Editorial Review:

Item Description:
A fully featured, electronic sewing machine with all the features you would expect PLUS an embroidery unit that is powered by your PC to allow you to use your imagination to create just about anything.

Amazon.com Review:
When Isaac Singer invented his first sewing machine in 1850, little did he foresee the range of home machines available today. An embroiderer’s dream, the electronic Singer Futura employs the user’s personal computer to transmit dozens of embroidery designs from the internet, a CD, or a floppy disk onto a range of fabrics. A step-by-step tutorial gets the user started, and additional online customer support is also available.

Personal computer requirements for the Futura are as follows: Windows operating system 98, NT, 2000, ME, or XP; 64 MB RAM; CD-ROM drive; at least 500 MB (more is recommended) of available hard disk space; color standard VGA adapter; and a Microsoft compatible mouse. The machine features 80 stitch functions, a built-in needle threader, two styles of one-step buttonholes, programmable up/down needle for precision pivoting at corners and curves, drop-feed for freehand stippling and button sewing, and extra piercing power for heavyweight fabrics. The keypad on the front of the machine allows easy one-touch pattern selection and mirror-imaging of designs. Included with the Futura are two embroidery hoops: large (4-1/2 by 6-3/4 inches) and small (3-1/8 by 4-3/4 inches); and a bonus embroidery package featuring 60 built-in designs, including 2 fonts, plus another 60 bonus designs. Singer covers the sewing machine with a limited 25-year warranty. --Ann Bieri

From the Manufacturer

Singer is taking an innovative leap in sewing technology with the Futura sewing and embroidery machine. It is the first sewing and embroidery machine that uses a personal computer to power the embroidery features. Futura offers the best features of electronic sewing machines and embroidery machines at a fraction of the cost. Traditionally, higher priced sewing and embroidery machines have the embroidery software built in. The Futura’s embroidery features are powered by software installed on a personal computer (PC), which greatly reduces the cost.

Compared to other sewing and embroidery machines with similar features, the Future is a tremendous value, offering great features for significantly less money. It’s extremely user-friendly and the design options are limitless. It can all be done with the simple click of a mouse. The electronic sewing machine features 80 stitch functions. Other features include one-touch pattern selection and a built in needle threader. It also has two styles of one-step buttonholes to create the perfect buttonhole each time.

Getting Started is Easier than Ever

Futura can work alone as an electronic sewing machine but easily transforms into an embroidery machine via a USB cable connection to a PC. The software included is Windows compatible for versions 98 and up. The package includes a tutorial and singer also provides a consumer support website. This includes everything you will need to take you through your embroidery project. Even if you have never embroidered, no problem. The built-in 'How-To' tutorial is like having an instructor right there with you.

Click on what you need in the How To and step-by-step information appears.	The tutorial includes illustrations, clear color photos, and written instructions.

The software includes 60 built-in designs plus another 60 bonus designs on a CD. There are two styles of included fonts to cover your lettering needs. Another unique feature of the Futura is the ability to use embroidery designs available on hundreds of internet sites or from embroidery design collections on CD or floppy disk. The Futura can use all popular home and commercial embroidery formats. You can download designs off the Internet, or you can use designs off a CD or floppy disk collection. Also, the Singer Sewing Company offers free monthly designs on their website, www.singerco.com. Once you select a design, you can easily display the number of colors in the design and the sequence in which they will stitch out. You can also change a color if you want.

The Futura is compatible with all embroidery formats.	The Futura displays the number of colors and the stitching sequence.

Before stitching out the design, you may want to view what it looks like with actual stitches. This is made possible with a 'click' of your mouse on view and then on realistic view. Because the computer operates the embroidery unit of the machine, all that is required to send a design to the machine is a 'click' on file and then a simple 'click' on 'Transmit to Futura machine.' It’s that easy. In addition, the Futura software includes a listing of all the most popular embroidery thread companies. Simply 'click' on the manufacturer of your choice. To change your color, 'click' on 'List Color'. The Futura includes each manufacturers color chart; making it easy for you to choose the precise color you want. You can then visit your favorite sewing supply store and ask for the thread by color number.

The Futura lists the most popular thread companies.	Included manufacturer color charts make it easy to pick the colors.

Embroidery Hardware

The embroidery hardware includes a large (4-1/2 by 6-3/4 inch) and small (3-1/8 by 4-3/4 inch) hoop, which is ideal for design placement and hard-to-reach areas of garments. Other included accessories are a darning and embroidery foot, 3 bobbins, embroidery thread , spool covers, small trimming scissors, embroidery connector cap, handy vinyl accessory storage bag. Futura can handle all of the practical and creative needs of the sewer or crafter at any skill level. It is an example of singer’s dedication to bringing innovative products to consumers at an affordable price.

Representing the latest in innovative embroidery technology, the new Futura joins a family of sewing machines, accessories and notions that have made Singer one of the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of consumer sewing machines and a name that stands for quality. The Futura--innovation, value, and creativity in one package.

Electronic Sewing Machine Features

• 22 built-in stitches, 80 stitch functions for clothing construction, decorative, quilting, heirloom and home décor sewing
• Built-in needle threader threads the needle in one easy step
• Programmable needle up/needle down for precision pivoting at corners and curves
• Optimum power control provides extra piercing power when sewing heavyweight fabrics
• One-touch pattern selection. Select a stitch with one touch of your finger. You can mirror a variety of stitches, too.
• Two styles of one-step buttonholes
• Top drop-in bobbin with see-through cover let’s you monitor thread supply at a glance and replace empty bobbin
• Drop feed for free hand embroidery, monogramming, and stippling

Embroidery Features

• Windows 98 and up compatible
• Bonus embroidery package includes 60 built-in designs plus 60 'bonus' designs
• Large (4-1/2 by 6-3/4 inch) and small (3-1/8 by 4-3/4 inch) hoops
• Step-by-step tutorial to help you get started
• Consumer support web site--help is always available online
• Embroider your choice of designs. Most popular formats accepted.
• Download designs from the Internet or work from a collection on CD or floppy disk
• Transmit designs directly to the machine

Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours

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Rating: - * this machine is a nightmare. i recieved mine about a year ago and it has been in the shop several times each to the tune of $100 or more. everything has gone out on it, the warranty is a joke. i still have not completed an entire design without it churping at me that the design transmission has been interrupted and cannot resume. go with the brother brand. afforable and reliable. Rating: - * This is the 3rd Singer machine that has been nothing but an expensive nightmare. The first Singer sewing machine never once sewed a seam, the dealer made one excuse after another. So I paid someone else to investigate the problem and he found coke caps, chewed off fingernails and assorted other trash in the motor compartment of the machine.I took it back and bought a Janhome and I will never regret it. Machine #2 was a serger. No matter what, it would not stay threaded, or the thread would tangle in masses at the lower looper. This went on for weeks, again it was brand spanking new and had demonstrated beautifully in the store. I returned it and bought a Janhome and didn't regret that either. Then after being Singer-Burned twice, like an idiot I bought this Singer embroidery machine. Again, problem after problem after problem, from thread not running smoothly both top and bobbin, to softwear miscommunication, to it just ceasing to sew for no reason out of the blue. I returned it, I bought a Janhome that was reduced in price as it had been used in classes in a fabric store and it does a flawless job every single time I turn it on. My friend returned her Futura and bought a Brother product that she is happy with. Singer needs to catch a clue about what they are letting slip by quality control. Far too many machines are getting sold that should never have left the factory. I vow to all things holy I will never purchase another Singer product, and I will be ever so grateful for my Janhome machines that never let me down, never cause me a moment's frustration or buyer's regret. Rating: - * This machine sucks..big time. I should've read some of these reveiws before I bought it.I've owned it for almost 18 months and have had problems with it but for maybe 6 months. The bobbin case is very defective...there is a replacement part that I was never notified about when I bought it brand new. I spent money in 3 bobbin holders before I was told to buy the replacement part that was impossible to replace on my own since the screw was too tight. I was told by Singer reps to buy expensive Silky thread and bobbins. This machine was shipped back to the warranty center and they jipped me...it came back just as broken as I sent it. Now they're issuing me an second extended warranty letter to send it to another warranty center. I oretty much am going to get another machine. I make embroidered tops for the Summer and this has cost me alot of sales cause I can't make anything embroidered. Invest in a more expensive machine. This is an over-priced sewing machine. Rating: - * I bought this machine two years ago. At the time, it was $800 (no, I didn't buy it from Amazon). I have never been able to use the embroidery feature. Set-up is VERY involved. Once set up, I was unable to figure out how to download the design into the machine, so that feature is a bust. As far as sewing, I like the one step buttonhole foot. I DON'T like that the needle down feature has to be tapped every time you stop the machine, so that feature is a bust. The zig-zag feature is not adjustable. I am forced to sew with a wide zig-zag. I use the machine for general sewing, but I really don't like it. Rating: - * The main difference between all the folks who had problems with this machine and the 3000+ folks that belong to the futuraembroidery group on Yahoo is joining that group. I knew nothing about embroidery but when I saw the price of the Singer Futura I thought that I would try it. I had done hand embroidery and machine sewing but machine embroidery is a totally different skill. Add the challenge of installing and running the software and you definitely need some hand holding. The futuraembroidery group was exactly what I needed to help get me started and now I am confident that I can embroider just about anything. Buy a Futura, find that group and I guarantee you'll be embroidering all your Christmas gifts in no time.