Singer CE-100 Futura Sewing and Embroidery Machine – Customer Reviews
Takes a little effort, but you can't beat the price
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I have owned my Futura for a little over a year.I was interested in an embroidery machine with a larger field-- I own a brother PE-400D, which I love, but the embroidery field is small.
I am the type who likes to monogram towels, burp cloths, etc-- just for fun and as gifts.
I loved the idea of the Futura being powered by the computer rather than those expensive embroidery cards.I had bought several of them for my Brother, and they seemed way over-priced for what you get.
I also purchased the Hyperfont software so I can now use ANY true-type font on this machine. That is so fun!I can also download ANY embroidery design onto my machine.The Futura reads ALL formats.They have a ton of free designs out on their site, too.
As far as the machine operation itself-- I would agree that it can be a little tempermental at times. The tension has never seemed to register correctly and you have to experiment with it at times to find the right balance.The proper stablizers and thread are critical.
If you are computer savvy at all, I would say you can figure out just about anything on this machine yourself-- without the help of customer support.The DVD/CDs they include are really helpful.
For the price you just can't beat this machine-- I researched and researched before I bought.You will pay at least $1000 for the next step up for a machine with comparable sewing field and you won't be able to use your computer.Brother does have a step up machine for about $700 but you will still be tied to those cards.
This machine is DEFINITELY NOT for everyone.It takes patience and can make you mad at times.You need a good deal of common sense to be able to operate it.The high-end machines definitely work without the hassle, but you are also paying the price for them.
If you are like me, and just want to have the ability to embroider here and there for family and friends, then this might be a good buy for you.10/14/2005 12:00 AM | Rating:
PAY MORE FOR BETTER MACHINE
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When they say "You get what you pay for", they mean it. I have bought and used 2 different Singer machines in the past 35 years. My last one was 25 years old. I decided I'd like to try one with embroidery.As I had been very pleased with my previous Singers I bought this one, tried it for a couple weeks and I RETURNED IT!!!Singer used to make a very good machine.Not anymore.The bobbin didn't wind evenly, the stitches are uneven, the tension was way off and wouldn't hold thru a project.Also, the auto needle threader has a tendency to split the thread and it gets in your way.The light is on the wrong side and doesn't illuminate the sewing area.The needle area is very confined and small making it hard to manuvere your hands and fingers when changing needles, threading, etc.Now that's just the basic sewing experience. The embroidery was a chore to understand and set up and the stitching is not as nice as other machines.Save your money and buy a more expensive machine.I payed more and bought a Husqvarna and it's worth the price and beyond.
9/18/2005 12:00 AM | Rating:
Great Strarter Machine
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I wanted to get into machine embroidery to embroider on the quilts I make.This machine is the cats meow.I am able to embroider, and download tons of free designs off the internet (@ annthegran for one).Other machines that I looked at were on sale for half price $1399.I don't know about you but that was way out of my price range. Then you have to pay from $130-$150 for design cards that you get maybe 10 - 20 designs on, and if you want to be able to download off the internet $599 for a box that can do what this machine can when hooked up to any laptop or computer. The only thing I would recommend is that when you purchase this machine you purchase it from a dealer.Not to bad mouth amazon, I love amazon.But when you purchase this machine mail order Singer service centers will NOT honor the warranty.Also when you purchase this machine from a dealer you get unlimited lessons on your machine (not that you need it, if you know the first thing about computers and sewing machines this machine is a breeze to work), and deals on thread and stabalizers. Good luck with your choice.I hope this has helped.
9/10/2005 12:00 AM | Rating:
A great Learning Machine
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I have owned my Futura CE-100 for six months, and I adore it.It truly is a great machine, once I learned more about machine embroidery, like the importance of proper stabilizers and proper placements of designs.It is an awesome sewing machine too.I make clothing often and I couldn't ask for a better machine.
I gave the Futra CE-100 a 4 because it can be frustrating when learning, and the manuals (for machine and software) are lacking info.But the software is okay, you can resize, rotate, add lettering and it opens most every design format available. Design Browser lets you see designs when choosing.Play with the buttons and see what you can do. If you don't save, everything reverts to its orignal size and shape.Seriously consider this machine if you are just into embroidery for fun.9/10/2005 12:00 AM | Rating:
Embroidery in wrong place; Bobbin thread shows on top
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I was very excited about getting this machine...thought Singer was a good name.I have had good things and bad things come from this machine.One major problem was that my bobbin thread was showing on the TOP of the item being embroidered.I adjusted the tension of the bobbin thread to 0, but the back of my item looked nicer than the front.My dealer replaced my machine.My new machine did the same thing only when I used a certain type of thread "THE BOTTOM LINE" bobbin thread.I quit using that and so far so good.(I think it likes thicker thread in the bobbon, so now I just use the same thread in the bobbin as I do in the top).Now I am having a HORRIBLE problem...the machine is sewing the design in the wrong place in the hoop.For example, the software says that the first letter would be 20 cm from the edge of the hoop...but the machine sews the first letter more like 50-60 cm from the edge.This causes the last letters of the design to be OFF THE HOOP.Things are left off center and I have to restabilize and rehoop to try to get something out of it (then it is NOT centered).I have read many reviews and none seem to recommend Singer from embroidery.I hear that Janome makes a good machine, but it costs more.Some of my embroidery has came out nice..but I have ruined MANY nice items from using this machine.It seems as though Singer should have some reserve fund to replace costs of all the things the machine has ruined.I am very frustrated and disappointed.For what it costs, this machine is ok.But if you have the extra money to spend, or would be doing this for payment (like you would be putting someone else's items into the machine) you may want to consider buying a better machine!
8/26/2005 12:00 AM | Rating: