitches and features does not always equal a better machine for a novice.

Conclusion and Recommendation

The Singer M1500 earns its title as one of the best sewing machines for beginners. It delivers excellent ease of use and performance thanks to:

Simple dial stitch selection with key built-in stitches
Preset optimal stitch length and width
Lightweight plastic body with sturdy interior metal
Ability to handle light and medium weight fabrics well
Instructions printed clearly right on the machine

Frustration-free threading, winding, and operation makes learning to sew a breeze on the Singer M1500. With only the essential features, new sewists can get up and running quickly.

I recommend the Singer M1500 for anyone who fits one of these categories:

Absolute beginners looking for their very first sewing machine
Casual sewists who need something just for small repairs or simple projects
Fans of vintage mechanical machines over computerized options

While it lacks some convenience features and versatility for intricate projects, the affordability and simplicity of the Singer M1500 are hard to beat.

New sewists will appreciate how this mini workhorse of a machine handles all the basics without extra complicated functions getting in the way. The Singer M1500 delivers on exactly what beginners need most – a user-friendly start that builds essential skills!

I hope this detailed review gives you all the information you need to decide if the Singer M1500 is the best match for your sewing needs. Happy stitching!