The Singer 1234 and the Singer 8763 are two of the most popular affordable sewing machines we will compare today. In addition to being packed with features in an affordable price range, these two sewing machines produced excellent stitch quality.
What are the major differences between the two? Below I will describe the differences in the simplest terms possible.
Table of Contents
Singer 1234 vs. Singer 8763: Comparison in Features
Sewing Machine Types
The Singer 1234 is a mechanical sewing machine, while the Singer 8763 is a computerized sewing machine. Since the machine types decide they differ a lot in features, I won’t make a suggestion.
Choose wisely depends on your sewing goal and skill levels.
Singer 1234 vs. Singer 8763 : Built-in Stitches
The Singer 1234 sewing machine comes with an attractive amount of built-in stitches, 6 to be exact. Within those 6 stitches you can find standard stitches, decorative stitches and easy-to-use buttonhole stitches. While the Singer 8763 features 30 stitches. Similar to the Singer 1234, these stitches include standard and decorative stitches.
Weight
The Singer 1234 sewing machine weighs approximately 11.4 lbs, while the Singer 8763 comes with a weight of 17 lbs.
The extra weight can become cumbersome if you don’t have a set location in your home for your sewing machine.
Start/Stop Button
Neither Singer 1234 sewing machine nor Singer 8763 sewing machine has a start/stop button. This might not be convenient for a novice to sew effectively.
Speed Control Slider
Neither Singer 1234 sewing machine nor Singer 8763 sewing machine has a speed control slider. With a speed control slider, the sewing speed will never go above your selected speed, no matter how hard you press on the pedal.
Automatic Needle Threader
To assist the user, self-threading sewing machines have what is called an automatic needle threader. The Singer 8763 has one while the Singer 1234 doesn’t.
Programmable Needle Up/Down
With a programmable needle up/down function, the needle will stop down in the fabric, allowing you to raise the presser foot and adjust the fabric without the fabric moving out of position because the needle will hold the fabric in place. However, unfortunately, these two sewing machines come with this feature.
Free Arm
There is free arm on both the Singer 1234 and the Singer 8763. The free arm is a very useful feature to all sewing machines as it makes sewing one layer of fabric without catching another. This is because all of the workings around the bobbin race, feed dogs, and needles are housed there.
Extra High Presser Foot Lifter
The extra-high presser foot lifter of the Singer 1234 and Singer 8763 allows you to adjust the height, as needed for large sewing projects or multiple layers of thick materials.
| Singer 1234 | Singer 8763 | |
| Product Image | |
|
| Sewing Machine Type | Mechanical | Electronic |
| Stitches | 6 | 30 |
| Buttonhole Styles | 1 four-step | 2 one-step |
| Start/Stop Button | No | No |
| Built-in Memory | No | No |
| Programmable Needle Up/Down | No | No |
| Monogramming Font | No | No |
| Drop Feed | No, Free-motion is possible with darning plate. | No, Free-motion is possible with darning plate |
| Free Arm | Yes | Yes |
| Working Light | Yes | Yes, 3 LEDs |
| Speed Control Slider | No | No |
| Weight | 11.4 lbs | 17 lbs |
| Extra High Presser Foot Lifter | Yes | Yes |
| Snap-on Presser Foot | Yes | Yes |
| Automatic Thread Cutter | No | No |
| Automatic Needle Threader | No | Yes |
| Drop-in Bobbin | No | Yes |
| USB Connectivity | No | No |
| Stitch Selection | Dial | Push Button |
| Adjustable Stitch Length/Width | No | Yes |
| Included Feet | General Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, Buttonhole Foot | All-Purpose Foot, Zipper Foot, Buttonhole Foot, Blind Hem Foot, Satin Stitch foot. |
| Dedicated Locking Stitch Button | No | – |
| Tension | Adjustable by dial | Automatic (But adjustable with dial) |
| Knee Lifter | – | No |
| Warranty | – | 25 Year Limited |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Singer 1234 Video Review
Singer 8763 Video Review
The Verdict
The Singer 1234 and Singer 8763 differ significantly in terms of features. The stitch quality is, nevertheless, a recurring factor. These two machines can sew a wide range of textiles with reliable results. I’d choose any of these two machines if you asked me to choose an affordable, sophisticated sewing machine. I won’t offer a recommendation because they have such disparate features. You must base your selection on your stitching ability and experience.
Q. Can I interchange metal and plastic bobbins if they are the same size?
A. Metal bobbins and plastic bobbins of the same size can NOT be swapped. Machines are set for a very precise tension setting. If they are set for a lighter plastic bobbin, the tension will change if a heavier metal bobbin is used.
Q. Why adjust tension on sewing machine
A. Sewing machine tension adjustment is controlled by devices that separately control the needle thread and the bobbin thread, putting varying amounts of tension (or strength) on the threads they control to form a strong, balanced stitch.
Q. Can i use 3 in 1 oil on my sewing machine
A. You shouldn’t use cooking oil or automotive oil in your machine, since doing so may clog the gears and damage any fabric used in the machine. Also, 3-in-1 oil is not suitable for sewing machines, according to Threads magazine.
Q. What type of maintenance do sewing machines need?
A. Today’s sewing machines usually require just a few basic steps to keep them in good working order. While the manual included with your machine will spell out the details, it’s important to regularly remove the throat plate and use a small, soft brush to remove thread, lint, and debris that might have become lodged inside the machine. Your machine may also require oiling to keep everything lubricated and running smoothly.
Q. Can a regular sewing machine sew vinyl?
A. Yes, with the same modifications listed above for leather.
Q. Why use a bobbin on a sewing machine
A. In general, the bobbin is the thing that feeds the thread to stitch from the lower part of the machine. Its purpose is to hold the thread below the needle, and it is where the thread in which you stitch comes from.
