83.2 The Singer M1000 sewing machine is a very affordable unit that is advertised by Singer as a “mending machine” (according to Singer the M1000 is designed predominantly for basic mending and repairs). It does not have many features and it is not powerful. This is not a machine you can use for large projects or that deals well with heavy fabrics. However, it does have a place as a lightweight, portable, easy-to-use sewing machine that is best for quick mending and small, simple projects.
Consumer Ratings
Owner ratings from quality online retailers were gathered and they can be seen in the table below. A total of 266 owner ratings were found and a weighted average was applied, resulting in an overall score of 83.2 out of 100 for the M1000. This is an average score when compared to other Singer machines on our site. You can also compare it to the score of ALL other sewing machines in our Sewing Machine Ratings table.
| Source | Consumer Rating | # Ratings |
| Amazon | 4.1 stars out of 5 | 109 |
| Walmart | 4.1 stars out of 5 | 102 |
| Canadian Tire | 4.4 stars out of 5 | 55 |
During our ratings investigation we found that many online owner ratings and comments were the result of paid promotions. Typically in these kinds of promotions owners receive a free machine in return for a written review and rating. The reviews are supposed to be unbiased and perhaps they are, but we have seen instances where paid promotion reviews provide higher ratings than non-paid promotion reviews. This is simply something to keep in mind when considering the score of this sewing machine.
Should you find that the M1000 doesn't meet your needs but you still like the Singer brand, then see the tip below:
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TIP - Better Singer Sewing Machines
If Singer is your brand of choice you may want to consider some of these higher scoring machines.
Singer sewing machines that did not score well and you might want to consider avoiding include:
- Singer QuickFix - Singer 6699 Starlet - SInger M3500
- Singer 2932 - Singer 6199 Brilliance - Singer 3116 Simple - Singer 5400 Sew Mate - Singer CG-590 - Singer C5200 |
PROS & CONS
Pros and cons for the Singer M1000 have been determined from an analysis of owner comments found at a host of popular online retail outlets.
PROS
- Very lightweight
- Compact and portable
- Affordable
- Creates a decent stitch
- Very easy to use
- Good for quick fixes
CONS
- Not a full size sewing machine
- Only for small, simple projects
- Will not sew through thick fabric
- Foot pedal is only ON/OFF
- Poor lighting
- Reports of thread and needle breakage
- Reports of bobbin jamming
- Lots of folks have difficulty threading needle
What Are Owners Saying?
Many owners comment on the extreme light weight of the M1000. It is actually one of the lightest sewing machines we have reviewed. The weight makes this unit very popular with people looking for a portable machine, with some saying they just toss it in a bag or suitcase when traveling (it does not come with a case). However this is not a full size sewing machine and while some like the light weight, others feel that the unit is too small and that it almost looks like a toy. The image below shows the Singer M1000 (left) beside the Singer M1500.
People also like that the M1000 makes a decent stitch and that it is very easy to use. This is a mechanical machine with dials and levers - there are few features to learn (when compared to many other sewing machines). Some say it is a good machine for beginners because it is very, very basic.
A number of owners report that their M1000 is great for quick mending jobs and small, simple projects. But there are complaints about certain features not working well or not working as expected. The foot pedal is one of these and it does not actually control sewing speed but is just on/off. This takes some people by surprise. Also, the needle stops wherever it wants – it does not automatically stop in the up or down position.
Another fairly common issue is the inability to select a particular stitch (it’s not designed this way – it is a problem). The stitch selection dial can sometimes be difficult to move and you therefore cannot change stitches. In addition, there are reports that the machine’s lighting flickers and sometimes does not work at all.
There are reports of issues such as the bobbin jamming, thread and needle breakage, difficulty threading the needle, and the inability to get the tension right.
The M1000 is indeed best for simple mending work and light projects and is not a replacement for a full size machine. But some folks seem to get it all working and are pleased with what it will do at such an affordable price.
You can read more Singer M1000 reviews on Amazon.
Key Specifications
- 32 stitch applications (see note at end of this section)
- 4 built-in stitches
- Top drop-in bobbin
- Free arm
- Manual controls
- Reverse lever
- Stitch selection dial
- Manual tension control
- Preset stitch length
- Preset stitch width
- Manual needle threader
- 3 needle positions
- 350 stitches per minute
- Extra high presser foot lifter
Note: Do not mistake “stitch applications” for “stitches”. See the Singer video below for an explanation of the two:
Stitches
Following are the four built-in M1000 stitches:
- Straight Stitch (different stitch lengths)
- Zigzag (narrow, medium, wide)
- Multi-step Zigzag
- Blindhem Stitch
Note that there are no buttonhole stitches.
STITCH CHART
For more information on stitches please see the manual (provided at the bottom of this review).
Other Features & Characteristics
The M1000 has a metal frame but it doesn’t add too much weight to the machine. The M1000 weighs in at a very lightweight 5.5 lbs. But please remember that this is not a full size machine so a part of the low weight is due to the small footprint.
Also, the machine has a free arm that you can access by simply sliding off the removable storage compartment.
Accessories
You don’t get many accessories with the M1000 but you do get some. In the box you will find an all-purpose presser foot, bobbins (class 15 transparent), a foot control, a power cord, a needle set, a screwdriver, and a needle threader. There is also a built-in removable storage compartment for the accessories.
Warranty
The Singer M1000 carries a manufacturer’s 25-year limited warranty. As with many sewing machines this warranty does not mean the entire machine is covered for 25-years. In this case it means the following:
- Limited 25-year warranty on the sewing machine head.
- Limited 2-year warranty on electric parts such as motors, lighting assembly, wiring, speed control, switches, and electronic components.
- Limited 90-day warranty on attachments, belts, bulbs, rings, and adjustments.
Sewing Machine Manual
The manual is English only. It does have plenty of good illustrations and is actually quite useful. It has four sections: Names of Parts, Getting Ready to Sew, Basic Sewing, and Care of Your Machine. You can see the manual here: Singer M1000 Sewing Machine 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.