Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

There are pros and cons to this machine, but ultimately, if it's right for you, then it's terrific. First of all, the Singer website says that it takes class 15 bobbins. That is wrong-- YOU NEED 15J BOBBINS FOR THIS MACHINE!!! Most of the answers to bobbin questions for these Singer Heavy Duty High Speed 4400 series machines here on Amazon say class 15 as well, but one person said class 15J. I got packets of both, and sure enough, the 15s are slightly too small. The 15J ones match the ones that come with the machine. It's a sturdy full size but on the smaller side of the normal range. I don't know how you would measure that it has a 60% more powerful motor than average, and can do 1100 stitches per minute, but it does go faster than other machines I've owned and it can handle it. If you are looking for super-fast, then you would want to look at the Brother 1500 series, which do 1500 stitches per minute, or industrial machines that can go upwards of 6000 stitches per minute. Heavy duty? I guess, although I haven't tried leather, canvas, etc. Ultimately, if you want real heavy duty, Sailright is good brand to go with, but then you don't get the stitch speed, you're back down to the average home sewing machine, which is 400 - 500 stitches per minute. As many sewers ultimately find, you need different machines for different tasks: heavy duty, high speed, computerized for embroidering, and a serger for knits. It isn't quiet. This model (4452) comes with a walking foot which is great, and a cover which is the cheapest, flimsiest thing they could possibly find, and it won't keep the dust out. Get a real case to protect your machine. The stitches are surprisingly very even, and I've not needed to adjust the tension as all. The bobbin doesn't wind completely evenly, with more thread winding at the bottom of the bobbin, then at the top of it, something that drives me a little crazy. I cannot for the life of me figure out how to use the needle threader. The directions just don't work for that. But in general, the directions booklet is decent, although it doesn't tell you how to take apart and oil the machine. Look on-line for videos and info on that. There is a good cheat sheet for getting started quickly. If you wind the thread and bobbin as they tell you, the machine works perfectly. One thing that is not on that, though, is that if you use the usual spool of thread, such as Coats and Clark, then you need to put the little spindle into the hole near the bobbin winder stalk and put the thread on that so that it is in a vertical position. However, if the thread is a cross-wound spool, such as Gutermann, then you need to use the built in horizontal spindle and cap. It isn't fancy, a pretty basic machine, but not necessarily for a beginner. When you step on that peddle and it's going full speed, it is hard to control keeping those seams exactly straight. The light is decent but not exceptional. A portion of the base is removable for free-arm sewing. All in all If you have a lot a straight seaming to do, and want to save some time, this is your baby. I am very glad I bought this.