Singer Promise 1409 Review: Everything You Need To Know
The Singer Promise 1409 is one of the most popular mechanical sewing machines for beginners. As an affordable, entry-level model aimed at new sewists, the Singer Promise 1409 offers basic features to help you get started sewing.
In this comprehensive singer promise 1409 review, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the Singer Promise 1409’s features, performance, ideal uses, accessories, pros and cons, and how it compares to alternative options. Read on for the ultimate guide to help you decide if the Promise 1409 is the best beginner sewing machine for your needs and budget!
Overview of the Singer Promise 1409
As a leading sewing machine brand, Singer offers several entry-level models designed for beginners. The Singer Promise 1409 stands out for its very low price point and lightweight, portable design. It’s an entirely mechanical machine, meaning it runs on a motor rather than being computerized.
The Singer Promise 1409 sewing machine aims to provide new sewers with just the basic functionality needed to learn how to sew. It has a limited number of built-in stitches but includes handy features like adjustable stitch length and width, a free arm, and reverse sewing.
While it doesn’t have many bells and whistles, the Singer Promise 1409 offers tremendous value for those seeking an ultra-budget-friendly way to start sewing. In this extensive review, we’ll give you a close look at what this entry-level Singer can (and can’t) do.
Singer Promise 1409 Specs and Features
To start, let’s look at the key specifications and features that come with the Singer Promise 1409:
Built-in Stitches
- 9 total stitches:
- 6 essential sewing stitches – straight, zigzag, scallop, blind hem, stretch, and triple zigzag
- 2 decorative stitches – wave and shell
- 1 fully automatic 1-step buttonhole
Sewing Speed
- Maximum sewing speed of 750 stitches per minute
Adjustable Stitch Length and Width
- Adjustable to suit fabric type and sewing technique
- Stitch length ranges from 0-4mm
- Stitch width ranges from 0-5mm
Automatic Needle Threader
- Quick and easy threading with the built-in needle threader
Free Arm
- Provides easy access for sewing cylindrical items like sleeves, pant legs, and cuffs
Reverse Sewing
- Convenient reverse stitch lever for securing stitches
Drop-in Bobbin
- Jam-resistant front-loading bobbin system
Automatic Tension
- Optimal tension is set automatically for consistent stitching
Included Accessories
- 3 snap-on presser feet for general sewing, buttons, and zippers
- Pack of needles
- Spool caps
- Seam ripper/lint brush
- Edge/quilting guide
- Manual and quick start guide
| Weight | 11 lbs |
| Dimensions | 15.5 x 7.5 x 12 inches |
| Power | 70 watts |
| Bobbin System | Drop-in bobbin |
With its lightweight build and limited number of presets, the Singer Promise 1409 is designed first and foremost with simplicity and ease of use in mind. It omits more advanced features like an automatic needle threader, top loading bobbin, and extensive decorative stitch options.
However, the basics are covered to equip total beginners with the key functions needed for learning sewing. Next, let’s look at how the Singer Promise 1409 actually performs when you start using it.
Where to Add Images/Videos:
- Photo of the machine
- Charts/graphics showing built-in stitches
- Demo video of sewing various fabric types
- Photos of sewing different projects
Performance and Ease of Use of the Singer Promise 1409
One of the standout qualities of the Singer Promise 1409 is its straightforward operation. As an entry-level mechanical machine, it’s engineered to be easy to use even if you’ve never sewn before. Here’s an overview of what it’s like working with the 1409:
Setting Up
Right out of the box, the Singer Promise 1409 is quick to set up. The instruction manual provides clear directions for getting started. It takes just a few minutes to thread the needle and load the bobbin before you’re ready to sew.
Winding the bobbin is seamless, and the machine comes with extra bobbins so you can switch between thread colors without rewinding. Changing the actual needle may require a bit more effort until you get the hang of the process.
Helpful products to have on hand include:
- Singer Branded Sewing Machine Needles – compatible sharp needles for smooth fabric piercing
- Dritz Sewing Machine Oil – keeps the 1409 running smoothly
Overall, the initial set up of the Singer Promise 1409 sewing machine is relatively frustration-free. Let’s look closer at how it actually handles while sewing.
Sewing Performance
When you start sewing with the Singer Promise 1409, a few things stand out immediately. Firstly, it is noticeably louder than other beginner sewing machines when running. The all-metal internal components contribute to the increased noise. While not deafening, it can be disruptive, especially for long sewing sessions.
On the plus side, the Singer Promise 1409 offers decent sew speed control via the foot pedal. With a top speed of 750 stitches per minute, it can tackle projects at a steady pace. The 70 watt motor provides sufficient power for sewing through multiple layers of medium weight fabrics without slowing down or stalling.
Stitch quality itself is mediocre on the 1409. While stitches are sturdy, they lack definition. Side by side with sewing machine stitches that interlock cleanly and evenly, the Singer Promise 1409‘s stitches appear more like a simple running line of thread. This gives the impression of a less polished, rough finish.
Adjusting tension can help, but getting perfectly balanced tension takes some trial and error. Expect to spend time adjusting the top tension dial while testing on fabric scraps to find the right setting.
Overall, while the Singer Promise 1409 handles basic sewing tasks adequately, the stitch quality has clear limitations.
Ease of Use
For true beginners, the Singer Promise 1409 earns points for being easy to operate right away. Choosing stitches is a simple matter of turning the clearly marked dial. Length and width adjustments involve just one straightforward knob.
The reverse stitch lever, presser foot pressure dial, and other controls are intuitively placed and easy to figure out. Changing presser feet takes just seconds with the snap-on attachments.
Learning to thread the needle and load the bobbin does involve following several steps. While not overly complex, it takes some getting used to, especially for those who have never sewn or used a mechanical machine before.
Once you have the basics down though, the Singer Promise 1409 lets you start sewing quickly without fussing with unnecessary built-in stitches or advanced settings. It’s about as simple as a sewing machine can get while still offering adjustable stitch properties.
Where to Add Images/Videos:
- Step-by-step graphics detailing threading, bobbin loading, changing needles
- Video demonstrating sewing machine noise levels
- Photos of stitch samples from 1409 vs other machines
Ideal Fabrics and Projects
With its lightweight build and basic feature set, the Singer Promise 1409 works best for sewing lighter fabrics on simple projects. Here’s an overview of what types of materials it can and can’t handle:
Recommended Fabrics
The Singer Promise 1409 performs well when sewing:
- Light to medium weight woven fabrics – quilting cottons, calicos, bottomweight muslin, lightweight denims, shirting fabrics
- Stable knits – interlock, jersey, and sweatshirt fleece up to medium weight
- Natural fibers – cotton, linen, silk, wool
- Lightweight synthetics and blends – poplin, satin, rayon challis, microfiber
- Canvas and twill – so long as not too heavy or thick
With the right needle and settings, the 1409 machine can handle these fabrics without issue for items like clothing, home decor, and accessories. Let’s look at what fabrics are not recommended.
Fabrics to Avoid
The limited power and features of the Singer Promise 1409 make it less suitable for sewing:
- Heavyweight denim
- Upholstery weight fabrics
- Stiff canvas and thick vinyl
- Leather, suede, or simulated leathers
- Multiple layers of heavy fabrics
- Slippery silks or satins – feed dogs may struggle with thin fabrics
- Very stretchy knits – lighting knits without stretch stabilizer
For heavy duty projects, the 1409 lacks the punching power needed for smooth sewing. Very thin or slippery fabrics can get pushed around too much by the feed dogs as well.
Ideal Sewing Projects
Here are some examples of easy projects well-suited to the Singer Promise 1409:
- Simple clothing – tops, dresses, skirts, pajamas, aprons made with light wovens or knits
- Home decor – cushions, curtains, table cloths, placemats, quilts for baby or child sized projects
- Crafts – bags, pouches, hats, hair scrunchies, simple stuffed toys
- Costumes – for lightweight fabric costumes and dress-up clothes
- Mending – hems, seams, patching holes, embroidery using denim needle
- Beginner garment sewing – once you gain experience, straight seam garments and accessories
The Singer Promise 1409 provides enough functionality for sewing simple, low-stress projects as you build confidence. Just avoid thick, heavy fabrics and advanced construction techniques.
Where to Add Images/Videos:
- Photos of example easy beginner sewing projects
- Examples of recommended fabrics vs. fabrics to avoid
- Video sewing a simple project from start to finish
Singer Promise 1409 Accessories
One perk of the Singer Promise 1409 is that it comes with all the basic accessories you need to get started. Here’s an overview of what’s included:
- 3 Snap-on presser feet – general purpose, buttonhole, and zipper foot
- Pack of needles – several sharp needles to get started
- Seam ripper/lint brush – essential for fixing mistakes and cleaning
- Bobbins – alternate bobbins so you can pre-wind different thread colors
- Quilting guide – helps you sew precise quilt lines
- Oil – for keeping the machine lubricated
- Screwdrivers – provide easy maintenance access
- Manual, guides, DVD – reference materials for setting up and learning to sew
For most entry-level projects, these accessories offer enough variety. As your skills grow, you may want to expand your presser foot collection.
Some worthwhile additions include:
- Singer General Purpose Foot – alternative to included foot for all basic sewing needs
- Singer Blind Hem Foot – creates invisible hems on curtains, pants, skirts
- Singer Rolled Hem Foot – neat narrow hems on lightweight fabrics
- Singer Even Feed / Walking Foot – improves feeding of slippery and quilted fabrics for super even stitches
While priced very affordably, the Singer Promise 1409 gives you core accessories to start learning. You can build up your presser foot arsenal over time as your techniques expand.
Where to Add Images/Videos:
- List/photos of all included accessories
- Demo of how to use the different presser feet
- Examples of projects made using each foot
Singer Promise 1409 Pros and Cons
Now that we’ve gone over the key specs and features of the Singer Promise 1409, how does it actually measure up? Here’s an overview of the main pros and cons.
Pros
- Extremely affordable price point
- Lightweight and portable
- Suitable for young beginners
- Very easy to operate right away
- Good for learning basic sewing skills
- Adequate stitch speed for most lightweight projects
- Can handle a variety of fabric types
- Comes with necessary starter accessories
- Easy maintenance with oiling and screwdrivers provided
Cons
- Very limited built-in stitches
- No automatic needle threader
- Bobbin loading is cumbersome
- Stitch quality is just mediocre
- Noise level fairly loud for size
- Not ideal for thick or tricky fabrics
- Limited functionality for more advanced techniques
- May eventually need replacing as skills improve
- Not the best long term investment if upgrading later
The biggest advantage of the Singer Promise 1409 is the low price and simplicity. However, the cons make it less than ideal for complex projects or clothes that need professional finish.
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- Photo collages: Singer Promise 1409 pros and cons
Alternatives to Consider
The Singer Promise 1409 offers decent functionality considering the incredibly low price. However, more advanced beginners may benefit from a machine with extra features. Here are two alternative Singer models to consider:
Singer Promise II 1412
Price: Approximately $100 more than the 1409
Key Features:
- 12 built-in stitches including 1 automatic buttonhole
- Strong metal interior frame
- Slightly faster maximum speed of 800 spm
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Automatic bobbin winding
Ideal For: Beginners wanting more stitches and smoother performance
Singer Simple 3232
Price: Approximately $150 more than the 1409
Key Features:
- 32 built-in stitches including 1 automatic buttonhole
- Automatic needle threader
- Top loading bobbin
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Quick and easy stitch selection
- LED-lit workspace
Ideal For: Beginners wanting computerized features and built-in versatility
While more of an investment, these two Singer machines add value through extra capabilities that grow with you as you learn.
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- Side by side comparison photos/charts of features
Conclusion
The Singer Promise 1409 sewing machine delivers on its promise of providing an affordable, user-friendly entry into basic sewing. While it lacks more advanced features and struggles with heavy fabrics, it gives complete beginners everything they need to learn how to sew.
Light enough for young crafters yet powerful enough for simple clothing and craft projects, the Singer Promise 1409 is best for those who want to dip their toes into sewing without a big investment. With care and proper maintenance, it can last through years of introductory use.
While it may eventually require replacing as skills progress, the 1409’s low price point and ease of use makes it one of the best choices for getting started on a budget. Just be prepared for noisy operation and the need to manually master fundamentals like threading.
Overall, the Singer Promise 1409 earns its reputation as a top choice for affordable, starter sewing capabilities. Just match your projects expectations to its beginner-friendly feature set. With just the essentials covered, the Singer Promise 1409 lets new sewists focus on learning without unnecessary frills.