Singer 5500 Fashion Mate Sewing Machine Review: Automatic features to make sewing easy

Empowering Sewing Enthusiasts with Advanced Automation

Designed for Ease and Precision

The Singer 5500 Fashion Mate Sewing Machine is a beacon of convenience and versatility, tailored for sewists who value efficiency and precision. It’s packed with automatic features, including an automatic needle threader, stitch length and width settings, tension adjustment, and one-step buttonholes, making sewing tasks more straightforward and enjoyable.

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Robust and Resourceful

• Built-In Stitches and Buttonholes: With 100 stitch patterns encompassing 9 basic, 76 decorative, and 8 stretch stitches, plus 6 fully automatic one-step buttonholes and an endless buttonhole option, the possibilities are expansive.
• Automatic Convenience: The automatic needle threader and tension settings ensure ease of use and consistent stitch quality across various fabrics.
• Customizable Settings: While automatic stitch length and width offer convenience, they can be manually overridden, providing sewists with the flexibility to tailor their projects.

High-Performance Features

• Sewing Speed: Achieve up to 750 stitches per minute, allowing for quick completion of projects without compromising stitch quality.
• Variable Needle Positions and Presser Foot Adjustments: These features enhance sewing precision, particularly for topstitching and handling multiple fabric layers.
• Extension Table and Free Arm: These elements facilitate the management of large projects and provide easy access to hard-to-reach areas, making the machine ideal for a range of sewing tasks from quilting to garment making.

Durable and User-Friendly Design

• Heavy-Duty Metal Frame: Ensures stability and durability, promoting precise sewing and longevity of the machine.
• Hard-Sided Cover and Snap-On Feet: Offer convenience in storage and ease of foot changing, enhancing the sewing experience.
• Comprehensive Accessory Kit: Equipped with essential sewing tools, allowing for immediate project start-up and versatility in sewing applications.

Automatic Features of the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate Sewing Machine

Eliminating Guesswork and Enhancing Efficiency

• Automatic Needle Threader: This feature is a game-changer for sewists, significantly reducing the time and effort needed to thread the needle. It eliminates the frustration and eye strain often associated with manual threading, making the sewing process smoother and more enjoyable.
• 6 Fully Automatic 1-step Buttonholes: Create professional-looking, perfectly balanced buttonholes effortlessly. This function streamlines the process, allowing for consistent results with just a single step, enhancing the garment’s overall finish and quality.
• Automatic Tension: Ensures that stitches remain balanced and even across different fabric types. This feature adjusts the tension automatically, providing optimal stitch quality and preventing issues like puckering or loose stitches, which are common with manual tension adjustments.
• Automatic Stitch Length & Width: While the machine sets the stitch length and width automatically to suit the selected stitch type, these settings can be manually overridden. This flexibility allows sewists to customize their projects, giving them the freedom to adjust the stitches according to their specific preferences and needs.

Advanced Features of the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate Sewing Machine

Enhancing Sewing Capabilities and Creativity

• Heavy Duty Metal Frame: Provides a solid foundation for the machine, ensuring all mechanisms are kept in perfect alignment. This stability is crucial for achieving precise sewing and contributes to the machine’s overall durability and longevity, making it a reliable tool for continuous sewing projects.
• Automatic Bobbin Winding Clutch: Enhances safety and convenience by disengaging the needle bar during the bobbin winding process. This feature prevents the needle from moving, ensuring that bobbin winding is both safe and efficient, without the risk of needle-related accidents.
• 100 Built-In Stitch Patterns: Offers an extensive range of stitch options to fuel creative sewing endeavors:
  • 9 Essential Stitches: For basic sewing needs, including straight and zigzag stitches.
  • 8 Stretch Stitches: Designed to work with elastic fabrics, providing flexibility and strength in seams.
  • 76 Decorative Stitches: Allow for artistic expression in projects, perfect for embellishments and decorative finishes.
  • 6 Fully Automatic 1-Step Buttonholes and 1 Endless Buttonhole: Provide professional and consistent buttonholes for garments and home decor, enhancing the finish of any project.

Comprehensive Accessory Kit

The Singer 5500 Fashion Mate comes equipped with an array of accessories to kickstart sewing projects right out of the box. These accessories facilitate various sewing tasks, ensuring that sewists have the tools needed to explore and expand their sewing skills.

SINGER 5500 Fashion Mate: Sewing Made Easy

Comprehensive Accessories for Immediate Sewing Success

The Singer 5500 Fashion Mate is equipped with a generous accessory package to facilitate a variety of sewing tasks:

• All-Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, Buttonhole Foot: These essential feet cater to basic sewing needs, zip installations, and buttonhole creation.
• Pack of Needles, Bobbins (Class 15): A selection of needles and bobbins to get started with different fabrics and threads.
• Thread Spool Cap, Auxiliary Spool Pin, Spool Pin Felt: Accessories that enhance the threading process and machine operation.
• Darning Plate, Needle Plate Screwdriver, Seam Ripper / Lint Brush: Tools for Darning, machine maintenance, and seam correction.
• Power Cord/Foot Control, Extension Table, Hard-Sided Cover: Essential components for machine operation, managing larger projects, and protecting the machine.

Peace of Mind with Durability and Support

• Heavy Duty Metal Frame: Ensures stable, skip-free sewing, enhancing the quality of your projects.
• 25-Year Limited Warranty: Long-term assurance of quality and performance, highlighting Singer’s commitment to their machines’ durability.
• Online and Social Media Support: Access to Singer’s official site for online support, and social media platforms for community interaction, tips, and tricks.

Educational Resources and User-Friendly Features

• Video Tutorials: Singer offers video tutorials on threading, bobbin installation, and presser feet training, providing a valuable resource for users to learn and master their sewing machine.
• Push Button Stitch Selection, 13 Needle Positions: Simplify the sewing process and offer versatility in stitch placement and selection.
• Automatic Features: Including reverse sewing, presser foot pressure adjustment, and extra-high presser foot lifter, add convenience and adaptability to sewing tasks.
• Free Arm and Extension Table: Enhance the sewing of cylindrical items and manage larger projects with ease.

Additional Benefits

• Up to 6.5 mm Stitch Width and Horizontal Threading: These features contribute to more creative possibilities and smoother thread flow, reducing the chances of thread breakage and poor stitch formation.

What’s in the Box: Singer 5500 Fashion Mate Sewing Machine

When you unpack the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate Sewing Machine, you’ll find a comprehensive set of items designed to enhance your sewing experience right from the start:

• Singer 5500 Fashion Mate Sewing Machine: The core of your sewing kit, combining versatility and ease of use for both beginners and experienced sewists.
• Hard Cover: Provides protection for your machine, keeping it dust-free and secure when not in use.
• Extension Table: Offers additional workspace, making it easier to handle larger projects and ensuring smooth fabric flow.
• Accessory Box: Keeps your sewing accessories organized and easily accessible.
• Foot Control: Allows you to start and control the speed of your sewing with ease.
• Power Cord: Connects your sewing machine to the electrical supply.
• Needles (3): A set of needles to get you started with projects of various fabric types.
• Bobbins (2): Essential for holding your thread, ready for sewing.
• Auxiliary Spool Pin: Used for twin needle sewing or when using a second spool of thread.
• Spool Pin Felt Discs (2): Placed under the thread spool to prevent it from moving uncontrollably.
• Spool Pin Cap: Keeps the thread spool in place during sewing.
• Buttonhole Opener/Seam Ripper and Brush: A dual-purpose tool for cutting buttonholes and cleaning the machine.
• Screwdriver for Needle Plate: Helps in changing needles or removing the needle plate for cleaning and maintenance.
• Darning Plate: Covers the feed dogs for free-motion sewing, darning, or embroidery.
• Zipper Foot: Allows you to sew zippers and other close-edged sewing tasks easily.
• Buttonhole Foot: This enables you to create buttonholes effortlessly with your machine’s automatic buttonhole function.
• Instruction Manual: Provides detailed information on how to use your sewing machine.
• Quick Start Guide: Offers a condensed version of the manual for getting started quickly.
• Instructional DVD: Visual guide to set up and start using your sewing machine, offering tips and tutorials for various sewing projects.

Specifications of the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate Sewing Machine

• Machine Type: Computerized sewing machine
• Built-In Stitches: 100 stitch patterns, including 9 essential, 76 decorative, 8 stretch stitches, 6 fully automatic 1-step buttonholes, and 1 endless buttonhole
• Needle Threading: Automatic needle threader for ease and convenience
• Stitch Length & Width: Automatic adjustment with the option to override manually
• Buttonholes: 6 fully automatic 1-step buttonholes and 1 endless buttonhole
• Tension System: Automatic tension control ensures even and balanced stitches on various fabric types
• Bobbin System: Front-loading bobbin system
• Sewing Speed: Maximum of 750 stitches per minute
• Stitch Width: Up to 6.5 mm, allowing for broader and more decorative stitches
• Frame Construction: Heavy-duty metal frame for stability and durability
• Presser Foot Lifter: Extra-high presser foot lifter for handling multiple layers of bulky fabric
• Needle Positions: 13 different needle positions for precise topstitching and detail work
• Reverse Stitching: Automatic reverse button to reinforce stitching
• Presser Foot Pressure: Automatic adjustment for sewing different fabric weights
• Lighting: StayBright™ LED light illuminates the sewing area
• Free Arm: Yes, for sewing cuffs, sleeves, and other smaller or tubular projects
• Threading: Horizontal threading mechanism for even thread flow, reducing thread breakage and poor stitch formation
• Cover: Hard-sided cover included for machine protection
• Extension Table: Included for larger projects and quilting
• Warranty: 25-year limited warranty
• Accessories: Includes all-purpose foot, zipper foot, buttonhole foot, needles, bobbins, spool pin cap, auxiliary spool pin, spool pin felt discs, seam ripper/brush, screwdriver, darning plate, and more

Pros and Cons of the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate Sewing Machine

Pros

• Wide Variety of Stitches: With 100 built-in stitches, including essential, stretch, decorative, and automatic buttonholes, it offers extensive versatility for various sewing projects.
• Automatic Features: The automatic needle threader, stitch length and width adjustments, tension settings, and one-step buttonholes reduce setup time and effort, making sewing more efficient.
• Durability: A heavy-duty metal frame provides stability and longevity, ensuring the machine remains reliable over time.
• User-Friendly: Easy stitch selection, automatic features, and clear instructions (including an instructional DVD) make this machine accessible to beginners and convenient for experienced users.
• Flexibility in Sewing: Adjustable presser foot pressure and multiple needle positions offer greater control over a wide range of fabrics and sewing techniques.
• Additional Accessories and Extension Table: Comes with a comprehensive set of accessories and an extension table, enhancing the sewing experience, especially for large projects.

Cons

• Complexity for Beginners: While the machine is user-friendly, the sheer number of features and settings might overwhelm absolute beginners.
• Front-Loading Bobbin: Some users may find a front-loading bobbin system less convenient compared to a top drop-in system.
• Size and Weight: Due to its heavy-duty frame, the machine might be bulkier and heavier than some portable models, which could affect the ease of transport or storage in small spaces.
• Cost: With its advanced features and sturdy build, the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate may come at a higher price point compared to basic models, which might be a consideration for budget-conscious buyers.

Conclusion

The Singer 5500 Fashion Mate Sewing Machine is a comprehensive tool that combines the robustness of a heavy-duty frame with the sophistication of computerized sewing. Designed to cater to a wide audience, from beginners to advanced sewists, it offers a plethora of features that enhance sewing efficiency and creativity. With 100 built-in stitches, automatic functionalities, and a suite of accessories, this machine facilitates a seamless transition from simple to complex projects, enabling sewists to explore and expand their skills.

While its array of features and settings may pose a learning curve for complete beginners, the intuitive design and supportive learning materials, like the instructional DVD, help ease this transition. The machine’s durability and versatility make it a worthwhile investment, promising years of reliable sewing. The Singer 5500 Fashion Mate stands out as a versatile, durable, and user-friendly sewing machine that can meet the demands of various sewing tasks and creative explorations, making it a valuable addition to any sewing room.

FAQs for the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate Sewing Machine

1. Is the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate suitable for beginners?

Yes, it is designed to be user-friendly, with automatic features that simplify sewing tasks, making it suitable for beginners while also offering advanced features for more experienced sewists.

2. What types of stitches are available on the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate?

The machine features 100 built-in stitches, including 9 essential, 76 decorative, 8 stretch stitches, 6 fully automatic 1-step buttonholes, and 1 endless buttonhole, providing a wide range for various sewing projects.

3. Does the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate have an automatic needle threader?

Yes, it includes an automatic needle threader to ease the threading process, minimizing frustration and eye strain.

4. Can I adjust the stitch length and width on this machine?

Yes, while the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate automatically sets stitch length and width, these can be overridden, allowing you to personalize your sewing projects.

5. What is the maximum sewing speed of the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate?

The machine can sew up to 750 stitches per minute, allowing for efficient and quick sewing.

6. How does the automatic tension feature work?

The automatic tension feature adjusts the thread tension to ensure balanced and even stitches across different fabric types, enhancing stitch quality.

7. What are the warranty terms for the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate?

The machine comes with a 25-year limited warranty, covering various aspects of the machine over different periods.

8. What accessories are included with the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate?

Accessories include various feet (all-purpose, zipper, buttonhole), bobbins, needles, a seam ripper/brush, a screwdriver, a darning plate, an extension table, and a hardcover, among others.

9. Does the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate have a free arm feature?

Yes, it includes a free arm for sewing cylindrical items and hard-to-reach areas, making it versatile for different sewing needs.

10. How does the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate handle heavy fabrics?

With its heavy-duty metal frame and adjustable presser foot pressure, the machine can handle a range of fabric weights, from light tricots to heavy denim.

11. Can I quilt with the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate?

Yes, the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate is capable of quilting, especially with features like the extension table for larger projects and adjustable stitch settings. However, for extensive quilting projects, additional quilting accessories may enhance the experience.

12. Is the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate computerized?

Yes, the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate is a computerized sewing machine, that offers precision, a wide variety of stitches, and automatic features that facilitate ease of use.

13. How do I perform maintenance on the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate?

Regular maintenance includes cleaning lint and debris from the machine, oiling parts as specified in the manual, and changing needles regularly. Detailed maintenance instructions are provided in the user manual.

14. Can I sew leather or denim with the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate?

Yes, the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate can sew through leather and denim, particularly with the right needles and settings, such as using a heavier needle and adjusting the stitch length and tension.

15. Does the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate come with a hardcover?

Yes, it includes a hard-sided cover to protect the machine from dust and damage when not in use.

16. What is the advantage of having 13 needle positions on the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate?

Having 13 needle positions offers greater flexibility in sewing, allowing for precise seam placement, edge stitching, and topstitching, enhancing the finished look of projects.

17. How does the automatic bobbin winding clutch work on the Singer 5500 Fashion Mate?

The automatic bobbin winding clutch disengages the needle movement while winding the bobbin, making the process safer and preventing unnecessary wear on the machine.