Singer S44 Sewing Machine Review

Product Review: The Singer S44 – Is This Workhorse Worth It?

Let’s get one thing straight, I’m not out here trying to become the next Project Runway champion. I’m a realist with a creative itch and a need for a machine that doesn’t jam, smoke, or give me attitude halfway through a bobbin refill. Enter, the Singer S44 — also dubbed the “Heavy Duty Classic.” Sounds promising, right? Like it could sew through leather, denim, and maybe even my unresolved emotional baggage?

Let’s break it down.

Right out of the box, this machine looks like it means business. Matte gray finish, solid build, not a lot of bells and whistles — which I actually appreciate. It’s giving “old-school reliability with modern edge.” Setup was simple — manual is clear (thank God), and threading was shockingly not a scavenger hunt. The official Singer company even has an official YouTube channel, with a tutorial of this model.

Okay, now for the meat and potatoes.

Speed: The S44 runs at 1,100 stitches per minute — and you feel it. It’s got power. Not that slow, dainty hum. It’s more like, “Clear the table, I’m working here.”

Power: The motor is no joke. I tested it on:

• Cotton – like butter.
• Denim – like slicing a bagel.
• Canvas & fleece – no skipped stitches, no snarls, no hissy fits.

Stitch Quality: Surprisingly clean for a heavy-duty model. It includes 23 built-in stitches, which is generous without being overwhelming. Presser Foot Pressure: Adjustable. THANK YOU. If you sew anything more complex than a pillowcase, this matters.

Sturdy AF. Doesn’t shake like a chihuahua in a thunderstorm when sewing thick fabrics. Simple stitch dial. I don’t need a touchscreen and a bachelor’s degree to switch from zigzag to straight. Drop-in bobbin. So much easier than front-loading ones. You can actually see if you’re running out.

What Could Be Better?

The automatic needle threader. You’d think by now this would be improved. It’s not the end of the world, but I did squint like a 90s librarian trying to get that thread through.

Lighting: It’s okay, not great. Might want to add a separate sewing lamp if you’re working late-night on some revenge-crafting.

Final Verdict: Buy or Bye?

For under $200, this machine delivers. If you want something that can handle real work — curtains, quilts, Halloween costumes, denim repairs, even small upholstery projects — the Singer S44 is a solid, no-drama investment. It’s not fancy, but it doesn’t need to be. It does what it says on the tin: heavy-duty sewing without the diva behavior.

Would I recommend it?

Absolutely. Especially if you’re a beginner who wants to level up or a seasoned DIY-er tired of “lightweight” machines that crap out on the second layer of canvas.