Singer 160
 

Does any one have this machine and what do you like and dislike about it. Saw in Joanne flier for sale at $349 it is so pretty i want to get one not that i really need it but just like the looks of it. The Singer 160 looks like the old machines . Is it a good machine to get. Thanks for any info. mkay

Lots of opinions on this machine if you search using the search feature above. Personally, I would never buy a new Singer. Only vintage Singers for me!

I saw the same ad. DH wanted to know what was so special about it. I'll follow this thread to see what others think.

I think she is as cute as a bug in a rug! Adorable, would love to have one to go with my old vintage Singers. I heard the inside is all metal, but who really knows. Just can't beat the old machines though!

A lot of people do like the new Singer 160, but personally I think the only thing it has in common with the vintage machines is its color.

I looked and noticed the fly wheel is a very thin plastic coated with that silver paint that will eventually flake-I walked away.

The advance hype was for the price of $499, then it was launched at HSN for $399 with some exclusive extras, now on sale at JoAnns for $349. I looked at one and it seemed to be pretty fragile. I think there are many current machines that can do much more for less $$$$. I'm a fan of the older mechanicals and treadles. Practically indestructible, interchangeable parts, significantly less costly to maintain and service, and with the manuals that are frequently free online you can do much of it yourself. I cringe when fellow quilters mention annual tune up service costing $80 or more! At a Craigslist or thrift shop price of around $50 you can even get the case or table. Maybe it's even free from a friend or relative. Vintage machines use snap in cams for decorative stitches. There are threads for vintage and antique machines on the Board, including how to lubricate and gently clean them without damaging the gold decals. It is amazing what emerges from beneath the surface gunk!

I have 7 Singer Vintage machines. I love each of them. However, my DH bought me the 160 for my Christmas present (late because the Home Shopping Network did not have them until January 27) and I love it. I have finished 2 quilts on it and she (Annie, named for the 160 "Anniversary" Edition) has been wonderful. Perfect stitching and lots of stitches. Has a 25 year guarantee (if you keep the original box) and I would purchase her again in a minute. Now, when I bought on HSN, it was $399 (free shipping) plus a lot of extra feet, book from the old days, and a special carrying case. A really, really good deal. Do I still use the others, yes, but she sure is nice.

i call mine "big bertha". she is pretty. easy to thread, easy to use, i like the large bed, the extra lighting. i bought the machine to take to classes but that won't be happening. it is heavy, very heavy. i thought plastic meant lightweight. if it wasn't so gosh darn big and heavy, i would have sent it back. prolly would have cost $300 in postage.