Singer 7426 sewing machine

by Jo Ann
(Lawrenceville, GA USA)

I would not recommend the Singer 7426 sewing machine. It has more problems than it's worth:

1) Every time you turn off the machine, the "electronic" settings are wiped out. You have to reset the machine every time you turn it on. If you fail to do so, the stitch length is ridiculously long and heaven only knows where the needle is left-to-right. I quilt, so the shifting of the needle from its set position alters the seam allowance and therefore the accuracy of the work. If you like trying to recreate your setting every time you turn on the machine, get this one.

2) The light appears to be heat sensitive. That is, when the machine has been on for a while, the light goes out and stays out. I have not been able to figure out how to get the light back on, other than turning the machine off and keeping it off for hours before resuming work. The obvious solution is to turn off the machine when you get up to iron or get other fabric pieces, but Item 1, above, discourages this. If you like sewing in the dark, this machine is for you.

3) The Singer 7426 machine requires rare, ridiculously expensive bobbins. It does NOT take the standard Class 15 bobbins -- rather is requires a special Class 15J bobbin. These bobbins are expensive and very hard to find. When I first got the machine I tried using a Class 15 bobbin; it damaged the machine so thoroughly I had to return it and get another one. If spending a fortune on bobbins you have to order through the Internet is your idea of a great experience, get your hands on Singer 7426.

4) It takes a lot of practice to be successful at some of the "decorative" stitches. After working on it for hours, I still can't get Singer's "Hand-Look Quilt Stitch" to look good. I either get a blob of bobbin thread below the work, or the stitch doesn't look anything like a hand quilting stitch.

Even if you want a machine to sew the occasional garment or make the occasional repair to a store-bought garment, this is not a good machine. You have recreate your settings every time you turn on the machine, and the bobbin prices discourage you from having a new bobbin for every thread color. I'm at this website because I'm looking for a replacement. I'm so unhappy with this machine that I will not look at any machine with "Singer" in the brand name.