Partner disclosure: SewingInsight.com is a participant in the Ebay Partner Network and Amazon Services LLC Associates Program. We earn a small advertising fees by linking to products on Ebay and Amazon. This does not increase the price for you as a reader but you will support our small business.
Singer 377 Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Singer 377 Review was originally written in 2016, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added alternatives such as Elnita EM16, EverSewn Sparrow 15, and SINGER Making The Cut.
What are the chances of moving into a house and finding a sewing machine that was left behind? Believe it or not, this is exactly what happened to a friend of mine not too long ago.
As she and her husband were unpacking and putting some of the things they had very little use for – but didn’t want to let go of, she found a vintage Singer sewing machine behind the water heater. As it turned out, the find was a Singer 377, a machine that was manufactured and sold in Europe. In fact, it still had a European plug attached when she found it. Since it was not compatible with US home outlets, she called me to ask for advice as to how to find out if it worked or not.
I checked with the sewing machine service and repair professional I take my machines to. Dave at Eve and Dave’s Sewing Center in Ft. Lauderdale. He assured me that he could check out my friend’s sewing machine, and if it worked, the cost to convert it to US compatibility was less than $100. She did just that, and after she got it back home, I was invited to visit and review this unexpected find that turned out to be the Singer 377.
Singer 377 Overview
The Singer 377 is a mechanical sewing machine that is designed to handle a variety of sewing tasks with ease. It features 37 built-in stitches, including utility stitches, decorative stitches, and stretch stitches, and has adjustable stitch length and width. The machine also includes a one-step buttonhole function and a built-in needle threader, making it easy to create professional-looking garments and other sewing projects. The Singer 377 has a heavy-duty metal frame and a powerful motor, making it durable and capable of handling thicker fabrics such as denim and leather. Other features include a free arm for sewing cuffs and sleeves, a drop feed for free-motion sewing, and a storage compartment for accessories.
The Singer 377 is a vintage model that is no longer manufactured. We recommend trying out other alternatives that we have added to this post.
The Singer 377 is all metal – inside and out with a sturdy plastic handle on top. It is a basic straight and zigzag stitch machine with three needle positions.
A dial on the column is used to adjust the stitch length. There are two lever across the top of the machine head. The one on the left is used to select the straight stitch option or one of three on board zigzag stitch widths. Needle position is selected with the lever on the right.
A dial on the top left side of the machine head controls the presser foot pressure, enabling the user to work with heavy fabrics or multiple layers of fabric. The Singer 377 has a drop in bobbin and a threading process that is familiar only to people who are accustomed to working on vintage sewing machines from the 1940s or 1950s.
What are some alternatives for Singer 377?
We have mentioned in this review that the Singer 377 is a vintage model and is no longer manufactured. Here are some modern-day mechanical sewing machines that we recommend.
The Elnita EM16 Mechanical Sewing Machine is a reliable and durable machine that is perfect for beginners and those who prefer a simpler approach to sewing. With 16 built-in stitches, including straight, zigzag, and decorative stitches, this machine offers a range of options for basic sewing tasks. The EM16 also features a front-loading bobbin system, making it easy to load and replace the bobbin, and a free arm for sewing cuffs, collars, and other hard-to-reach areas. The machine is lightweight and portable, making it easy to transport and store. The EM16 also comes with a range of accessories, including a hard cover, four presser feet, and a seam ripper, to help you tackle any sewing project with ease. With its simple and straightforward design, the Elnita EM16 Mechanical Sewing Machine is the perfect choice for anyone looking for a reliable and easy-to-use machine for basic sewing tasks.
The EverSewn Sparrow 15 is a reliable choice for beginners and creative minds seeking an efficient yet budget-friendly sewing companion. Boasting a modern blue and white design, this electric machine offers 32 stitch patterns, including 15 utility stitches and 12 decorative stitches. Ideal for kids and those starting their sewing journey, it features user-friendly functions like a manual thread cutter and a 5 mm maximum stitch width. The Sparrow 15's robust build, automatic needle threader, and included accessories make it a practical solution for entry-level sewing enthusiasts. Aimed at beginners and kids, the Sparrow 15 offers an accessible entry into the world of sewing with a modern design and functional features.
The Singer M3330 Making the Cut Sewing Machine, featured on Amazon Prime's MAKING THE CUT, is the machine you might want to add to your sewing room if you're searching for a reasonably priced sewing machine with enough capabilities for beginners who want to learn how to sew and for advanced sewers who want to make a variety of sewing projects. This machine offers 97 stitch applications, adjustable stitch options, a built-in needle threader and a built-in cutter for efficiency, and "Making the Cut" technology for unique designs. Its one-step buttonhole, LED lighting, and durable metal frame make it perfect for quilting, garment making, and DIY projects. The included essentials make it ideal for project kick-starts.
- Offers 97 stitch applications, suitable for various fabrics and sewing projects
- Full metal frame ensures long-lasting performance, providing stability during use
- Built-in needle threader and one-step buttonhole simplify the sewing process
- Long-lasting LED lighting provides bright, cool-to-touch illumination for precise work
- You won't be able to use this basic sewing machine, if you're a top-tier professional, to work on complex sewing jobs
Don’t miss: The Best Sewing Machines to craft your dreams
What are the features on Singer 377?
This extremely basic vintage sewing machine has very few features:
- All metal construction
- Drop in bobbin
- Adjustable stitch length
- Three needle positions
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Reverse/lock stitch
- Three zigzag stitch settings
- Accessory storage beneath the machine head
- Seam guides on needle plate
Working on the Singer 377
Even those of us who worked on sewing machines 50 years ago will have to refer to the owner’s manual in order to properly thread the Singer 377. Winding the bobbin is a bit easier, but a glance back at the owner’s manual might still be necessary before executing this task properly.
Dropping the bobbin into the housing is the easiest part of threading this machine. Once it is threaded, however, sewing is a breeze. After all, it is a straight stitch and zigzag machine only. The dial on the column is used to set the stitch length. The quality of the stitches produced by the Singer 377 is superb. Everything about them was better than expected.
Which fabrics work on the Singer 377?
| 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) Denim Upholstery Leather/suede | Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers |
What are the accessories that come with Singer 377?
When we looked in the compartment beneath the machine head, the only accessory we found was the owner’s manual. Presumably, all of the original that came with the machine accessories were either misplaced, lost or taken by the original owner when she moved out of the house. According to the manual, the original list of accessories consisted of just a few items:
How to maintain the Singer 377?
| 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 | Yes |
| Service by sewing machine repair professional | No | No | Yes | Yes |
Singer 377 Summary
To conclude my review, working on the Singer 377 was in many ways reminiscent of making dresses, skirts, tops and slacks while working on my mother’s vintage New Home portable sewing machine when I was in high school, or the old Singer table mounted machine my aunt used to have.
Its solid construction, lack of vibration and superior stitch quality combine to make working on the Singer 377 one of the most enjoyable experiences I have had while reviewing a sewing machine in a very long time.
There is a lot to be said in defense of the newer crop of sewing machines – especially the number of stitch options, easy to follow threading guides, on board needle threaders and other user friendly features that so many people have become accustomed to.
The downside, however, is the fact that these new machines – even the mechanical ones – require annual servicing by a trained professional, and for some people that could be rather costly.
The older vintage machines are not capable of delivering all of the different stitches you can get on the newer machines, but with just a little bit of training, anyone who owns a vintage machine can learn how to perform all of the necessary steps required to thoroughly clean one of these old all metal babies and perform general maintenance tasks. The ability to execute these necessary duties means that anyone who owns the Singer 377 or any other vintage sewing machine can save hundreds if not thousands of dollars in routine service calls alone.
Another advantage to owning a vintage machine like the Singer 377 is the fact that manufacturers generally stop producing parts for the newer sewing machines after 15 years – especially those machines equipped with computerized components. This includes the essential software to keep these machines running. Let’s face it. If the software is no longer available, the machine is essentially obsolete. That simply does not happen with machines produced prior to the inclusion of computers and circuit boards on sewing machines.
While it is becoming more and more difficult to find replacement parts for vintage sewing machines, there are so many old Singers and Singer clones out there that finding replacement parts for an older sewing machine is often much easier than finding parts to repair a sewing machine that is only 10 years old.
Since the Singer 377 was manufactured and sold in Europe, I doubt very seriously if you will be able to find too many machines just like this one in shops that specialize in selling vintage sewing machines on this side of the Atlantic Ocean.
However, if you should be lucky enough to come across one, I strongly urge you to look into adding it to your own sewing room… especially if your sewing needs can be met by a sewing machine that produces only straight and zigzag stitches.
Singer 377 Review
Summary
The Singer 377 is a basic straight and zigzag stitch machine that was manufactured from the early 1950s to the late 1960s. It is all metal, both inside and out, with a sturdy plastic handle on top. It has three needle positions and a dial on the column to adjust the stitch length. There are two levers across the top of the machine head: one for selecting the straight stitch option or one of three on board zigzag stitch widths, and the other for selecting the needle position. The Singer 377 is a reliable and durable machine that is still popular with sewists today.
The Singer 377 is a good choice for sewists who are looking for a basic, reliable, and durable machine. It is also a good option for those who are interested in learning how to sew on a vintage machine.
Recommended Posts
If you are an advanced sewist, have a look at our best sewing machines, best sewing books and best sewing magazines posts and if you are looking to get a mechanical, heavy duty, quilting or industrial sewing machine, have a look at some of our great articles. If you are a beginner sewist, review our best sewing books for beginners, best sewing machines for beginners and best sewing machines under $200 to get started.
For brand related articles, check Best Bernette | Best Bernina | Best Brother | Best Husqvarna Viking | Best Janome | Best Juki | Best Singer |
For best accessories, check Best Chairs | Best tables | Best tracing paper | Best machine oils | Best scissors and shears | Best presser feet | Best needles | Best sewing kits |
Happy Stitching.
….how exciting…what a wonderful find…
Hi,
I recently have received an old singer 377 sewing machine from my mother, but I do not have the manual. Although I am able to use it for the main features it has, I would be grateful if you could send me the PDF of the manual as Singer web page does not provide the manual for this particular model.
Thank your very much
Hello !
I’m from France and I discovered your article as I was looking for information about this sewing machine I just received from my grandmother.
First of all thank you for all the precious information.
The thing is Im trying to use it but it’s kind of very difficult as I never used a sewing machine before and that I dont have the manual.
I have the same request as Amalia, if it was possible for you to send me pictures or the pdf of the manual.
Thanks a lot
-Inès
Hej. Posiadam od paru lata ta właśnie maszyne. Długo leżała bo nie dokonać potrafią ja obsłużyć. Bardzo mi zależy na zdj instrukcji. Bardzo proszę o udostępnienie. Pozdrawiam
You can buy a pdf manual online for very little. I just did. Lost mine ages ago! Gave it a quick oil and service too.
Hello,
I also just received a Singer 377 from my other. I’ll need to have it serviced, but when that’s done, the manual would probably be useful, so I am also interested in the pdf of the manual if available.
Thank you
Maartje
Belgium
Hi I have a 377, its been recently seviced but its puckering. I dont have the manual. Do you have a copy to download?
Is the image with the machine threaded according to the instructions?
Many thanks
Annmarie
bonojur, je suis en FRANCE ET JE N’ARRIVE PAS à AVOIR LA NOTICE DE CETTE MACHINE. pOUVEZ VOUS ME L’ENVOYER PAR E-MAIL OU ME DIRE COMMENT utiliser la marche arrière ? Merci beaucoup et salutations de l’autre côté de l’océan !!!
I also received a 377 singer sewing machine is it possible to get an manual for it
Hi. It sounds like a wonderful machine!
Does anyone know the answer – Is there anywhere I can still buy this vintage machines in UK? Any idea of the cost?
Thank you. Mrs A M
I had mine from new, still use it today (occasionally – not very often!)
hi there my granny passed away and left me her sewing machine a singer 377
There is no manual and I’m hoping you could send me a pdf of yours as I would like to keep the sewing machine in the family
Hello, I have recently inherited a singer 377 but it doesn’t have a manual. I have found your article while searching for some sort of instructions online and read the last 2 comments. I would be extremely grateful if I could maybe have some pictures or a pdf of the manual, if you still have it. Thank you so much in advance.