The Singer Classic 44S Heavy Duty Review, this is a sewing machine with a strong metal frame under the exterior, and a motor that’s 60% stronger than a regular sewing machine motor.
You would think this machine would be a heavyweight, but is only around 18 pounds, and with its carrying handle is easily portable.
With the stronger motor, it is very capable of sewing through thicker fabrics such as denim, canvas, or fine leather without any problems.
This is actually a perfect sewing machine for beginners, because it’s easy to set up and work with, and has a small learning curve to get used to plus the illustrated instructions manual is very easy to follow.
This machine also comes with enough up to date features to make your sewing projects very easy to work on.
We will run though the features of this machine and you can see if it would be a good fit for your sewing projects.
Who Is The Singer 44S For?
When you love to sew different type of projects, whether you’re a beginner or more advanced sewer, you want to have in the sewing room a machine that can sew all type of fabrics, from thin fabrics to other type of fabric that will ask for more power in your sewing machine like denim or canvas, the Singer 44S is the model you might want to have in your sewing room!
If you’re looking for an entry level sewing machine, you can read the Singer Start 1304 review model here!
Singer Classic 44S Heavy Duty Review
23 Built-In Stitches
This machine comes with 23 built-in stitches, there are 10 decorative stitches, 1 buttonhole, 6 regular stitches, and 6 stretch stitches.
You can use the stitch selector dial on front of the machine to select the stitches.
On the dial there are stitches colored blue and other colored black, to access the blue stitches you turn the stitch length dial – just above the stitch dial – to the blue S1, and these stitches are of a stretch stitch pattern.
When selecting the sewing stitches, the length and width can also be adjusted with 6 mm being the maximum width and 4 mm being the maximum length.
If you’re sewing heavy fabrics, then use a longer stitch length, which is moving the dial closer to 4 mm, and also when the width dial is set to 0, then you have a straight stitch.
The speed of stitching on this machine is controlled by the foot pedal, and can go up to 1100 stitches per minute, so is something you need to practice getting used to.
The reverse sewing lever is just above the sewing area, and used to tie off the stitches at the beginning and end of a run.
Winding the Bobbin and Threading the Machine
Winding the bobbin on this machine is very easy by following the guides imprinted on the machine, then with the thread through the hole on the bobbin, push the spindle to the right, and when fully wound it will stop automatically, then push spindle to the left and remove the bobbin.
As this machine has the top loading bobbin system, just release the clear plastic lid and drop in the bobbin with the thread going counterclockwise and follow the guides, leaving about 6 inches of thread out.
The upper thread is easy to set up and by machine and down to the needle threader, then use it to thread the needle, leaving extra thread out.
To bring up the bobbin thread just turn the hand wheel towards you a couple turns, then guide both threads under the presser foot towards the back of the machine.
This model has the thread tension dial on top of the machine, and with 90% of the sewing, it will be set between 3 and 5, but can be adjusted for different fabrics.
Singer provides a needle thread chart to use for the different fabrics you are sewing, in the instruction manual.
Also we should mention that there is a manual thread cutter on the end of the machine above the sewing area which can save time looking for the scissors.
4 Presser Feet
This machine comes with 4 presser feet.
- Regular foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Zipper foot
- Button sewing foot
The feet are easily changed by just raising the lever behind the presser foot and foot drops off, then align another foot and snap it in place.
The presser feet lever has a high position for when sewing thick fabrics. The foot presser is also adjustable for this model.
Feed Dogs
To lower the feed dogs on this model you need to remove the extension table which has a flip cover to store accessories in, and the feed dog lever is located on the back of the machine.
The feed dogs should be down when sewing on buttons, or free hand quilting, embroidering or sewing.
As the bed plate is made of stainless steel, it and the feed dogs will move the fabrics very smoothly while sewing.
Lights On The 44S
It has a strong light over the sewing area that’s a big help when sewing darker fabrics.
Free Arm
The free arm is easily accessed by removing the extension table, allowing you to sew pants, cuffs, etc.
Control Dials For The Singer 44S
- Reverse sewing lever – above sewing area
- Thread tension dial – on top
- Presser foot presser adjuster
- Stitch width dial
- Stitch length dial
- Stitch pattern selection dial
- Drop feed control
- Handwheel and slot for balancing the buttonhole stitches
Accessories For the Singer 44S
- Presser feet
- Seam ripper and brush
- Edge quilting guide
- Package of needles
- Spool holders
- 3 bobbins – class 15
- Screwdriver
- Spool pin felt
- Auxillary spool pin
- Soft cover
- Foot controller and power cord
- Singer Classic 445 Manual
Specifications For The Singer 44S
- 15.5 inches long, by 12 inches high, by 6.25 inches thick
- 18.5 pounds
- 1100 stitches per minute
- 23 built-in stitches
- 4 presser feet
- 3 needle positions
- 6 mm maximum stitch width
- 4 mm maximum stitch length
- 60% stronger motor
Warranty For The Singer 44S
There is the 25-year limited warranty on this model, which is 25 years against defective materials or workmanship, 2 years on motor and light, plus 90 days labor and parts free of charge.
When purchasing, always check the warranty.
Pros and Cons For The Singer Classic 44S
Pros
- Easy to set up and start sewing
- Light enough to be portable for sewing classes and sewing retreats
- Strong motor and heavy-duty frame
- not overly expensive
- Stitches very fast
- Can sew thicker fabrics
- Perfect machine for beginners and the more experienced
- Has automatic needle threader
Cons
- No automatic thread cutter
Where To Buy The Singer 44S Heavy Duty Sewing Machine?
You can find this Singer sewing machine model on the speciality stores shelves and you can purchase it online!
Our Final Thoughts for the Singer Classic 44S Review
We feel that this sewing machine would make a great addition to any sewing room with its modern features to make a sewer’s profession easier.
With its extra strong motor, this machine can handle all your home sewing projects, and is also an ideal machine for any beginner sewer.
This machine comes at an excellent price for all that you’re getting, and if you find that it’s a match for your sewing projects, then give it a test out at your nearest dealer.
Wishing you all the best on your sewing projects – Happy Sewing.
Good to see out here and I really value things you have shared here. Honestly, I can resonate well with all you shared here because I am also a fashion designer and working on denim can be very annoying with needle breaking and all. But having a standardised machine like this Singer Classic 44S Heavy Duty can make the whole difference. Thanks
Your article on Singer Classic 44s Heavy Duty really does the product a great service as you have comprehensively mentioned the many great features of the machine and I’m sure any beginner in sewing would be glad to be able to get their hands on this sewing machine if possible. It’s also nice that you put up the link of where to get the machine from. Thank you for sharing this.