83.3 If you are in the market for a basic sewing machine with a few good bells & whistles, then the Singer 7470 Confidence sewing machine may be worth a look. The "Confidence", as it is called, is popular with experienced sewers and beginners alike. It has all of the basic necessary functions, and then some. [REF Singer Sewing Machine Ratings]
First of all, the "Confidence" is not your grandmother's sewing machine. It has an LCD screen that allows you to choose from over 173 stitches with the push of a button. There is no need to squint and lick the end of the thread over and over when you need to re-thread the needle either. The built-in needle has a special feature that basically threads itself, also known as the autothreader.
Drop and Sew
One feature that made this machine very popular when it hit the market was the 'Drop and Sew' bobbin system. If you have used a sewing machine before, then you know how time consuming it is to have to stop and refill the bobbin and re-thread it back into the machine. With this new system, there is no need to do that. It places the thread from the bobbin where it needs to go.
Advanced Settings
The main reason why the Singer 7470 Confidence sewing machine is popular with a wide range of sewers (especially experienced sewers) is due to the fact that it has quite a few advanced features and settings. For example, included in the 173 built-in stitches is a "hand-look quilt stitch" that gives the appearance that the stitch was done by hand. There is also a "block-style alphabet" that includes symbols, numbers, and all upper and lower case letters from the alphabet. An added benefit of the built-in stitches is that you can stretch or reverse the stitch variations. This can make for some very interesting embellishments and designs on fabric.
An extra stitch feature that consumers seem to like is the one-step button hole stitch, meaning that you no longer have to stitch buttons by hand. There is also a "twin needle mode" that will alert you of an unsafe stitch setting when sewing with a twin needle. To make the machine even more advanced, Singer has incorporated 13 needle positions to help make sewing easier.
If you are a creature of habit, or if you are simply a novice who likes to keep their sewing simple, then there are six "frequent-use" buttons that you can program for your favorite stitches. This will make the sewing time go by much quicker and get the job done faster. There is also a temporary memory setting that will save up to 20 patterns.
Other Characteristics
According to Singer, the Confidence sewing machine weighs approximately 26.5 pounds and measures 17.2 x 8 x 12.5 inches. Included with the machine is a 25 year limited warranty. On the outside of the machine is an LED light to illuminate the working area, and a "free arm" that has a large storage space for any sewing necessities. An assortment of accessories come with the machine, including extra needles, a screwdriver, 5 snap-on presser feet, an auxiliary spool pin, bobbins, and a dust cover.
Consumer Opinions
The consumer opinions about the Singer 7470 Confidence sewing machine are mixed. As far as ease of access and novice use, this is the perfect machine. It is also great for those who do a lot of detailing on their projects. One area of contention is the weight of the machine - 26.5 pounds. For some users, they appreciate the weight of the machine because it keeps it from bouncing everywhere when sewing. However, others have stated that it is too heavy to carry around.
Consumer ratings of the Singer 7470 Confidence are not easy to find but there are a few sources that provide them. On average the 7470 gets fairly good ratings as can be seen below:
| Source | Consumer Ratings | #Ratings |
| Amazon | 4.3 stars out of 5 | 35 |
| Overstock | 4.4 stars out of 5 | 5 |
| Tesco | 4 stars out of 5 | 5 |
| Epinions | 2.5 stars out of 5 | 3 |
The following is a list of Singer Confidence pros and cons as stated by consumers who have used the machine:
PROS
· Drop and sew bobbin system
· Stitches are easy to select
· Numerous embellishment choices
· Auto-tension mechanism
· Very quiet and sturdy
· Detailed instruction manual
· Easily handles most thick and thin fabrics
· See-through bobbin plate
CONS
· Auto-threader can be difficult to use
· Machine is not lightweight and can be heavy to carry around
· Backstitch (reverse) button has to be continually pressed while guiding fabric
· The embroidery stitches are small
· The LED work light does not provide much light
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Hello! My name is Alison and I started Sewing Machine Ratings over 10 years ago. Since then I’ve reviewed scores of sewing machines. Sewing has been a hobby for me since I was a young and I love to make my own clothing.