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Singer Genie Review (2023 Update)
Note from the Editor: This Singer Genie Review was originally written in 2013, and has been revised and updated in 2023. Singer Genie is a now discontinued model. We have added newer alternatives such as Singer Brilliance 6180, Singer 4432, Singer 4411.
While visiting Eve and Dave’s Sewing Center in Ft. Lauderdale, I had an opportunity to review a Singer Genie. This cute portable sewing machine from the early 1970s still works like it did when it was brand new.
Singer Genie- Overview
The Singer Genie is a basic and affordable sewing machine that is perfect for beginners. It has 12 built-in stitches, including a one-step buttonhole, and a speed control that allows you to sew at your own pace. It also has a reverse stitch button for backstitching, and a needle threader to make threading the needle easier. The machine is lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go.
Singer Genie is no longer manufactured. We recommend trying out the similar alternatives we have listed in this post.
You know the Singer Genie is from the late 1960s or early 1970s just by the bold bright yellow and orange flowers emblazoned across the front.
The yellow and orange floral motif is even prominent on the carrying case, which cleverly conceals the foot pedal, power cord and instruction manual.
There are three slide controls on front of the Singer Genie at the top… stitch width, needle position and stitch pattern selection.
Above those sliders is the tension adjustment dial. Beneath the stitch selection slider is the stitch length adjustment lever and the on/off switch.
There is also a drop in bobbin and a needle plate with seam guides etched onto it, which at the time was still a relatively new feature for home sewing machines.
What are some newer alternatives for the Singer Genie?
Genie by Singer is an older model that Singer no longer manufactures. We have added newer alternatives for the model that we recommend.
The Singer Brilliance 6180 is a handy machine feature-wise, although it does lack a few things that would make sewing more comfortable and are available on other Singer devices.
To show off the goods, the 80 built-in stitches can be changed to fit your specific needs and are always set to the best level. The Singer Brilliance portable sewing machine has basic, decorative, and stretch stitches, so it can be used for a wide range of sewing projects. With a maximum sewing speed of 750 stitches per minute, projects can be sewn quickly. The complete machine, from the spool to the needle's eye, can be threaded in only six seconds because of how simple it is to do so. The free arm makes it simple to reach smaller or more challenging-to-reach regions, including cuffs, collars, pant hems, and other areas.
Read the detailed review for Singer 6180 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 the detailed review for Singer 4432 here.
The Singer 4411 Heavy-Duty emerges as the best budget-friendly choice, boasting 11 built-in stitches tailored for crafts, home decor, and fashion sewing. Its adjustable needle position facilitates versatile designs, while the heavy-duty metal frame ensures stability for efficient sewing at 1,100 stitches per minute. With adjustable presser foot control, it effortlessly handles a spectrum of fabrics. The Singer 4411 Heavy-Duty stands out as a reliable workhorse, equipped with a robust motor and stainless steel bedplate for seamless sewing across various fabric types.
- It is a very strong machine that has withstood abuse from sleeves, ruffles, hems, denim, several layers, etc
- The ability to disable the feeding teeth on this machine is novel
- The threads on the underside of the stitches may occasionally bunch up
- A bit expensive
Read the detailed review for Singer 4411 here.
What are the features on Singer Genie?
- Straight and zigzag stitches only
- Front drop in bobbin
- Adjustable stitch length and width
- Reverse stitch
Working on the Singer Genie
Winding the bobbin on the Singer Genie is simple, though not like winding the bobbin on a newer sewing machine. The trick is to disengage the needle by pressing one end of the disc inside of the balance wheel.
When the bobbin is wound and you are ready to sew, simply pop press the opposite end of the disc.
Threading the needle is just as simple, but in case you have a question about the threading process, there is a diagram inside the carrying case to guide you along the way.
When it comes to selecting stitches, your choices are limited to straight, zigzag, blind hem and stretch zigzag. You can achieve variations on these stitch options by adjusting your stitch length and width.
The quality of the stitches produced by the Singer Genie is excellent. The stitches are well defined, tight and sturdy.
To be honest, the stitches produced by the Singer Genie pretty equal the stitch quality of all sewing machines produced during that era.
Which are fabrics work on the Singer Genie?
| 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 Genie?
The Singer Genie that I reviewed had some, but not all of the accessories listed in the owner’s manual. The list standard accessories included with the brand new Singer Genie when it was first offered for sale looked like this:
- 3 snap on presser feet
- General purpose
- Special purpose
- Zipper
- Extra bobbins
- Extra needles
- Blindstitch hem guide
- Raising plate [used for darning/attaching buttons/free motion sewing]
- Owner’s manual
Hoe to maintain and take care of the Singer Genie?
| 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 Genie- Summary
Concluding my review of the Singer Genie, I would say that it is an excellent compact portable mechanical sewing machine. I would also confirm that it rivals any sewing machine in its class that is manufactured today.
Sewing on the Singer Genie is a treat. Its metal construction eliminates vibration, yet it is not too heavy to carry to class, to the dorm room or on vacation.
I like the feel of the Singer Genie as well as the functional carrying case. It is not at all cumbersome and it takes up very little space while the sewing machine is in use.
The Singer Genie, although by no means a new sewing machine, is ideal for the beginner as well as the seasoned home sewer who is not interested in having access to a lot of decorative stitches.
It doesn’t give you a lot of variety when it comes to stitch options, but what it does, it does very well.
If you are in the market for a good mechanical sewing machine and lucky enough to find a Singer Genie, I suggest you give it very serious consideration before assuming that because it is not brand new it is not the machine for you.
There was only one at Eve and Dave’s Sewing Center, but if you are interested in buying a Singer Genie of your own, you might be able to find one at a sewing machine repair and sales center in your area or on e-bay.
Singer Genie
Summary
that is perfect for beginners. It has 12 built-in stitches, including a one-step buttonhole, and a speed control that allows you to sew at your own pace. It also has a reverse stitch button for backstitching, and a needle threader to make threading the needle easier. The machine is lightweight and portable, making it easy to take with you on the go.
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Happy Stitching.
I have a Singer Genie I purchased in the 1970’s and it wasn’t cheap. Over the years, I have had trouble with it. The bobbin winder doesn’t work, and it takes a long time to get it sewing properly. It is HEAVY (although not as heavy as older Singers) and I don’t know where I can get it repaired. I have never liked it, but traded in an older model. If anyone who is handy, would like to purchase this machine from me, please email me. I would like to sell it and buy something more recent. I also own a Sears sewing machine which still works and a very old Singer a black machine which tips up from a built in table. I have tons of button holers, accessories, etc. and could make you a package deal. I think this stuff is all vintage and will be antique if it isn’t already. I would post the items on ebay, but I don’t have time to wrestle with it.
Do you still have the machine for sale?
Hello, I’m interested in your items. Thanks for your prompt reply.
l have had my Genie sewing machine since the early 70’s and l love it – it has worked since l got it and now in 2015 it still working like new — l had it fixed a little – the thread kept sticking but after that great – a big 5 thumbs up
Love this site thx so much thx. I have this machine had it since the machine was launched. I love it but recently had to change the belt and couldn’t get the case back right. I am looking for another but am sceptical cos I have loved this so much.
I got this machine for a birthday gift when I was 9 years old. I used to carry it next door to my cousins house every weekend while she taught me to sew. It has done tailored jackets, skating outfits, horse blankets and many other items. It has served me well with only two repairs needed both of which were my fault. Forty-two years later I am finally thinking about retiring it. A fantastic machine with a lot of memories with it.
Hi ,
My son just bought a genie at a garage sale this summer. We are having bobbin tension issues. Can you help. He want to sew a jacket with the genie.
Thank you so much for your time.
Always,
Jill
Jill
I just worked on one my wife has had sitting around for 6 years that I did not even know she had. It was given to her from a friend and looks like new. You can remove the bobbin holder (see manual) which is plastic with a small piece of metal and 2 screws, 1 for the tension and one that holds the metal to the plastic. Clean out any debris and look VERY carefully between the 2 metal pieces where the thread is wound. I found a lot of shredded thread stuck in between the spring due to poor quality of hole and slot tearing thread. This kept the spring from holding thread tension. If it is not clogged on yours then you can use a small screwdriver on the screw that is in the middle of the spring to give it more tension. Put a bobbin in and thread it, then pull the thread as if it were in the machine till you feel slight tension (be sure to pull thread just as though it was in the machine) then hold by thread and let the holder and bobbin together hang. It should hang without falling of its own weight. The way I set mine was to reinstall the holder and bobbin and set the upper tension to 2 to 3 and test sew some material. If the bobbin thread is pulled to top of material remove bobbin holder and tighten the bobbin screw about 1/4 turn. Try to get it set so bobbin thread is pulled up just slightly into material with upper tension still set at 2 or 3. Once set you can try to raise and lower upper tension to see if you can get bobbin thread to pull all the way to the top ( 6 to 9 on upper) and not to pull up into the material at all ( 0) or keep adjusting bobbin tension till it is somewhere where it works this way. Remember Bobbins are made to be adjusted for different material and thread sizes so just try to get it where it will work with the upper adjustment to set thread knot in middle of material. I would use the thread and material you will be making the jacket from. 🙂
wow, your website gives me hope. just got my late mum’s genie sewing machine from her home.it seems to be working as I plugged in….I want to learn how to sew with it…its a great antique machine with memories of my mum using it at home. back then the controller was having issues ,but I am surprised that its working , and I m so glad
I love my Genie. I found her at a garage sale for $5. I had her tuned up and all has been great. I didn’t, however get any extras that might have come with it had I purchased it new.
I want a gathering foot accessory for my Genie. Anyone know if these are available to fit this machine?
Glenda
My dad gave we a Genie 42 years ago for my 19th birthday, they had an Upholstery shop in NFLD I took care of it like you would a baby and still use it. Have never had a problem
I just ground scored a genie. I took sewing my high school freshman class for less than a semester. Yikes! I loved it but I hardly remember anything…
I need a cord for my genie, I’m assuming it works on manual but I’m having a hard time moving the fabric can anyone please help?
Would anyone be happy to say how much their original Starlet / Genie 354 model cost? I have my mothers and I’m just interested in the history of it, she was a Singer sewing machine demonstrator at Debenhams (department store) in Oxford, UK when I was growing up. I have used this machine for approx. 40 years for dress making, curtains, taking up jeans and the pedal blew up yesterday! A local repair shop supplied a new foot pedal with lead and serviced the machine for a total of £80, which I think is pretty good value return on investment since new… which is why I’m curious about the original cost in £ or $. Thank you!
Is there a walking foot for this model?
Is there a walking foot for this model
I have one that works but I have broken the mechanical foot any one know who would like to buy it or where I can get a replacement
Do a need a special needle to sew on leather with the Singer Genite?
i have had my Genie since i was 17 years old, i am now 64 and the machine and I are still going strong. I love my Genie and would never give it away, on top of that i don’t think i have ever had it serviced, but i have had it oiled in the past. Maybe it is time to go have a check up on it, never the less i love this little machine it has been a great one to have.
I found one of the Genie machines to buy but no bobbin case Do you know where I can get one
I just made fleece footy pj’s using my Singer Genie. I received it as a gift in 1975. Still works like new, would not trade it for anything. Only maintenance was to oil where you wind a bobbin. Carried it weekly to quilting class. Great machine.
I have found a genie at an antique store in my town and it looked very sturdy and capable of doing the simple sewing I do. Thank you for your review