SINGER 4166 Electronic Sewing Machine

This machine is the worst machine I have ever used & I've been sewing for 27 years. Won't stop sewing on its own, bobbin consistently gets jammed, bobbin winds very loose, skips stitches, the needle threader keeps getting out of alignment & about every few weeks the thread comes loose from where it's threaded & jams. Luckily, my husband can fix it but he's had to do that time & time again I can't sew even 1 project without a problem. I contacted Singer & was basically told that I just don't know how to sew & got no help from them. I will NEVER purchase another Singer machine nor will I ever recommend a Singer to anyone.

I had this machine for awhile at least 5yrs. I have not been using it until now. I am having a problem with filling the bobbin, it no longer works. Everything else is fine with it. I am frustrated that I can no longer sew. This may mean I have to get another machine.

I purchased this 3/4 sized machine with the intent to bring on vacations. I researched the HSN Singer Featherweight and found that the Singer 4166 was the same machine. I checked the Amazon web page daily to catch the best possible price. I was able to obtain the machine for $154 plus tax and Free Shipping. How could one go wrong with that!!! I was a little worried due to the two extremes of the other reviews. Either users loved the machine or hated it. The machine arrived quickly -- less than a week and faster than estimated. It was packaged very well.When I received the unit, I wanted to make sure everything worked. Once I sat down, I used all 66 stitches and sewed with the unit for a few hours. So far, so good. As with some other reviews, my machine sometimes sews on its own. Knowing this ahead of time, I just turned off the power switch to stop it. Sometimes it is inconvenient to try to hold the fabric, reverse stitch button and off switch just in case -- need a few extra hands. I just chalk this up to the machine's quirky personality.I haven't tried all the other presser feet yet, so I can't report on that. The presser feet are easy to change out. The only difficulty so far, is that the users manual isn't obvious in indicating bobbin replacement size or type of additional presser feet type. I have found conflicting web listings that the machine takes Bobbin Size 15 and 15J. Due to the smaller size of the machine, I think it will work well with regular sewing projects. I would refrain from sewing heavy duty items. I think it would burn out the motor. I would liked to have seen a larger, heavier foot control pedal.So, my next test is to travel with the machine. I would put the machine in a Pelican Case, but am a little worried due to the electronics -- would shipping the unit mess up the unit?Other than the minor issue, I like the new machine very much. I also own a Singer Model 6136 mechanical unit, which I have had for 30 yrs. I would consider myself an intermediate sewer.

Absolutely love this machine. So easy to use and light weight to take with me. I have 3 other machines and this is now my favorite. Love the push button option instead of the foot peddle. Just a great little machine.

I purchased this machine from Costco in December of 2008. Within 8 months, the machine's electronics went bad: the up/down button wouldn't stop going up/down, and the machine wouldn't stop sewing! I took it to the only Singer repair person in my state, who charged me $40+tax to repair it. Within a month, the machine had the exact same problem again. The repair person exchanged it for a new model 4166. Within 3 weeks, the machine had the EXACT same problem as the original. I've called Singer, who REFUSES to replace this model for a different one of comparable value. The best that my repair person could do was to replace it with a comparable model for an additional $199. What a rip-off! Now I'm stuck with a non-functional machine that will cost me the price of a new machine to replace. Never purchase this model!

My sewing room is very tight on space, so this little machine was attractive as a utility player for routine piecing and mending. Even better, I got it for next to nothing from All Brands in a bundle with a Singer serger, an extension table, and two carrying cases. It sews well, has a lot of stitch options, and is light enough to transport easily. I've had no bobbin or tangling problems, but the other reviewers are absolutely correct about the dicey electronics.When you turn it on it's fine, but once the machine warms up, the only way to get it to stop sewing is to raise the presser foot lever or turn the machine off (taking your foot off the pedal slows the needle, but doesn't stop it from going up and down.) The first time that happens is pretty scary (not to mention hazardous). I'm about to take it in and see if they can repair it, and I have managed to use it for small things by turning it off frequently to let it cool down, or by positioning my hands so I can quickly raise the lever, but would I buy this again if I had to pay full price? Even Amazon price? No way.