82.5 The Singer 2259 is a lightweight, compact sewing machine that is designed for beginners or for small around-the-home projects. It is also very basic and easy-to-use. However, some owners experience problems. Issues with thread tension and getting used to the side loading bobbin have been reported. In addition, customer support from Singer can be a bit spotty.
Consumer Ratings
Most consumer reviews we found were from a single source but there are still a fairly large number (281) – see table below. When averaged these generate a score of 82.5 out of 100. While the figure looks good, when compared to scores for other sewing machines on our site the figure is fairly average, although we should keep in mind that this is an inexpensive machine – generally around $100.
| Source | Consumer Ratings | #Ratings |
| Amazon | 4.1 stars out of 5 | 265 |
| Sainsbury's | 4.5 stars out of 5 | 16 |
Consumer Insights
A thorough review of owner comments provides the following insights into what owners like and dislike about the 2259.
PROS
- Easy to thread
- Lightweight & compact
- Simple and easy to use
- Inexpensive
- Quiet
CONS
- Poor manual
- Foot controller can be too sensitive
This is a very basic sewing machine. It is uncomplicated and easy to use. It has several stitch options and the main ones – straight stitch and zig-zag – work well. A number of owners report that the machine is great for hemming and for other basic sewing jobs.
Given its simplicity, the 2259 is well suited for beginners/youngsters trying to get started at sewing. It is also a good choice as a backup or even as a machine to take to classes (because it is compact, lightweight and easily portable). In addition, the 2259 is fairly quiet.
However, some owners struggle with the side-loading bobbin and there are issues with thread tension and tangling. We have noticed that some folks get a machine with little-to-no problems while others run into a host of issues including the following:
- Out of synch timing
- Instructional DVD missing from box
- Machine only sews backwards
- Sewing light goes out shortly after purchase (non-replaceable)
- Setup directions not easy to understand
- Contacting Singer support is difficult with long phone waits or no answer
- Cost of some repairs may even exceed the cost of the machine itself
Sometimes things just seem to inexplicably break on the 2259 Tradition. One day all is fine the next day something has gone wrong. Ultimately you may get lucky – as many owners have – but you may also run into issues. It is a good starter machine – if everything works.
Having highlighted the above issues, we should point out that the owners with a good experience appear to outweigh the owners with a bad experience given the unit’s score of 82.5. If many, many folks had problems we would see a lower score.
You can read more customer reviews on Amazon if you wish.
Following is a good video on getting started with the Singer 2259:
Key Specifications
- Adjustable stitch length
- Adjustable zigzag width
- Center zigzag taper
- Stitch selector dial
- 19 built-in stitches (6 basic, 7 decorative, 5 stretch, 1 automatic buttonhole)
- 1 automatic four-step buttonhole
- Adjustable tension
- Snap-on presser feet
- Extra high presser foot lift
- Automatic presser foot pressure
- Automatic bobbin winder
- Multiple needle positions
- Twin needle capable
- Automatic reverse lever
- Free arm
- Built in carry handle
Singer Tradition Stitch Patterns
There are a number of consumers asking if this machine can be used in Europe. This is a 110 Volt machine so without a transformer it won’t work on 220 Volts. It is best suited for the USA and Canada.
The 2259 does not come with a case but there is a dust cover and on-board storage for the accessories which include: 4 presser feet (general purpose foot, buttonhole foot, button sewing foot, zipper foot), seam ripper/brush, oil bottle, needles, bobbins, spool cap holders, screwdriver, seam guide, darning plate, foot pedal, power cord, instruction manual, and a machine introduction DVD.
The 2259 Tradition has a metal frame but is still fairly lightweight at about 13 lbs. It is also advertized as carrying a 25 year limited warranty which actually provides the following coverage:
- 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
POST YOUR COMMENTS
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.