85.3 This is a fairly inexpensive sewing machine from Singer ($110-$130). It is very easy to setup and operate and is a good fit for the beginner or perhaps someone who does occasional sewing. It is probably not the right machine for an experienced seamstress or someone looking to tackle larger sewing projects. It has a steel frame and is quite sturdy, and it also sews smoothly. However the needle threader is tricky to sort out and the machine will struggle with thicker materials. There are also reports of folks not getting a sewing machine manual and having difficulty with Singer customer service.
Consumer Ratings
Owner ratings for the 3333 are not easy to come by but we were still able to find 58 (see table below). When a weighted average was applied to these a score of 85.3 was generated. This is a respectable figure. You can compare it to the scores/ratings of other sewing machines we have reviewed in our overall list of sewing machine ratings.
| Source | Consumer Rating | #Ratings |
| Amazon | 4.3 stars out of 5 | 53 |
| Kmart | 3.5 stars out of 5 | 3 |
| Joann | 4.5 stars out of 5 | 2 |
If your heart is set on a Singer you may also want to check out our list of high scoring Singer machines that are widely available:
| Model | Avg Consumer Rating |
| Singer Stylist 7258 sewing machine | 93.1 |
| Singer Heavy Duty 4452 sewing machine | 88.6 |
| Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist sewing machine | 88.4 |
| Singer 1304 Start sewing machine | 86.4 |
| Singer Fashion Mate 3333 sewing machine | 85.3 |
What Are Consumers Saying About the 3333?
After detailed reviewing of consumer comments from respected online sources, the following Fashion Mate 3333 likes and dislikes were determined:
PROS
- Reasonably priced for what you get
- Extremely simple to operate
- A good fit for beginners or occasional sewists
- Feels sturdy
- Sews smoothly
- Not too loud
- LED lights are fairly bright
CONS
- Sometimes struggles sewing through thicker materials
- Foot pedal is made with thin plastic
- Automatic needle threader can be a little confusing
- Quite a few folks do not get a manual in the box
There are several comments alluding to the 3333 being good bang for your buck. Many owners feel that the machine is a great price for what you get. It also has few controls and is very easy to operate, making it a good machine for beginning sewists.
Owners are pleased with how smoothly the unit sews and that it has a sturdy feel. Many also use the online videos and find them very helpful – they are quite well put together and detailed. You can find the Fashion Mate 3333 owner’s instructional videos developed by Singer on YouTube here.
The LED lights on the 3333 provide good illumination of the sewing area. Poor lighting is something we see all too often and it is nice to see decent lighting on a machine at this price point.
One of the stranger things about this sewing machine is that so many people do not get a manual in the box, and if they do get a manual it is often Spanish and not English (which is fine if you speak Spanish but not so great if you don’t). In these cases folks have resorted to contacting Singer customer service and requesting a manual. In the past we’ve read about people having lots of issues with Singer customer service and unfortunately it is the same in this case. People often have long wait times or are given confusing answers. You can email them at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and try your luck if you wish. We also have a downloadable Fashion Mate 3333 manual in PDF format at the bottom of this review (you can view this or print it out). It is in English, Spanish and French.
There are some complaints that the foot pedal is a little flimsy (made with thin plastic) and that the sewing machine will struggle to sew through some thicker materials. Also, while the automatic needle threader works, quite a few owners report that it is confusing (but once you figure it out it becomes easier).
Finally, there are some instances of thread jamming and a few owners have found that certain features will just stop working or will break. These people often return the machine. This doesn’t happen too frequently but there are enough instances that it should be noted.
You can read more owner comments on Amazon.
Key Specifications
- 23 stitch patterns (basic, stretch, decorative)
- 4-step buttonhole
- Stitches are selected via a dial
- Adjustable stitch length
- Top drop-in bobbin with a clear cover
- Built-in needle threader
- Reverse lever for reverse stitching
- LED light for illuminating sewing area
- Free arm
- Thread cutter
- On-board storage compartment
- Sewing speed of about 350-400 stitches per minute (less for stretch stitches)
Warranty
The Singer Fashion Mate 3333 is manufactured in Vietnam and it carries a 25 year limited warranty. We’ve highlighted the details of the warranty in many of our Singer reviews but it is fairly important that people know exactly what the reported 25-year warranty means, so we will reiterate it here:
- Sewing machine head: 25 years
- Motors, light assembly, stitches, wiring, speed control and electronic components: 2 years
- Belts, rings, bulbs, attachments and adjustments: 90 days
Voltage
It should also be noted that this is a 110 volt machine so it is designed for use in the USA and Canada. It will not work in most countries in Europe or Asia or in any countries that use 220 volts (at least not without a transformer).
Accessories
Several accessories come with the 3333 including four presser feet: an all-purpose foot, a buttonhole foot, a button sewing foot and a zipper foot. You will also find a pack of needles, bobbins, a darning plate, a thread spool cap, an auxiliary spool pin, an edge guide, and a seam ripper & lint brush.
Weight
The Singer Fashion Mate 3333 weighs 16.3 lbs. This is not too heavy but it really isn’t a lightweight sewing machine either (it has a steel frame as shown in the image below). If you are looking for something more lightweight you may want to see our list of highly rated portable sewing machines (most are under 12 lbs).
Sewing Machine Manual
The manual has enough detail to get you up and running. Instructions are legible and the images are easy to follow. We have seen more detailed manuals but then this is a reasonably straightforward and simple machine. The manual includes an introduction to the sewing machine, information on setting up the machine, and info on basic sewing operations. There are also helpful tips on troubleshooting and maintenance. You can view it here: Singer Fashion Mate 3333 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.