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Singer 9020 Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Singer 9020 Review was originally written in 2012, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added alternatives such as Janome 2212, Singer 4432, and Singer Making The Cut.
While visiting a sewing buddy, I had an opportunity to review her traveling sewing machine, a Singer 9020. It wasn’t new when she purchased it but it is one of her sewing room favorites. She bought it because she wanted something to carry to American Sewing Guild meetings and other gatherings that wasn’t too heavy or had lots of accessories that could get lost or damaged. When she acquired the Singer 9020, the accessories were not included.
Singer 9020- Product Overview
9020 by Singer is a very beginner friendly mechanical sewing machine that pacls 14 decorative and utility stitches, one four-step buttonhole, free arm, reverse button, drop in bobbin, etc. Stitch length and width are adjustable, and a seam guide has been etched onto the needle plate to help users. 9020 is easy to learn and use, and it handles most household jobs and beginner projects. While putting a very thick fabric on the workspace might not be the best idea, their model can handle everything else quite well.
This machine is now discontinued and we recommend other Singer sewing machines
When I first saw the Singer 9020, I could immediately thought see children learning to sew. The colorful motif, large, easy to handle dials, buttons and sliders and bright lighting are ideal for young and old.
A child would be delighted to be able to work on such an inviting machine and someone who is challenged by mild forms of arthritis or carpal tunnel disease would be pleased to be able to continue feeding their passion for sewing on a machine with such user friendly controls.
What are some alternatives to the Singer 9020?
Singer 9020 sold fairly well when it was first launched. However, when I tried to look it up online while writing my review, I realized that Singer 9020 is not quite a common find online. Singer and other brands do manufacture plenty of home sewing machines so I would not stress about it I were looking for one. Unless you specifically want a slant-shank sewing machine, here are some that I recommend.
The Janome 2212 Sewing Machine offers a seamless entry into the world of stitching for beginners. Boasting 12 built-in stitches and a four-step buttonhole, this mechanical marvel prioritizes simplicity. Its dial pattern selection and adjustable stitch width and length guarantee a user-friendly experience. Whether you're a novice exploring the art of sewing or a seasoned enthusiast, the Janome 2212's light-weight design and versatile features, such as the free arm and drop feed, make it an ideal companion for a range of projects. With manual tension control and straightforward functionality, it caters to the practical needs of those taking their first stitches.
Read the detailed review of Janome 2212 here.
Experience the power of the Singer Heavy-Duty 4432 sewing machine, designed for lasting durability with its heavy-duty metal frame. This versatile machine offers 110 stitch applications, from basic to decorative, conveniently displayed on the user-friendly Stitch Selector Dial. Benefit from features like automatic one-step buttonhole, automatic needle threader, and enhanced piercing power for sewing through multiple layers. With a faster motor, it sews up to 1,100 stitches per minute, making it ideal for larger projects. Explore creativity effortlessly with the Singer 4432, equipped with top-notch features for sewing enthusiasts.
- Versatile machine with box feed for continuous fabric pressure
- Adjustable feed and pressure settings
- Can sew heavy denim and handle different fabric weights
- Good for basic sewing tasks
- Reliable for occasional sewing and repairs
- Bobbin tension is not self-adjusting
- Confusing setup instructions and bobbin threading
- May struggle with very thick leather
Read a detailed review of the Singer 4432 here.
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
What features does the Singer 9020 come with?
The Singer 9020 is equipped with the following standard features:
- 14 decorative and utility stitches
- One 4 step buttonhole
- Free arm
- Reverse button
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Drop in bobbin
- Seam guide etched onto needle plate
Working on the Singer 9020
Winding the bobbin on the Singer 9020 is quite easy. The first thing that is necessary is to send the thread through the guides on top of the machine and then disengage the needle by pressing the indentation on the handwheel until the inside disc pops out.
After winding the bobbin, press the disc back into place to re-engage the needle. The clear drop in bobbin is a major advantage.
To determine whether or not there is enough thread on the bobbin, just lift the cover and the thread is right there for you to see.
Selecting a stitch is as easy as dialing up the number for the desired stitch option. The quality of the stitches produced by the Singer 9020 is excellent.
In fact, few sewing machines on the market today are capable of producing stitches as well defined and perfectly formed as this one.
You can adjust the width of decorative stitches by sliding a lever at the top of the machine to the left of the stitch display panel.
Stitch length is changed with the slider at the lower right hand side of the machine, next to the reverse button.
This particular machine did not have any of the accessories or the owner’s manual. I was able to download the manual free of charge on the Singer website. That’s one of the great things about older Singer sewing machines. You can always find your manual by going to singerco.com.
Which fabrics work on Singer 9020?
| 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 9020?
The Singer 9020 that I was able to try out did not come with the accessories at the time they were bought, so I am unable to review the accessories personally. According to the owner’s manual, the accessories originally included with the Singer 9020 are:
- 4 snap on presser feet
- Multipurpose foot
- Buttonhole foot
- Zipper foot
- Specialty foot
- Feed Cover for attaching buttons, darning and freehand sewing
- Spool cap
- Lint brush
- Bobbins
- Blindhem Guide
- Extra needles
- Detachable extension table
How to maintain the Singer 9020?
| 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 |
Summary: Singer 9020 review
To conclude my review of the Singer 9020, I would say that it is a great machine for teaching youngsters who want to learn to learn the art of sewing. The oversized dial, levers and buttons make working on it very easy for the expert home sewer who has been sewing for many decades and is now faced with the challenges of minor arthritis pain or carpal tunnel syndrome.
The able bodied, intermediate or expert home sewer will be very happy with this machine as well. Like the owner, anyone could use this versatile sewing machine when traveling to sewing class, American Sewing Guild meetings, sewing circles or even on vacation or to the college dorm. It is uncomplicated, easy to operate, and fast. It is noisy, though, and I am not thrilled with the fact that there is no drop feed.
In order to darn, attach buttons or do any freehand sewing, it is necessary to attach a clear plastic feed cover. As I stated earlier, this machine did not come with any accessories. The owner of this machine uses one of the other sewing machines in her arsenal when she wants to perform those tasks.
If you are not lucky enough to have two or three additional sewing machines in your home and decide to get a Singer 9020 on e-bay, you can purchase any of the accessories you want or need from your local Singer dealer or online at amazon.com or e-bay. Even with the noise and the absence of a drop feed feature, the Singer 9020 could very well be an excellent addition to your sewing machine inventory.
It is an ideal teaching tool and a great choice for the older home sewer who could benefit from having access to oversized controls.
Singer 9020- Review
Summary
The Singer 9020 is a basic, mechanical sewing machine that is perfect for beginners and hobbyists. It has 14 built-in stitches, including a variety of straight stitches, zigzag stitches, and decorative stitches. It also has a reverse stitch, a needle threader, and an automatic bobbin winder.
The machine can be a bit noisy when in use and that it does not have a free arm, which can be a limitation for some sewing projects.
Overall, the Singer 9020 is a great sewing machine for beginners and hobbyists who are looking for a basic, easy-to-use machine. It is not the most feature-rich machine on the market, but it is a good value for the price.
The machine is now discontinued and we recommend other Singer sewing machines instead
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Happy Stitching.
What year is the machine you have pictured? I have one just like it and I am unable to find the production date. I’m trying to sell it and would like to know the retail value when it was made.
Shanda, I don’t know about the one reviewed here, but mine looks like the same model, and I purchased it new in the summer of 1986. Still going strong!
I would guess that is the right date for this machine. I found it a year ago and it was about 2 years older than my 9034 I purchased in 1998 new. The difference between the 9020 and 9034 was mine had more decorative stitches.
Styling will give an indication of the year, but there is a date casting mark on the metal frame of the machine, just behind the front top-crank bushing. The top cover will have to be removed to see it.
I have a 9034 that I purchased new in 1998 and it had more decorative stitches but basically the same machine. I paid $200 plus tax when new. I believe the 9020 is an earlier version which my neighbor purchased from Goodwill. She gave it to me to use for parts as her sister tried to fix it when something needed fixed and she was never able to get it back together correctly. She took it to a local machine repair person but the woman put it in time but still had two other problems with her machine. My repairman told me he could fix those problems for $35 which I may do at some point or continue to use it as a parts machine. I do clothing alterations and my 9034 has probably 5000 miles on it. It was an excellant machine. The motor was finally going on this machine and there is way to replace the motor as Singer no longer made one. I was fortunate my neighbor sold me her 9020 for the motor. Since I do not know the history behind her machine I will probably replace the motor in my original 9034. Her machine was not maintained/oiled etc and it had rust on some of the screws and metal parts so I think it had been stored for some time in a basement or damper area. I believe at one point I did find the mfg. year and it was 2 years older than my purchase year. I just recently found one on our local Marketplace (9020) the lady had used it once and was like new. It runs perfectly and comes with accessories and she asked $50. I found 3 others and they all wanted $50. If the machine is in excellent condition, barely used with accessories I believe $50 is a reasonable price for a 20+ older machine. Even having not been used much I will need to put $35 into the machine because it will need to be oiled and greased and possibly cleaned. Sewing machines sitting 20+ years old probably have oil and grease that have gunked up.
I bought mine new in 1998. I use it for my alteration business and I probably have put on 5000 miles on this machine and never have had to have it serviced and nothing has ever gone wrong with it. I loved the machine so much and was afraid I was probably going to wear it out. I found another used one just like it on FB Marketplace with only more stitches and purchased it for $50. I probably paid to much for a used machines my maintenance man said they are worth about $25 for older machines but I knew I could get my monies worth from the machine and wanted another one. Then my neighbor gave me one just like it because something did go wrong with it and her sister took it all apart and could not get it back together correctly and she gave it to me. I took it to my repairman and he fixed it for $35 and now I have 3 of these wonderful machines. Truthfully, I do not think you can wear this machine out. The one was missing the accessories but I didn’t care as I had the accessories from my original one. The only thing I dislike about the machine is the back stitch lever is hard to push in and I do not like the slot on the side of the pressure foot. I have gotten used to the side slot but I have other singers and the pressure feet will fit this high shank machine. I just do not change my foot as I choose to keep the accessories together with the proper machine. If you want a real workhorse that will last and not need servicing this is a terrific machine. I love love love it. This is probably one of the last of the better machines Singer made before they started cheapening them so much and the new ones are throwaways. This pressure foot never needs adjusted and the stitches are always perfect. The bobbins are very reasonable and available at Walmart at 4/$.97. I like the wide harp space also and the fact the foot has a screw in which to hold it on and not the lever type as they catch on fabric and can get pulled off. It does have snap on feet and also the throat plate is all metal and not those thin cheap plastic plates. The pressure foot is a 1/2″ wide and is the perfect size foot for doing 1/4″ topstitching. I dislike the wider 3/4″ feet they put on the newer machines.
Hi can I know whether I can add in an auto threader in my 9020 singer sewing machine ? Please advise. Thank you
Hello, Maryaan –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
I am not absolutely certain that a needle threader can be successfully be added to a Singer 9020. My suggestion is that you ask an authorized service and repair professional in your local area.
Happy stitching.
I doubt it but you can always purchase cheap needle threaders for hand sewing and use one of them to thread the machine.
I have a machine that appears to be the same .. the issue appears to be the bobbin casing.. it won’t stay in place.. suggestion?
Are you sure you have the bobbin case inserted correctly? The little cut out in the top of the case fits inside the notched area and the case also has to be placed in the track so it fits snuggly. It takes a little bit of manipulation but you will know when it is in correctly just by the way it seems to want to fit in place. Then you need to place the little metal lever on the left side of the bobbin case and push it to the right so it clamps over the bobbin case to hold everything in place. I have had 3 of these machines and never had a problem with the bobbin case popping out and not staying in place. It is a wonderful machine and a real workhorse. My guess is you are not getting the case in correctly and using the lever to secure the case.
I have a machine like this and do not know what bobbins it takes. Can you help?
Singer Class 66 Bobbins. You can find them just about anywhere such as Walmart!
I have some class 66 bobbins I bought by mistake. Do you want them, free of charge?
Number 66. They are available at Walmart–4 bobbins for 97 cents.
It takes the class 66 plastic bobbins
I bought this machine at an estate sale. I can’t figure out if it is broken or if I’m doing something wrong. The bobbin appears to be threaded right and the thread is threaded correctly but the thread is not picking up the bobbin thread.Any suggestions before it goes in the landfill?
Don’t landfill. I would love to purchase the motor if you don’t want it. I would pay $15 for a motor since a new one would cost $30 new. I contacted Singer and the man said he might have one laying around somewhere in the factory but was unable to find one. The motor is no longer made. He told me he would charge $30 for a new one if he could find it. Email me if interested. I would take the machine but I am assuming it would be too costly for shipping. I do not know where you live and I am in Ohio. Take it to a local sewing machine repair person and find what you are doing wrong. I would guess you do not have the bobbin thread threaded correctly in the bobbin case or the needle in your machine is not placed correctly. The needle has to have the flat side to the rear of the machine or it will not pick up the bobbin thread. I would guess you do not have the thread inserted in the little cut out the groove in the case. Go online and read the manual on how to thread the machine and the bobbin case. I do not think there is anything wrong with the machine except the operator is not threading it correctly. You will love this machine if you get it working. Find me at Linda’s Needles & Pins FB and IM me if interested in selling.
Same issue.
there are several videos on youtube regarding timing. its a bobbin timing issue. I had a machine that was thrown out did the same thing. found out it was the hook that grabs the thread from the needle was off only have to unloosen one screw to loosen the shaft and turn to correct position.
I sure hope you did not landfill your machine. It is a great machine. I would take it to a maintenance man and see if you are putting the bobbins in correctly. The thread has to slide into that small slit in the race mechanism in order to pick up the bobbin thread. If you are missing the manual you can google the model and get a free download of the machine which shows you how the bobbin thread goes into the race.
Timeing
I have the same model it has not functioned well sinse I bought it. I can’t seem to get the tension right I have done everything as suggested.
I love this machine and have used it for my clothing alteration business for 9 years and it is a real workhorse. It sews through everything with the correct needles. I only had problems with sewing a zipper into a leather jacket. I put the machine out of time. I was told never to sew leather zipper replacements with it again as it is not designed to handle leather. I have sewn Carhartt jackets and other heavy fabrics with ease. The only thing I dislike about the machine is the accessories that come with the machine. The zipper foot is plastic and no way can any serious sewer ever sew a zipper using that cheap foot. I had 2 older 1968 Singers which are slant needles and since this is a long shank slant needle machine I was able to use the metal zipper foot from the older Touch and Sew machines I owned. One can always go to http://www.Sewingpartsonline and purchase metal feet for this machine. I also never liked the all-purpose foot on this machine as the opening to put the thread tails through are on the side of the foot and it did take some getting use to put it no longer bothers me since I have used this machine so much. I have never once had to adjust the automatic tension since I purchased this machine. The back stitch lever is a little awkward and stiff but like the locking mechanism of the backstitch feature. I wish this machine was designed to fit down inside a Singer sewing cabinet but Singer no longer offers that feature. It is a heavyweight machine and it does not move around when sewing but I do place those spongy type shelf liners under the machine and it holds the machine very securely. It is a great machine for the $200 I spent for it when new in 1998. I would give it a 5*.
I need a power cord for the 9020 sewing machine
I know this is a super old conversation… BUT how would the 9020 compare to a singer 4423?
I can get a 9020 for $40 but I need to be able to sew 13OZ denim layers.
Any help?
My Singer 9020 is in a cabinet. I thought I could learn how to sew but never used it. I want to sell it and pulled it up out of the cabinet and I cannot figure out to get it back in the cabinet. Can anyone help me, please?
I just got this machine but have no manual. Please tell me how to reverse the stitch ?? Can I order a paperback manual?
It is a Singer 9020 T
Class 66 available at Walmart 4/$.97. Very cheap to purchase and they work well and last.