One look at these three versatile and powerful sewing machines and you see the problem right away. They seem similar on the surface so how can you choose between them? Let’s take a closer look at each one to help you decide which will be the best for you.
SINGER 9960 Quantum Stylist 600-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine with Extension Table, Bonus Accessories and Hard Cover
The Singer 9960 Quantum Stylist is packed full of features that are perfect for beginning sewers and crafters. To begin with, it’s been programmed to perform 600 stitches. Let’s break that down a bit.
These 600 stitches can handle everything from basting to quilting and professional garment making. There are 103 utility stitches like straight, hemming, piecing, stretch, cross stitching, vines and so on. There are 34 decorative stitches that create flowers, birds, and even airplanes. You can also monogram in multiple languages and write in five different fonts, both upper and lower case, including Gothic, italic, and Russian letters.
Finally, there are 13 one-step buttonholes. Those are actually fun to do. Select the button you want to use and place it in the buttonhole presser foot. The machine gauges the correct size of the buttonhole needed. You can even auto-size buttons that are too large to fit in the presser foot. The buttonhole underplate that comes with the 9960 behaves like a frame to secure thick layers of fabric in place so you can sew buttons and make buttonholes on jackets and sweaters.
If having 600 stitches at your command seems overwhelming, there is a quick reference chart inside the flip-up top of the machine. The maximum width of any given stitch is 7mm, but the machine is capable of mirror-imaging and stitch elongation. You can program in a pattern up to 60 stitches long and even edit many of the stitches to suit. Just keep in mind that once you power off the 9960, it won’t remember the pattern you programmed.
Getting started sewing is insanely easy on the Singer 9960 as it is with the other two machines we’ll review below. It has an automatic needle threader (and can sew with twin needles) as well as a top drop-in bobbin with a see-through cover on the case. The tension is automatic but you can adjust it manually if you like. If you mess up the tension, you can push just one button to reset it.
While you adjust the controls, you’ll see there is a lot of information on the large LCD screen. The screen can also flash warnings to help you correct a mistake like choosing the wrong presser foot. It can tell you if the thread has broken, too. If that happens, the machine stops automatically.
As you’re sewing, you’ll notice there is an extra-high presser foot lifter lever. It’s not a knee lifter and you can’t adjust the presser foot pressure, but it’s there to help you deal with multiple layers of fabric. There are also 25 needle positions to choose from.
The 9960 can do free arm sewing for collars and cuffs just as easily as you can do quilting on the large extension table. The 7-point feed dog system keeps your fabric on track for smooth, even stitching. Overall, the motor is pretty quiet for this type of machine.
If you’re working in a dimly lit room, you have two bright LEDs lights to help you see. While the machine can crank up to 850 stitches a minute, you can slow it down for intricate work. When you’re wrapping up a project, the machine performs an automatic locking stitch or tacks your work. The automatic thread cutter slices the connection and you’re done!
More features of the Singer 9960 sewing machine:
- Never needs oiling
- Comes with 18 presser feet in the built-in storage drawer plus 8 more in the box, plus bobbins, seam ripper, etc.
- Singer offers a 25-year limited warranty on the head, limited 5-year warranty on the motor and electronic components, and a 1-year limited warranty on the belts, bulbs, and attachments
Singer 9980 Quantum Stylist 820-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine with Large LCD Screen and 13 Presser Feet
The Singer 9980 Quantum Stylist adds even more stitches to the mix. It doesn’t have the large extension table like the 9960 has and it comes with just 13 presser feet instead of 26. If you program in your own stitches, the 9980 will remember them unlike the 9960.
The 820 stitches cover a wide variety of projects: there are 10 basic, 21 stretch, 13 fully automatic one-step buttonholes, 5 block and script alpha-numeric fonts, and 776 decorative stitches. As you select the stitch you want, the LCD screen helps you choose the correct presser foot and lets you adjust stitch width and length (up to 7mm). You can mirror and elongate, or stretch, stitches. The LCD will also help you adjust thread tension. If you don’t want to make those decisions yourself, the machine can take care of these tasks automatically.
The automatic needle threader and top drop-in bobbin will get you started fast on your project. Since there are multiple bobbins in the box, you can pre-wind colors you use frequently. Then simply use either the foot controller or the speed control on the machine itself.
On the machine itself there is a button to raise and lower the needle. You can choose from 25 different positions depending on what you’re sewing, like zippers or topstitching. You can also sew with twin needles. The free arm design makes it possible for you to sew collars, cuffs, and hems.
When you do buttonholes, the machine measures and selects the correct size of hole for you. The buttonhole underplate makes it really easy to place buttons in difficult places just like you can do with the 9960 and the 9985 described below.
Once you’ve begun to sew, the 9980 can crank out up to 850 stitches per minute. It puts out more power if it senses that you’re stitching thick layers or fabrics. When you’re finishing a project, push a button to perform a locking stitch or sew in reverse to reinforce your seam. Hit one button and the automatic thread cutter trims both the top and bottom bobbin threads.
More features of the Singer 9980 sewing machine:
- Never needs oiling
- Bright LED lights
- Singer offers a 25-year limited warranty on the head, limited 5-year warranty on the motor and electronic components, and a 1-year limited warranty on the belts, bulbs, and attachments
SINGER 9985 Quantum Stylist TOUCH 960-Stitch Computerized Sewing Machine with Large Color Touch Screen & 13 Presser Feet
Just when you thought you couldn’t imagine having more stitches than the 9980 has, here is the Singer 9985. It comes with 960 stitches, from 13 one-step buttonholes, 6 alpha-numeric fonts, 10 essential basic stitches, 21 stretch stitches, and 919 decorative stitches. It’s a good thing you can get help from the machine itself.
The 9985 has all the exciting features of the 9980 plus more than a hundred extra stitches. You could make all sorts of decorative projects and clothing modifications and still not use all of these options for a long time.
Like the other two machines above, this one is practically automatic in every way. One other new feature it has is an LCD touchscreen instead of just a display. Plus, the 9985 can also talk to you. Press the help button and listen to what you need to know about changing presser feet, bobbin winding, and more.
More features of the Singer 9985 sewing machine:
- Never needs oiling
- Bright LED lights
- Comes with 13 presser feet and other accessories
- Singer offers a 25-year limited warranty on the head, limited 5-year warranty on the motor and electronic components, and a 1-year limited warranty on the belts, bulbs, and attachments
Recommendation
Any of these three machines would be excellent for beginning sewers or for persons who love to make home decorations.
If you like the idea of having almost a thousand stitches to choose from as well as a touchscreen to interact with and audible instructions, get the Singer 9985. It can also remember the stitches you program yourself.
If you prefer to opt for fewer stitches and an ordinary LCD display without audible help, the Singer 9980 may save you some money without compromising on any of the best features. It can also remember stitching patterns you program.
If you aren’t worried about having to program your own stitch patterns each time, and you love the large extension table, consider getting the Singer 9960.
Click here to purchase SINGER 9960 on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase Singer 9980 on Amazon.com!
Click here to purchase SINGER 9985 on Amazon.com!