| Singer:Quantum 5430C (Sewing Machine) | | Viewed 805 time(s) | | Review rated Helpful by 1 people Very Helpful by 5 people | | Reviewed by: | UmmAutumn | 
| | About UmmAutumn | | | | Member since: 10/4/11 | | Reviews written: 1 | | Sewing skills:Beginner | | sewing machines reviewed: 1 | | Bio: more... |
| | Posted on: | 12/19/12 10:39 PM | | Approx price paid: | $75 | | Had this machine for: | 2.5 years | | Recommended? | Yes | | Online Merchants: | Amazon.com | Find the right Sewing Machine with the Sewing Machine Search Wizard
Discuss Sewing Machines with PR members Sewing Machine Forum | | What UmmAutumn likes about this machine
I bought this machine from a young woman that used it once or twice so it was like new at the time. I have since searched on line for it and if you look hard enough you can find them new for about 250 and used for a little less then 100 so I think I got a good deal!
I was a total nuby sewer at the time of purchase and was upgrading from a super old (70s) singer touch and sew so I thought I was really living large with this one! I was able to easily download tha manual online for free and the instructions for threading and bobbin winding were super easy to follow. In general I found the manual to be pretty well written. The only issue I had with it came to the decroative stiches (and extra stiches... more on that later).
In general this machine rarley jams, and that is if I am using really thick, linty fabric. I have broken a number of needles but I attribute that all to user error. I am still using this machine now and have not broken a needle in months (record time for me). I am actually writting a review now as I am hoping to upgrade to a janome 4900QC (review that later) soon.
The tension is a little finicky and if the thread is a weak variety then it will easily break. I usually keep it pretty low (3 or so) and that seems to work just fine. Also, you have to be really careful to leave a fairly long tail of thread or it will slip out of the needle fast upon sewing.
The foot pedal is plastic and does tend to easily flip, but it works great and this is never an issue while sewing, only when getting started.
The feet are easy to switch. The machine is used by me at least 4-5 times each week and I have never had to get it serviced. I actually love it and will alwasy keep it as my back up baby because it has helped me to make leaps and bonds in my sewing career! I have finished countless patterns on it. The overedge stich works great. The four step buttonhole is easy to follow. I learned the hard way to let th machine pull your fabric (NOT YOU) if you want them to turn out nice.
There are actually many features onthis machine that I have never even tried. I guess it does monograms and embroidering witha framer that is sold seperatly. I think it is just by using the zig-zag or straight stich and tracing over a drawing.
It does have double needle capabilities though I have not tried that either.
What UmmAutumn does not like about this machine
The manuel is not clear on how to make the decorative stiches work. I thought my machine was broken the first time I tried to do a blind hem and it would not work when I turned the nob. Turns out to do any stich other then the straight stich the knob has to be at the zig-zag setting. Maybe this is known sewing talk but it was not to me and their were quite a few frustrating nights with that one.
But other then that, it is a great starter machine. Not too many bells and whistles. But who needs that distraction when you are learning to sew! I really have enjoyed working on it. It is loud and punches through the fabric. I bought a janome magnolia 7330 and it was so smooth and quite but it was not much different for me, still too basic so I decided to be patient and get something with some more umph to it!
Although I am really excited about upgrading to the Janome 4900QC it is a little bitter sweet because this machine has taken up residence in my kitchen and I love her. She has served me well. I hope to teach my now 10 year old how to sew on this one! | *LOGIN to add a comment to this review
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Oh yes, do keep this one - when you have your hands on a good machine, no sense letting it go - we all need a backup or two. This machine sounds like a really good machine and so glad it served you well while learning! Thanks for the nice review!
12/20/12 0:11 AM
I have this sm also. I bought 3 of them for my inheritance to my grandchildren. Only one likes to sew so far. I tried the sm and it sewed great. I am sure you will enjoy it the more you sew.
12/21/12 2:20 PM