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Singer Fashionmate 368 Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Singer Fashionmate 368 review was originally written in 2013, and has been revised and updated in 2023. We have added alternatives such as Janome [Hello Kitty] KT-W, Janome 2212, and Singer Promise 1409.
It is always a treat for me to review a vintage sewing machine, especially one that is handed down from generation to generation. When I stumbled upon the Singer Fashionmate 368 at Eve and Dave’s Sewing Center in Ft Lauderdale, I almost literally pounced on it and I knew I had to review it.
Singer Fashionmate 368 Overview
The Singer Fashionmate 368 is a mechanical sewing machine made for both new and experienced sewers. It has 70 built-in stitches, including basic, decorative, and stretch stitches, and a buttonhole function that only takes one step. The machine has adjustable stitch length and width and a top drop-in bobbin system with a clear cover for easy monitoring of the thread supply. It also has an automatic needle threader and a built-in thread cutter for convenience. The Singer Fashionmate 368 comes with a variety of accessories, such as different presser feet, bobbins, and needles. It also has a sturdy metal frame to make it last a long time.
The Singer Fashionmate 368 has that sleek contemporary look that was very popular from the period immediately following World War II through the 1970s. The carrying case is solid wood with plastic latches on the sides designed to easily swing into place and lock securely with just one smooth motion.
There are three slide controls on the front… stitch width; needle position – left/center/right; and a lever to set the machine to sew decorative patterns or straight/zigzag stitches.
The Singer Fashionmate 368 was one of the first home sewing machines to offer decorative stitch options. In order to gain access to the decorative stitches, it was designed to work with removable pattern discs.
Each decorative stitch is acquired by inserting a separate disc on a spindle located beneath the lift door on top of the machine, between the spool pin and the thread guide.
Stitch length is controlled by a dial which is situated beneath the pattern selection control slider. The settings range from zero – where the stitches are basically piled atop each other to eight – a very large basting stitch.
Beneath that is the power switch. It is easy for the user to tell when the stitch is turned to the ‘on’ position because the light is on.
What are some alternatives for Singer Fashionmate 368?
The Singer Fashionmate 368 is a mechanical home sewing machine like many I have reviewed so far. Here are a few alternatives that I also recommend trying out.
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
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.
Surprisingly economical, the Brother XM2701 is a mechanical sewing machine that is both intuitive enough for novices to build confidence and skill and versatile enough to tackle more complex projects as the sewer's skills advance. With 27 built-in stitches, automatic needle threading, and a jam-resistant drop-in bobbin, it caters to a range of everyday projects. The included accessories and 25-year warranty enhance its value. Surprisingly sophisticated for its price, this machine offers a wealth of features and a lifespan measured in years, while having the benefit of unlimited assistance with Brother's At Your Side support.
- Designed for a broad range of users, including beginners and advanced sewers
- 27 built-in stitches and multiple accessories cater to a variety of sewing projects
- Automatic needle threader and jam-resistant drop-in bobbin enhance ease of use
- Backed by a 25-year limited warranty and Brother's At Your Side support for technical assistance
- It offers fewer built-in stitches compared to some other models
- While great for portability, it may vibrate more during heavy-duty sewing tasks
For the list of best mechanical sewing machines read here
What are the features on Singer Fashionmate 368?
The Singer Fashionmate 368 that I reviewed did not have an accompanying owner’s manual. One of my favorite things about these older Singer sewing machines is that you can always access the manual by visiting the Singer website – singerco.
The really good news is you have the option of paying for them to mail you a hard copy or downloading your manual for free. When I took a look at the manual for the Singer Fashionmate 368, I learned that its features included:
- Snap on presser feet
- Drop in bobbin
- Adjustable presser foot pressure
- Seam guide etched onto needle plate
- Three needle positions – left/center/right
- Adjustable stitch length and width
Working on the Singer Fashionmate 368
It’s been quite a while since I’ve threaded a sewing machine of this vintage. As challenging as it is for me to admit this, I needed a little bit of assistance with threading the Singer Fashionmate 368.
It was a relief for me – someone who prides herself on the basics of each and every sewing machine on the planet – to discover that I had done everything right except raise the presser foot while threading. Winding the drop in bobbin and putting it in place was much easier.
It was a pleasure to work with a machine with a bobbin cover that was not completely removable, like many of the newer sewing machine models I’ve reviewed of late.
The three slide controls on top of the machine – zigzag stitch width, needle position and the pattern selection as well as stitch length adjustment dial are not only easy to use, they are very easy for anyone familiar with sewing machine operation to figure out in the absence of an owner’s manual.
The Singer Fashionmate 368 sews perfectly proportioned stitches. The heavy metal construction from the frame to chassis makes for quiet, vibration free sewing at the rate of about 850 – 1000 stitches per minute.
Changing from straight to zigzag stitches is as simple as sliding the pattern stitch lever all the way to the right position, positioning the stitch width slider to the desired zigzag size and setting the stitch length dial.
When choosing a decorative stitch it is necessary to open the lift door situated between the thread spool and the first threading guide.
The disc is inserted with the design pattern on the top side and snapping it into place on the metal pin. To remove or change the disc, simply open the door and press the metal pin until the disc snaps up.
Like the straight and zigzag stitches made on the Singer Fashionmate 368, the decorative stitches are uniformly even and well formed. The density is easily altered by adjusting the stitch length and width controls.
Which fabrics work on the Singer Fashionmate 368?
| 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) Upholstery Extra thick fabrics or multiple layers | Leather/suede Fur Reptile skin Canvas/Twill Plastic/Rubber |
What accessories come with the Singer Fashionmate 368?
The only accessories that were included with the Singer Fashionmate 368 that I reviewed were the discs. However, the owner’s manual revealed that when this machine was first offered for sale in 1978, the list of standard accessories included:
- 3 snap on presser feet
- General purpose
- Special purpose
- Zipper
- 11 Fashion discs
- Multi-zigzag
- Arrowhead
- Icicle
- Walls of Troy
- Banner
- Diamond
- Zigzag point
- Ball
- Crescent [scallop]
- Blindstitch
- Elastic stretch
- Needle plate raising shim
- Blind hem stitch guide
- General purpose needle plate with etched seam guide
- Extra bobbins
- Extra needles
How to maintain the Singer Fashionmate 368?
| 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 |
Singer Fashionmate 368 Summary
A vintage machine like the Singer Fashionmate 368 is best when used by people who first of all have an appreciation of the Singer glory days, when Singer was the most sought after sewing machine brand and every sewing machine bearing the Singer brand label held a place of honor in homes the world over.
The Singer Fashionmate 368 is one of those sewing machines that can be passed along from generation to generation. Because of the vintage and the total metal construction, the Singer Fashionmate 368 requires more frequent lubrication than any of the newer sewing machines on the market, but in my opinion, it is well worth the time spent.
The stitch quality, durability and simple operation of this machine is a fair trade off for some of the more complicated computerized choices out there. This is not a machine to be used by children or people who are just beginning and not certain as to whether or not they will be sewing for many years to come.
Using the removable fashion discs may not necessarily be the most convenient way to achieve great decorative stitches, and many of today’s sewing machines are capable of rendering hundreds of decorative designs.
However, when you consider that the Fashionmate 368 is the precursor to these newer models, I think you will agree that for its time, this was – and still is – a pretty remarkable sewing machine.
Singer Fashionmate 368 Review
Summary
The Singer Fashionmate 368 is a basic sewing machine that is easy to use and affordable. It has 14 built-in stitches, including basic utility stitches and decorative stitches. The machine also has a one-step buttonhole function, a needle threader, and a top-loading bobbin. The Singer Fashionmate 368 is a good option for beginners or sewers who want a simple machine that can handle basic sewing tasks.
Overall, the Singer Fashionmate 368 is a basic sewing machine that is easy to use and affordable. It is a good option for beginners or sewers who want a simple machine that can handle basic sewing tasks.
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Happy Stitching.
I was lucky enough to find a Singer 368 on Ebay a couple of years ago with 6 fashion discs and a few extras. The poor machine was sent from one side of the country (England)to the other in a VERY old and tatty carry bag that had nothing more than a few pieces of “fragile” tape stuck around the edges holding the bag together. No protection whatsoever… My heart sank when the postman laughed as he passed me my long awaited new toy. Much to my supprise it ran like a dream from the moment I switched it on and I have never had a problem with it since. I totally ADORE this machine and wouldnt swap it for anything in the world. 🙂
I just retrieved this machine from my mother’s sewing closet and brought it to my home.
I have her other machine Singer 316G which I absolutely love so much
This machine I am going to have to search for a manual but it looks pretty user friendly.
I just looked at the underneath section of it, interesting with the belt under there…. I think I might have an extra one of those.
Thank you for this review. I am eager to try out my mom’s machine.
She is 90 now, and does not sew anymore, just suffered a stroke and recovering wonderfully but slowly. At present she lives one mile from my house!
I copied a manual page by page online for the 360 Fashion Mate. I think you could probable find the manual too.
Could you help me? I have the 368, and a manual, but I can’t get the bobbin to knot and raise up through the plate. I have it in and on the bobbin case like in the manual, but it doesn’t pull up around the needle. Any ideas? Videos?
Hello, Jim –
Thank you for visiting Sewing Insight.
When was the last time the machine was checked out when you purchased it? It might need a minor adjustment.
If as you say, you have done everything exactly as described in the manual, I suggest you call an authorized sewing machine repair facility in your area. Before doing that, however, I think you should take the thread off and rewind another bobbin then go through all the steps one more time. Sometimes we make very minor errors that cause a machine to fail to operate properly.
Happy stitching.
Thread the needle…The bobbin thread must be coming from the left side. The wheel towards you and watch it catch
Hello please can you tell me if this 368 singer does button holes because i need it for button holes specially.Thanks Maria Bonnici.
Malta
Rosemary –
The good news is you can download any Singer manual, regardless of the age of the machine, by simply going to http://www.singerco.com/accessories/instruction-manuals. Follow the instructions and you will be downloading your manual within seconds.
My prayers are with your mom for a complete and speedy recovery.
Happy stitching.
Hi Vernelle, so sweet of you to give me this information. I just found it haha. I have been sort of busy.
My mom is doing great, oh my goodness. She is alert, walking so well even on her own. I have enjoyed assisting my mom and dad adjust to this new area and lifestyle, period in their lives.
Mom’s machine is working so well, and thank you sincerely for your good wishes, and for the instruction manual.
Regards!!
My wife and I were just doing our evening walk and found a 368 that a couple had just put out on the side of the street, mint condition manual still in plastic sleeve! It’s built in to a flip up table. Kinda cool.
Ted
I have the 360 Fashion Mate that i found in a thrift store. What a valuable find and a neat machine. I glad i came across it. Purchased the manual on ebay. awesome machine.
I got my Singer 368 in 1980 when I was 12….and still sew on it to this day (although I have recently bought myself a computerised Brother having tried my friend’s).
It has seen me through years of dress making and home furnishings, clothing repairs, knocking up dressing up costumes for the kids at school. It still has all its discs, and the manual.
It was fascinating to read a review about it.
I recently acquired a vintage manual Singer in a charity shop for £20. From its serial number I have gleaned it was made in January 1941, model 28k, of which there were 10,000 made, in Clydebank near Glasgow. It is so beautiful.
Dear Johanna,
I have recently been given a 368 sewing machine and have managed to find a power lead and foot pedal. However, my next problem is that the top thread keeps breaking on the first stitch sewn, it just snaps and I think the bobbins I am using maybe the wrong ones. I was wondering id you could tell me what size bobbins to order. The manual does not say and whether you could offer any advice.
Thanks
Kim
I had my Singer Sewing Machint Fashionmate 368 since Ineasb15 years old. That’s 40 years now. It still works extremely well. Misplaced or lost some of the fashion disc, however Inhave the ones I use most. I have only piled in twice in all these years. I love it!!
Hello there people,
I have found an adorable singer 386 sewing machine that is attached into a desk and inside the desk was the foot pedal. Sadly it was dumped in an alley way waiting to be thrown into the tip- but i rescued it!! So, i cleaned the poor thing as it was covered in decades of grime and gunk, i rewired the plug and hey ho- it works amazingly well!
I have to say i know nothing about sewing machines… or sewing… But i have grown an attachment to this charming machine and after restoring this machine and desk i want to keep it and learn how to use it. So may i say, thank you for all the info you guys have given, it has really helped and if theres any advice anyone could give me about how to properly use it, it would be much appreciated. Thanks, Tanya. 🙂
I bought a Fashion Mate 368 a couple months ago through our classifieds at work. I had been using an updated machine and I hated it. I go this and tried it and it ran smooth as silk. It did not come with the case and I have looked everywhere for one. It seems to be longer in length than most machines. If anyone could help me find one, I would greatly appreciate that.
This is fascinating. I don’t sew at all, but I have a portable Singer Fashion Mate 368 that I inherited from my mother that I remember we had since at least the ’70s, maybe earlier. I’m glad to know that it’s so well regarded as a machine. That said, it hasn’t been touched in about 20 years, and I was just going to drop it off at Goodwill. I wonder now if maybe there might be sewing aficionados who would be interested in it…
Anyway, thank you for this review. If nothing else, it’s brought up some wonderful warm memories of my mother from long ago. 🙂
Hi Neil,
If you are in London I’d be really happy to have it. I’ve been looking for one for a while. x
Hello! My mother in law gave me her sewing machine, which is model 368 but unfortunately the disks don’t work. I put the disk in it, set up the machine following the manual but it gives me a straight stitch… 🙁
You will need to move the lever for the stitch width from a straight stitch to a wider zig zag to make various width patterns.
Thank you! I just saw your response.. I made it through a couple of months ago and I’m sew happy!
I have a similar problem, but mine sews kind of the shape it should stitch… but the stitches are apart from each other (as the fabric was fed too much), so it appears like a wobbly zig zag and not the actually “full” decorative stitch it should sew. Any idea how to fix it? I tried to put length 1, but it still does it, and I switch to lenght 0 it just doesn’t move, so it stitches over the same spot over and over… 🙁
I bought it like this, but I really needed a backup machine asap, so the guy gave it to me for £20 instead of £45. I do hope I will manage to get it in full working condition anyway.
As with Jim’s problem, mine is the same. I have a Fashion Mate 360. In the middle of a project, the machine began making a loud noise, then the needle would not go down into bobbin area. I stopped, cleaned and oiled, and tried to resume. Now the needle will go down into the bobbin area but does not pick up the bobbin thread. Anyone with suggestions?
Hello, thanks so much for this. I have a little problem with my singer 368 though, the hand wheel knob is stiff and I don’t know what to do. I will appreciate it if you can help. Thanks.
I have a singer fashion mate 368 which belonged to my mum. I was winding thread onto the bobbin and it stopped midway. I can’t get it to work now. Any suggestions on what could be wrong?
Hi that just happened to me also mine belonged to my Grandmother then my Mother, I’ve had it for probably 5 years. Mine is dead I brought it to be fixed a part broke that is no longer available. I am replacing it with the 338 I wanted all metal, which the 368 is not! And I wanted to use the flat cams I had with the 368.
I was taught at an early age to sew with and without a machine. Of course a machine always makes sewing certain items easier. But it’s always nice to know to sew both ways.I just bought myself a singer Fashion Mate 368.