SINGER Heavy Duty 500 Classic Sewing Machine Review: My take on this Heavy Duty Machine ??
A rough time trying to decide what sewing machine would suit me best, as a desperate sewist, I started my search and Singer HD500 came up.
It has that funky period appearance, and Singer’s ‘Heavy Duty’ line typically means a lot of slinging power.
I figured I would do a deep dive into this machine and see what it is all about. In this singer HD500 review, I will discuss what I found.
Singer HD500 Review: An Overview
I’ve been playing around with the Singer HD500 for a little while now, and I wanted to give you some of my first impressions. Now, this machine has a bit of presence almost a retro feel with the curved body and gold accents, which are actually kind of appealing to me.
That is also why it fits so nicely on my sewing table. Upon my initial unboxing of it, to be honest, I was a bit disappointed with the instructions, they mainly consisted of pictures that seemed more like a puzzle than a helpful guide. That might be an obstacle for a beginner.
But when I threaded it up and began sewing it worked pretty well. This is an old-school mechanical machine, not a lot of highfalutin digital doodads to be found here. It felt a little insubstantial not as lightweight as other machines I’ve used, but still flimsier than I’d like but it managed basic tasks without too much trouble.
It operates on different kinds of fabric, from lighter cottons to possibly some heavier fabric (this is what drew my attention in the first place). I can’t wait to test this out on some more complex projects, but for basic mending and beginner-level crafts, it looks like it could be a great travel partner.
If you are looking for something plain, this is nothing but affordable. The HD500 is a classic Singer so you can read a little more about what it can do on the Singer HD500 Classic page.
Top Features of Singer HD500
The Singer HD500 caught my eye as soon as I first laid eyes on it for its attractive, retro styling. It has a nice black body with gold accents, it looks good on my sewing table. However, aside from the looks, what actually counts are the features that help me accomplish my sewing tasks. The simplicity of this machine is a huge plus in my book.
Stitch Selection and Capabilities
It is equipped with 23 different stitches that are built into the machine. That might not seem like a lot compared to some of the super high tech computerized machines out there but honestly it handles most everything I need for everyday type projects. It has your basic stitches, some stretch stitches for knits, and a few decorative ones to add a touch here and there. Not to mention the one-step buttonhole (major lifesaver!).
This makes it so much easier than trying to do a buttonhole on your own. These stitches are totally fine for general sewing, mending, or small home decor projects. Good options include a menu without options I will never use. Singer’s website features a decent summary of its stitch options.
Build Quality and Durability
Singer refers to this as a “Heavy Duty” machine; and although it does not have the all metal body of some of the older machines, it feels quite solid. That being said the frame looks to be metal, but that’s about where the good ends since the outer casing is plastic.
It doesn’t feel weak, or likely to fall apart. I never had any big problems with it and it looks like it can easily sew through heavier fabrics. It is not the heaviest machine I have ever used, but it is heavy enough to stay put when I am sewing, which is crucial.
Ease of Use for Beginners
In my opinion, this is the real strength of the HD500. Being a mechanical machine, that means less confusing buttons and screens to navigate with. It’s got a dial that is fairly easy to click through stitches and threading is fairly standard. The assembly directions were mostly images, which was fine except I had to look up a couple of things to make sure it was assembled correctly.
Based on being a beginner, I definitely feel this machine is best due to being non-intimidating. This way you can concentrate on the basics of sewing without becoming too overwhelmed in the technology. That means this is a great beginner sewing machine to start your journey with.
Performance: What to Expect
Sewing Different Fabric Types
So, when I received the Singer HD500, I wondered what kind of things it could make? I used some standard quilting cotton to get started and it sewed right through, as expected. Next, I tackled something a little more challenging, possibly a sheer linen. It blendered right through, and the stitches appeared uniform.
The next sample was from a knit fabric. This is where most machines can fail, but the HD500 handled it OK, aside from a tiny bit of waviness in the stitches on the some of the stretchiest parts. For heavy-duty I tested some denim. It certainly got through, but I decreased the speed a little to ensure it was feeding properly.
It didn’t skip a beat. I even attempted to sew through several layers of a quilt sandwich, and once again it went through without so much as a whimper. I was surprised with how competent it looks across the board for most everyday fabric types.
Thread Tension and Stitch Quality
The tension of the thread is very much part science, part art (and I fiddled with the HD500 dial for a little while on this). In fact, I found the default setting to be pretty decent for most of my cotton and linen tests. The stitches appeared nicely formed, no looping on the back side and no puckering on the front.
On the knit fabric I had to slightly loosen the top tension so the fabric would not be pulled too badly. Bobbin tension appeared to remain uniform in my testing.
On the whole, the stitch is neat and uniform, particularly on stable woven fabrics. It was nice to be mostly problem-free – no nests of thread, no rejecting stitches, or any other major problems. I believe stitch quality will be just fine for your average sewing tasks.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Singer HD500
Advantages of Singer HD500
The initial thing that attracted me to the Singer HD500 when I started researching sewing machines was its beautiful vintage appearance. Nice round body with gold trim, which looks pretty perched atop my sewing table. Despite the appearance, I thought it was a decent basic sewing machine.
For simple projects, such as sewing a tote bag or hemming pants, it sews well enough. Because it is a mechanical system, it’s also mostly bulletproof, and I was never fighting against any convoluted computer menus. It’s an ok workhorse for someone who is more novice and/or just doing mostly basic projects. It seems like it can take quite a bit of straight stitching, which is always what I do anyway.
Disadvantages of Singer HD500
Now not everything tricked and packed. It became clear to me rather quickly that the HD500 was not the toughest machine on the block. Choice of materials is somewhat on the lighter side, not that it looks nice but some other machines carry a heavy-duty feel that is absent here.
As for the instructions that came with it, they were mostly pictures, which isn’t exactly helpful. And became a bit frustrating when you want to deliver something.
There will also be pared down features, don’t expect to find a ton of decorative stitches, and don’t expect an automatic buttonhole feature. As for the rests, you have to figure out how to draw them by hand, which takes some practice to make it look nice.
This option may not suit advanced projects or projects requiring accurate buttonholes. It has some issues with really heavy weight layers of fabric, but it is manageable and sometimes the threads tension is a bit finicky and if I am not being really careful, I get some uneven stitches.
Singer hd500 vs 4432
When I first started searching for sewing machines, I kept coming across the Singer HD500 and the Singer 4432. They come under the ‘Heavy Duty’ label both of which is a decent start out, no? However, the differences are quite clear after you have been with them for several minutes.
The retro vibe of the HD500 just seems to embody the past. It is just a machine, and quite frankly, it does the bare minimum. I thought it was decent for DIY level stuff, if you like that “vintage” vibe anyway It’s an OK starting point if you’re a beginner and don’t require an expansion of impressive stitches. More details on build and features will be available on pages such as this Singer HD500 review.
The 4432 however is more of a work horse. It is fast and powerful enough that they can sew through much heavier materials such as denim or canvas. I see it comes with a slightly stouter motor which means it can push through more hardy materials with relative ease.
In contrast, the HD500 is more focused on looks and ease of use compared to the Singer 4432, which is aimed at getting your projects done sooner and able to handle heavier materials. It doesn’t have the same old-school appeal, but in terms of simply getting the job done, particularly with denser material, it has a leg up. Ultimately, it really comes down to the look, with the vintage, classic aesthetic of the HD500 versus true sewing basics, or the speed and force of the Singer 4432 if you’re tackling heavier sewing projects.
Singer hd500 vs Singer 4452
To me, looking at the Singer HD500 and comparing it to something like the Singer 4452 is almost like comparing apples and oranges in the sewing world, they are both Singer and they are both named ‘Heavy Duty’, but the approach to sewing is so different! The HD500, dressed in its retro style, has the air of a simple, no-frills, classic.
You’re right, for an old clunker, it’s got that nice vintage charm, and it actually does seem to work for basic sewing. However, I think if you like the look of the machine you will find it a pretty reasonable machine for most day to day projects.
The Singer 4452, on the other hand, appears to be engineered for speed and power. I remember it being sold as a machine that can pierce through heavier materials, something I have definitely found a need for at times.
The HD500 is a solid machine for everyday sewing, but the Singer 4452 tends to make more appearances whenever that talk turns to sewing heavier stuff, like denim or canvas. My personal experience with the Singer 4452 is untested, but it has a reputation as a rugged mule.
But the devil is in the details, right? The instruction manual that came with the HD500 is more picture than text and sometimes looks like a crossword puzzle. There are steps that took me more time to understand which I remember fondly.
The Singer 4452 typically feels a tad more direct in its operation, even if it doesn’t have the same fancy styling, but some users say it gets a bit noisy. The HD500 is good for me, but if I am doing lots of straight stitching on regular fabrics However, if I’m working on something with several layers of heavy stuff or I’m just trying to make progress, I’ll probably go with the 4452, even though it’s not as glamorous.
Who is the Singer HD500 For?
So, who is ideal to use the Singer HD500 Sewing Machine? After experimenting with it, I definitely see it excelling in a few particular areas of sewing. This should be a decent option if you are relatively new and just want something simple.
Its not too complicated and has the right stitches to get you through most beginner projects to begin with, like basic garments, some home ware or just for mending clothes. It was surprisingly simple to get up and running with it without having to study the manual for hours on end.
If you do a lot of straight stitching that also looks like a good option. Imagine quilting projects, straight seams on apparel, or sewing with a little bit bulkier fabrics.
By the way, this machine does all this stuff quite easily; it seems solid enough for that sort of thing. I wouldn’t recommend it for super intricate detailed work, or for sewing really thick tough materials, like several layers of leather, but for every day sewing tasks it does help us out.
Conversely, if you’re a seasoned sewer searching for more advanced features and have a need for a number of decorative stitches and more specialized functions like more complex buttonholes, you may find the HD500 a bit lacking.
It covers the basic Toyota workhorse role well, but lacks the fripperies some singularly computerised models have picked up along the way. Therefore for the beginner or the intermediate sewer who will be doing the basic stuff as I have mentioned- then I think the HD500 is certainly one to take a look at. And it looks great, which is a bonus if you enjoy vintage living the way I do.
So, Is the Singer HD500 a Good Buy?
The Singer HD500 is a fairly nice machine based on overall runtime, especially for the price point, but we spent some time with it and here are our thoughts. It’s functional, and it does the most basic tasks with the sewing machine without much fuss.
When I was only sewing simple things, I didn’t have any real issues. But I did feel like it was a little too light, and the instructions could be better (which could be a barrier for complete newbies).
The HD500 may be suitable for beginner users or for transitioning into it for knock-out, less complex efforts. However if you want to sew more difficult fabrics or require more stitch options and features, you will have to consider some of the other available machines. Not a bad bike, but also not for everybody.
Why should singers go with the Singer HD500?
Even though the Singer HD500 isn’t necessarily made only for singers, the heavy-duty sewing machine is a good choice for sewists who appreciate strong and durable machines and need one they can count on. Its ease of use allows me to focus on the projects at hand and not so much on tinkering with the machine itself, which is great when I have costumes or other performance alterations on a deadline.
Consumer Q&A: Is the Singer HD500 beginner sewing friendly?
Yes, I think it is! I found the Singer HD500 fairly easy to use. It has a logical stitch selection and does not bombard you with unnecessary information on how to use complicated features. As a beginner, I thought it was a decent method to learn the fundamentals of a product without the risk of too much annoyance. Sewing instructions are straightforward and you can start sewing pretty quickly!
Does the Singer HD500 sew different varieties of fabric?
I have used the HD500 on different materials and it tends to work well. This machine has a reputation for being a ‘Heavy Duty’ beast, which means it can most certainly take on thicker fabrics such as denim or canvas. It also works for lighter weights, I just have to play with the tension a bit to get the right stitch.
What Are the Main Benefits of Having a Singer HD500?
The main advantage for me is the resistance aspect. It feels very durable, as if it can last you a while. I also like how it is all simple, it does its job without much drama. Also, that retro vibe makes for a cute feature on my sewing table! It’s not going to take your breath away, but it’s a workhorse.
What are the negatives of Singer HD500?
Honestly,its depend upon what kind of user you are ??.Perhaps the stitch selection dial can be stiff at times, and the manual was a little lacking. And even worse, while nice, it’s not computerized and isn’t one of those computerized machines that do all the work for you,it takes a bit to get to the tread cutting feature, not that I’ll use that much anyway. However, those are just small quibbles from my end.
How does the Singer HD500 compare to more advanced computerized machines?
Imagine the HD500 as a reliable vessel or truck, while advanced computerized machines are sports cars. The sewing core and the durability of HD500 are excellent. Computerized machines typically have more stitches to choose from, automatic capabilities and, in some cases, a more streamlined, quieter operation. Me, if I need tons of decorative stitches or way-too-custom settings then I pull out a computer, but otherwise, I grab the HD500 (unless it needs to do tough work).
