Singer Simple 3221 Review: A Complete Overview For Beginners

The Singer Simple 3221 is an excellent mechanical sewing machine for beginners looking to learn and hone their sewing skills. In this detailed Singer Simple 3221 review, we’ll take a close look at the features, performance, ease of use, and overall value of this entry-level model.

Singer Simple 3221 Review

With over 160 years of history, Singer is one of the most recognizable names in sewing machines. The Singer Simple 3221 model is designed to be user-friendly for those just starting out in sewing. This affordable mechanical machine comes equipped with handy features like an automatic needle threader, built-in stitches, free arm, and onboard storage. While it lacks some of the bells and whistles of computerized or industrial machines, the Singer Simple 3221 provides a strong foundation for sewing basics. Its quality construction allows it to tackle a variety of fabrics while producing consistent stitching.

In this review, we’ll go over the main features, stitch performance, ease of use, accessories, warranty, and overall pros and cons of the Singer Simple 3221. We want to help you determine if this budget-friendly pick is a good choice for learning garment construction, quilting, crafts, home decor projects, and everyday mending tasks. Let’s start by looking at the key features and specifications of the Singer 3221 machine.

Suggested image location: Introduction section

Main Features

The Singer Simple 3221 comes equipped with several handy features and capabilities to support your basic sewing needs as a beginner. Here are some of the highlights:

• Automatic needle threader – This is a huge time saver, allowing you to easily thread the entire machine from spool to needle with just the press of a lever. No more straining your eyes or struggling to thread manually!
• 21 built-in stitches – You get a selection of stitches for utility sewing, decorative details, stretching ability, and automatic 1-step buttonholes. The options include:
• 6 essential stitches – straight, zigzag, blind hem, etc.
• 4 stretch stitches – for knits and athletic wear
• 9 decorative stitches – scallop, zigzag variations, etc.
• 1 fully automatic 1-step buttonhole
• Free arm – The removable storage compartment reveals a free arm area for ease in sewing circular items like sleeve hems and pant legs.
• Onboard storage – Convenient built-in storage provides quick access to accessories and keeps them handy.
• Adjustable stitch length – Customize stitch length from 0-4mm for perfect stitching on any type and thickness of fabric.
• Heavy duty metal frame – Provides stability, durability, and vibration reduction for smooth sewing.
• Reverse stitch lever – Easily reinforce stitches by sewing in reverse.
• Adjustable presser foot pressure – Ideal for handling light to heavy weight fabrics.
• Drop feed – Lower the feed dogs for free-motion sewing and quilting.

Suggested image location: Main Features section

With its automatic needle threading, variety of built-in stitches, free arm, and adjustable settings, the Singer Simple 3221 gives beginners plenty of useful features to learn the basics of sewing. Next, let’s see how it performs when it comes to stitch quality.

Performance and Stitch Quality

The performance of a sewing machine heavily impacts the quality of stitches it can produce. With its heavy duty internal metal frame and 750 stitches per minute sewing speed, the Singer 3221 performs reliably for smooth and consistent stitching.

Here are some observations on its performance:

• The Singer Simple 3221 operates quietly thanks to its heavy duty metal frame that reduces vibration. Even at maximum speed, the motor maintains quiet operation for disturbance-free sewing.
• There is a good amount of power and piercing ability to handle multi-layer or dense fabric. The needle can stitch through vinyl, denim, canvas, and other heavy materials when using the appropriate needle size.
• It maintains consistent straight stitching due to the internal stability provided by the metal frame.
• The adjustable presser foot pressure lets you fine tune the feeding ability based on fabric thickness. Apply more pressure for heavyweight fabrics.
• The drop feed is engaged by a small lever to lower the feed dogs. This frees up the fabric for sewing decorative stitches, free-motion quilting, and more.
• A reverse stitch lever makes it easy to reinforce stitching by back-tacking.

In terms of stitch quality, the Singer 3221 produces neat and professional results on a range of fabrics. Here are some examples:

• The 6 built-in stretch stitches provide the flex needed for knits and stretchy athletic wear. The zigzag options work well for finishing raw edges on knit fabrics.
• The overcasting stitch can be used on woven fabric seams to prevent fraying and give a professional finish.
• The 9 decorative stitches add dimensional details and texture when used on woven cottons and dressmaker fabrics.
• The automatic 1-step buttonhole consistently turns out uniform buttonholes for a polished look.
• The straight stitch has nice definition and uniformity, ideal for construction and topstitching on wovens.

With proper threading, tension adjustment, and fabric/needle selection, the Singer Simple 3221 delivers quality stitches for flawless garments, crafts, home decor items and everyday mending jobs. Next we’ll discuss just how beginner-friendly this machine is when it comes to ease of use.

Suggested image location: Stitch Quality section

Ease of Use

Thanks to multiple user-friendly features, the Singer Simple 3221 gets high marks for being easy to use right out of the box. Here are some of the highlights that make it beginner-friendly:

• Easy threading – The built-in automatic needle threader does all the work quickly and hassle-free. Simply draw the thread through the guide, press the lever, and the thread is pushed through the needle eye.
• Quick start guide – There is a handy quick start guide that concisely walks through machine setup and basic operation.
• Instructional DVD – It comes with a detailed DVD that provides visual step-by-step instructions on using the machine, threading, winding the bobbin, changing feet and needles, and maintenance.
• Free arm – The removable storage compartment converts it into a free arm for easy access to hard-to-reach areas like sleeves, pant legs, and small circular pieces.
• Onboard storage – Accessories are conveniently stored in a removable compartment, making them easy to access and organizing everything in one place.
• Stitch selection – A simple dial makes it easy to select the desired stitch. The corresponding stitch number and diagram is displayed right on the machine.
• Adjustable settings – Stitch length, zigzag width, and tension adjustments are made via easy turn dials.
• Reverse sewing lever – Strategically located lever provides fingertip control for back-tacking stitches.

Between the included instructional materials, free arm, and simple adjustments, the Singer 3221 allows even total beginners to learn sewing on this machine. Convenient features minimize frustration and set users up for success.

Suggested image location: Ease of Use section

Recommended Materials

The Singer Simple 3221 works well with a variety of fabrics, though very lightweight or heavy materials may be challenging for a beginner. Here are some examples of fabrics and projects well suited for a starter machine like the Singer 3221:

• Light to medium weight cotton – Quilting cotton, shirting, poplin, broadcloth, flannel. Great for quilts, clothing, crafts.
• Linen, polyester – Medium weight linen, twill, poly/cotton blends. Suitable for pants, dresses, crafts.
• Knits – Jersey knits, interlock knits, stretch wovens with spandex. Ideal for t-shirts, activewear, loungewear.
• Denim, canvas – With a jeans needle and thick thread. Make jeans, totes, placemats.
• Faux leather – Use a leather needle and polyester thread. For handbags, accessories.
• Felt – Fun for crafts, needle cases, dolls, accessories. Stabilizer recommended.
• Cotton quilting projects – Placemats, table runners, baby quilts, wall hangings.
• Simple garments – Pajamas, skirts, aprons, bags, totes, stuffed animals.
• Hemming – Curtains, jeans, trousers, skirts.
• Mending – Fixing tears, sewing buttons, hems.

The Singer Simple 3221 can handle a wide variety of sewing tasks, garment construction, quilting projects, crafts, and mending with proper fabric selection. Stay away from very flimsy or heavyweight materials initially. Now let’s look at what’s included.

What’s in the Box?

For a budget-friendly sewing machine, the Singer 3221 comes with an impressive assortment of included accessories:

• Presser feet – 4 snap-on presser feet for all-purpose sewing, zippers, buttonholes, and buttons
• Bobbins – Pack of 4 class 15 metal bobbins that fit in the front-loading bobbin case
• Needles – Assortment of sharp, ballpoint, and jeans needles
• Seam ripper/lint brush – Helpful multi-purpose accessory
• Spool caps – Large and small spool caps for different sized threads
• Screwdriver – For machine adjustments and needle plate removal
• Extra spool pin – Allows for dual spool threading
• Quilting guide – Attaches to machine for evenly spaced rows
• Darning/embroidery plate – Covers the feed dogs for free-motion
• Soft dust cover – Protects from dust when machine is not in use
• Owner’s manual – Instruction guide for setup, threading, and stitching
• Quick start guide – Short visual overview of machine parts and sewing basics
• Instructional DVD – Helpful video covering machine basics step-by-step
• Power cord – Attached power cord and foot pedal to operate machine

Having all these handy accessories right out of the box is invaluable for getting started. Between the feet, needles, bobbins, and references, you have all the basics covered.

Warranty

The Singer Simple 3221 sewing machine comes with a 25 year limited warranty from the manufacturer. This provides valuable peace of mind that your investment is covered.

Here is what the 25 year limited warranty includes:

• 25 years – Warranty coverage for the sewing machine head, which includes the motor, belt, and internal mechanisms
• 5 years – Warranty on electrical components including control circuits, switches, speed control, and motors
• 1 year – Warranty on the belt, light assembly, and attachments included with the machine
• 90 days – Free service for adjustments, maintenance, and replacement of defective parts

Always make sure to consult the user manual for full warranty details. Using the machine properly for intended purposes and getting routine maintenance will help ensure the warranty stays valid if service is ever needed.

The long coverage, especially on the internal mechanisms, demonstrates Singer’s confidence in the durability and longevity of their machines. The Singer Simple 3221 should provide many years of reliable performance thanks to quality engineering and construction.

Pros and Cons

Now that we’ve reviewed its features, capabilities, and included accessories, let’s summarize the key pros and cons of the Singer Simple 3221 sewing machine:

Pros

• Extremely beginner friendly
• Good value for the price
• Produces neat, consistent stitching
• Several handy built-in stitches
• Automatic needle threading
• Heavy duty internal metal frame
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• Helpful accessories like seam ripper and quilting guide
• Standard 25 year limited warranty

Cons

• Limited stitch selection compared to computerized machines
• No automatic thread cutter
• Bobbin case and storage compartment need to be removed to access free arm
• Presser feet are snapped on instead of easy drop-in style
• No carrying handle for portability

While it lacks some convenience features of pricier computerized models, the Singer Simple 3221 offers tremendous value for a starter machine. The pros far outweigh the cons, especially when considering the low price tag.

Our Verdict

To summarize this comprehensive review, our verdict is that the Singer Simple 3221 is an excellent choice as a first sewing machine for beginners. Between the user-friendly design, included DVD instructions, built-in stitches, free arm, and starter accessories kit, it has everything needed to learn sewing basics. The automatic needle threader and heavy duty construction add convenience and longevity.

While it may outgrow a sewist’s needs after a few years, it provides a perfect affordable starting point. With proper care and maintenance, the Singer 3221 should provide years of enjoyable sewing. The long warranty is icing on the cake, providing peace of mind. If you’re looking to try out sewing and learn the fundamentals of garment construction, quilting, and everyday mending, the Singer Simple 3221 will allow you to do so smoothly and successfully.

Suggested featured image location: Conclusion section

Technical Specifications

Here are the key technical specifications for the Singer Simple 3221 sewing machine:

Feature	Details
Machine Type	Mechanical
Built-in Stitches	21 (including 1 buttonhole)
Maximum Sewing Speed	750 stitches per minute
Automatic Needle Threader	Yes
Snap-on Presser Feet	4 included
Free Arm	Yes
Drop Feed	Yes
Work Light	Yes
Stitch Length Range	0-4mm
Stitch Width Range	Up to 5mm
Onboard Storage	Removable compartment
Warranty	25 years (limited)
Machine Weight	15 lbs
Machine Dimensions	16.7″ x 13.5″ x 9.2″

Alternatives to Consider

While we think the Singer Simple 3221 is an excellent starter pick, there are a few alternatives in a similar budget-friendly price range to consider:

• Brother CS6000i – Computerized machine with 60 built-in stitches, hard case, and LCD display screen
• Brother XM2701 – Lightweight machine with 27 stitches, 6 included presser feet, and beginner-friendly features
• Janome 2212 – Basic mechanical machine with 12 stitches, 4 snap-on feet, free arm, and dial stitch selection
• SINGER Start 1304 – Very basic mechanical model with 6 stitches, built-in needle threader, and lightweight design

The computerized Brother CS6000i offers more convenience features, stitches, and accessories for a little more investment. But the mechanical Janome 2212 provides a back-to-basics affordable option as well.

Final Thoughts

We hope this detailed review gives you all the details needed to decide if the beginner-friendly Singer Simple 3221 is the right starter sewing machine for your needs and budget. With its quality construction, user-friendly design, included stitches and accessories, and 25 year warranty, it makes sewing basics attainable for first-timers. While it has some limitations, the Singer 3221 allows you to explore sewing, construction, mending, and basic quilting techniques to grow your skills over time. The affordable price and reliable performance make it worthy of consideration for new sewists.