Singer 5932 Review – 2025 Update

Note from the Editor: This Singer 5932 Review was originally written in 2015, and has been revised and updated in 2025. Since Singer 5932 is no longer in production, we have added alternative Singer home sewing machines like the Singer 2212, Singer 4432, Singer Making The Cut, that are similar to Singer 5932.

One day, while visiting Eve and Dave’s Sewing Center in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida, I came across the Singer 5932, an electronic sewing machine that was made sometime in the 1980s, and I inevitably decided to make my own review on it.

Singer 5932- Overview

The first thing you notice on the Singer 5932 is the graphic display of all the stitch options across the head and the levers which control the stitch width as well as a lever to adjust the tension settings.

The stitch selectin dial is on the column and directly beneath that is a lever which is used to adjust the stitch length with the reverse stitch button right next to it.

There is a seam guide etched onto the needle plate, a drop in bobbin and a removable work space that gives the user access to the convenient free arm.

The power switch is conveniently located on the front of the machine as well, directly under the reverse stitch button.

What are some alternatives for Singer 5932?

Singer 5932 is one of the numerous home sewing machines that Singer has come up with till date. It was quite popular during the 80s. Singer eventually discontinued 5932, as one does with models when newer technology shows up. At present, Singer has many popular home sewing machine models that are just as good as the 5932 was in the 80s. We have listed some of our recommendations here.

Read the detailed review of Singer 4432 here.

What are the features on Singer 5932?

The Singer 5932 comes with the following standard features:

• 21 on board decorative and utility stitch options
  • One 4-step buttonhole
• Adjustable stitch length and width
• Reverse stitch
• Lift off work space
• Drop in bobbin
• Semi-automatic tension adjustment
• Free arm

Working on the Singer 5932

Easy to follow on board threading guides made threading the Singer 5932 easy enough for a child of seven or eight to accomplish, which again scores a good point on my review board.

The bobbin winding mechanism is engaged by simply depressing an indentation on the inside section of the balance wheel, which in a lot of cases is simpler than the bobbin winding system on older and newer sewing machines.

Once the machine is threaded and the drop in bobbin is securely nested in its place, selecting a stitch option is as easy as turning the dial on the column until the green light is illuminated beneath the graphic depiction of the desired stitch.

After the stitch is identified, the stitch length and width can be adjusted by moving levers to the left or right. The quality of the stitches produced by the Singer 5932 is adequate.

The utility stitches came out perfectly. I did, however have a slight issue with the density of the decorative stitches, particularly the scallop stitch.

Getting them to come out with the density that I would find acceptable took a bit of manipulation of both the stitch length and width settings, before I achieved something that I considered to be passable.

The machine, when operating at maximum speed – with the foot pedal fully engaged – is relatively quiet but there was a more vibration than I would like.

Which fabrics can be used on the Singer 5932?

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

What accessories come with Singer 5932?

Standard accessories:

• 4 snap on presser feet:
  • General purpose foot
  • Special purpose foot
  • Zipper foot
  • Buttonhole foot
• Needles
• Lint brush
• Spool holder
• Blind hem guide
• Multi-purpose needle plate with seam guides
• Plate cover in lieu of drop feed [for bar tacking, attaching buttons and freehand sewing]

Optional accessories:

• Straight stitch needle plate
• Seam ripper
• Twin needle and additional spool pin
• Seam guide
• Needle threader
• Optional presser feet
  • Straight stitch foot
  • Overedge foot
  • Even feed foot
  • Darning and embroidery foot
  • Button foot
  • Blind stitch foot
  • Narrow hemmer foot

How to maintain the Singer 5932?

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	No	Yes

Singer 5932- Summary

When I first saw this particular sewing machine, I was reminded of the Singer that purchased in the early 1990s and sold at a yard sale around 2001 or 2002 because it was so disappointing.

The machine I had was a different model. Unfortunately, I do not remember the exact model number. I do remember, however that the bobbin winding mechanism, stitch selection process and power switch placement were identical. My machine, as I recall, had only 12 – 15 stitch options.

The Singer 5932 that I reviewed had just been refurbished and therefore worked the same way mine did when I first purchased it. Rather than dwell upon my disappointments with my old sewing machine, let’s focus on this one instead.

Let’s start with that I liked. I like the ease with which the stitch length and width adjustment controls are moved and the placement is ideal.

At first, I was a bit concerned that the lever that controls the width is at the top of the machine and the length adjustment lever is at the bottom, but when I was working with them, I had no difficulty whatsoever.

The location of the power switch is great. There is no fumbling around trying to find it on the side or bending over to locate it.

The bobbin winding mechanism is one that I really liked when I first got my machine that resembled this one. However, over time, that became a huge problem. I usually sew at super high speeds.

After several years of high speed sewing on my portable Singer, I was forced to slow down. You see, the problem I had with this machine was the fact that when sewing at maximum speed, the balance wheel would literally fly off.

It snapped back into place quite easily, but after several trips to the repair shop, I eventually decided to simply release the machine. I honestly cannot say whether my problem was caused by the design of the bobbin winding mechanism, but I do know that this system is no longer in use on newer sewing machines.

The stitch selection process is as simple as can be. All you have to do is turn the dial on the column. There is a tiny green light that shines through a small opening underneath each stitch option.

To be honest, as easy as this step is, seeing this green light can be a challenge in a brightly lit space. The green light could very well have been very bright at one time and lost its brilliance over time, but and who sews in a dimly lit room? This never became a problem for me with the machine that I sold.

The stitch quality is adequate, but there was a challenge with the density of the scallop stitch option. After toying with the length and width settings, however, I have seen better quality on many other sewing machines.

The plate which covers the feed dogs is a bit of an inconvenience if you ask me. In my opinion, having the ability to actually lower the feed dogs makes for smoother sewing and much better results.

When I had that machine, I did use it for freehand sewing and quilting, but only once or twice. I found it much easier to darn, and perform other tasks that called for the feed dogs to be out of the way on a different machine.

It wasn’t long before I only used the plate cover to attach buttons on my portable Singer. Besides, if you are the kind of person who has a problem keeping up with your sewing machine accessories, it is entirely possible that you could lose this small plastic gizmo and therefore lose the capability of performing any task that required covering the feed dogs.

When it is all said and done, I think the Singer 5932 is a good machine for teaching a child the art of sewing. I do not recommend it for use by anyone who is at or beyond the intermediate level.

This machine is lightweight and easy to carry to class or on vacation. As I recall, however, it does not come with a cover, and a dust cover was not listed in the manual as an accessory.

I like to keep my sewing machines set up at all times and clearly remember having to purchase a soft dust cover for my own portable Singer. In my opinion, a dust cover, hard or soft, is a mandatory accessory.

Whether you like to keep your machines set up and ready for action like I do or if you stow it away when it is not in use, you absolutely need something to protect it from dust and dirt.

The original carton that it comes in is in my opinion, not a good substitute because once you break the seal and take it out of the box, it loses its integrity. Every time you take it out of the box, you weaken it and you are almost never able to put it back the way it was originally packed.

I think anyone who purchases the Singer 5932 should be prepared to deal with sewing at lower speeds, and to take it in for servicing more often than you might have to take other sewing machines in its same class.

I really enjoyed sewing on my Singer portable for a few years and used it quite a bit. However, when the problems started, they continued. I sold that sewing machine more than 10 years ago and although I liked it when it worked properly, I have not regretted getting rid of it.

It is not a bad machine for students. In fact, I sat my four year old granddaughter on my lap and helped her make her very first clothing item… an elastic waist skirt made with Tweety Bird fabric.

But as her skills improved, I moved her to a sturdier mechanical sewing machine that is older than her dad that I use to this day. I liked having access to a wider range of stitches, but the inconvenience of having to sew at a much slower speed was not worth the hassle.

During this review, I tested the performance of the Singer 5932 at maximum speed. Although it vibrated more than I thought it should, the balance wheel stayed in place.

Then again… it had just been refurbished. I did not ask what had to be done to it before it was ready for the sales floor. I only know that it had been completely serviced and refurbished. I have not used a brand new Singer 5932, which if I had, the conclusions in my review might have slightly differed.

This is a case where I must say ‘buyer beware’. Dave at Eve and Dave’s Sewing Center is a wonderful technician and if it is at all possible for a machine to be put in tip top shape, he can do it.

By the way… I was living in a different part of the state when I got rid of my own portable Singer sewing machine. Perhaps if I had taken it to a service provider as competent as my friends at Eve and Dave’s Sewing Center, I might still have it.

What I concluded during my review is that anyone who acquires the Singer 5932 could be very happy with it if they do not expect too much out of it. If you want a machine for mending and occasional use, you could be very happy with this machine. If, however, you are looking for a workhorse, my recommendation is that you continue your search.

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