63.0 The Singer Brilliance (model 6199) is one of the least popular sewing machines we have investigated. Consumer ratings are, on average, rather poor and there are quite a few complaints regarding needle breakage, jamming, thread birdnesting, tension difficulties, etc. Some owners do like this machine but there are a sufficient number of folks highlighting issues to make one wary.
Having looked at a large number of machines from Janome, Brother, Singer and Juki we feel we would be remiss if we didn't highlight that consumer ratings for Singer units are - on average - lower than for the other brands. At least this has been our experience to date. Why is this the case, especially for such a tried and trusted name? Well, we couldn't say for sure but perhaps it's related to the place of manufacture, or quality control, or maybe a combination of reasons.
Consumer Ratings
Consumer ratings found online for the Brilliance are shown in the following table. These, when averaged, generate a score of 63 out of a possible 100. This is a low score and you can compare it to the score of other sewing machines on our site in our overall sewing machine ratings table.
| Source | #Consumer Ratings | #Ratings |
| Amazon | 2.9 stars out of 5 | 22 |
| Costco | 3 stars out of 5 | 3 |
| Walmart | 3.5 stars out of 5 | 17 |
Compared to some of the other more highly rated Singers, shown below, the 6199 score is indeed quite low.
Singer Stylist 7258: score = 93.1
Singer Fashion Mate 7256: score = 91.2
Singer ONE: score = 94.6
Note: There is another popular model of "Brilliance" sewing machine and that is the 6180. This unit has 80 stitches as compared to the 100 found on the 6199. We haven't reported on the 6180 but during the course of putting together this article we did notice that it garners similar comments regarding poor performance.
Consumer Insights
A review of owner comments provides the following common pros and cons:
PROS
- large number of stitches
- machine is not too heavy
CONS
- poorly lit sewing area
- foot controller is overly sensitive
- problems with the bobbin and jamming
- other problems sometimes lead to needle breakage
- bobbin access isn't easy
- getting the tension right can be difficult
- loud operation
- stitches are not always consistent
- automatic needle threader isn't easy to use.
There are many comments about the bobbin thread birdnesting and other bobbin related issues. This is the number one complaint and is the driving force behind many of the low scores. However we have run across an interesting comment from an owner who feels they may have a potential solution for many of these problems - you can check it out here.
Also, if you need help threading the machine the following video may prove useful.
Our investigation indicates that this is a temperamental machine and many consumers have difficulties with it. However some folks do seem to be able to get it to work and these owners give it good grades. These individuals report few bobbin issues and they appear to have no difficulties with the automatic needle threader or the foot controller. They also often write that one simply has to read the manual carefully and get used to the machine. But, as we have pointed out above, these comments are not in the majority.
You can read more customer reviews on Amazon here if you wish.
Key Sewing Machine Features
- 100 stitches (9 basic, 76 decorative, 8 stretch, 6 one-step buttonholes, 1 endless buttonhole)
- stitch selection via push button
- adjustable stitch width and length
- free arm
- 7 segment feed dogs with box spring
- extension table
- maximum sewing speed of 750 stitches per minute
- snap-on presser feet
- extra high presser foot lift
- automatic presser foot pressure adjustment
- LCD screen
- automatic needle threader
- variable needle positions
- reverse button
- thread tension control
- class 15 metal bobbins
- auto bobbin winding clutch
- dust cover (hard cover)
The Brilliance weighs about 15 lbs and several consumers report that it is light enough to be easily transportable. It also comes with a hard cover, but it is just that - a cover. It has no bottom so this is not a "case" you can carry your sewing machine in.
An introduction DVD and instruction manual are also provided as well as a number of accessories (as with most sewing machines today). These accessories include: 8 feet (all-purpose, zipper, invisible zipper, buttonhole, button sewing, blind hem, overcasting, roller), needles, bobbins, spool cap, spool pin, felt, seam ripper, screwdriver, and a darning plate. The accessories all store conveniently in the extension table.
The Singer Brilliance carries a 25 year warranty. This breaks down into 25 years on the sewing machine head, 5-years on electronics, and 1-year on adjustments and belts, bulbs, rings and attachments.
Sewing Machine Manual
The manual is provided in English, Spanish and French. It covers areas such as getting to know your machine (walks through all the features), starting to sew (nostly discusses working with all the stitch types), and caring for the machine. You can see a copy of the manual here: Singer Brilliance 6199 Manual
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.