Singer 4423 heavy duty sewing machine review: How Good is It?
We’ve spent 21 hours researching the Singer 4423 Heavy Duty sewing machine to see if it comes close to meeting your requirements. Below we share our Singer 4423 review findings.
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In short, it's an excellent machine for high speed and quality stitches.
If you have a pressing question, click in the table or continue reading.
How fast is the Singer 4423 Sewing Machine?
Our Singer 4423 sewing machine review reveals it sews at 1,100 stitches per minute. For a mid-range model, this is a super fast speed. Most others in this range do 500-600 stitches per minutes.
In some cases, the speed is faster than units built for professionals. So, you can match it with the best of them and leave time for all those other tasks you need to finish.
What fabrics can it handle?
It is suitable for many materials you’re likely to be sewing at home.
Customers report using materials like denim, upholstery vinyl, canvas, corduroy, and leather. And jobs like sewing patches on leather jackets and vests.
It’s not just thicker materials. You’ll produce quality stitches with thin and delicate fabrics. Those fabrics like rayon, silk satin, and stretchy Lycra.
It’s all about the thickness of the needle, right? Make sure you choose the needle that suits the thickness of the material. Select from the standard set supplied. Albeit, you may need to buy needles for stretchy fabrics.
Here's what owners are saying:
I've been using this machine for upholstery for almost four years now. Have given it a pretty good workout and have been very satisfied and its still running strong. This machine will sew through 4 layers of heavy marine vinyl with ease. A good solid machine in my opinion.
My husband uses this model for upholstery and loves it!
Click here to check the availability and today's price of this machine at Amazon.
Not all Singer 4423 reviews are positive on the fabrics it can sew. Some people haven't been able to sew thicker materials such as heavy felt. Or two layers of canvas and one of plastic. Still, the overwhelming majority is in the favor.
Yes, it's a workhorse that can sew heavy fabrics, it's still a home sewing machine. If you only sew the thickest material, this Singer model may not be for you.
Can it sew leather?
Yes, it can. One customer reported that he had been able to sew 10 oz with a heavy-duty needle (110/18) and #69 Nylon thread.
I would suggest you stick with the lightweight garment leather and don't put extra strain on it with heavy-duty leather. Otherwise, it could result in machine jamming and other issues if you do it consistently.
How many stitches does it come with?
The 4423 comes with 23 stitches. More than enough if you’re a beginner.
● 6 Basic
● 4 Stretch
● 12 Decorative
● 1 Buttonhole
If you need more stretch (+3) and decorative (+6) stitches you may need to consider the Singer 4432. (Comparison with 4432).
If you sew clothes, crafts, embroidery, or home decorations you’re covered.
And can you adjust stitches?
The ability to change the length or width of a stitch is crucial. Right? You need a longer stitch for thicker materials. And shorter stitches as the fabric gets lighter and thinner.
That’s what you get with the 4423. It’s a simple turn of the dial. Turn the Stitch Width Dial from zero through 6 settings to the largest width of 6mm. The Stitch Length Dial starts at 0.5 and has 4 settings up to the width of 4mm.
The adjustments on both dials give you the freedom to be creative. Adjusting the length creates different effects. And that change alters how the inbuilt stitches look. When you zig zag, the closer you set the length to zero the denser the stitches get. And your width gets wider as you move the dial toward 6.
Is it easy to use?
Yes, it is, whether you’re a beginner or a regular sewist.
For the beginner, there are loads of videos on YouTube to help you. The manual too, is helpful, with detailed instructions. Together, the videos and the manual, make for a straightforward setup out of the box.
And it’s then a smooth experience with the following:
● An automatic needle threader. Thread the eye of the needle without eyestrain or frustration.
● A top drop-in bobbin. Easy to insert and remove. Know when your thread is running low.
● A foot control pedal. Allows you to regulate your speed.
● Automatic reverse. So you can reinforce your stitches.
● Snap on presser feet. A simple on-off release to change the presser foot in an instant.
● On board storage. Handy access to accessories stored in the removable sewing bed.
● Free arm. Means you can access pant hems, cuffs, collars, and other hard-to-reach areas. Without difficulty.
● Extra-high presser foot lifter. Allows greater clearance under the presser foot when you’re sewing a few layers of bulky fabric.
● Adjustable presser foot pressure control. So you can change the pressure to match the fabric, from lightweight to heavy.
● Three needle positions. To suit your specialty stitching like zippers, topstitching or cording.
● Adjustable stitch length. Use a simple dial to change the stitch length.
How about the foot control pedal?
We’ve found some of the Singer 4423 sewing machine reviews talking about the sensitivity of the foot speed control. It doesn’t take much pressure to generate a high speed.
Customers recommend placing your foot entirely on the pedal to maintain control. And they report you get used to the sensitivity after some practice.
Is the Presser Foot flexible to use?
Yes, in two ways.
First, raise the foot to handle thicker or multi-layered fabrics. Or left in the usual position for other materials.
Second, the presser foot pressure comes pre-set. So, you don’t have to adjust for varying fabric weight (thin or thick). This is ideal for the beginner sewer. It’s one thing less you have to know when you’ve got so much to remember.
But if need be, the more advanced sewer can adjust the pressure. Even this is simple. Use a coin to turn the presser adjusting screw.
Is the thread tension adjustable?
Yes, you can adjust the thread tension to get the best stitch quality for your fabric. This means you’re in full control of the upper thread tension.
You don’t need to worry about adjusting the lower thread tension as that is set correctly at the factory.
How many feet choices do you get?
The Singer 4423 sewing machine comes standard with four types:
1. All Purpose
2. Zipper Foot
3. Buttonhole Foot
4. Button Sewing Foot
This means an immediate start on all the usual tasks. Making perfect buttonholes is simple. It only takes one automatic step. If it’s your first time, follow the advice in the manual and practice on a sample of your fabric.
If your sewing covers more than the typical tasks you can choose to buy nine other feet:
1. Satin stitch
2. Overcasting
3. Hemmer
4. Cording
5. Blind Hem
6. Quilting / Straight Stitch
7. Gathering
8. Darning / Embroidery
9. Even Feed
These feet choices afford you an incredible number of possibilities.
And to change from one foot to another is quick. They snap on and snap off.
Is it portable yet takes the knocks?
Do you ever change where you sew in the house? You have nothing to worry about.
You would think that made of metal and marketed as heavy-duty you’d be lugging around a deadweight. But not so. At 14.5 pounds it is easy to carry. Carrying it short distances around your home is a breeze.
What if you’re the seamstress and do running repairs at the ballet school? The plastic cover that comes with the unit keeps the dust off when not in use. But it’s no good when you move it in the car.
If it’s in the car a lot, buy a universal carrying case. It’s sturdy so rides any bumps. The smooth contoured handle makes it comfortable to carry. And the safety-lock metal latches. They prevent it bursting open and dropping the machine on the concrete.
The internal metal skeleton is better at handling rough treatment than those made of plastic. Less wear and tear means the 4423 lasts longer and spends less time in the repair shop. It’ll always be available to use when you need it.
Is it Noisy?
All sewing machines make a noise. Right? Especially, if it’s heavy duty. You’ll be pleased to know we didn’t find many customers complaining about it.
Is the light bright enough?
The inbuilt LED provides all the light you need for detailed work. You don’t need to turn on the room light if you don’t want to.
Is it programmable? Or automated?
The Singer sewing machine 4423 is a manual machine. You don’t have to worry about complicated computerized features. It would be useful though to have these controls automated:
● Needle stop position.
● Auto thread trimming.
To get these features, you should consider an Advanced or Professional classified model.
How well made is it? Is it heavy duty?
It is marketed as a heavy duty model.
The metal structures support this marketing claim. The internal frame is metal and not plastic. The bed plate is of stainless-steel. The mechanisms operate in perfect alignment because of the rigid supports.
The heavier metal components keep the machine stable on your table. It’ll stay in the one spot as you sew. And won’t skip on sturdy fabrics. The stainless-steel bed plate is smooth. It makes for a trouble-free feeding of the material to match the fast speed.
Singer claims the motor is 60% stronger than standard machines. So, sewing of heavier weighted fabrics is easier. But no rating is available to compare with competitors to back the claim.
There are reviews suggesting durability is not what it should be for a model marketed as heavy duty. After some weeks of use, customers said their machine died, and they couldn’t get it to work again.
And some people reported receiving units that only lasted days. In contrast, there are many reviews detailing hassle free and continuing use.
What are the downsides?
● This is the intermediate model in the Singer range. It doesn’t have the extra stretch or decorative stitches as you would get with the larger model. You’ll have to pay extra cash for those stitches.
● The defective warranty is only 90 days. Ensure you give it a good workout first up, so you know your model is good for the long term.
● The machine is manual, so there is no automatic stop when making a buttonhole. Knowing this, you need to take a little more care and avoid balling up the thread at the end.
What are the Pros?
● It delivers quality stitches for many different fabrics, from thin to heavy duty.
● It is easy to use both for a beginner and the experienced sewists.
● It saves time with it’s extra-high-speed 1,100 stitches per minute and other time-saving features.
Where can you buy the Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine?
The 4423 may be available at your local sewing specialty shop. Or save a trip and purchase through Amazon.
What’s the warranty like?
The warranty is not straightforward. There are different limited warranties:
- Sewing Machine Head - 25 years
- Wiring, Motors, Stitches, Speed Control, Light Assembly and Electronic Components - 2 years
- Adjustments, Bulbs, Belts, Attachments, Rings, - 90 days
The Head warranty has the typical provision: no replacements for wear and tear. But be aware of the finer print.
What happens if there is a manufacturing defect? You only have 90 days from the date of purchase to qualify for free parts and labor. After that period, you pay labor costs.
Remember to keep the warranty document. Service requires returning the unit with the warranty and the proof of purchase. Return shipping costs are not mentioned. It’s safe to assume you’ll have to pay.
Thinking of buying a Singer 4423 secondhand? The original warranty does not apply. It is not transferable. So, it’s better to buy an original unless you’re paying an absolute bargain price.
Does it have a manual?
Yes, there is a manual. But for an instant start, the Quick Start Guide has diagrams showing you:
- How to prepare the machine and the bobbin thread
- How to thread the top thread
For a more leisurely start, the manual has a thorough run-through of all its capabilities.
1. Machine Basics
In this section, two diagrams show the front and back views. Numbers reference a legend that names all the controls and parts. You are left in no doubt about where everything is.
It shows how to connect, how to use the pressure foot lifter and adjust presser foot pressure.
And so you can check when you receive it, there is a list of the accessories supplied. Also, it notes the optional accessories. Apart from the twin needle, there are nine specialty feet you can buy from an authorized retailer.
2. Threading the Machine
Here you’ll learn about the bobbin, threading, and thread tension.
3. Sewing
This is where the “rubber hits the road” or is it “the thread makes its mark.” You’ll discover:
● How to choose your pattern, including the stretch stitch patterns
● How to use the needle position dial
● How to set up the stitch dials
● How to sew straight stitches, hems, buttonholes, and buttons
4. General Information
Included under this heading are instructions on installing the removable extension table. It also explains attaching the presser foot shank and how to drop the feed dog.
And to ensure your success is the Needle /Fabric / Thread Chart. It matches needle sizes to fabrics and threads. And explains what needle is best for what fabric.
5. Maintenance and Troubleshooting
Included here are instructions on changing needles and changing the bulb.
The last and important inclusion is the simple, well laid out, one-page Troubleshooting Guide. It lists likely problems, their possible causes and the corrective action to take.
And the verdict?
The Singer 4423 is a value for money machine. It produces many different stitches for the beginner or experienced sewists. It is easy to use and saves time on all sorts of fabric, thin and heavy duty.
Singer 4423 heavy duty extra-high sewing speed sewing machine doesn’t have all the stitches of a top of the range model or the automatic features of a computerized machine. But you’ll stand proudly with the sewing results you get.
PROS
- Speed
- Easy to setup and use
- Internal metal body
- Automatic threader
- 1 step buttonhole
CONS
- No handy computerized functions
- Touchy foot pedal
