Singer 1725 Review (2023 Update)

Note from the Editor: This Singer 1725 Review was originally written in 2016, but has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added alternatives such as Janome 2212, Brother CS5055 , and EverSewn Sparrow 15.

We had an opportunity to take a close look and at and review the Singer 1725. It’s not a brand new machine, but neither is it an antique.

This simple machine was manufactured around the turn of the last century and reflects a good combination of today’s modern technology with the traditional sewing machines of the 19th and 20th centuries. Although an automatic needle threader is an optional accessory, the machine that we reviewed has none of the frills that are standard equipment on many of the sewing machines made and sold today. But that does not mean that this is a difficult machine to use.

On the contrary… the Singer 1725 is an ideal choice for someone who has never used a sewing machine before and wants to learn the basics of sewing.

Singer 1725 Overview

It’s one of the few sewing machines that is simple and uncomplicated that the most inexperienced sewer will be comfortable with.

The Singer 1725 is so basic, even a child of 10 or 11 will be at ease learning how to sew on it, which made it really smooth and easy to review.

Threading the needle is as simple as 1-2-3. The easy to follow thread guide is clearly marked to make threading the machine as easy as possible. Winding the bobbin is equally as easy.

The only thing the novice home sewer needs to remember is to snap the bobbin pin back into place after removing the freshly wound bobbin. One of the most appealing features is the accessory case that doubles as a detachable work surface that reveals a free arm when removed.

The straight, zigzag and decorative stitch options are clearly displayed on the front panel and easily accessible with a simple twist of the wrist. The three needle positions – left, right and center – give an added dimension to the decorative stitches available, significantly increasing the available options.

The Singer 1725 is easy to care for and even easier to carry. Cleaning requires only a lint brush, a soft cloth, and one or two drops of oil on the race hook behind the bobbin case. Unlike many sewing machines, the bobbin case is upright facing the user and situated beneath the needle plate, not flat and located in front of the needle plate.

The machine is light weight – less than 20 pounds – with a handle top that folds down and is completely out of the way when it is in use.

So to sum up in this review, the ideal use of this model, Singer 1725 is great for beginners, and a good alternative for the home sewer who is comfortable with a very basic machine with few stitch options. It is easy to use, easy to care for and easy move about.

What are some alternatives for the Singer 1725?

Mechanical home sewing machines are one of the most common finds among sewing machines. Here are some alternatives for the Singer 1725 that we highly recommend.

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What are the features on Singer 1725?

The thing that stood out fist and foremost about the Singer 1725 when I was reviewing it, was the simple threading guide.

The machine’s sleek white casing is clearly stamped with bright blue markings indicating each step of the threading process.

The top loading bobbin winder is just as easy for the beginner to understand and master.

Even adjusting the tension on the Singer 1725 is not a big challenge. An easy to read reference table can be found in the owner’s manual to help the learner get the hang of setting the tension.

Sewing on this machine is a pleasure. The stitch length and width selectors are clearly identified on the front panel, just above the stitch selection chart.

The user can turn the lower knob on the right side of the machine to choose a straight stitch, one of several zigzag stitches or the four step buttonhole process.

By adjusting the needle position, and the stitch with and length settings, the number of zigzag stitches can be increased to include several decorative options.

The instructions for creating a number of decorative stitches with these features are clearly detailed in the owner’s manual.

Working on the Singer 1725

Working on this machine will take an experienced home sewer back to the days when sewing was a simple, uncomplicated experience.

Threading the machine is so easy it can almost literally be described as child’s play. Arrows and guides stamped onto the top and front of the machine make threading foolproof.

Winding the bobbin is a piece of cake. Just remember to snap the bobbin winder pin back into place before attempting to sew.

Selecting stitches, setting stitch length and width and making buttonholes are so easy even a young child can master the tasks in no time at all.

Tiny bubble window beneath the stitch selection guide let the user see exactly what their stitches will look like before they even begin to sew.

The three needle position settings make creating an assortment of decorative stitches with just a little bit of time, patience and practice.

The oversized reverse lever beneath the stitch selector window is a perfect way for the beginner to learn the tricks of reversing and locking stitches.

The three needle positions give new and advanced sewers added freedom when it comes to inserting zippers, creating decorative stitches and other sewing jobs… intricate and simple.

The detachable accessories case that converts to a work table when mounted on the machine is ideal.

Having the accessories at your finger tips is a major plus when making garments that call for overedge stitching, the insertion of zippers or buttons and buttonholes.

Which fabrics work on the Singer 1725?

Fabrics that work	Fabrics that don’t work
Natural fibers/cotton-linen-wool Fine fabrics/silk-satin-taffeta/velvet Synthetic fabrics/blends-rayon-polyester Knits(Medium to heavyweight only)	Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers Upholstery

What accessories come with the Singer 1725?

The accessories case is ingeniously located on the front of the machine, doubling as a work space. It slides off easily, to give the user access to a convenient free arm.

Once it is removed and opened, the accessories case reveals a small plastic pouch containing an all purpose foot, a zipper foot; button and buttonhole feet; a lint brush and seam ripper tool; an oil bottle; an L shaped screwdriver; a package of needles; three bobbins; a seam guide; a darning plate and a spool cap.

Optional accessories, not included, but available for purchase locally and via the internet include six other presser feet: overcasting, darning, cording, satin stitch, and two feet for hemming – blind hem and regular straight hem.

How to maintain the Singer 1725?

Maintenance activities	After each use	Monthly	Once each year	As needed
Clean race hook and feed dogs	Yes	No	No	No
Wipe head with soft dry cloth	No	No	No	Yes
Wipe head with soft damp cloth	No	No	No	Yes
Lubricate	No	No	No	No
Service by sewing machine repair professional	No	No	Yes	No

Summary: Singer 1725 Review

Working on this machine was a pleasant surprise. When we first saw it, we expected it to be lightweight and not have much to offer.After all, it looks like something a child would use to learn how to sew on.

To conclude this review, the Singer 1725 is, indeed, ideal for a child to learn to the art of sewing, but it is anything but a lightweight and it has a whole lot to offer the novice home sewer as well as someone who has been sewing for many years. At just about 15 pounds, this portable machine is easy to carry from one point to another but sews like a machine that is much larger and heavier.

When we were reviewing the Singer 1725, we were particularly impressed by the ease with which we could change from one stitch setting to another. Regardless of the setting, the stitches produced by the Singer 1725 are clean, crisp and precise. Whether sewing straight seams, zigzagging, making button holes, or creating a decorative pattern, the quality of the end result is excellent.

The four steps required to get a rectangle buttonhole are not as simple as some other machines, and without prior sewing knowledge, this somewhat intricate process could be a little difficult. Making buttonholes might be just a little bit tricky for the beginning sewer, but after a few tries, even the novice will be making rectangle buttonholes like they had been making them for decades.

The snap on presser feet are easy to install and remove, making changing tasks while working on a single garment or sewing project easier. One can quickly go from sewing a straight seam to installing a zipper or buttons and buttonholes in just one simple move. The presser foot lever is capable of being raised to two different levels; one for normal fabric thicknesses and a higher setting to accommodate very thick layers of fabric.

The manual states that the presser foot adjustment is set to self adjust when working with extremely thick or thin fabrics. This built in feature, however, may not work well with extremely thick sewing projects. Unlike all of the other simple, easy to maneuver features on this machine, the presser foot adjustment requires the sewer to use a coin to increase or decrease the amount of pressure between the presser foot and the feed dogs. The Singer 1725 is a great machine for the beginning sewer. Working on this machine is a great way a child who is interested in learning how to sew.

The easy to follow threading guides, coupled with the colorful stitch selector and the overall ease of operation will make any child want to rush off to sewing camp. When given the right sewing projects, the beginning sewer will cherish this machine for a long, long time. The person who has been sewing for decades will enjoy using this machine as well. That is if they are happy with a sewing machine that is capable of performing all of the basic sewing tasks without all of the fancy do-dads that come on other sewing machines.

The Singer 1725 has a thread snipper mounted on the left side and can be purchased with an optional automatic threading feature, but that’s it.

If you decide to purchase this machine, you will have to adjust your own thread tension and do a lot of the work yourself. That’s not really a bad thing, though.

It’s like driving a Chevrolet instead of a Cadillac. It will still take you to your destination, just with fewer things that can break and a more affordable price tag.

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